Language As a science major

DwightEisenhower
Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:49:59 +0000

From a logistical point of view, I would suggest picking one language rather than trying to do two concurrently, unless you’re planning on choosing a concentration that gives credit for language classes. It would leave you with 0 electives at best, and would most likely necessitate taking 5 classes multiple semesters or taking classes over the summer.

From a pedagogical point of view, taking two language classes concurrently will probably limit your proficiency in any one. Language classes at Harvard are no joke. Unlike most college classes, whose weekly psets, readings, and/or response papers will let you pick your own schedule, one language class can often give you 2-3 hours of daily homework. Most of the intro classes meet 4-5 days a week. So taking two language classes concurrently is a huge time commitment. Are you okay with getting out of class at 4 pm and doing vocab exercises until 10 pm, at which point you can start your orgo pset? You’re not going to have enough time to do more than the bare minimum, to do the self-studying and extra vocab that’s necessary to become proficient in a language.

I’ve taken Arabic and Persian concurrently and I wouldn’t recommend it. Of course, I know a girl who takes 3 language classes every semester. But her academic work focuses on languages, so YMMV.