2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2016-2017 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies


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Laurie Haleta, Interim Department Head
Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies
Wagner Hall 121A
605-688-5102
E-mail: laurie.haleta@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/mfl

Faculty

Professors Emeriti Baker, Beattie, Cardenas, Redhead, Richter, Sunde; Professors Baggett, Ramos-Garcia, Rolz; Associate Professors Enz, Owens,Spitz; Assistant Professors Alvarez, Garst-Santos; Instructors Adamyan, Arneson, Escondrillas.

Overview

The Department of Modern Languages & Global Studies has as its primary mission the undergraduate teaching of languages, literatures, and cultures to SDSU students, both as majors and minors, and offering service courses for all other degrees on campus. The Department offers courses in French, German, Spanish, Lakota and Global Studies, following the Standards of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

The department aspires to offer students the best preparation possible for their future careers in the fields of their choice so they will be proficient speakers of the target language, cross-culturally competent and apt critical thinkers. In addition the department follows a strong tradition of service within the community, the state of South Dakota and beyond. Faculty in the department combine these two areas with research and scholarship in related disciplines, from research on cultural studies and literature, to the scholarship of teaching and learning, to the dissemination of their specialized knowledge to different constituencies, especially language teachers.

Modern Language Placement

Students entering the University with a background in modern languages who are prepared to take courses beyond 101 (up to 310, 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 Policies & General Academic Information  section of this catalog. The faculty of the Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies work with students to determine the program of study that will best prepare them for their chosen career. The Department encourages students to investigate programs in other academic areas which will complement or enhance their preparation for a specific career. Students are also strongly encouraged to plan a study abroad experience for a summer, semester or year.  A study abroad experience for a minimum of three credits is required to complete the Global Studies major.

International Students

International students enrolled at SDSU are strongly encouraged to discuss with their advisor or the Department Head possible variations in requirements for the departmental majors and minors that take into consideration their mastery of a foreign language and previous international experiences. 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 Global Studies and on the department’s web page.

Programs

Majors
French Studies (B.A.)  
French Studies (B.A.) - Teaching Specialization  
German (B.A.)  
German (B.A.) - Teaching Specialization  
Global Studies (B.A.)  
Spanish (B.A.)  
Spanish (B.A.) - Teaching Specialization  
Minors
French Studies Minor  
German Minor  
Global Studies Minor  
Spanish Minor  

Facilities and Services

The department has a new language resource center for language practice and testing. The department offers Computerized Oral Proficiency Interviews which rank student language proficiency and provide a nationally recognized certificate.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The department provides numerous opportunities for student involvement through the French, Spanish, and German clubs.  Some of these activities include film screenings, game nights, conversation tables, and meals featuring food from French, Spanish, and German-speaking countries.  Students also have the possibility to become members of the Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society and Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society.

The department provides numerous travel and outreach opportunities for students, both locally and abroad.  Faculty-led study abroad programs are offered annually, some of which include a service-learning component.  Many of our language and global studies courses integrate service-learning projects where students can become involved with a local community partner and gain practical experience in their field of study.

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