Foreign Languages
Division IV Chair: B. Wooten
Program Chair: J. Hoch
Faculty: J. Carlevale, C. de Rosset, F. de Rosset, M. Graetzer, J. Hoch, N. Jones, I. Marte, R. Meadows, N. Patton, and M. Watkins
Website: http://www.berea.edu/foreign-languages/
Courses: FRN Courses; GER Courses; JPN Courses; LAT Courses; SPN Courses
Major/Minor Requirements: French B.A.; French Minor; German B.A.; German Minor; Latin 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 programs at Berea College are designed to help students learn and understand the language, literature, and culture of other countries.
Berea College’s foreign-language faculty are well-trained and 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 taken by those who have no previous foreign-language experience. For students who have had some foreign-language study in high school or elsewhere, a placement examination, administered by members of the Foreign Languages Program 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 instruction, are used to provide excellent instruction in all foreign-language courses.
The Foreign Languages Program offers both major and minor programs 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 students may qualify to study either in Germany/Austria, France, Italy/Greece (for classical studies), Mexico, or Spain, with a percentage of the expenses paid by program grants. All students have the opportunity to study and travel in Europe, Asia, and Latin America during the summer.
The Program offers a minor in Latin, which is designed for students to acquire a reading knowledge of Latin and introduces them to Greek and Roman culture and major works of classical literature. Japanese and Chinese are offered each regular term, and Classical Hebrew is taught as student interest and faculty availability allow. Greek is not currently offered and future offerings are undetermined at this time.
Students taking foreign-language courses also have the opportunity to take part in activities on campus. There are clubs, language tables, and foreign films available throughout the academic year.
The Labor Program provides yet another way to pursue an interest in foreign languages. Within the program, jobs are available for tutors, language laboratory and teaching assistants, secretaries, 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. There is an increasing demand for people with foreign-language skills in business (from executives and managers to salespersons and secretaries), health professions, state and federal governments (a wide range of positions), and teaching. Many students at Berea College have double majors that prepare them for this demand; e.g., Spanish and Nursing, French and Political Science, German and Business, etc.
Graduates in both ancient and modern foreign languages have found their education particularly useful in a number of professional and business careers: education, health services, international business, the tourist industry, and a wide range of government 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 majoring in French, German, or Spanish have the opportunity to earn academic credit 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.
The program is intended for students who are in their junior 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 program faculty.
The College will assist those students desiring to participate in the program by providing a scholarship grant equal to 75 percent of the estimated cost a student will incur. 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 shall be determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. Students who minor in a foreign language also are eligible for study-abroad grants.
Students interested in pursuing a study-abroad opportunity should contact a member of the Program’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 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 Program’s faculty:
- French: CIEE in Rennes (Fall and Spring terms)
- German: Speak and Write Institute in Marburg, Germany (Summer, Spring and Fall terms); Central College program at the University of Vienna (Fall and Spring terms); the KIIS Term Abroad Program in Regensburg (Spring Term); Wayne State Junior Year Abroad at the University of Munich (Fall and Spring terms).
- 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 Program seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
Learning Goal 1: Develop fundamental understanding of a target language.
Learning Outcome 1.1: Listen to and understand speech in the target language.
Learning Outcome 1.2: Speak effectively in the target language.
Learning Outcome 1.3: Read effectively in the target language.
Learning Outcome 1.4: Write effectively in the target language.
Learning Goal 2: Develop a deeper understanding of the English language.
Learning Outcome 2.1: Use English grammar and vocabulary effectively.
Learning Goal 3: Demonstrate learning of other cultures, ethnicities, etc.
Learning Outcome 3.1: Demonstrate familiarity with the cultures, histories, and perspectives of the diverse peoples who use the target language.
Learning Outcome 3.2: Demonstrate familiarity with the literatures and other arts (film, music, etc.) produced by the diverse peoples who use the target language.
Learning Goal 4:Think globally and beyond.
Learning Outcome 4.1: Think and communicate critically and creatively.
Learning Outcome 4.2: Recognize and create interdisciplinary and interpersonal connections.
Learning Outcome 4.3: Exhibit the skills necessary to pursue advanced study and/or get a job in the field.
Foreign Languages Course Sequencing Tables
Please be aware that the table below represents current planning and is subject to change based on faculty availability and student interest. It is not meant to represent any guarantee to the student that the courses will be offered in the term in which they are currently planned.
| Course |
Fall 14 |
Spr 15 |
Fall 15 |
Spr 16 |
Fall 16 |
Spr 17 |
| GRK 201 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
| GRK 202 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
| GRK 203 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* |
* Offered as student interest and faculty availability permit