The Handbook for Foreign Language Majors
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
2009-2010
North Carolina State University
Box 8106
Raleigh, NC 27695
(919) 515-2475
http://fll.chass.ncsu.edu/
Last updated
April 18, 2009
Please send comments to Dudley M. Marchi
Contents
A NOTE TO THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE MAJOR
INTRODUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT
WHY MAJOR IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?
THE STUDENT AND THE DEPARTMENT
Academic
Advising
Communicating with Advisees
Advisors
Tips for Registration
Portfolio
Exit Interview
Graduating Seniors
Sources of Help in the University
Notices
CHASS
Requirements for the B.A.
Core Requirements
LAA - B.A. in SPANISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
LAF - B.A. in FRENCH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
LTA - B.A. in SPANISH w/ TEACHER EDUCATION OPTION
LTF - B.A. in FRENCH w/ TEACHER EDUCATION OPTION
FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION
SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF COURSES AND PREREQUISITES
French
Spanish
Club
Advisors
Honor Societies
STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR WRITING
A Note To Foreign Language Majors
The Handbook serves as an introduction to departmental resources and curriculum requirements.
Please read it thoroughly and consult it frequently; it will help you to plan
for each semester and to formulate a long-range plan for graduation.
Students should also read and consult frequently the Key Points of Information [for students who entered the University prior to the Fall of 2009, use this version of Key Points]. It contains the information regarding general education requirements for the College of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Students should also consult the FLL Department's home page. Follow these links - Undergraduate - Language Sections - German - French - Spanish.
Introduction to the Department
The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures has been offering courses at NC State since 1896. Even a century ago, the university considered an international component to its curriculum as an essential component of the land-grant tradition.
Professor Lawrence Hinkle, Department Head from 1916-1956, wrote in 1922: "The importance of languages in education goes without question. They are of immense practical importance, to say nothing of their cultural value. Nations and people are closer today than ever before, and never has there been a greater need for mutual agreement amongst the peoples of the earth." At the beginning of a new millennium, Professor Hinkle's statement rings truer than ever.
Today, employers
seek graduates who can interact confidently and appropriately with diverse
populations. Whether preparing for a career in business, government,
law, education, human services, science, the military, or the arts, students
who develop their foreign-language skills will have a competitive edge.
To this end the Department strives to serve the interests of NC State by contributing
to its advancement in international awareness and by providing direct contact
with other cultures for the social and economic development of the citizens
of North Carolina.
The Department offers a wide variety of courses to meet students' professional
and personal needs in order to develop their language proficiency and cultural
awareness and to help them be competitive in today's global society.
The Department has a nationally and internationally recognized faculty, the
latest in multimedia classroom technology, and access to the international
community in the
U.S.
and abroad.
The Department offers elementary and intermediate language courses as well as advanced courses in language, literature, conversation, composition, civilization, and specialized courses such as Business Spanish and French Cinema. There are majors in French and Spanish with a teacher-education option, and a major in German Studies. Minors are available in Chinese Studies, Classical Greek, Classical Studies, French, German, Hindi/Urdu, Italian Studies, Japanese, Russian Studies, Spanish, and World Literature. There are also courses offered in Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Urdu, and English as a Second Language. The Department directs summer study-abroad programs in Austria, France, Italy, Mexico , Spain , Peru , and India . In collaboration with the Department of English, the Department co-sponsors a curriculum in World Literature that offers such courses as Masterpieces of Literature, Modern Japanese Culture, and Contemporary Latin-American Literature. Distance-learning courses are offered in Spanish, French, Hindi, and English as a Second Language. Last year the Department taught nearly 11,000 students in over 450 course sections and in 2002 was awarded the Provost's Award for Teaching and Learning Excellence.
The Foreign Language Technology Center is a state of the art facility which includes a PC workstation open lab for student use, a PC/MAC workstation development area, and a PC workstation electronic classroom. Each workstation offers Internet access, word processing and spell-checking capabilities in many languages, language-specific tutorials, and software packages to supplement the Department's course offerings.
The Department encourages students to prepare themselves to become world citizens, able to thrive in the truly international environment of the new millennium. It looks forward to continuing to provide an international dimension to the students of NC State and to the citizens of North Carolina.
Why Major in a Foreign Language?
The continuous expansion of international relations makes the knowledge of foreign languages a critical need for today's professional. Students of foreign languages pursue careers not only in education, research, translating, and interpreting, but also in politics, diplomacy, banking, computer technology, software development, commerce, and journalism to name a few. The demand for multilingual personnel extends to all fields of enterprise and is continuing to grow. Students who major in foreign languages may go on to graduate school or teach or study law, medicine, or business. Many apply the cognitive, reading, and writing skills they acquire to various positions in management, public relations, administration, and government.
