One of the reasons this is being raised at Iowa is that the language
departments in general have seen a steady decline in enrollment to the
extent that the administration is seriously considering collapsing the
departments. So some of our issue is driven by a way to "help them out."

In addition one of our Regents is really interested in adding this
requirement. Certainly it is consistent with our supposed dedication to
internationalizing our curriculum.

It seems important to consider WHAT one wants students to have as they
study language - language or culture and I'm not sure those two items can
be separated very easily.  In many way, I wish our students were more
"citizens of the world" and language is one way to get them there.

Again, thanks for everyone's help. Sorry for the thank yous yesterday to
whole group but considered yourselves thanked and keep the info coming!
Nancy

At 06:58 AM 10/28/99 -0400, you wrote:
>Just throwing this out for the discussion -- I'm sure language profs could
make
>the case for the essential nature of a foreign language (or at least a
foreign
>culture course) to business, just as we do with law. There are all kinds of
>arguments for breadth in the business education that are used. To some we
might
>be seen also as adding breadth even though most of us firmly believe law is a
>foundation course.
>
>Sally
>
>Michael Katz wrote:
>
>> At Delaware State University, all students, regardless of major are
required
>> to take two semesters (6 credits) of a foreign language.  We've made it a
>> part of our general education requirements.  I have suggested that
School of
>> Management students be restricted in the languages that they may take but
>> right now no action is being taken on my suggestion.  The new gen ed
>> curriculum took a lot of work and blood was nearly spilled getting it
passed
>> so fine tuning is being kept on the back burner until we see how things are
>> working.
>> --Mike Katz
>
>