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World Languages & Cultures

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World Languages & Cultures Overview & Goals

Using an impressive variety of language options (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Biblical and Modern Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish), students in World Languages and Cultures engage in intensive, experiential, communicative learning experiences both inside and outside their classrooms.

Small class sizes, personal attention to students’ progress by dedicated language experts, and peer-taught practice sessions comprise an active learning environment. Languages and cultures come to life during participation in well-organized, affordable, short and longer-term international experiences; by integrating students and visitors from around the world into the curricular and extra-curricular activities; through opportunities to apply language skills in internship settings; and by organizing cultural events on campus. Majors showcase their achievements by presenting their capstone project and oral and written comprehensive exams predominantly in the language they study.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in business and industry, translation, travel and tourism, journalism, law, and public relations. Many have enrolled in prestigious graduate programs such as Georgetown University, University of Kentucky, Middlebury Institute of International Study, and the Instituto Franklin of the Universidad de Alcalá de Henares in Madrid, Spain.

German Studies (Major)
The interdisciplinary studies format of the German major allows students to add their own twist to the study of German language and culture. Majors have the opportunity to add a substantial number of courses of their choice to add a secondary emphasis to their studies. During their upper-level courses and in their capstone projects, they will be trained to handle these topics in German.

Critical to their language development, and essential to the development of cultural proficiency, is a fully integrated semester-long stay at the University of Education in Heidelberg, Germany. On campus, German majors are engaged in the German Club, help organize and participate in short–term study trips, and help as teaching assistants in beginner German courses.

Previous German majors have received Ph.Ds. from prestigious institutions such as The University of Cincinnati and Georgetown University, work in international business fields, and more.

Spanish (Major, Minor)
The Spanish Program at Bethany College currently offers both a Major and a Minor in Spanish. The list of Spanish courses include a wide variety of specific language, conversation and composition, civilization and literature courses covering both Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin America. Students pursuing Spanish have opportunities to: serve as Apprentice Teachers for Spanish Practice Sessions (levels I-III); study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country; become a member of the renowned Spanish National Honorary Society, Sigma Delta Pi; and participate in the Spanish Club.

Bethany College is affiliated with the prestigious Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, where an eligible student could study abroad for a semester-long program. Spanish Program graduate alumni have gone on to graduate programs in fields such as Law, International Business, and Government, and have been successful in an array of professional fields.

Group of students in study abroad program

Areas Of Study

German Studies (Major)
Spanish (Major, Minor)
French (Minor)
German (Minor)

CAREERS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (H2)

  • Interpreter
  • Analyst
  • Foreign Service
  • Business and Industry
  • Travel and Tourism
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Public Relations
Meet The Faculty
Nobuyuki Nito

Adjunct Professor of World Languages and Cultures (Japanese); co-director of Japan Outreach

Old Main, 106
Harald Menz

Professor of World Languages and Cultures (German); Co-Chair, Department of Humanities; Co-Director of Interdisciplinary Studies; Director of International Studies

Morlan Hall, 116
Joseph B. Lovano

Professor of World Languages and Cultures (Spanish and Italian)

Morlan Hall, 117
Brooke Deal

Associate Professor of Religious Studies; TW Philips Chair of Religious Studies; Co. Director of Interdisciplinary Studies; Co. Chair of the Department of Humanities

Morlan Hall, 111

REQUIREMENTS GERMAN STUDIES MAJOR

A minimum of 30 credits in German beyond GRMN 130, including GRMN 220, 221; GRMN 320 or 321; GRMN 410; GRMN 420 or 421; GRMN 477; and 12-18 credits from the study abroad semester. Additional requirements include TWO courses from INTD 251, 252, and 253; WLAC/ENGL 370; INTD 490, 495; one semester of study abroad in an approved study abroad program in a German–speaking country (Bethany maintains an exchange program at the University of Education/Pädagogische Hochschule Heidelberg, Germany for which competitive partial scholarships are available. The major adviser will work closely with the students to organize the study abroad component.); a secondary emphasis comprising at least 12 credits from disciplines outside of GRMN: Students will determine these courses with their adviser no later than the second semester after the major was declared. Note: Completion of GRMN 220 or 221 is a prerequisite for study abroad.