THE STUDENT AND THE DEPARTMENT
Academic advising
When you matriculate into the department, you will be assigned a faculty advisor. If you request a particular advisor, every effort will be made to accommodate your request. It is mandatory to meet with your advisor during the registration period. He or she will help you plan to meet requirements for graduation. We believe that a carefully planned program is crucial for success and hope that you will get to know your advisor well. Find out when he or she schedules regular office hours; your advisor may prove to be a useful resource not only during registration but throughout the year. Please assume your share of responsibility for advising and progress toward your degree. In addition to your academic advisor, the Associate Department Head, Dr. Dudley Marchi (Room 319, Withers Hall / 515-9283 / dmm@ncsu.edu), and Director of Undergraduate Advising Ms. Susan Navey-Davis (Room 321, Withers Hall / 515-9288 / navey@ncsu.edu) are available to answer any questions you may have.
Faculty Mentor
In addition to your academic advisor who will oversee your progress towards graduation, give you your PIN, etc. you will also be assigned a faculty mentor with whom you may meet to discuss FLF or FLS courses, improving your language proficiency, research skills, post-graduation plans, study abroad, or any other questions you may have to help ensure your success as a French or a Spanish major. A list is posted outside of the FLL Main Office. It is up to students to contact their faculty mentors to set up appointments. Here is the FLL Faculty list.
Communicating With Our Advisees
We communicate frequently with our students through email and we post important advising information and special opportunities for our majors. It is important that you check your NC State email account regularly.
Advisors
French:
Associate Department Head
Dr. Dudley M. Marchi,
515-9283
dmm@unity.ncsu.edu
Coordinator
of the French Section
Dr. Michèle
Magill, 515-9318
mmmagill@unity.ncsu.edu
French with
Teacher Education Option
Ms. Susan Navey-Davis, 515-9288
navey@ncsu.edu
German:
Coordinator of German
Dr. Helga Braunbeck
helga_braunbeck@ncsu.edu
Advisor
Dr. Jonathan Wipplinger
jowippli@ncsu.edu
Spanish:
Lower-Division Coordinator of the Spanish Section
Ms. Susan Navey-Davis, 515-9288
navey@ncsu.edu
Spanish with
Teacher Education Option
Ms. Karen Tharrington, 513-1458
kltharri@unity.ncsu.edu
Upper-Division Coordinator
of the Spanish Section
Dr. Mark Darhower, 513-4807
mark_darhower@ncsu.edu
Tips for Registration
Your Plan of Work must be completed before you can register. Once you submit, check your MyPack Portal a few days afterwards for your advisor's comments. If your Plan is approved, then your advising hold will be released, and you can register for courses, according to your enrollment appointment in your MyPack Portal. At that point, feel free to follow up via email or an office visit with your advisor to go over any questions you may have.
Portfolio
During the semester in which they are to graduate, all French, German, and Spanish majors (including those with the Teacher Education Option) will submit a research paper that is representative of the student's best work. It will be placed in the student's portfolio along with a faculty report on the student's oral presentation for the seminar. The portfolio will then be read by foreign language faculty who will evaluate it for grammatical correctness, writing style, interpretive skills, and cultural knowledge. The anonymity of each student will be carefully protected in the evaluation of the papers. The results will be used to monitor our major programs and to help us define curriculum goals. These evaluations will not affect your GPA or your standing in the department.
Exit Interview
During the semester in which you are to graduate, you will be notified of an exit interview. You will be sent a questionnaire to complete. You will then make an appointment with an exit interview committee comprised of departmental faculty. The purpose of the exit interview is for the student to give feedback on his or her educational experience in the department. The information is used for our institutional effectiveness program, required for our periodic re-accreditation, and in no way affects the student's standing in the department. You will also be requested to complete a University survey.
Graduating Seniors
You must see Dr.
Marchi during the first two weeks of classes of the semester in which you
will graduate. He will verify that you have fulfilled the necessary
requirements, assist you in preparing your graduation file, and explain the
procedures for graduation and the student exit interview. The following must
first be carried out by the student:
Complete
a graduating senior survey and bring notification that you have done so. Submit:
(i) a copy of your most recent ADA; (ii) a copy of your best paper written
for an upper-level FLL class for your student portfolio; (iii). A reflective
piece on this paper - please refer the guidelines below.
