Bard College has specific language requirements that reflect its commitment to a well-rounded liberal arts education and a global perspective. Here are the key points related to language requirements at Bard:

1. Language Requirement for Graduation

• Bard College requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language as part of their general education requirements for graduation. This is part of the college’s effort to foster a global perspective and cultural understanding.
• Students must complete at least one semester of college-level language instruction. This can be achieved through coursework or by demonstrating proficiency through other means, such as a language placement test or previous coursework in the language.

2. Languages Offered

• Bard College offers courses in several languages, including:
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Russian
  • Chinese
  • Arabic
  • Greek (Ancient)
  • Latin
• The college encourages students to explore languages that are relevant to their academic and professional interests, with an emphasis on global communication and cultural exchange.

3. Proficiency Through Placement

• Students with prior knowledge of a foreign language can take a language placement exam to determine the appropriate level for them to begin language courses at Bard. If students are already proficient in a language, they may be able to waive the language requirement by providing evidence of their proficiency, such as previous coursework, certifications, or test scores.

4. Study Abroad and Immersive Opportunities

• Bard College strongly supports study abroad and immersive language experiences. Students can often satisfy their language requirement by studying in a country where the language is spoken. Bard has partnerships with institutions across the world, providing students with the chance to develop language skills in a real-world context.

5. International Students

• For international students whose native language is not English, Bard typically waives the language requirement, as their proficiency in their native language satisfies the goal of fostering global communication and understanding.
• However, international students may still be required to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS if English is not their first language.

Applying to Bard

Bard College is known for its distinctive liberal arts education, offering a range of interdisciplinary programs and an emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. Here are some of the university's course specialties:

1. Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies

• Bard College is committed to interdisciplinary learning, where students are encouraged to explore connections between different academic fields.
• Humanities: Bard offers strong programs in literature, philosophy, history, and art history, which emphasize critical reading, writing, and analysis.
• Social Sciences: The social sciences programs, such as political studies, sociology, and psychology, are known for their interdisciplinary approach, combining theory with real-world applications.
• Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Bard is recognized for its focus on sustainability and environmental studies, offering programs that address environmental policy, climate change, and ecological preservation.

2. Arts and Music

• Visual Arts: Bard College offers a robust visual arts program, with opportunities for students to engage in studio arts, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital arts.
• Music: Bard is renowned for its conservatory programs, providing students the opportunity to pursue classical music, jazz, and music composition.
• Performing Arts: The Theater & Dance Department at Bard provides a comprehensive program that integrates performance, theory, and history, offering students a chance to explore both contemporary and classical forms of performance art.

3. Politics, Economics, and International Relations

• Political Studies: Bard College is known for its political studies program, offering a combination of courses in international relations, political theory, political philosophy, and comparative politics.
• Economics: The Economics Department offers interdisciplinary courses that combine theory, policy analysis, and practical applications.
• Global and International Studies: Bard is known for its commitment to global education, with courses that focus on international issues, global governance, and the dynamics of global power.

4. Environmental and Sustainable Studies

• Bard has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental issues. The Environmental and Urban Studies Department focuses on the intersection of environmental policy, sustainability, and urban planning. Programs include environmental science, sociology of the environment, and political ecology.
• Bard College at Simon's Rock (a branch of Bard College) is also focused on environmental studies and offers a unique program to undergraduates who begin college early.

5. Human Rights and Social Justice

• Bard College has a Human Rights Program which combines philosophy, law, and sociology to examine issues such as justice, equality, and human dignity. Students are encouraged to engage with real-world problems related to human rights abuses and social justice.

6. Science and Technology

• Biology: Bard offers a strong biology program, with a focus on research and experiential learning. Students have opportunities for hands-on work in areas such as ecology, evolution, genetics, and biotechnology.
• Physics: The Physics Department at Bard emphasizes a theoretical and experimental approach to studying the physical world, preparing students for careers in research, engineering, and applied sciences.
• Mathematics and Computer Science: Bard offers a solid foundation in mathematics and computer science, providing courses in algorithms, data analysis, and software development.