REQUIREMENTS SPANISH MAJOR

A minimum of 30 credits in Spanish beyond SPAN 130, including SPAN 210, 220, 221, 320, 321, 330, 420, 421, 422, 423; WLAC or ENGL 370; SPAN 490, 495. Additional requirements include two courses from BUSI 308, COMM 403, HIST 309 or RELS 326, HIST 311, 312, 313, 328, INTD 251, 252, 253, POLS 243, 253, PHIL/RELS 337, VISA 100, 101. Students in the Spanish major are strongly encouraged to consider a semester study abroad or one/two short term study abroad experiences in a country where Spanish is spoken. This experience will enhance the student’s proficiency in the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. Bethany College maintains a program at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain. Additionally, the major advisor will work closely with students who plan to study abroad to ensure transfer equivalencies for courses taken at other institutions.

REQUIREMENTS SPANISH MINOR

Four courses beyond SPAN 130, chosen from the following groups: one course from SPAN 220, 221; one course from SPAN 320, 321; one course from SPAN 420, 421, 422, 423; and one course from SPAN 210, 330, or an additional course from the courses listed in one of the first three groups. (Study abroad may replace either SPAN 220 or 221.)

REQUIREMENTS FRENCH MINOR

FREN 220, 221, either 320 or 321, either 420 or 421. (Study abroad may replace either FREN 220 or 221.)

REQUIREMENTS GERMAN MINOR

GRMN 220, 221, either 320 or 321, 410, either 420 or 421. (Study abroad may replace either GRMN 220 or 221.)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ARABIC LANGUAGE & CULTURES

RBC 110 Arabic Language & Cultures I 3 credits
This is the first of a sequence of two courses emphasizing the acquisition of Arabic language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in Arabic-speaking countries. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to Arabic cultures and issues. Arabic I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the
language.

ARBC 120 Arabic Language & Cultures II 3 credits
This is the second of two courses. See ARBC 110. Prerequisite: ARBC 110 or equivalent.

ARBC 320 Civilization of the Arabic-Speaking World 3 credits
This course acquaints the student with selected aspects of the history, culture, and people of the Arabic-speaking world. The course is conducted in English.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CHINESE LANGUAGE & CULTURES

CHIN 110 Chinese Language and Culture I 3 credits 
This is the first in a series of two courses emphasizing the acquisition of Mandarin Chinese language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in the Mandarin Chinese-speaking countries. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to Chinese cultures and issues. Chinese I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

CHIN 120 Chinese Language and Culture II 3 credits 
This is the second of two courses (see CHIN 110). Prerequisite: CHIN 110 or equivalent.

CHIN 320 Chinese Civilization 3 credits 
This course acquaints the student with the history, culture and people of China. The course is conducted in English.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FRENCH LANGUAGE & CULTURES

FREN 110 French Language & Cultures I 3 credits
This is the first of a sequence of three courses emphasizing the acquisition of French language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in French-speaking countries. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to French cultures and issues. French I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

FREN 120 French Language & Cultures II 3 credits
This is the second of three courses. See FREN 110. Prerequisite: FREN 110 or equivalent.

FREN 130 French Language & Cultures III 4 credits
This is the third of three courses. See FREN 110. Prerequisite: FREN 120 or equivalent.

FREN 220 Conversation and Composition: France 3 credits
Issues of contemporary life in France are explored through discussions and writing activities designed to improve the student’s communication skills in French. Prerequisite: FREN 130 or equivalent.

