Thinking about the discipline: The study of another language helps us to understand and appreciate our neighbors in the world. Today, as countries become increasingly dependent on each other, the knowledge of other languages and cultures is more important than ever before. The study of languages can directly and indirectly provide job-related knowledge and skills that can offer a competitive edge in finding employment. Possible areas of employment include education; international business, law or journalism; social work; tourist industry (airlines, tour guides, travel agents); library and information science; immigration, customs and foreign service; and translation and interpretation.
Special opportunities for our students: The department sponsors conversation hours in French, German, and Japanese. In addition, the department sponsors film series and the Phi Sigma Iota Honor Society. Funding for study abroad is available through the Carol Swarts Milburn Scholarship, the Foreign Language Award for International Study (FLAIS), and the World Languages and Literatures Award for German Study Abroad. Internship and co-op experiences are encouraged. WLL 396: World Languages & Literatures Internship may be used an elective in all World Languages and Literatures major and minor programs.
Special graduation requirements: No course in which a grade below a C- is earned can be used to fulfill the major course requirements in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.
Program assessment: All graduating seniors with majors in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish are required to submit a portfolio prior to graduation. As part of the portfolio, they are required to submit the results of language proficiency tests. Candidates for teaching certification in French, German, or Spanish must achieve a proficiency level of at least “advanced low” on an ACTFL oral proficiency interview or equivalent in order to be recommended for certification. Guidelines for the entire portfolio and for fulfillment of the ACTFL proficiency requirement can be found in the World Languages and Literatures Majors’ Handbook online (http://inside.nku.edu/content/dam/worldlanglit/docs/Majors%27%20Handbook.pdf).
You should also know: Departmental placement and retroactive credit policies: Any courses in the 101, 102, 201, 202 sequence in a language may not be taken for credit by a student who has already received credit for the course or a higher numbered course in the same language without permission of the department chair. Initial placement in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish must be in accord with departmental placement guidelines. Students with three or more years of high school language study are highly encouraged to take the free WebCAPE placement test. Retroactive credit through the World Language Incentive Program (WLIP) may be available for students who enroll in courses at a level higher than 101. Placement above or below the range specified in the guidelines requires approval of the department chair. Students whose placement does not reflect departmental guidelines may be removed from a course. The WebCAPE placement test, detailed placement guidelines and information about retroactive credit options can be found online (http://inside.nku.edu/artsci/departments/worldlanglit/placement/webcape.html).
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