Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University

    Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University

    Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University

    George Mason University offers the Bachelor of Foreign Languages as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Fairfax , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for foreign languages and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.

    About Bachelor of Foreign Languages

    The Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages prepares students for teaching, graduate study in languages and cultures, research, professional work, as well as service in government, nonprofits, or business. Our graduates are particularly valued for their multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge. Majors are encouraged to complete a minor or a second major in another field. Concentrations are offered in Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish. Minors are offered in Arabic, Chinese, Classical Studies, French, German Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Latin, Russian and Spanish.

    Double majors in foreign language and another subject should plan a program of study with advisors from both disciplines and follow the steps outlined in AP.5.3.3 Second Bachelor's Degree.

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    1. Analyze and write at an advanced level of Arabic grammar
    2. Create formal essays consisting of introductory clear thesis, supportive paragraphs and conclusion on a wide range of topics including social, political, cultural, literary and religious subject matter
    3. Writings reflect written proficiency to communicate with native speakers throughout the Middle East in Modern Standard Arabic and familiarity with core syntactical, morphological, and diaglossic aspects of writing in formal Arabic

    1. Oral Skills
      Achieve a Level 2+ (Intermediate High) in speaking on the proficiency scale developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Graduates are expected to demonstrate an ability to negotiate face-to face interactions as well as other formal and informal speaking contexts in linguistically, socially, and culturally appropriate ways.
    2. Reading Skills
      Achieve an ACTFL Level 2+ (Intermediate High) level in Chinese. Graduates are expected to be able to read authentic materials in Chinese for informative purpose.
    3. Writing Skills
      Graduates are be expected to be able to write simple narration and description in Chinese language about given topics and events.
    4. General Knowledge of Chinese Culture
      Graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate a generalist's knowledge of the political, social, and cultural history of China from the earliest times to the present and its application to the reading or analysis of an historical, social, or cultural figure, event, phenomenon, movement.
    5. Critical Thinking
      Graduates are expected to be able to analyze and discuss the ideas, values, images of people from various Chinese communities; be able to analyze and discuss various aspects of Chinese civilization, including classical and modern Chinese literature, language, and culture.

    1. Communicating in writing
      Students will communicate effectively in writing for a variety of specific purposes and for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but are not limited to (self-) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, academic papers and ethnographies.  This attention to effective writing is transferable to courses in other disciplines.

    2. Comprehension and critical analysis
      Students will be able to comprehend and critically analyze a range of texts, materials and cultural practices produced in the language of study towards the goal of writing an original research paper in the target language.

    3. Cultural Awareness
      Students will gain significant knowledge on the multiple histories and cultures of the target language and be able to critically reflect upon the construction of identity in these cultures.

    4. Communicating orally
      Students will demonstrate effective oral communication in the target language.  Oral genres include but are not limited to presentations, performances, and informed conversations in the target language. 

    5. Translingual and transcultural competence ("TLTC")
      Students will demonstrate self-awareness as language-speakers and learners in relation to speakers and histories of the target language. 

    1. Accomplish the proficiency level in Korean equivalent to the "Advanced Low" on the oral proficiency interview (OPI) or "Level 5" on the test of proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) by the end of the program
    2. Develop the interpretive communication skills to comprehend the gist of the authentic written, spoken, and audiovisual texts in the target language
    3. Develop the interpersonal communication skills to interact and negotiate meaning in speech or in writing effectively in the target language 
    4. Develop the presentational communication skills to give a formal presentation to the audience in deferential speech style or to write a term paper in plain speech style in the target language
    5. Demonstrate the intercultural competence to identify and interpret the cultural products, practices, and perspectives, which supports effective interaction in a variety of cultural contexts in the target language
    6. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and evaluate the essential Korean culture codes in relation to the traditional and modern values, beliefs, and practices of the Korean people
    7. Apply and integrate their linguistic and cultural knowledge to collaborate on a real-word project as a team to accomplish a common goal
    8. Apply and reflect on their linguistic and cultural knowledge through field research, study abroad, or internship experiences      
    9. Integrate their learning and make connections within the discipline and across disciplines to conduct and present their research on a variety of topics relating to Korean studies

