Department of World Languages and Cultures

19th Floor, 25 Park Place Bldg.
404-413-5980
wlcgraduate@gsu.edu
wlc.gsu.edu

Arabic

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Li, Undergraduate Director
Ian Campbell, Faculty Coordinator

Chinese

Bill Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Li, Undergraduate Director and Chinese Program Coordinator

The Department of World Languages and Cultures serves a threefold purpose: to encourage an appreciation of humanistic values through the study of foreign languages, literatures, and cultures; to teach foreign languages as a means of communication; and to prepare students for academic careers and the opportunities available in the field of international business. As part of a dynamic urban university in a city of growing international awareness and status, the department is fulfilling its responsibility to meet the increasing foreign language needs of the governmental, business, and professional communities. The department recognizes that an active command of the foreign language and a thorough exploration of the foreign culture form an essential basis for further study in the various areas of its curriculum.

The department is home to the Center for International Resources and Collaborative Language Engagement (CIRCLE), a multi-purpose academic support center that offers walk-in tutoring in each of the languages taught at Georgia State and provides a variety of digital resources (i.e., software, apps, media and materials) to support the language studies of the university community. In addition, the CIRCLE hosts special events focused on cultural awareness and communication opportunities, such as conversation meetups, discussion groups, and other social events, as well as language and technology workshops. The center addresses the university and College of Arts and Sciences strategic goals of increasing internationalization in the curriculum and of enhancing the global competency (including the study of world languages) of students, faculty and staff.

For students who view language study as a preparation for a career in the business world, the department offers a program in conjunction with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies: the Bachelor of Arts Major in International Economics and Modern Languages (IEML).

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Academic advisement for undergraduate students is provided through the University Advisement Center (freshman through junior status/fewer than 90 hours) and the college’s Office of Academic Assistance (senior status/90 or more hours). See Office of Academic Assistance for additional information.

Students majoring in the B.A. in International Economics should contact the Andrew Young School of Policy studies for advisement. Information for this program is available at aysps.gsu.edu/oaa.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts students should also consult regularly with the faculty program coordinator for the specific program regarding course selection, program plans, experiential learning, and other academic opportunities.

Program Financial Information

Lab fees are assessed automatically for students who register for certain courses. As a result, students will no longer be required to purchase lab fee cards. For more information, please feel free to contact the department or review the GoSolar or catalog course listings to determine if a course includes a lab fee.

French

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Lin, Undergraduate Director
Gladys M. Francis, French Program Coordinator
Iona Cooper, Language Coordinator (FREN 1001-2002 courses)

The Department of World Languages and Cultures serves a threefold purpose: to encourage an appreciation of humanistic values through the study of world languages, literatures, and cultures; to teach world languages as a means of communication; and to prepare students for academic careers and the opportunities available in the field of international business. As part of a dynamic urban university in a city of growing international awareness and status, the department is fulfilling its responsibility to meet the increasing world language needs of the governmental, business, and professional communities.

The department recognizes that an active command of the world language and a thorough exploration of the related cultures form an essential basis for further study in the various areas of its curriculum. To this end, the department sponsors a study-abroad program in Tours (France) and exchange programs in France (Bordeaux and Paris), in the French Caribbean (Guadeloupe and Martinique), in South America (French Guiana), and in Africa (Morocco and Senegal)..

The department sponsors two Freshman Learning Communities each year. One group is designed for students interested in using their world language in international business. The other, sponsored jointly by the Department of Applied Linguistics/ESL, is in Language Studies.

For students who hope to teach at the K-12 levels, the department offers a concentration that leads to certification in French.

For students who view language study as a preparation for a career in the business world, the department has two special programs: a concentration in the business language of French; and a practicum in an internationally oriented business or service organization in the metro area for qualified and interested students in their senior year. The department also offers the Bachelor of Arts Major in International Economics and Modern Languages (IEML), in collaboration with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

All French majors are encouraged to consult regularly with their departmental advisor in designing and following a program of study that fits their own career objective and the requirements of their particular concentration.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Program Degree Requirements

In addition to courses in the language major, students are advised to choose courses in other areas that complement their language study. Such courses include other languages, history, philosophy, art and music, business, and education. Faculty mentors in the department are eager to discuss students’ academic plans as they design their course of study.

In addition to the Program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see College Degree Requirements ) and the University Degree Requirements (see 1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ).

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See 1460 GPA Requirement for additional information.)

Program Financial Information

Requirements for Teacher Certification

Students who wish to be certified to teach French in the public schools of Georgia should choose the courses listed under the “Foreign Language Education Concentration” above and the following methodology courses offered by the Foreign Language Education faculty in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education in the College of Education and Human Development: FORL 3022 , FORL 4025 , FORL 4026 , and EDCI 4600 . All students will register for EDCI 4650 - Opening School Experience and EDCI 4700 - Student Teaching in Middle Grades .

