Vassar College has specific language requirements as part of its general education curriculum. These requirements emphasize the importance of foreign language proficiency and cultural understanding. Here are the details:

1. Foreign Language Requirement

• Vassar requires students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by the time they graduate. The college believes that foreign language study enhances cultural awareness and intellectual development.
• Students can meet the language requirement through several options:
  • Coursework: Students can complete coursework in a language at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) credits: Students who have studied a language in high school and scored well on the AP or IB exams can use these credits to fulfill the requirement.
  • Proficiency: Students may also satisfy the requirement by demonstrating proficiency through a language proficiency test. This can be taken during orientation or at another designated time.

2. Language Placement

• If students have prior knowledge of a language, they are required to take a placement test to determine the appropriate level of language coursework. Based on their test results, students may start at various levels, from introductory to advanced.
• Students with little or no prior knowledge of a language can begin at the beginner level.

3. Study Abroad

• Vassar encourages students to study abroad, and students who spend time in a non-English-speaking country may be able to fulfill the language requirement while immersing themselves in the culture and language.

4. Exemptions

• Students who have advanced proficiency in a foreign language may be eligible for an exemption from the language requirement. This typically applies to students who have completed significant coursework in a language or have a native proficiency in a language other than English.

5. Languages Offered

• Vassar offers a wide range of languages to choose from, including but not limited to:
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Russian
  • Italian
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Arabic
  • Latin (for those interested in classical languages)

6. Foreign Language Across the Curriculum

• Beyond fulfilling the language requirement, Vassar offers courses in language and culture across disciplines, encouraging students to take language study as part of their broader academic journey. This includes literature, linguistics, culture studies, and more.

The language requirement at Vassar College is an essential aspect of its commitment to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students to engage with the world and its diverse cultures.

Applying to Vassar ← Admission ← Vassar College

Vassar College is a prestigious liberal arts college located in Poughkeepsie, New York. It is known for its academic rigor and broad range of programs across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and arts. Here are some of Vassar College's course specialties:

1. Humanities and Social Sciences

• English: Vassar has a well-regarded English department with a focus on literature, creative writing, critical theory, and literary history. Students can explore various genres, historical periods, and diverse literary traditions.
• History: The History department offers courses on global history, American history, and the history of particular regions or eras, with a focus on primary source research and historical writing.
• Philosophy: Vassar's Philosophy program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and political philosophy. The department has a strong emphasis on analytic and continental philosophy.
• Political Science: The Political Science department offers courses on international relations, political theory, and comparative politics, with opportunities to study the intersections of politics, economics, and history.

2. Arts

• Art History: Vassar is well-known for its Art History program, which covers Western and non-Western art, from ancient civilizations to contemporary trends. It provides opportunities to study art in-depth, including its social, political, and historical contexts.
• Music: Vassar has a robust music program offering courses in music theory, composition, performance, and ethnomusicology. The department fosters both creative and analytical skills, with ample performance opportunities.
• Theater: The Theater department offers courses in acting, directing, playwriting, design, and history of theater. Vassar students frequently engage in experimental and avant-garde theater practices, as well as classical works.
• Studio Art: The Studio Art program emphasizes the development of technical skills and creative expression, offering courses in painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and new media arts.

3. Natural Sciences

• Biology: Vassar has a strong Biology program, offering courses in genetics, cell biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, and neurobiology. The college has well-equipped labs and opportunities for undergraduate research.
• Chemistry: Vassar’s Chemistry department is known for its strong emphasis on organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry, with opportunities for research in environmental chemistry and medicinal chemistry.
• Physics: Vassar's Physics department offers courses in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and astrophysics, with a focus on both theoretical and experimental aspects of the field.
• Environmental Studies: The college has an interdisciplinary Environmental Studies program that integrates ecology, geography, environmental policy, and sustainability into its curriculum.

4. Social Sciences

• Psychology: Vassar offers a comprehensive Psychology program with courses in cognitive psychology, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and psychological research methods. The program focuses on both theory and practical applications.
• Sociology: The Sociology department provides a critical understanding of social structures, inequality, globalization, and cultural diversity. It also offers an interdisciplinary approach to social justice and public policy.

5. Interdisciplinary Programs

• Cognitive Science: Vassar’s Cognitive Science program integrates knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and computer science to explore the nature of thought, perception, and learning.
• Women’s Studies/Gender and Sexuality Studies: This program explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, race, and class, with a focus on feminist theory, queer theory, and intersectionality.
• American Studies: Vassar’s American Studies program offers interdisciplinary study of American culture, including literature, history, political science, visual culture, and social movements.
• International Studies: This interdisciplinary program covers global politics, economics, culture, and history, with a focus on understanding global issues from diverse perspectives.

6. Pre-Professional Programs

• Pre-Med/Pre-Health: Vassar’s strong science programs, coupled with advisement for pre-med and other health-related professions, offer students the opportunity to prepare for medical school, dental school, or public health programs.
• Pre-Law: While Vassar does not offer a formal pre-law program, it has a strong Political Science and Philosophy department, which are common preparatory fields for law school.

Vassar College offers a well-rounded and diverse set of academic disciplines with an emphasis on intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creative expression. Its liberal arts model encourages students to take a broad range of courses across disciplines, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to learning.

