World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

At-a-Glance

Department web-page: http://www.csuohio.edu/class/world-languages/world-languages

Professors: Antonio Medina-Rivera (Chairperson), Tama L. Engelking, Annie Jouan-Westlund; Professors Emeriti: Bruce A. Beatie, Delia V. Galván, Edward Haymes, Laura Martin, Anita Stoll, Lee Wilberschied, Philippa Brown Yin; Associate Professors: Hebat El-Attar, Stephen Gingerich, Abed el-Rahman Tayyara; Assistant Professors: Matias Martinez-Abeijon; Associate College Lecturers: Elia Iafelice, Maureen Pruitt; Assistant College Lecturer: Ahmad Hamo.

Arabic

Study Abroad

Arabic students at both the minor and the major levels are encouraged to participate in study abroad opportunities individually or through faculty led programs. Students who minor in Middle Eastern Studies can also take advantage of the Arabic study abroad opportunities. There are three major destinations for the Arabic study abroad venues: Jordan, Morocco, and Oman. In general up to 18 hours of an independent study abroad may count towards the total hours (additional hours may count towards the hours needed for graduation). Majors should seek the department approval of the study abroad plan before their departure and they must complete at lease two 300 and/or 400 level courses in their major area after returning from the independent study abroad. (See also the Foreign Study section listed under “College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Special Programs.”)

For further information regarding the possibility of foreign study and summer programs available through World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, contact the department office, 216-687-4646.

Workshops for Teachers

The Arabic program and in collaboration with the College of Education offers workshops that introduce certain aspects of the Arabic culture. They are open for educators and others working with Arab populations. Teachers who successfully complete the workshop can earn 1-3 non-degree credit hours that can be counted towards their professional development.

French

Study Abroad

Majors and minors are encouraged to take advantage of Cleveland State University’s exchange programs in Clermont Ferrand; and/or a summer study trip to France. Normally up to 18 semester hours of study abroad may count toward the major requirements (additional credit may count toward the total hours needed for graduation). Majors should seek departmental approval of foreign study plans before departure and must complete at least two 300- and/or 400-level courses in their major area after return from study abroad. (See also the Foreign Study section listed under “College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences: Special Programs.”)

For further information regarding the possibility of foreign study and summer programs available through World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, contact the department office, 216-687-4646.

Teacher Licensure

Students preparing to teach will fulfill the requirements for the B.A. in French and the licensure sequence in the College of Education and Human Services for the Specialization in Multi-Age Foreign Language Education (PreK-12).

Students seeking a B.A. in French with teaching licensure must, in fulfilling the major requirements, take one course in civilization; one course in phonetics; and literature courses acquainting the student with the major genres of drama, poetry, and the novel.

The PreK-12 licensure sequence includes courses in elementary and secondary foreign-language methods. Students will need to follow the sequence as described in the College of Education and Human Services section. Before admission to student teaching, students must take the Ohio Assessments for Educators Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) for PK-12 (Multi-age) and demonstrate oral proficiency at the “Advanced-Low” level on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT). Students will need to have their skill level assessed as early as possible in the program and then work with their advisers to plan study experiences that provide appropriate opportunities for improvement. Foreign Language methods courses must be completed during the semester preceding student teaching.

Spanish

Study Abroad

Majors are encouraged to arrange for study in a Spanish-speaking country. The department administers summer programs in Costa Rica and Spain. Credit earned on these programs is considered part of the Cleveland State University Spanish sequence.

Students may also undertake independent study abroad at other institutions. Normally, up to 16 hours of independent study abroad may count toward the major requirements (additional credit may count toward the total hours needed for graduation). Majors should seek departmental approval of foreign-study plans before departure, and must complete at least two 300-level or 400-level courses in Spanish after return from independent study abroad. (See also the Study Abroad section listed under “College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.”)

For further information regarding the possibility of foreign study and summer programs available through the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, contact the department office, 216-687-4646.

Teacher Licensure

Students preparing to teach will fulfill the requirements for the B.A. in Spanish and the licensure sequence in the College of Education and Human Services for the specialization in Multi-Age Foreign Language Education (PreK-12). They must also pass national examinations and fulfill state requirements.

Before admission to student teaching, students must take the Ohio Assessments for Educators Assessment of Professional Knowledge (APK) for PK-12 (Multi-age) and demonstrate oral proficiency at the “Advanced-Low” level on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and Writing Proficiency Test (WPT). The PreK-12 licensure sequence includes courses in elementary and secondary foreign-language methods. Students will need to follow the sequence as described in the College of Education and Human Services. Students will need to have their skill level assessed as early as possible in the program and then work with their advisers to plan study experiences that provide appropriate opportunities for improvement. Foreign Language methods courses must be completed the semester preceding student teaching.

Course Descriptions

Students with native experience in a particular language may not enroll for credit in the 100-level courses in that language. All students with training or experience in a particular language, other than a previous course in that language at Cleveland State University, must consult an advisor in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures for assistance in deciding where to enter the sequence for that language. Failure to seek advising may result in schedule shifts during the first week of class.

Programs

Major

Minor