FREN 221 Conversation and Composition: Francophone World 3 credits
While improving skills of spoken and written communication in French, the student becomes acquainted with selected areas of the French-speaking world. Prerequisite: FREN 130 or equivalent.

FREN 320 French Civilization 3 credits
This is an overview of France’s past, with special attention to the events, places, people, ideas, and artistic works which make up its cultural heritage. The course is conducted in English.

FREN 321 Contemporary France 3 credits
Contemporary France is introduced with special attention to current French institutions, activities, issues, customs, and values. Cross-cultural comparisons and contrasts of France and the United States are highlighted. This course is conducted in English.

FREN 410 Topics in French Cultures and Literatures 3 credits
This advanced seminar highlights major literary and cultural movements, genres, issues, and people from the French-speaking world. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or 221 or permission of instructor.

FREN 420 Survey of French Literature I 3 credits
French literature is surveyed, from the earliest periods to the end of the 18th century. Readings are in French from an anthology. This course is conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

FREN 421 Survey of French Literature II 3 credits
French literature of the 19th and 20th centuries is surveyed, with an introduction to explication de texte techniques. Readings are in French from an anthology. This course is conducted in French. Prerequisite: FREN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

FREN 487-488 Independent Study 2-4 credits

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS GERMAN LANGUAGE & CULTURES

GRMN 110 German Language & Cultures I 3 credits
This is the first of a sequence of three courses emphasizing the acquisition of German language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in German-speaking countries. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to German cultures and issues. German I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

GRMN 120 German Language & Cultures II 3 credits
This is the second of three courses. See GRMN 110. Prerequisite: GRMN 110 or equivalent.

GRMN 130 German Language & Cultures III 3 credits
This is the third of three courses. See GRMN 110. Prerequisite: GRMN 120 or equivalent.

GRMN 220 Conversation and Composition: Germany 3 credits
Contemporary life in Germany is explored through discussions and compositions designed to improve the student’s communication skills in German. Oral and written activities are based on readings from newspapers, magazines, literary works, and online resources. Course materials help prepare students for the internationally recognized German Language Certificate, Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Prerequisite: GRMN 130 or equivalent.

GRMN 221 Conversation and Composition: The German-Speaking World 3 credits
While improving skills of spoken and written communication in German, the student becomes acquainted with selected areas of the German-speaking world outside Germany itself. Oral and written reports are based on readings from newspapers, magazines, literary works, and on-line resources. Course materials help prepare students for the internationally recognized German Language Certificate, Zertifikat Deutsch als Fremdsprache. Prerequisite: GRMN 130 or equivalent.

GRMN 320 Civilization of Germany 3 credits
This course acquaints the student with the history, culture, and people of Germany. The course is conducted in English.

GRMN 321 Civilization of the German-Speaking World 3 credits
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the history, culture, and people of German-speaking countries and regions outside Germany itself. The course is conducted in English.

GRMN 410 Topics in German Cultures and Literatures 3 credits
This advanced seminar highlights major literary and cultural movements, genres, issues, and people from the German-speaking world. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

GRMN 420 Survey of German Literature I 3 credits
German literature is surveyed, encompassing works from the earliest periods to the beginning of the 19th century. This course is conducted in German. Prerequisite: GRMN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

GRMN 421 Survey of German Literature II 3 credits
German literature is surveyed, encompassing works from the Romantic period to the present. This course is conducted in German. Prerequisite: GRMN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

GRMN 477 Senior Seminar in German Studies 3 credits
This course is a review of material covered throughout the German Studies Program, and is designed to establish relationships with the secondary emphasis developed by the student. It provides guidance for the Senior Project and preparation for the Senior Comprehensive Exam. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

GRMN 487-488 Independent Study 2-4 credits

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS SPANISH LANGUAGE & CULTURES

SPAN 110 Spanish Language & Cultures I 3 credits
This is the first of a sequence of three courses emphasizing the acquisition of Spanish language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in Spanish-speaking countries. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to Hispanic cultures and issues. Spanish I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

SPAN 120 Spanish Language & Cultures II 3 credits
This is the second of three courses. See SPAN 110. Prerequisite: SPAN 110 or equivalent.