The reflective piece of approximately one page [written in English] should be submitted along with the written composition. Here are some questions that this written reflection might address:
* Why did you choose this particular paper to submit in your portfolio?
* In what way(s) is this paper representative of your best work?
* What is the background behind this composition; why did you select your specific topic?
* What do you like best about your writing in the composition that you have chosen?
* In what ways do you feel that your writing has improved over the past few years?
* Finally, please describe your plans upon graduation, whether entering the
work force, graduate school,
volunteer work, etc. and briefly describe how
your FL major integrates into these plans.
Important Resources for Students
Study
Abroad Office
Ms. Ingrid Schmidt
Director
2118 Pullen Hall
515-2087
ingrid_schmidt@ncsu.edu
University
Career Center
Mr. Woody
Catoe
2100 Pullen Hall
515-2396
woody_catoe@ncsu.edu
Student
Legal Services
THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE MAJOR
CHASS Requirements for the B.A. Key
Points contains the necessary information regarding general education
requirements [GER] for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
It is essential to read this before meeting with your advisor.
Core
Requirements
LAA - BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
LTA -
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE WITH TEACHER EDUCATION
OPTION
LTF -
BACHELOR OF
ARTS IN FRENCH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE WITH TEACHER EDUCATION OPTION
Requirements for admission to teacher education candidacy in French and Spanish:
If you are interested in earning a license to teach in the North Carolina schools (grades K - 12), the following information will be useful to you as early as your freshman year.
Admit
to Candidacy
Admit to
Professional Semester
Licensure
Professional
Semester
Student
Teacher Handbook
A French or Spanish proficiency test may be administered to students in the Teacher Education program in their sophomore and senior years.
Before student
teaching, students must complete all required courses in the major program
except FLF/FLS 492. In some circumstances the requirement may be waived,
but only with written permission of the LTA/LTF advisor.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ADD-ON LICENSURE
Interested students
should contact Ms.
Toby Brody, Director of ESL,
before beginning ESL course work and then periodically as needed.
Program Objectives
Teachers will:
(1) demonstrate a high level of competence as an English language model and
an understanding of language as a system. They are prepared to help limited
English proficient students acquire and use English for social and academic
purposes.
(2) demonstrate understanding of concepts, theories, research, and practice
related to the language acquisition and literacy development of limited English
proficient students.
(3) demonstrate understanding of the major theories and research related to
the nature of culture and cultural groups that affect and support language
development, academic achievement, and individual identities.
(4) demonstrate understanding of laws, regulations, and policies at the federal,
state and local levels that relate to serving limited English proficient students.
(5) apply effective methods, practices, and strategies based on second language
acquisition theories and research to plan, implement, and manage ESL and content
instruction.
(6) identify, choose, and adapt a wide range of materials, resources, and
technologies in ESL and content instruction.
(7) develop literacy in limited English proficient students.
(8) use a variety of assessments as they relate to the education of limited
English proficient students.
(9) recognize how diverse languages, cultures, family backgrounds, and abilities
affect the learning of English as a second language.
(10) utilize and respect the diversity in the languages and cultures of limited
English proficient students.
(11) affirm that all students with limited English proficiency can learn English.
(12) stay current on research, trends, policies, and legal mandates affecting
ESL programs.
(13) advocate for LEP students and ESL programs by encouraging communication
and partnerships among students, families, communities and schools.
(14) collaborate within the educational community and serve as resources and
models for their peers to enhance learning and encourage cross-cultural interaction.
SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF COURSES AND PREREQUISITES FOR FRENCH & SPANISH
Whenever possible, we suggest the following order of courses. Each
student should consult with his/her faculty advisor for additional advice
on sequencing in completing the major course requirements.
French
1. 201
2. 202
3. 310, 308, 309
4. 306, 307, 315, 318 [prerequisite: at least one course from category 3]
5. 301, 302, 321, 411, 425 [prerequisite: at least one and preferably two
advanced language skills course [306, 307, 308, 310]
6. 414 [prerequisite: 6 hours of French at the 300 level]
7. 492 [prerequisite: junior standing and 6 hours of French literature]
Spanish
1. FLS 202
2. FLS 331**, 333, 337* [Prereq = FLS 202]
3. FLS 332, 336* [Prereq = FLS 331]
4. FLS 340, 360* [Prereq = FLS 331; Coreq = FLS 332]
5. FLS 341, 342, 343, 351, 352, 353 (Three of these required for LAA and LTA
majors.)
[Prereq/coreq: FLS 340 - must be taken prior to or concurrently with
the first course taken in this group.]
