DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

Chair: Bernard Quinn (460-6291)
Professors: Jones, Quinn, Mozur
Associate Professors: Lloyd, Perez-Pineda
Assistant Professors: Brown, Laurita, Lomangino, Willis
Instructors: d'Aquin, Wilbanks

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures offers a full range of undergraduate courses for students interested in language study. Non-language students interested in the literature of French, German, Russian, and Spanish-speaking peoples may choose elective credits from a variety of courses taught in English. The study of foreign cultures and languages provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand better their own language and culture and to function intelligently as a member of a multicultural society. The Department plays a major role in helping to improve communications with and the understanding of other cultures in an increasingly interdependent world.

In addition to providing students with opportunities for participation in study-abroad programs, the Department offers advice concerning the role of language study in career planning. The connection between foreign language training and employment may not be obvious to students who assume that foreign languages are used only by interpreters, teachers, and translators. Knowing another language can actually broaden the scope of job opportunities. If one has almost any "marketable" skill plus a foreign language, one's chances of finding an interesting job are often improved considerably.

The Department offers undergraduate majors and minors in French, German, Spanish, and Russian. For students interested in a teaching career, a language-teaching option is offered in French, German, and Spanish. In the first-year courses (ELEMENTARY) the student is given a basic foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Typically, the emphasis is on ear training and oral practice followed by development of reading and writing skills. The second-year courses (INTERMEDIATE) build upon the skills acquired in the first year. ADVANCED courses provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the important writers and movements of each language area's literary history. Other advanced courses concentrate on language and culture.

Students with previous language training will be placed at the appropriate level.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN A LANGUAGE
A minimum of 54 quarter hours in one language is required. After completing the lower-division courses (ELEMENTARY and INTERMEDIATE), students will be required to: 1. complete the specific upper-division courses indicated under the chosen option; 2. select their remaining credits from the additional courses listed. The following specific upper-division courses are required, depending on which language the student wishes to major in: French, LG 314, 315, 316; either 317 or 318, and HY 244; German, LG 361, 366, 367; Spanish, LG 333, 334, 335, and 336; Russian, LG 374, and 375.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN A LANGUAGE
Students must complete a minimum of three (3) courses beyond the Elementary and Intermediate sequences. The student must complete the following upper-division courses depending on the language in which the student elects to minor: French, LG 315 or 316, and LG 314; German, LG 366 and/or 367; Spanish, LG 335 or 336; Russian, LG 374 and/or 375. Native or near-native speakers of a language may not enroll in upper-level conversation courses. Remaining credits, if any, are to be selected from other upper-division courses in the appropriate language.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY TESTS
Foreign language proficiency tests are required of transfer students in the College of Arts and Sciences who have completed one year of a foreign language at another college or university. Proficiency has been demonstrated with satisfactory completion of the appropriate examination. Transfer students who have not completed a one-year sequence must complete a sequence at South Alabama. Students transferring an intermediate or advanced-level sequence are exempt from the proficiency test.

The foreign language proficiency test measures levels of proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. A fifteen-minute oral test will be scheduled after satisfactory completion of the written component. Grading will be S/U.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
The Department offers several languages under the auspices of the National Association of Self-Instructional Languages Programs, a professional organization that provides guidelines, develops materials, and sets standards for self-instructional language programs throughout the United States. Students wishing to enroll in a NASILP course are advised they may do so by special permission only. Success in these courses requires a high degree of motivation, self discipline, and a long-term commitment to developing oral/aural proficiency in the target language. Students, working on their own 10-12 hours a week with audio and video tapes and written materials, follow a carefully organized sequence of lessons and normally meet twice a week in small groups (3-6) with native drill instructors. NASILP-approved examiners are invited to the campus to administer mid-term and final student performance evaluations. Success in this program depends upon students' willingness to assume responsibility for learning appropriate listening and speaking skills. Permission to enroll may be secured by contacting the local NASILP coordinator (460-6291) and requesting an interview. Fee.

GRADUATE STUDIES
Although the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures has no graduate degree program, graduate-level course work is offered in several languages under the rubrics of "Special Topics," "Seminar," and "Directed Studies."

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL LANGUAGES (LG) COURSES BEGIN ON PAGE 258. DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL LANGUAGES (LGS) COURSES BEGIN ON PAGE 261.

College of Arts and Sciences