    1. Comprehension and Critical Analysis
      Students will be able to comprehend and critically analyze a range of texts, materials and cultural practices produced in the language of study towards the goal of writing an original research paper in the target language using at least one secondary source. This learning goal correlates with the following university learning goals: written communication, critical thinking, global understanding, synthesis, and Western civilization.
    2. Writing Skills in the Discipline
      Students will be able to write for a variety of specific purposes in the target language for multiple audiences. Writing genres include but are not limited to (self) portraits, descriptions, letters, creative fiction, academic papers and ethnographies. This learning goal is associated with the university learning goal of written communication.
    3. Cultural Awareness
      Students will gain deep knowledge of the multiple histories and cultures of the target language and be able to critically reflect upon the construction of identity in these cultures. This learning goal is associated with the following university learning goals: critical thinking, global understanding, synthesis, and Western civilization.
    4. Critical Language Awareness
      Students will be able to understand social, political and ideological aspects of language, linguistic variation and discourse.
    5. Critical Digital Skills for Multilingual Communication
      Students will demonstrate the ability to incorporate new technologies in the study of Spanish language linguistics, literature, and cultural studies, and apply their knowledge in order to effectively communicate in Spanish with their peers, their professors, and local and global communities.

    Disciplines

    College of Humanities and Social Sciences

    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University

    Entry Requirements

    The following factors are considered when reviewing applications for admission:

    • Completed online application and application fee. Mason accepts the Common Application and George Mason University’s Undergraduate Application for Admission. The Office of Admissions reviews both applications equally and without preference. If you have any questions about the applications, please contact our office at 703-993-2400.
    • Certified official, original transcripts from all secondary schools as well as official results from any leaving certificates or university entrance exams taken. A certified English translation must be submitted for any documents not already in English. All application materials are property of George Mason University and will not be returned to the applicant, nor shared with another individual, institution, or organization under any circumstances.
    • Official scores from SAT or ACT. International students have the option to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application or apply Score Optional. Score Optional Consideration allows for highly qualified students to be evaluated without standardized test scores. More specific information regarding Score Optional Consideration can be be found at the bottom of our Freshman Admission page.
      • Applicants to Computer Science or Engineering majors may be considered without SAT or ACT scores if they have completed four years of high school mathematics course. One course designated as a higher level than Algebra II must be completed by the senior year. All math courses must be completed with equivalent grades of a B or higher.
    • Verification of English language proficiency. Non-native English-speaking applicants are required to meet the University’s English Proficiency requirement. Please visit the English Proficiency requirements page for more detailed information.
    • Secondary School Report (PDF) and counselor recommendations. We suggest sending two (2) letters of recommendation, one from a high school counselor and one from a teacher. There is no special recommendation form and letters can be submitted electronically or via e-mail to [email protected]. Applicants who have been out of school for more than five years are not required to submit this form.
    • An optional, but strongly encouraged Personal Statement or Essay of approximately 250 words explaining to the Office of Admissions why YOU want to attend university study. Tell us about yourself and your experiences that have led to this decision. Submit your statement online when prompted during the online application process or within the Common App.
    • Resume for any applicant with gaps in enrollment.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 59
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 80

    Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University

    Application Fee 80

    How to Apply for Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University

    Your complete application package will require supplemental forms and documents to go along with your application. Examples might include your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, transcripts from universities/colleges attended, visa status, results of standardized tests, essays, resume, activity lists, etc. Materials that you supply can be prepared before you apply. For the Common Application, these items can be uploaded into your application. For Mason’s Exclusive Online Application for Admission, these items can be sent electronically or mailed as directed when you apply. The rest of your documents can be provided after you apply, just be aware of the deadlines that apply to you.

    Bachelor of Foreign Languages at George Mason University
    George Mason University
    George Mason University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Fairfax

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