Foreign Languages
Department | Classical
Languages Program | French
Program | German Program | Latin
Program | Spanish Program | Chinese
Courses | Classical
Languages Courses | French Courses | German
Courses | Greek Courses | Hebrew
Courses | Japanese Courses | Latin
Courses | Spanish
Courses
Department
Chairperson: J.
Hoch
Faculty: J.
Boyce, J.
Carlevale, F.
de Rosset, M.
Graetzer, R.
Meadows, N.
Kebadze, and M.
Watkins
In choosing a foreign language as an area of study, students not
only will be preparing themselves for an interesting and rewarding
career, but also will be learning to better comprehend the world
in which they live and work. All of the language programs at Berea
College are designed to help students learn and understand the
language, literature, and culture of others countries.
Berea College’s
foreign-language faculty are well-trained and experienced. The
instructors have lived, worked, studied, or traveled extensively
abroad. They are dedicated to quality teaching and are eager to
help students both in and out of the classroom.
Beginning
courses are taken by those who have no previous foreign-language
experience. For students who have had some foreign-language study
in high school or elsewhere, a waiver test, administered by members
of the Foreign Languages Department, usually determines the proper
advanced level, either in the language (including conversation)
or literature.
Up-to-date methods and aids, including a digital
language laboratory and computer-assisted instruction are used
to provide the excellent instruction in all foreign-language courses.
The Foreign Languages
Department offers both major and minor programs in French, German,
and Spanish. A major emphasis in the modern languages is on developing
an ability to speak, read, and write in these languages. An important
step in reaching these goals is the Term Abroad Program. Foreign-language
students may qualify to study either in Germany/Austria, France,
Italy/Greece (for classical studies), Mexico, or Spain, with a
percentage of the expenses paid by departmental grants. All students
have the opportunity to study and travel in Europe, Asia, and Latin
America during the summer.
The
Department offers a minor in Latin, which is designed for students
to acquire a reading knowledge of Latin and introduces them to
Greek and Roman culture and major works of classical literature.
Japanese and Classical Hebrew also are taught, the latter as student
interest and faculty availability allow.
Students taking foreign-language
courses also have the opportunity to take part in activities on
campus throughout the year. There are clubs, language tables, and
foreign films available throughout the academic year.
The Labor Program provides yet another way to
pursue an interest in foreign languages. Within the department,
jobs are available for tutors, language laboratory and teaching
assistants, secretaries, and clerical assistants.
Students who decide to include foreign
language in their studies at Berea, will find that they have taken
an important step in preparing for a career in today’s world.
There is an increasing demand for people with foreign-language
skills in business (from executive and managers to salespersons
and secretaries), health professions, state and federal governments
(a wide range of positions), and teaching. Many students at Berea
College have double majors; e.g., Spanish and Nursing, French
and Political Science, German and Business, etc.
Graduates in both
ancient and modern foreign languages have found their education
particularly useful in a number of professional and business careers:
education, health services, international business, the tourist
industry, and a wide range of government careers. Additionally,
knowledge of foreign languages, especially in combination with
other studies, helps students to begin careers and enhances their
professional opportunities. The course offerings in French, German,
Latin, and Spanish also are intended for those who plan to pursue
further studies in graduate school.
Term Abroad Program
for Foreign Language Majors
Students majoring in French, German, or Spanish have the opportunity
to earn academic credit by participating in an approved formal
instructional program located in a foreign country. Through the
program, students will have the opportunity to improve their
proficiency in the use of language, obtain an understanding of
the contemporary culture in its authentic setting, and, upon
their return to Berea, convey to others some of the understanding
they have derived about the foreign culture and their enthusiasm
for foreign-language study.
The program is intended for students
who are in their junior year and expect to return to the campus
for at least one regular term. Prior to participation, students
must have been enrolled at Berea for the equivalent of one full
academic year, completed the requisite number of advanced language
courses, and received the recommendation of the Departmental
faculty.
The College will assist those students desiring to participate
in the program by providing a scholarship grant equal to 60 percent
of the estimated cost a student will incur. The remaining cost
of the program is to be met through a combination of self-help,
loans, and financial aid. The specific financial arrangements
for each student shall be determined by the Office of Student
Financial Aid Services. Students who minor in a Foreign Language
also are eligible for study-abroad grants.
Students interested in pursuing the summer study-abroad opportunity
should contact a member of the Department’s faculty in
their sophomore or junior year.
Note: Students participating in this program must return to
campus for at least one term after the study-abroad experience.
Students interested in opportunities
for Summer 2008 may choose from the following available programs,
or discuss other options with the Department’s faculty:
French: (16 semester hours) Central College
at the Sorbonne in Paris (Fall-Short and Spring terms); KIIS
Semester Program in Dijon (Spring Term)
German: (Short term and Summer) Speak and
Write Institute in Marburg, Germany; Central College program
at the University of Vienna (Fall-Short and Spring terms);
the KIIS Term Abroad Program in Regensburg (Fall Term); Wayne
State program at the University of Munich (Fall/Short and Spring
terms)
Latin: KIIS Summer Program in Greece.
Spanish: (16 semester hours) The KIIS Semester
Program in Morelia, Mexico (Fall Term) or the KIIS Program
in Segovia, Spain (Spring Term).
Programs
Major and Minor Requirements
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