All students seeking certification in French must pass EXC 4020 in the College of Education and Human Development with a grade of B or higher.

Students must apply formally and be admitted to the Teacher Education program in world languages. For the application, please go to the admissions page on the College of Education and Human Development web site, To qualify for the Student Teaching experience, students must receive a grade of B or higher on a departmental test of oral and written proficiency in their target languages. Specific information about date and place of these exams is available in the department office. To apply, students must have:

Earned a 2.5 overall cumulative GPA,
Passed [Combined Test I, II, and III (700)] or been exempted from the GACE Program Admission Assessment. When registering for the assessment, program entry candidates must add your program provider (Georgia State University - school code 5090) as a score recipient when you register or we will not receive notification that you have completed the assessment.; and
Completed the Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry (350) Assessment; though there is no “Pass/Fail” grade assigned. Program entry candidates must add your program provider (Georgia State University) as a score recipient when you register or we will not receive notification that you have completed the assessment.

In order to be recommended for K-12 certification in French, students must complete all major courses taken in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and the methodology courses taken in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education (FORL courses) with a grade of B or higher.

Pre-Service Certificate

Upon admission to a teacher education program, students will be contacted by the college advisement/admissions office and provided with instructions to claim enrollment in their program and submit a GaPSC Pre-Service Certificate Application. The pre-service certificate is required for placement in required field experiences or clinical practice.

Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)

The state of Georgia requires such candidates to take various GACE and Educator Ethics assessments as part of the educator certification process. These computer-delivered assessments have been developed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and are delivered by the Education Testing Service (ETS). You will take these tests at different times.

Program Admission and Content Assessments: Program Admission Assessment [Combined Test I, II, and III (700)] is an admission requirement (unless candidate meets qualifications for exemption - scroll down to “Options to Satisfy the Program Admission Assessment Requirement”). When registering for the assessment, program entry candidates must add your program provider (Georgia State University - school code 5090) as a score recipient when you register or we will not receive notification that you have completed the assessment.

Content Assessment (different content assessments for each program) tests your content knowledge and is taken after enrollment and prior to program completion. You will receive specific information regarding this test as you near completion of your program (required for certification).

Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment: Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry (350) Assessment is an admission requirement. Completion of this assessment is required for admission, though there is no “Pass/Fail” grade assigned. Program entry candidates must add your program provider (Georgia State University) as a score recipient when you register or we will not receive notification that you have completed the assessment.

edTPA

edTPA is a preservice assessment process designed by educators to answer the essential question: “Is a new teacher ready for the job?” edTPA includes a review of a teacher candidate’s authentic teaching materials as the culmination of a teaching and learning process that documents and demonstrates each candidate’s ability to effectively teach his/her subject matter to all students.

edTPA is a program completion and teacher certification requirement. Students may graduate from the program while continuing to complete teacher certification requirements for edTPA.

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

This department offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the department undergraduate director for the specific criteria for this honor.

German

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shaui Li, Undergraduate Director
Robin Huff, German program coordinator

The department recognizes that an active command of a world languages and a thorough exploration of related cultures form an essential basis for further study in the various areas of its curriculum.

For students who hope to teach at the K-12 levels, the department offers a concentration that leads to certification in German.

For students who view language study as a preparation for a career in the business world, the department has two special programs: a concentration in the business language of German, and a practicum in an internationally oriented business or service organization in the metro area for qualified and interested students in their senior year. The department also offers the Bachelor of Arts Major in International Economics and Modern Languages (IEML), in collaboration with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

All German majors are encouraged to consult regularly with their academic advisor in designing and following a program of study that fits their own career objective and the requirements of their particular concentration.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Program Degree Requirements

In addition to courses in the language major, students are advised to choose courses in other areas that complement their language study. Such courses include other languages, history, philosophy, art and music, business, and education. Faculty in the department are eager to discuss students’ academic plans as they design their course of study.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Program Financial Information

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

Global Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) with a concentration in Global Studies. The degree prepares students to be globally aware in their chosen careers. Students develop a broad set of perspectives and skills. Our aim is to equip students with the knowledge and abilities needed to be successful in today’s fast-moving and inter-connected world. We offer students courses on critical issues like conflict, terrorism, peace building, water access, urbanization, and global cities. In addition to focusing on global issues, students develop deep regional knowledge of the world. Students are encouraged to pursue world language study at an advanced level.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Program Admission

Students may enroll in a concentration upon admission to Georgia State University. Students who wish to change their major to this degree program should select a concentration in consultation with their academic advisor and the faculty coordinator. A 2.0 Georgia State University GPA is required.