6. FLS 400 level electives (400, 402, 403, 404, 405, 411, 412, 413 – FLS
402 is required of LTA majors.)
7. FLS 492**
* Denotes elective courses.
** FLS 299 Spanish Oral Proficiency Exam I (a computerized test taken in the
Foreign Language Technology Center) must be taken by all Spanish majors during
the same semester as FLS 331.
** FLS 499 Spanish Oral Proficiency Exam II (a computerized test taken in the Foreign Language Technology Center) must be taken by all Spanish majors during the same semester as FLS 492.
STUDY ABROAD & TRANSFER CREDIT
The Department encourages all students to participate in a study abroad experience. NC State sponsors summer programs in Austria, France, Mexico, Peru, and Spain, as well as a semester program in Santander, Spain . In addition to NC State programs, the University also considers other accredited study abroad programs for transfer credit. Ms. Ingrid Schmidt in the Study Abroad Office, 2118 Pullen Hall, is an important resource person regarding study abroad. Remember that it is important to plan early and to research carefully the numerous options available. Be sure to complete the necessary study abroad forms, especially the course pre-approval form, before you leave for your destination. Please note that only 15 hours of study abroad or other transfer credit may be applied toward the major in French, German, or Spanish. A full semester of study abroad or a three-month internship in a German-speaking country is required for the German Studies major.
The Foreign LanguagesTechnology Center is a state of the art facility which includes PC and MAC workstations for student use, and an electronic classroom. Each workstation offers Internet access, word processing and spell-check capabilities in many languages, language-specific tutorials, and software packages to supplement the Department’s course offerings.
The Department offers Minors in Chinese Studies, Classical Greek, Classical Studies, French, German, Hindi/Urdu, Italian Studies, Japanese, Russian Studies, Spanish, and World Literature; it supports related minors in International Studies and African Studies. Students receive official recognition on their transcripts for a completed minor. The language coordinators serve as advisors. The Student Services Assistant (Withers 310) will direct the student to the appropriate advisor. The student consults with the advisor to complete a Minor Declaration Form. His/her major advisor is also consulted for approval of the minor program. It is expected that students will complete at least three required courses for each minor at NC State or through an NC State sponsored study-abroad program. During the first few weeks of the semester in which the student is to graduate, he/she must see Ms. Susan Navey-Davis to complete a final "Application for Minor" form, which is then forwarded to the student's major department.
The Department supports and promotes the study of language and culture outside the classroom through numerous clubs and honor societies. For information about activities and meetings, consult the literature outside of the departmental offices (Withers 310), and talk to the faculty advisor for the particular organization.
Language Clubs
French Ms. Martine Bell
German
Spanish Ms. Stephanie Dunston
Honor Societies
Sigma Delta Pi (Hispanic Studies) Dr. James Michnowicz
Delta Phi Alpha (German Honor Society) Dr.
Lutz Kube
If you are interested in applying to law school after graduation, the pre-law advisors suggest the following:
1.
Consult the pre-law advisor:
Ms. Mary Tetro - mary_tetro
@ncsu.edu
2. Attend meetings of the Pre-Law Student Association.
3.
Take courses developing skills useful for law school: logic, mathematics,
economics,history, English, philosophy,
communication (public speaking,
argumentation and advocacy)
4. Keep up your grade point average.
5.
Consult:
The Official Guide to U.S. Law
Schools
The Right Law School for You
The Official LSAT Prepkit
Thinking about Law School:
A Minority Guide
6. Work hard to prepare for the Law School Admission Test.
7. Keep your credit history clean.
HEALTH PROFESSIONS ADVISING CENTER
The University Career Center offers students career counseling, on-campus interviews, a career/employer information library, access to internship listings, workshops on job-search topics including resume and cover-letter writing as well as interviewing techniques. Students should visit the center early and familiarize themselves with the resources of the center.
