Modern Languages (MFL)

Maria Ramos, Head
Department of Modern Languages
SNF 121A
605-688-5102
e-mail: maria.ramos@sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Ramos, Head; Professors Emeriti Baker, Beattie, Cardenas,
Iden, Redhead, Richter, Sunde; Professor Baggett; Associate Professors
Owens,, Rolz, Spitz; Assistant Professors Enz, O’Donnell, Wallace;
Instructors Falasca, Garst-Santos, Hanson, Orellana, Snell-Feikema,
Iverson-Maggi, Schnaser, Wiederich.

Programs

The Department of Modern Languages provides proficiency-oriented instruction in second languages, literatures, civilizations and cultures, following the Standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The Department offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in French Studies, German and Spanish. It also offers minors in French, German, and Spanish. Students seeking to fulfill the 14-hour Bachelor of Arts requirement in modern languages (101, 102, 201, 202) may do so in any one of four languages:, French, German, Lakota, or Spanish.

Students entering the University with a background in modern languages are strongly encouraged to request a copy of the Department’s placement policy. Students who are prepared to take courses beyond 101 (up to 310 or 311, except SPAN, FREN or GER 211, 212) may apply to receive credit for all previous courses up to 202. Even if the student’s career goals do not center on a modern language, a strong background in a language may make a second major or a minor feasible.

Students cannot get first or second year credit for their native language. For more information please check the Modern Language Credit policy in the Academic Evaluation section of this catalog. The faculty of the Department of Modern Languages works with students to determine the program of study that will best prepare them for the career they have chosen. The Department encourages students to investigate programs in other academic areas which will complement or enhance their preparation for a specific career. Such programs include, but are not limited to: Global Studies (see the requirements for the Global Studies Major and Minor), Economics, Education (see “Education Curriculum for Teachers of Academic Subjects”), European Studies (see European Studies), and Latin American Studies (see Latin American Studies). Students are also encouraged to plan a summer/semester/year experience studying abroad.

Additional information on the Department’s programs is found elsewhere in this Catalog. The Department has placement information as well as specific information on all of its programs available in the main office of the Department of Modern Languages and on the department’s web page.