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Welcome to the department of Modern Foreign Languages

The Department of Modern Foreign Languages offers degrees in International Studies-Foreign Language (i.e.,French or Spanish). In addition, two certificate options are available and open to students and the community as a whole: Certificate of Proficiency in Spanish, and Certificate of Proficiency in French.
 
There are also minors offered in French, German and Spanish.
 
Lower-level language courses fulfill general education International Perspectives requirements. Language courses also help other academic departments meet cognate requirements. French, German and Spanish courses and activities provide opportunities to learn about world cultures, develop communication skills, perceive connections among disciplines, compare institutions and languages, analyze literary texts, utilize technology and recognize the role of culture in shaping identities.

Link to the publication of WV State University International Studies Partner in Colombia, South America: Revista Encuentros de la Universidad Autonoma del Caribe 
https://www.uac.edu.co/revistas-cientificas/revista-encuentros.html

"Language, aside from its character as a grammatical skeleton bequeathed by tradition, is at the same time a living body experience of a people's form of life." – Americo Castro


Note: All courses are 3 credit hours unless noted otherwise.

French

101. BEGINNING FRENCH
Designed to develop the fundamentals of communication; listening comprehension, speaking, writing and reading French. Introduction to the culture of France and Francophone areas. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.
 

102. ELEMENTARY FRENCH
Continuing communication activities of French 101. Special attention to developing oral proficiency. Expanded knowledge of culture of France and Francophone areas. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.   
Prerequisites: FREN 101, 1 year high school French, or equivalent.

201. INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I
Emphasis on reading French for comprehension, writing, vocabulary enrichment and structure. Continued development of oral proficiency. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.
Prerequisites: FREN 102 or 2 years high school French, or equivalent.
 

202. INTERMEDIATE FRENCH II
Continued development of functional communication skills. Further emphasis on oral proficiency. Cultural and literary readings.
Language laboratory assignments should be expected.  Prerequisite: FREN 201.

205. FRANCE: A VIEW OF CHANGING CULTURE
A study of France, a nation whose culture is linked with that of the U.S. Analysis and discussion of political, historical, ecomonic, educational and social developments in contemporary France, and areas of French cultural influence in the Third World and America.  Taught in English.
 

305. ORAL AND WRITTEN PROFICIENCY
Intensive oral and written practice in French. Emphasis on correct intonation, articulation and pronunciation and composition. Demonstrate proficiency requirements. Prerequisites: FREN 202.
 

306. PHONETICS
Application of phonetics: intonation, pronunciation, special difficulties. Prerequisite: FREN 202.

307. ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION
A systematic review and fine-tuning of grammar principles taught in context.  Introduction of grammatical and stylistic subtleties.  Skill development in idiomatic writing style.  Some translation exercises.  Written critical analyses of short specialized readings.
Prerequisite: FREN 305 or permission of instructor.
 

311. FRENCH CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE
Developing understanding and appreciation of the culture of France, history, traditions, contributions to world civilization.
Prerequisite: FREN 202.
 

312. FRANCOPHONE CIVILIZATION AND CULTURES
Developing understanding and appreciation of the history, traditions, contributions and cultures of Francophone areas of Africa, Caribbean and Canada. Prerequisite: FREN 202.
 

399. SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3 credit hours)
An upper division course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
 

401. INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Readings in prose and poetry by outstanding 17th and 18th century French authors.
Prerequisite: FREN 305.
 

402. ADVANCED FRENCH LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Studies in 19th and 20th century literary development. Productions of major French and Francophone writers.
Prerequisite: FREN 305.
 

407. THE TEACHING OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Current methodologies, classroom procedures, materials, technology in the teaching of foreign languages from Pre-K through adult levels.  (Concurrent with SPAN 407 TEACHING OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES).
Prerequisites: EDUC 316 and 18 hours of French.
 

443. WEST AFRICAN CULTURE
Investigation of contemporary West African lifestyles and their social and cultural development based on the African heritage. The class will examine articles, essays, short stories, novel excerpts by modern African authors who give accurate descriptions of their own culture. Accent is on modern life and adaptation to changing conditions.  (In English). Prerequisite: 75 credit hours.
 

444. CARIBBEAN: CROSSROADS OF CULTURES
A study of representative general Caribbean culture as presented in works (in English translation) by major writers from the area. Examination of three groups of islands reveals the impact of English, French and Spanish influence on a population of basically African heritage. The new Caribbean culture which has resulted offers a model of racial harmony and cultural pluralism.
Prerequisite: 75 credit hours.
 

445. GATEWAY TRAVEL (1 to 6 credit hours)
Study and travel seminar. Open to non majors. Elective credit for minor and teaching field students. An intercultural experience in travel and learning designed to investigate the cultures of areas where French is spoken.
 

German

101. ELEMENTARY GERMAN
Beginning work in four basic skills: understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Introduction to customs and culture. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.
 

102. ELEMENTARY GERMAN
A continuation of GERM 101. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.
Prerequisite: GERM 102 or equivalent.
 

201. INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I
Emphasis on reading and vocabulary enrichment. Additional practice in comprehension, speaking, writing and grammatical structures.
Language laboratory assignments should be expected. 
Prerequisite: GERM 102 or equivalent.
 

202. INTERMEDIATE GERMAN
A continuation of GERM 201. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.
Prerequisite: GERM 201 or equivalent.

399. SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3 credit hours)
An upper division course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses.
 

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

445. GATEWAY TRAVEL (1 to 6 credit hours)
Study and travel seminar. An intercultural experience in travel and learning designed to investigate the cultures of areas where German is spoken.
 

International Studies


International Studies is an inter disciplinary study.  All the courses are described in the University Catalogue or in the College Bulletin except for Introduction International Studies, which is describaed below.

210. INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
The course draws from history, anthropology, political science, sociology, and literature.  It focuses on ways of looking at the world, an investigation of issues that arise as we try to study the world from who we are as individuals; how we fit in the "global society" as individuals, institutions, groups of peoples, communities, networks and nations; what are our most important concerns; and who defines and controls all of this.

250. DIVERSITY IN AFRICANA STUDIES
This course explores the lived experiences of groups connected to the African diaspora in a complex changing world.  It examines how the African presence has impacted life, culture, and history in our multicultural world.  While the course focuses on parts of the world, it provides some discussion of various groups on non-African descent and how they have had to come to terms with their presence.  This course examines historical and contemporary issues. May substitute for GED 200.
 

Spanish

101. BEGINNING SPANISH
Designed to develop the fundamentals of communication: listening comprehension, speaking, writing and reading Spanish. Introduction to the culture of Spain and Hispanic areas. Language laboratory assignments should be expected are web-based by accessing the internet site for the textbook.
 

102. ELEMENTARY SPANISH
Continuing communication activities of SPAN 101. Special attention to developing oral proficiency. Expanded knowledge of culture of Spain and Hispanic areas. Language laboratory assignments should be expected and are web-based by accessing the internet site for the textbook.
Prerequisite: SPAN 102, 2 years' high school Spanish or equivalent.
 

201. INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
Emphasis on reading Spanish for comprehension, writing, vocabulary enrichment and structure. Continued development of oral proficiency. Language laboratory assignments should be expected.
Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or 2 years high school Spanish, or equivalent.

202. INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II
Emphasis on reading Spanish for comprehension, writing, vocabulary enrichment and structure. Continued development of functional communication skills. Further emphasis on oral proficiency. Cultural and literary readings.
Language laboratory assignments should be expected. Prerequisites: SPAN 201.

205. SPAIN AND ITS CULTURE 
The Spanish way of life has left its imprint on many parts of the United States and all of Latin America. Spain's unique contributions in the areas of music, arts, politics, literature, customs and cuisine will be explored. Taught in English.

303. INTENSIVE SPANISH COMMUNICATION
Continued practice in the development of linguistic competence in Spanish at the intermediate level with a speaking country during a two-week immersion course.  Students will live with a Spanish-speaking family, attend four hours of daily intensive S[anish classes, and particupate in out-of-class cultural activities.  Prerequisite: SPAN 202
 

305. ORAL AND WRITTEN PROFICIENCY
Intensive oral and written practice in Spanish. Emphasis on correct intonation, articulation, and pronunciation, and composition. Demonstrate proficiency requirements. Prerequisite: SPAN 202.
 

306. PHONETICS
Application of phonetics, intonation, pronunciation, special difficulties. Prerequisite: SPAN 202.

307. ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION
A systematic review and fine-tuning of grammar principles taught in context.  Introduction of grammatical and stylistic subtleties.  Skill development in idiomatic writing style.  Some translation exercises.  Written critical analyses of short specialized readings.
Prequisite: SPAN 305 or permission of instructor.
 

311. SPANISH CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE
Developing understanding and appreciation of the history, traditions, contributions and culture of Spain.
Prerequisite: SPAN 202.
 

312. HISPANIC CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE
Developing understanding and appreciation of the history, traditions, contributions and cultures of Spanish-speaking areas in the new world. Prerequisite: SPAN 202.
 

399. SPECIAL TOPICS (1-3 credit hours)
An upper division course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
 

401. SPANISH LITERATURE
Readings in prose and poetry by outstanding Spanish authors. Prerequisite: SPAN 305.
 

402. SPANISH-AMERICAN LITERATURE
Readings in prose and poetry by outstanding Spanish-American authors. Prerequisite: SPAN 305.
 

407. THE TEACHING OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Current methodologies, classroom procedures, materials, technology, in the teaching of foreign languages from Pre-K through adult levels. (Concurrent with FREN 407 TEACHING OF MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES)
Prerequisites: EDUC 316 and 18 hours of Spanish.
 

444. LATIN AMERICA
A study of the values and lifestyles of Latin Americans in the twentieth century guides the seminar in its examination of this diverse culture. Topics receiving particular attention are: family life, personal relationships, religion, political and economic structures. In English.
Prerequisite: 75 credit hours.
 