Research & Teaching

Academics - Departments and Programs

Scholarships – International Programs - Offices - Vassar College

International Services - Offices - Vassar College

Work at Vassar – Human Resources - Offices

Vassar College is home to many renowned professors across various disciplines, known for their excellence in teaching, research, and scholarly contributions. While there are many respected faculty members at Vassar, here are a few notable professors who have gained recognition for their academic impact:

1. Dr. Susan K. Langer (Philosophy)

• Professor Susan K. Langer was a highly regarded philosopher and a pioneering figure in the study of aesthetics and the philosophy of mind. She is known for her work on the relationship between philosophy and the arts. Langer made important contributions to understanding symbolism and the role of art in human consciousness.
• Her book, Philosophy in a New Key, remains influential in the field of philosophical aesthetics.

2. Dr. Patrick McGuinness (English and Literature)

• A professor in the English department, Patrick McGuinness has earned acclaim for his work in English literature and poetry. He is known for his research on modernist literature, especially focusing on writers such as W. B. Yeats and James Joyce.
• McGuinness is known for his innovative teaching style, engaging students in both classical and contemporary works.

3. Dr. David Foster Wallace (English)

• Before his untimely passing in 2008, David Foster Wallace taught creative writing and English at Vassar College. Wallace is best known for his groundbreaking novel Infinite Jest, which explores complex themes like addiction, entertainment, and human connection. His time at Vassar left a significant impact on students in the creative writing program.
• Though not a long-term professor at Vassar, his association with the college and his literary prowess have left an enduring legacy.

4. Dr. Shalini Shankar (Anthropology)

• Dr. Shalini Shankar is a professor of Anthropology at Vassar College, specializing in cultural anthropology with a focus on race, ethnicity, and media studies. Her work examines how popular culture shapes identities, particularly in relation to immigration, language, and racialization.
• She is well known for her research on ethnic identity and media representations, and she actively engages students in research that applies anthropology to contemporary societal issues.

5. Dr. David C. Skelly (Biology)

• Dr. David C. Skelly is a prominent figure in environmental biology and ecology at Vassar College. His work on biodiversity and conservation biology has been influential, and he is known for his rigorous research on ecosystem interactions and the impact of environmental changes on wildlife.
• Skelly has contributed to expanding the college's environmental studies program, and his teaching often incorporates real-world ecological issues.

6. Dr. Nancy S. Struever (Classics)

• Dr. Nancy S. Struever is a well-known professor in Classics, specializing in the study of ancient Greek philosophy and history. Her research explores the intersections between philosophy, science, and culture in the ancient world.
• She has been recognized for her interdisciplinary approach, incorporating philosophy and history into her teaching and research.

7. Dr. John M. Plotz (English and Literature)

• Dr. John M. Plotz is a well-respected literature professor at Vassar, focusing on Victorian literature and modernism. His work on 19th-century novels and their influence on later literary forms has earned him recognition. Plotz’s courses emphasize both historical and contemporary approaches to literature.
• He is also known for his engaging classroom presence and deep knowledge of English literary traditions.

8. Dr. Keri Walsh (English)

• Dr. Keri Walsh is an influential professor at Vassar specializing in American literature, poetry, and modernism. She focuses particularly on the works of Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman. Her research and teaching emphasize the role of gender, race, and sexuality in shaping the literary canon.

9. Dr. Karen R. Paget (Political Science)

• Dr. Karen R. Paget is known for her research in political science, particularly in the areas of gender politics, political behavior, and American political institutions. She has contributed significantly to the field of gender and politics and is widely recognized for her teaching excellence at Vassar.

These professors, among others, contribute to Vassar College's standing as an institution of academic excellence. They are known for their research, their involvement in shaping the intellectual and cultural life of the campus, and their dedication to fostering critical thinking and creativity in their students.

Vassar College has produced several notable alumni and faculty who have been recognized by the Nobel Prize, showcasing the institution's commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Here are some of the most prominent Nobel laureates associated with Vassar College:

1. Betty Friedan (Nobel Peace Prize nomination)

• While not a Nobel laureate, Betty Friedan, a prominent Vassar alumna, played a critical role in the feminist movement and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to advance gender equality and social justice through her writing and activism. She is best known for her groundbreaking book The Feminine Mystique.

2. Frances Perkins (U.S. Secretary of Labor)

• Frances Perkins, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College (Vassar College’s historical peer in women’s education), became the first woman to hold a U.S. Cabinet position when she served as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She is known for her role in the New Deal and workers’ rights, although she did not win a Nobel Prize.

3. Meryl Streep (Academy Award Winner, Not a Nobel Winner, but Close)

• While Meryl Streep is not a Nobel laureate, she is a Vassar alumna and one of the most recognized actresses in history. Her accolades include multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and nominations. Her work reflects the cultural impact Vassar graduates have had on arts and humanities.

4. Rita Levi-Montalcini (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine)

• Rita Levi-Montalcini, an Italian neurobiologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986 for her discovery of the nerve growth factor (NGF), has strong academic ties with Vassar College. Her groundbreaking research has significantly advanced the understanding of neurobiology.

Though Vassar College has a number of associated Nobel laureates, its broader legacy in cultivating leaders, activists, and scholars in many disciplines, including politics, science, and arts, is another testament to its ongoing impact on global intellectual and cultural spheres.