Modern Languages and Global Studies

Maria Ramos, Head
Department of Modern Languages and Global Studies
Wagner Hall 121A
605-688-5102
e-mail: laurie.haleta@sdstate.edu

Faculty
Professor Haleta, Interim Department Head; Professors Emeriti Baker, Beattie, Cardenas, Redhead, Richter, Sunde; Professor Baggett; Associate Professors Enz, Owens, Rolz, Spitz; Assistant Professors Alvarez, Garst-Santos,Zhang Instructors Adamyan, Amaya, Arneson, Escondrillas.

Department 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 French, German, Spanish, Chinese, 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 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 Academic Evaluation 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 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 Major and Minor), Economics, and Education (see Education Curriculum for Teachers of Academic Subjects). Students are also strongly encouraged to plan a summer/semester/year experience studying abroad.

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

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

Student Engagement Opportunities
The department provides numerous opportunities for student involvement through the departmental clubs. The World Affairs and Languages Club offers a film series and a weekly radio program for all campus among other activities. The department also has French, German, and Spanish clubs, open to any student, as well as two honor societies Delta Phi Alpha German Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Honor Society.

The department also provides travel and outreach opportunities for students, offering study abroad opportunities every year. Some of them include a service-learning component,. Students may also participate in service-learning opportunities locally.