Which course should I take?

The new (and old) general degree requirements and the foreign languages

As many students already know, the general requirements for a Rutgers-Camden bachelor’s degree have been changed in several ways. The new requirements will apply to all students who matriculate at Rutgers-Camden after August, 2003, or in other words who start here this fall semester. However, students already enrolled at Rutgers must choose whether to graduate under the old requirements or under the new requirements. It’s very important, therefore, that they understand their choices. The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures offers the following guide to understanding the requirements that involve our offerings, under both the old and the new requirements. Students should be aware, however, that the new requirements are different from the old in some ways not related to foreign languages, which might influence decisions as to which requirements to graduate under. Students should familiarize themselves with the complete set of new requirements (available at http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/RUCAM/facinfo/GenEdReq.html), compare them to the old requirements (http://www.rutgers.edu/catalogs/camden-ug/01-03/overview.pdf, p. 6), and consult their advisers if they are in any doubt as to which set of requirements they should plan to graduate under, or if they have any other questions about the requirements. Students in doubt about which foreign language courses to take should contact faculty in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.

Which requirements do you graduate under?
First, let us make clear: the new requirements will apply to all students who enroll at Rutgers-Camden after August, 2003. If you were already enrolled prior to that, you have a choice: you can graduate under the old requirements or under the new requirements. But of course you must choose one set of requirements or the other, you can’t decide to follow the old set for some things and the new set for other things.

Foreign language department courses under the old requirements
As far as foreign language department courses are concerned, under the old requirements, you have to take one course from the foreign languages department, plus a second course that was either from the foreign languages department or one of a short list of English department courses, including World Masterpieces II and a handful of writing courses. You could fulfill this requirement by taking courses like German Literature in English Translation, French Film in English Translation, Culture and Civilization of the Spanish Peoples, and so forth, as well as by taking actual courses in foreign languages.

Foreign language department courses under the new requirements
Under the new requirements, in category 1.b., “Language Skills,” all students must take one course in a foreign language at the 102 level or higher. This means a real foreign language course, not a course taught in English. Incoming students who continue a language they have already studied in high school or at another institution will be placed at the appropriate level according to the results of a proficiency exam.

Additionally, in category 4.b., “Literature and Fine Arts,” you must take one course from either the English Department or the Foreign Languages Department, but not counting pure writing courses in English or pure language courses in Foreign Languages. This has to be a course in literature, culture, or film.

Finally, the new requirements also include one course in Diversity or Global Studies. Courses acceptable here will be designated D or G in the catalog and the schedule of classes. At present, all Foreign Languages Department courses, except elementary level language courses, fulfill this requirement.

Back to Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures main page.

Back to Rutgers Camden German main page.