7. Writing and Literature

• Creative Writing: Bard College has a prestigious MFA in Creative Writing program, with emphasis on fiction, poetry, and nonfiction writing. Undergraduate students can take writing workshops in various genres, focusing on both craft and artistic expression.
• Literature: Bard’s literature program encourages students to engage deeply with world literature, from classical texts to contemporary works, with a focus on analysis and interpretation.

8. Dual Degree Programs

• Bard College Conservatory of Music offers a unique dual-degree program in partnership with The Juilliard School. This program allows students to earn both a B.A. from Bard and a Master of Music from Juilliard in classical music or jazz performance.
• Bard also offers other dual-degree options, such as a B.A./M.A. in Human Rights or a B.A./M.A. in Science, Technology, and Society, which combine interdisciplinary studies with advanced degrees in specific fields.

9. Study Abroad and Global Programs

• Bard has a strong emphasis on global education with study-abroad programs and partnerships with universities across the world, particularly in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Students can take courses at international partner institutions or engage in internships and service learning abroad.

10. Social Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement

• Bard offers specialized programs that focus on social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, and community-based projects. Students interested in making a social impact can engage in practical initiatives aimed at solving real-world problems.

Research Programs

Undergraduate Programs and Concentrations

Study Abroad Scholarships

International Applicants to Bard

Employment Opportunities

Bard College is home to many distinguished faculty members who are experts in their fields. While it's difficult to pinpoint a single "top professor," there are several faculty members who are well-regarded for their contributions to teaching, research, and creative work. Some notable faculty members include:

1. John Ashbery (Poet, former faculty)

• John Ashbery was a renowned poet and former faculty member at Bard College. He was one of the most prominent American poets of the 20th century and won numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1976. His work influenced many students and poets who came through Bard.

2. Neil Gaiman (Author, former faculty)

• Neil Gaiman, the internationally acclaimed author of novels such as American Gods and The Sandman series, taught at Bard for a time. His creative writing courses attracted a wide array of students eager to learn from his unique approach to fiction and storytelling.

3. Diane Middlebrook (Literary Scholar, former faculty)

• Diane Middlebrook was a distinguished professor of literature and a leading scholar in the fields of women's studies and biography. She was widely known for her biographical work, including the acclaimed biography of poet Sylvia Plath.

4. Robert Kelly (Poet, Professor of Literature)

• Robert Kelly, a poet and a professor at Bard, is one of the leading contemporary poets in the U.S. His work has received wide recognition, and he has contributed significantly to the poetry community through both his teaching and his publications.

5. Peter L. Galison (Professor of the History of Science, former faculty)

• Peter Galison is a well-known scholar in the history of science and philosophy of science. He has taught at Bard and is noted for his work on technology, scientific knowledge, and the visual culture of science. His research interests span several disciplines, including physics, history, and the sociology of science.

6. Eliot Weinberger (Writer and Translator, Professor)

• Eliot Weinberger, a poet, essayist, and translator, teaches at Bard College and is known for his work on the literary translation of poets from languages such as Spanish and Chinese. His essays and translations are highly respected.

7. James Oakes (Professor of History)

• James Oakes is a leading scholar in American history and particularly known for his work on the history of slavery and the Civil War. He is a distinguished professor of history at Bard and has authored several influential books on American history.

8. Miranda July (Writer, Artist, Professor)

• Miranda July, the author and filmmaker, has also taught at Bard. Her unique voice in contemporary fiction and visual arts has earned her a place as a prominent faculty member in Bard’s arts program.

Bard College does not have any Nobel laureates among its faculty or alumni as of now. However, the college is well-known for its commitment to intellectual engagement, artistic excellence, and social justice, which have shaped many of its graduates into influential individuals in various fields, even though none of them have won the prestigious Nobel Prize.

While Bard may not have Nobel Prize winners in its immediate history, it continues to attract high-achieving students and faculty who make significant contributions to the arts, humanities, and social sciences, all of which align with the values of the Nobel Prize.

Bard College's human rights program, conservatory of music, and literature and creative writing programs have earned high regard in academic and artistic circles. Its graduates and faculty may have influenced the fields in ways that are aligned with the impact that Nobel laureates typically have on the world.