World Languages and Cultures

Undergraduate Programs

Description

WLC degree programs and non-degree courses are listed under each language (Chinese, Dakota, French, German, Scandinavian Studies, Spanish). Comparative language courses are listed under WLC (Portuguese for Spanish Speakers, Language Teaching Methods). 

In a global world, the ability to communicate in many languages and have multicultural literacy are skills that employers are looking for in new graduates. Learning languages and cultures at MNSU Mankato nurtures the skills of the 21st century (adaptability, problem solving, critical thinking, written and oral communication skills, creativity, etc.). Our courses and study abroad opportunities foster respect for other cultures through reading, practice and discussion, and offer opportunities for interaction with cultural products and perspectives from multiple world cultures. World Languages & Cultures is your gateway to global citizenship! 

World Languages and Cultures offers courses and programs in:

  1. Chinese
  2. Dakota
  3. French
  4. French Teaching
  5. German
  6. German Teaching
  7. Scandinavian Studies 
  8. Spanish
  9. Spanish for the Professsions
  10. Spanish Teaching 

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Contact Information

227 Armstrong Hall 

(507) 389-2116
http://www.mnsu.edu/languages/

Faculty

Chair
  • Adriana Gordillo, Ph.D.
French Program Director
  • Evan Bibbee, Ph.D.
German Program Director
  • Nadja Krämer, Ph.D.
Scandinavian Studies Program Director
  • Rennesa Jessup, Ph.D.
Faculty

100 Level

Credits: 5

Beginning Mandarin I is a practical introductory language course with simple, graded activities on essential daily topics. Students will begin to work orally and with the Chinese writing systems, while developing early listening and reading skills.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

An introduction, within cultural context, to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the Dakota language.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 5

Beginning Mandarin II is a practical introductory language course with simple, graded activities on essential daily topics. Students will continue to work orally and with the Chinese writing systems, while developing early listening and reading skills.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 4

An introduction, within a cultural context, to the basic skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the Dakota language.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

200 Level

Credits: 4

Grammar review, oral practice, written composition, and development of reading and listening skills within a cultural context.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 4

Grammar review, oral practice, written composition, and development of reading and listening skills within a cultural context.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-08

Credits: 4

This course explores a wide range of cultural topics such as race, gender, human rights, social conflict, mythology, imaginary worlds, etc. Topics vary every semester and will be explored from a global perspective involving at least 4 cultures (e.g. Dakota, German, Francophone, Scandinavian, Hispanic, Lusophone, etc.). The course is taught in English and exposes students to international and diverse points of view that prepare them to be global citizens.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

300 Level

Credits: 4

The course is designed to help advanced Spanish students identify similarities and differences between Spanish and Portuguese and begin developing Portuguese productive language skills and cultural competency through comparative practice.

Prerequisites: SPAN 201W. Completion of one 300 level Spanish course or equivalent intermediate-midproficiency level of Spanish for admission to the course. See department for language proficiency evaluation information or instructor permission.

Credits: 0

Curricular practical training for World Languages and Cultures is a full-time practical experience in a professional setting in which more than one language is used. The experience is designed to allow students to improve overall communicative proficiency in languages and address business practices associated with the students academic field of expertise. The Co-Op experience covers a minimum of two consecutive academic terms and requires that students register for a minimum of two consecutive academic terms following the experience.

Prerequisites: none

400 Level

Credits: 3

Introduction to theory and practice of modern language teaching, including lessons in listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and culture. Includes testing, program design, lesson planning, and use of technology. Prereq: Students must demonstrate sufficient language competence in the target language so as to be able to teach courses exclusively in the target language. See content faculty for evaluation. Fall

Prerequisites: Students must demonstrate sufficient language competence in the target language so as to be able to teach courses exclusively in the target language. See content faculty for evaluation. 

Credits: 1

A field experience including placement in the secondary level school setting for students earning licensure in modern language teaching. Practicum students work with middle or high school students of French, German, or Spanish. Take concurrently with or following WLC 460.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to theory and practice of modern language teaching for children grades K-6, including oral language development, second language literacy development, content-based language instruction, and techniques for language immersion programs. Prereq: Students must demonstrate sufficient language competence in the target language so as to be able to teach courses exclusively in the target language. See content faculty for evaluation.

Prerequisites: Students must demonstrate sufficient language competence in the target language so as to be able to teach courses exclusively in the target language. See content faculty for evaluation. 

Credits: 1

A field experience including placement in the elementary level school setting for students earning licensure in modern language teaching. Practicum students work with elementary school students in French, German, or Spanish. Take concurrently with or following WLC 462.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-3

Topics in modern language education. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 1-4

Special topics in language education. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: none