SPAN 130 Spanish Language & Cultures III 3 credits
This is the third of three courses. See SPAN 110. Prerequisite: SPAN 120 or equivalent.

SPAN 210 Special Topics 3 credits
This course is intended to provide specialized Spanish language skills for various professional fields and for field placement experiences. Various topics such as Spanish for Business, Spanish for Legal Professions, Spanish for Medical Professions, and short term study abroad may be offered. Prerequisite: SPAN 130 or permission of the instructor.

SPAN 220 Conversation and Composition: Spain 3 credits
Issues of contemporary life in Spain are explored through discussions and writing activities designed to improve the student’s communication skills in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 130 or equivalent.

SPAN 221 Conversation and Composition: Latin America 3 credits
While improving skills of spoken and written communication in Spanish, the student becomes acquainted with selected areas of Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. Hispanic communities in the United States are included. Prerequisite: SPAN 130 or equivalent.

SPAN 320 Civilization of Spain 3 credits
This course acquaints the student with the history, culture, and people of Spain. The course is conducted in English.

SPAN 321 Civilization of Latin America 3 credits
This course acquaints the student with the history, culture, and people of Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America. Hispanic communities in the United States are included. The course is conducted in English.

SPAN 330 Advanced Composition and Translation 3 credits
This course focuses on advanced Spanish composition that develops students’ abilities in composition tasks thereby enhancing their writing skills. The course also provides students with basic skills in translation from Spanish to English and English to Spanish. This course is conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

SPAN 410 Topics in Peninsular Spanish and Latin American Cultures and Literatures 3 credits
This advanced seminar highlights major literary and cultural movements, genres, issues, and people from the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 220 or 221 or permission of instructor.

SPAN 420 Survey of Peninsular Spanish Literature I 3 credits
This course provides a panoramic view of Spanish literature from the earliest periods to the end of the Golden Age. The course is conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

SPAN 421 Survey of Latin American Literature I 3 credits
This course provides a panoramic view of Latin American literature from the Colonial period to the end of Modernism. Hispanic literature of the United States is included. The course is conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

SPAN 422 Survey of Peninsular Spanish Literature II 3 credits
This course provides a panoramic view of Spanish literature from the Enlightenment period to the present. The course is conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

SPAN 423 Survey of Latin American Literature II 3 credits
This course provides a panoramic view of Latin American literature form the Postmodernist period to the present. Hispanic literature of the United States is included. The course is conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 220 or 221 or equivalent.

SPAN 487-488 Independent Study 2-4 credits

SPAN 490 Senior Project 2-4 credits

SPAN 495 Comprehensive Exams
This course is an administrative placeholder used to record a student’s score on Comprehensive Exams (CR/NCR).

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS HEBREW LANGUAGE & CULTURES

HEBR 110 Introduction to Hebrew Language I 3 credits
This course provides the student with a working knowledge of biblical and modern Hebrew. With the successful completion of this course, the student will be able to read selected passages of narrative in biblical and modern texts with the aid of a lexicon/dictionary, will gain knowledge of modern Hebrew in both written and spoken form and will strengthen her/his cultural understanding of ancient and modern Israel. Students will build a strong knowledge base in Hebrew vocabulary, verb paradigms, and grammar essentials.