University Career Center
Mr. Woody Catoe
CHASS Career Counselor
2100 Pullen Hall
Box 7303
515-2396
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
· Careers in International Business, Halloran, Edward J., 1996
· Careers in Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality, Eberts, Majorie; Brothers, Linda & Gisler, Ann, 1997
· 100 Best Careers for the 21st Century, Field, Shelley, 1996
· Best Work of Your Life, Alea, Pat, & Mullins, Patty, 1998
· Hi-Tech Jobs for Lo-Tech People: You Don't Need a Technical Degree to Build a Great Career, Schaffer, William A., 1994
· What Color is Your Parachute? 1998, Bolles, Richard Nelson, 1997
· 150 Best Companies for Liberal Arts Graduates, Woodruff, Cherl & Ptacek, Greg, 1992
· Careers for Foreign Language Aficionados & Other Multilingual Types, Seelye, H. 1992
· Careers for Legal Eagles & Other Law and Order Types, Camenson, Blythe, 1998
· Careers for Travel Buffs & Other Restless Types, Plawin, Paul, 1992
· Great Jobs For Liberal Arts Majors, Camenson, Blythe, 1997
· Opportunities in Foreign Language Careers, Arnold, Edwin P. & Huebener, Theodore, 1986
· 1998 International Firms Directory NC, NC Department of Commerce, 1998
· American Jobs Abroad, Edited by Harlow, Victoria & Knappman, 1994
· Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries, World Trade Academy Press Publication, Inc., 1999
· Directory of Jobs & Careers Abroad, Packer, Jonathan, Ed., 1997
· Great Jobs Abroad, Bell, H. Arthur, 1997
· Guide to Careers in World Affairs, Foreign Policy Association, 1993
· International Jobs: Where They Are How to Get Them, Kocher, Eric, 1993
· Overseas Summer Jobs, Woodworth, David, 1997
· Teaching English Abroad: Talk Your Way Around the World!, Griffith, Susan, 1999
· Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas, Hubbs, Clay & Whitmarsh, Jason, 1997
· International Internships, College Division of the American Institute for Foreign Study, 1997
· Internship Bible, Oldman, Mark & Hamadeh, Samer, 1998
· 1999 Health and Human Services Directory, Triangle United Way, 1999
· Hidden Job Market 1999, Peterson's Guides, 1998
· Major Employers/Importers and Exporters in Raleigh/Wake County and Research Triangle Park, Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, 1998
· On Location in North Carolina: Official State Film and Video Directory Carolina, 1999, NC Film Commission, 1999
· Opportunities in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Camenson, Blythe, 1995
· Teaching English Abroad, Griffith, Susan, 1994
· Applying for Federal Jobs: A Guide to Writing Successful Applications & Resumes for the Job You Want in Government, Wood, Patricia B. , 1995
· Find a Federal Job Fast: How to Cut the Red Tape and Get Hired, Krannich, Ron & Caryl, 1999
· Opportunities in State and Local Government Careers, Neale, Baxter, 1993
· How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School, Stelzer, Richard, 1997
· Peterson's Graduate Programs: Books 1-6, Peterson's, 1999
· Pre-Law Insider, National Jurist Publishing, 1998
· Ultimate Grad School Survival Guide: Getting In, Getting Money, Exams & Classes, The Profs, The Thesis, The Dissertation, Mitchell, Leslie, 1996
· Don't Wait Until You Graduate: How To "Jump Start" Your Career While Still in School, Luscher, Keith F., 1998
· Dynamite Cover Letters, 3rd Edition, Krannich, Ronald L., 1997
· First Job Survival Guide, Sutcliffe, Andrea J., 1997
· High Impact Resumes and Letters: How to Communicate Your Qualifications to Employers, Krannich, Ronald L. & Banis, William J., 1998
· How to Prepare a Job Winning Resume, Educational Video Network, 1999
STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR WRITING IN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES (For Formal Writing Assignments in Upper-level Courses)
1. Your paper should have a clearly defined thesis statement which you will develop throughout your essay. Avoid only plot summaries or descriptions by articulating a thesis question or research problem that you then proceed to address.
2. Your paper should include factual evidence in support of your thesis. Also incorporate examples or specific details, as appropriate. Be sure to choose your sources carefully and to cite them using appropriate footnotes and bibliographical information according to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.
3. The treatment of your thesis question should be based on a variety of outside references, preferably most of them in print form (published books and articles). Do not rely solely upon the WWW for your sources.
4. Your paper should be well-organized and include a title that announces your thesis, and an introduction and conclusion, as well as good paragraph structure and transitions.
5. Your paper should be clearly written in the target language with a minimum of grammatical, orthographic (including accents) and punctuation errors. Please refer to a grammar reference book and a dictionary as needed.
6. Do not rely on other people or online translators for help; submit only your own work. Your instructor is primarily interested in seeing your own self-expression as you convey your ideas. Check with your instructor if you need assistance. (See the Scoring Rubric for details.)
7. Your paper
should include a cover page and be typed double-spaced, using standard font
and margins, with all text pages numbered. Be sure to adhere to your
teacher's instructions concerning the length and content of your
paper as well as the dates when notes, drafts and final copies are due.
Languages are the keys to the world
