Latin Program

Chairperson: J. Hoch

Faculty: J. Carlevale, C. de Rosset, F. de Rosset, M. Graetzer, N. Jones, C. Lee, I. Marte, R. Meadows, K. Nikoloutsos, N. Patton, 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 other 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 placement examination, administered by members of the Department of Foreign Languages, 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 excellent instruction in all foreign-language courses.

The Department of Foreign Languages 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. Chinese is offered each regular term, and Classical Hebrew is taught, as student interest and faculty availability allow. The Greek language is not offered currently.

Students taking foreign-language courses also have the opportunity to take part in activities on campus. 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 executives 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 that prepare them for this demand; 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 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 75 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 that students participating in this program must return to campus for at least one term after the study-abroad experience.)

Students interested in opportunities for 2010-2011 may choose from the following available programs, or discuss other options with the Department’s faculty:

French

CIEE in Rennes (Fall and Short-Spring Terms);

German

Speak and Write Institute in Marburg, Germany (Short term and Summer); Central College program at the University of Vienna (Fall-Short and Spring terms); the KIIS Term Abroad Program in Regensburg (Fall Term); Wayne State Junior Year Abroad at the University of Munich (Fall-Short and Spring terms).

Latin

KIIS Summer Program in Greece.

Spanish

KIIS Semester Program in Morelia, Mexico (Fall Term) or the KIIS Program in Segovia, Spain (Spring Term).

 

Minor

• Minor in Latin

Foreign Languages

Programs

• Classical Languages Program
• French Program
• German Program
• Latin Program
• Spanish Program

Courses

• Chinese Courses
• Classical Languages Courses
• French Courses
• German Courses
• Greek Courses
• Hebrew Courses
• Japanese Courses
• Latin Courses
• Spanish Courses