Modern Languages

Professors: Tama L. Engelking (Chairperson); Professors Emeriti: Bruce A. Beatie, Edward Haymes, Laura Martin, John M. Purcell, Anita Stoll, Philippa Brown Yin; Associate Professors: Hebat El-Attar, Michael Baumer, Delia V. Galván, Annie Jouan-Westlund, Antonio Medina-Rivera, Lee Wilberschied, Stephen Gingerich; Assistant Professors: Abed Tayyara, Kelly Wrenhaven; Lecturers: Elia Iafelice, Maureen Pruitt.

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 the Modern Languages, contact the department office, 216-687-4645, or Dr. Engelking, 216-523-7175.

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 pass a Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching Test (K-6 or 5-9 or 7-12), the Praxis II Content Knowledge test, and demonstrate oral proficiency at the ACTFL “Advanced-Low” level. 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. Modern 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 Mexico, 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 Modern Languages, contact the department office, 216-687-4645.

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.

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. Before admission to student teaching, students must pass a Praxis II Principles of Learning and Teaching Test (K-6 or 5-9 or 7-12), the Praxis II Content Knowledge test, and demonstrate oral proficiency at the ACTFL “Advanced-Low” level. 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. Modern 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 Modern Languages 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.

All language courses have the following divisions and courses numbered from:

100 - 114 (200 - 214, etc.) concern the development of performance skills;
115 - 134 (215 - 234, etc.), the nature of language;
135 - 164 (235 - 264, etc.), culture and civilization;
165 - 189 (265 - 289, etc.), literature;
190 -199 (290 - 299, etc.), independent and specialized courses.

Programs

Minor

Major