445. GATEWAY TRAVEL (1 to 6 credit hours)
Study and travel seminar. Open to non-majors. (Elective credit for minor and teaching field students.) An intercultural experience in travel and learning designed to investigate the cultures of areas where Spanish is spoken.
 

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Lower-level language and culture courses fulfill general education international perspectives requirements.

Students who wish to study Spanish or French may also choose a Foreign Language concentration as part of the International Studies Degree.

French and Spanish courses and activities provide opportunities to learn about world cultures, develop communication skills, perceive connections among disciplines, compare institutions and languages, analyze literary texts, utilize technology, and recognize the role of culture in shaping identities.

 

SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE-
 FRENCH OR SPANISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES:FOREIGN LANGUAGE CONCENTRATION 

FRESHMAN YEAR - 1st semester

  • ENGL 101...............................................3
  • G ED 100................................................3
  • G ED Fine Arts........................................3
  • COMM 100..............................................3
  • SPAN or FREN 101.................................3
  • ARH 101.................................................1

          SEMESTER TOTAL.................................16
 

FRESHMAN YEAR - 2nd semester

  • ENGL 102................................................3
  • MATH 111................................................3
  • G ED Nat. Sci. ......................................3-4
  • G ED Fine Arts.........................................3
  • SPAN or FREN 102..................................3
  • HHP 122 or 157........................................2

          SEMESTER TOTAL.............................17-18

SOPHOMORE YEAR - 1st semester

  • SPAN or FREN 201....................................3
  • G ED AM.,Trad...........................................3
  • G ED 200...................................................3
  • Free Elective..............................................3
  • Elective towards Minor*..............................3

          SEMESTER TOTAL...................................15

SOPHOMORE YEAR - 2nd semester

  • SPAN or FREN 202....................................3
  • Free Elective...............................................3
  • ENGL 150...................................................3
  • HIST 201 or 202..........................................3
  • Elective towards Minor*...............................3

          SEMESTER TOTAL....................................15

JUNIOR YEAR - 1st semester

  • Elective towards Minor*..............................3
  • SPAN or FREN 305....................................3
  • SPAN or FREN 311....................................3
  • GED Social Structure................................. 3
  • Study Abroad...........................................3-6

          SEMESTER TOTAL...............................15-18

JUNIOR YEAR - 2nd semester

  • INTS 210.................................................3
  • SPAN or FREN 306.................................3
  • SPAN or FREN 312.................................3
  • G ED Nat. Sci. .....................................3-4
  • Elective towards Minor*...........................3

          SEMESTER TOTAL............................15-16

SENIOR YEAR - 1st semester

  • SPAN or FREN 401..................................3
  • Cognate...................................................3
  • Cognate...................................................3
  • Elective towards Minor*............................3
  • Free Elective............................................3

          SEMESTER TOTAL.................................15

SENIOR YEAR - 2nd semester

  • SPAN or FREN 402..................................3
  • Cognate...................................................3
  • Free Elective............................................3
  • Free Elective............................................3
  • Free Elective............................................3

          SEMESTER TOTAL................................18+


MINOR IN FRENCH-15 HOURS

COURSES: ALL COURSES ARE 3 CREDIT HOURS:

101      Beginning French                                       
102      Elementary French                                  
201      Intermediate French I                             
202      Intermediate French II                          

           
Select one course from the following:

305      Oral and Written Proficiency               
306      Phonetics                                                     
311      French Civilization and Culture   



MINOR IN SPANISH-15 HOURS COURSES: ALL COURSES ARE 3 CREDIT HOURS

101       Beginning Spanish                                                  
102       Elementary Spanish                                             
201       Intermediate Spanish                                           
202       Intermediate Spanish II  

                                   
Select one course from the following:  

303       Intensive Spanish Communication                
305       Oral and Written Proficiency                          
312       Hispanic Civilization and Culture                                              
311        Spanish Civilization and Culture     

 

 

The Department of Modern Foreign Languages offers various opportunites to study abroad. 

For more information contact Miguel Zapata at mzapata@wvstateu.edu     


 

Faculty & Staff

Brittany
Brittany Fletcher
Academic Program Associate
Phone: (304)766-3126
arts.humanities@wvstateu.edu
Dr. James
Dr. James Natsis
Director of International Programs
Phone: (304) 766-4249
natsisja@wvstateu.edu
Mrs. Carol
Mrs. Carol Susman
Instructor, Modern Foreign Languages
Phone: (304) 766-3124
csusman@wvstateu.edu
Miguel
Miguel Zapata, Ph.D.
Chair of Modern Foreign Languages
Phone: (304) 766-3068
mzapata@wvstateu.edu
Students in the foreign languages program
Miguel
Miguel Zapata, Ph.D.
Chair of Modern Foreign Languages
229 Hill Hall
Phone: (304) 766-3068
mzapata@wvstateu.edu
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