Modern Language Option

Rationale for the Modern Language Option

Many of the ideas, concepts, and insight discussed in this philosophy course originate from a language and culture other than our own. Increased skill in the use of another language can be one of the most broadening cultural components of a liberal arts education. For these reasons, you are given the option of doing a short translation of a French, German, or Spanish passage in place of your philosophy paper.

Some of the advantages of choosing the Modern Language Option include:

• gaining unique insight into the psychology of the structure of a language and its modes of expression,
• obtaining an appreciation for the elegance of another language, and
• beginning to experience scholarly standards of accuracy and precision in writing.

Perhaps, as well, the Modern Language Option will help you develop a life-long, abiding interest in other languages and their literature.

Requirements for the Translation

To accomplish the Modern Language Option you must obtain permission from a language instructor (or language tutor) and from your philosophy instructor to do a specific philosophy translation of approximately 500 words. One of the most difficult parts of this assignment is finding a suitable short philosophy selection in another language.

You are encouraged to seek help from your instructor, your language professor, or appointed language tutor, but the ultimate responsibility for blending the literal and philosophic meaning into a comprehensible essay in the final translation is yours. The grades assigned to your translation is based on the following requirements:

• appropriateness of subject chosen,
• accuracy of the translation,
• readability of the translation,
• bibliographical source in proper form (APA, MLA, Chicago, or Science Citation)
• length--approximately one page translation, and
• posting on the mwforum Philosophy Papers Message Board.

The grade for your translation is assigned in consultation between your language professor or tutor and your instructor. The translation is equivalent to a paper and counts one required quiz grade.