HEBR 120 Introduction to Hebrew Language II 3 credits
This course provides further advancement of a student’s knowledge of biblical and modern Hebrew. Students will become adept in the usage of a Hebrew-English dictionary/lexicon for translation of texts in biblical and modern contexts and will improve their conversational skills in modern Hebrew. Students will continue to build a strong knowledge base in Hebrew vocabulary, verb paradigms, and grammar. (This course may be taken for credits as RELS 271)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS ITALIAN LANGUAGE & CULTURES

ITAL 110 Italian Language & Cultures I 3 credits
This is the first of a sequence of three courses emphasizing the acquisition of Italian language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in Italian-speaking countries. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, and students are introduced to Italian cultures and issues. Italian I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

ITAL 120 Italian Language & Cultures II 3 credits
This is the second of three courses: See ITAL 110. Prerequisite: ITAL 110 or equivalent.

ITAL 130 Italian Language & Cultures III 3 credits
This is the third of three courses: See ITAL 110. Prerequisite: ITAL 120 or equivalent.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURES

JAPN 110 Japanese Language & Cultures I 3 credits
This is the first of a sequence of three courses emphasizing the acquisition of Japanese language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in Japan. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to Japanese cultures and issues. Japanese I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

JAPN 120 Japanese Language & Cultures II 3 credits
This is the second of three courses: See JAPN 110. Prerequisite: JAPN 110 or equivalent.

JAPN 130 Japanese Language & Cultures III 3 credits
This is the third of three courses: See JAPN 110. Prerequisite: JAPN 120 or equivalent.

JAPN 222 Japanese Culture 3 credits
This course, taught in English, provides an introduction to modern Japanese culture and society through the study and practice of cultural activities. Students learn Japanese greetings and norms of social interaction and study the features of Japanese culture through the creation of artifacts and products associated with Japanese life and culture. Hands-on activities include Japanese calligraphy; origami (paper art); Ikebana (flower arranging); the production of Japanese cuisine such as sushi and yakisoba; the traditional tea ceremony; folk dancing; and the use of drums.

JAPN 321 Modern Japan 3 credits
This course is a basic survey of modern Japan. Following an introduction to geography and history, the course focuses on art, modern literature, cinema, culture, society, politics, economy, and current conditions in Japan. (This course may be taken for credit as HIST 331.)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS WORLD LANGUAGES

WLAC 150 English as a Second Language I 3 credits
This course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed by any international student to function satisfactorily in an American college setting. (Required of all newly entering international students whose native language is not English.)

WLAC 151 English as a Second Language II 3 credits
This course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed by international students to function satisfactorily in an American college setting. Intended for any student whose native language is not English and who has already taken WLAC 150.

WLAC 370 Introduction to Linguistics 3 credits
This course introduces the basic concepts and terminology of linguistics. It incorporates the study of the acquisition and development of language from the earliest babbling to mature language patterns, including the examination of typical language abilities of children at various ages. (This course may be taken for credit as ENGL 370.)

WLAC 480 Methods and Materials in Teaching World Languages 3 credits
A study of the methods, teaching materials, lesson planning, and extracurricular activities necessary for teacher of French, German, or Spanish as a world language. A 30-hour field placement is required. (This course may be taken for credit as EDUC 480.) Prerequisites: EDUC 242; a passing score on PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators; admission to the teacher education program; or permission of the instructor.

WLAC 481 World Languages for Middle Childhood: Selected Methodological Issues 1 credit
A discussion of selected issues regarding methods, teaching materials, lesson planning, and extracurricular activities necessary for the middle childhood teacher of French, German, or Spanish as a world language. Special emphasis on aural-oral teaching techniques and characteristics of the transescent language learner. (This course is only offered in conjunction with WLAC 480.)

WLAC 484 Methods of Teaching English as a World Language: Selected Methodological Issues 1 credit
A discussion of selected issues regarding methods and materials necessary for teaching English as a second language and instruction and practice in planning lessons and extracurricular activities. (This course may be taken for credit as EDUC 484 or ENGL 484. This course is only offered in conjunction with WLAC 480.) Prerequisites: EDUC 242; a passing score on PRAXIS I Core Academic Skills for Educators; admission to the teacher education program.

WLAC 487-488 Independent Study in World Languages & Cultures 2-4 credits

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