Foreign Languages
Division IV Chair: K. Brown
Department Chair: R. Meadows
Faculty: J. Carlevale, J. Hoch, N. Jones, I. Marte, R. Meadows, and J. Wang
Website: http://www.berea.edu/foreign-languages/
Courses: CHI Courses; CLS Courses; FRN Courses; GER Courses; JPN Courses; LAT Courses; SPN Courses
Course Sequencing Tables: Chinese; Classical Studies; French; German; Japanese; Latin; Spanish
Entrance to the Major Information: Progression for French B.A.; Progression for German B.A.; Progression for Spanish B.A.
Major/Minor Requirements: Classical Studies Minor; French B.A.; French Minor; German B.A.; German Minor; Spanish B.A.; Spanish Minor
In choosing a foreign language as an area of study, students not only prepare themselves for an interesting and rewarding career, but also learn to better comprehend the world in which they live and work. All of the language courses at Berea College (in Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Latin, Spanish) are designed to help students learn and understand the language, literature, and/or culture of other countries.
Berea College’s foreign-language faculty are well-trained an 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 designed for those who have no previous experience in the target language. For students who have had some study of the target language in high school or elsewhere, a placement examination, administered by members of the Foreign Languages Department or taken online by incoming students, 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 programs, are used to provide excellent instruction in all foreign-language courses.
Both majors and minors are offered in French, German, and Spanish. A major emphasis in the modern languages is the development of the ability to speak, read, and write in these languages. An important step in reaching these goals is the Term Abroad Program. Foreign-language majors or minors may qualify to study either in Germany/Austria, France, Italy/Greece (for classical studies), Latin America, 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 Classical Studies, which introduces students to the language, culture, literature, history, and legacy of ancient Greece and Rome. Japanese and Chinese are offered each regular term, and Classical Hebrew and Greek are taught as student interest and faculty availability allow.
The Department also offers four courses each in Chinese and Japanese in collaboration with the Asian Studies Department. Students can find more information about these language under the Asian Studies program.
Students taking foreign-language courses also have the opportunity to take part in activities on campus. There are clubs, language tables, and opportunities to view foreign films available throughout the academic year.
The Labor Program provides yet another way to pursue an interest in foreign languages. Within the Foreign Languages Department jobs are available for tutors, language laboratory and teaching assistants, 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 and broadening their horizons. There is an increasing demand for people with foreign-language skills in business (from executives and managers to salespersons and clerical assistants), health professions, state and federal governments (a wide range of positions), and education. Many students at Berea College have double majors that prepare them for this demand; e.g., Health Studies and Nursing, French and Political Science, German and Business, Asian Studies and Psychology, etc.
Graduates in foreign languages have found their education particularly useful in self-cultivation and a number of professional and business careers: education, health services, international business, tourism, and a wide range of governmental careers. Additionally, knowledge of foreign languages, especially in combination with other studies, helps students to begin careers and enhances their professional opportunities. The foreign language, literature, and culture course offerings also are intended for those who plan to pursue further studies in graduate school.
Foreign Language Majors Term Abroad Program
Students have the opportunity to earn academic credit, including toward the Foreign Languages Department’s majors and minors, 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. Students interested in pursuing a study-abroad opportunity should contact a member of the Department’s faculty in their sophomore or junior year.
The program is intended for students who are in their junior year or in the first term of their senior 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 department faculty.
The College provides some funding for qualifying students participating in approved study-abroad programs. Moreover, Foreign Languages majors who participate can receive a grant from the Department equal to 75 percent of the estimated cost up to a maximum of $10,000. 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 are determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. Students who minor in a foreign language are also eligible for some study-abroad grants.
Students interested in pursuing a 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 these opportunities are encouraged to choose from the following available programs offered primarily during regular terms, or discuss other options and additional summer opportunities with the Department’s faculty:
• French: CIEE in Rennes (Fall and Spring terms); AIFS in Grenoble (Fall and Spring terms).
• German: Philipps University in Marburg, Germany (Spring and Fall terms); Wayne State Junior Year Abroad at the University of Munich (Fall and Spring terms).
• Japanese: KIIS Summer Program in Japan.
• Latin: KIIS Summer Program in Greece.
• Spanish: KIIS Semester Program in Merida, Mexico (Fall Term) or the KIIS Program in Segovia, Spain (Spring Term).
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Foreign Languages Department seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
Foreign Languages Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Fundamental Understanding of Language
Learning Outcome 1.1: Speech
Listen to and understand speech in the target language.
Learning Outcome 1.2: Speak Effectively
Speak effectively in the target language.
Learning Outcome 1.3: Read Effectively
Read effectively in the target language.
Learning Outcome 1.4: Write Effectively
Write effectively in a target language.
Learning Goal 2: Learn about Other's Culture and Ethnicity
Learning Outcome 2.1: Familiarity with the Culture and History of Others
Demonstrating familiarity with the cultures, histories, and perspectives of the diverse peoples who use the target language.
Learning Outcome 2.2: Familiarity with the Literature and Art of Other People
Demonstrating familiarity with the literature and other arts (film, music, etc.) produced by the diverse peoples who use the target language.
Learning Goal 3: Think Globally and Beyond
Learning Outcome 3.1: Critical and Creative Thinking and Communication
Thinking and communicating critically and creatively.
Learning Outcome 3.2: Interdisciplinary and Interpersonal Connections
Recognizing and creating interdisciplinary and interpersonal connections.
Learning Outcome 3.3: Preparation for Advanced Study and Career
Exhibiting the skills necessary to pursue advanced study and/or get a job in the field.
Foreign Languages Course Sequencing Tables