Students who enroll in a concentration will submit a course plan checklist to demonstrate their understanding of the degree requirements. It is highly recommended that students develop a course of study with their specific faculty coordinator before taking coursework in the degree program to avoid taking courses that will not count towards graduation. We recommend that students decide to become global studies majors early in their sophomore year to maximize the opportunities for experiential learning and study abroad.

Program Degree Requirements

Please refer to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S. for academic regulations for this program.

Students must complete coursework in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area G and in at least two disciplines in Area H. Areas G and H should be constructed so that students take courses in distinct disciplines in each area (with some overlap expected); that is, the same prefix should not predominate in both Area G and H.

In selecting courses for this program, students are responsible for completing any required prerequisites. Courses below marked with an asterisk (*) have prerequisites. Students should ensure that they include prerequisites for selected courses elsewhere in their degree program.

Internship experiences may be undertaken only after completing at least 21 hours of credit in the concentration area.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

This unit offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the undergraduate director for the specific criteria for this honor.

Japanese

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Li, Undergraduate Director

Korean

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Li, Undergraduate Director
Hakyoon Lee, Korean Program Coordinator

Latin American Studies

Minor Coordinator: Leslie L. Marsh (llmarsh@gsu.edu), Center for Latin American and Latino/a Studies

Middle East Studies

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Li, Undergraduate Director
Ian Campbell, Faculty Coordinator

The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers an interdisciplinary major in Middle East Studies (MES), a minor in Middle East Studies and a minor in Arabic. The major is ideal for students who want a well-rounded understanding of the Middle East along with the opportunity to study languages of the region. Students take courses on the Middle East in a variety of disciplines, including history, literature, political science, religious studies, communication and women’s studies. Each student selects the specific courses included in his or her program of study in consultation with a program advisor. The MES major prepares students for graduate school or for careers in government, business, the non-profit sector or the military.

MES faculty offer courses in Arabic. Summer intensive courses may be offered. The department encourages students to take advantage of study abroad opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the culture and languages of the Middle East.

The department and the Middle East Center sponsor a dynamic set of activities outside the classroom, including a lecture series and cultural activities, focused on achieving greater understanding of the rich and varied cultures of the Middle East. Arabic coffee hours are a great way for students to engage with other students and faculty and experience Middle East culture. For more information visit: wlc.gsu.edu.

Program Admission

Students who enroll in a concentration will be required to submit a course plan checklist to demonstrate their understanding of the degree requirements. It is highly recommended that students develop a course of study with their specific faculty coordinator before taking coursework in the degree program to avoid taking courses that will not count towards graduation.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Program Degree Requirements

Please refer to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies, B.I.S. of this catalog for academic regulations for this program.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Program Financial Information

Effective summer 2009, lab fees will be assessed automatically for students who register for certain courses. As a result, students will no longer be required to purchase lab fee cards. For more information, please feel free to contact the department or review the GoSolar or catalog course listings to determine if a course includes a lab fee.

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

Spanish

William Nichols, Chair
Faye Stewart, Associate Chair
Shuai Li, Undergraduate Director

The department recognizes that an active command of the world language and a thorough exploration of related cultures form an essential basis for further study in the various areas of its curriculum. To this end, the department sponsors a Summer study-abroad programs in Granada (Spain) and Costa Rica, one Spring program in Mexico, one Maymester in Argentina, and one year / one semester in Málaga, Spain .

For students who hope to teach at the K-12 levels, the department offers Spanish with a concentration that leads to certification.

For students who view language study as a preparation for a career in the business world, the department has two special programs: a concentration in the business language of Spanish, and a practicum in an internationally oriented business or service organization in the metro area for qualified and interested students in their senior year. The department also offers the Bachelor of Arts Major in International Economics and Modern Languages (IEML), in collaboration with the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

The department is also a testing center for diplomas certifying proficiency in business language and procedures. These diplomas are granted by chambers of commerce in various countries.

All Spanish majors are encouraged to consult regularly with their departmental advisor in designing and following a program of study that fits their own career objective and the requirements of their particular concentration.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Program Degree Requirements

In addition to courses in the language major, you are advised to choose courses in other areas that complement your language study. Such courses include other languages, history, philosophy, art and music, business, and education. Faculty advisors in the department are eager to discuss your academic plans with you as you design your course of study.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Program Financial Information

Requirements for Teacher Certification

Students who wish to be certified to teach Spanish in the public schools of Georgia should choose the courses listed under the “Foreign Language Education Concentration” above and the following methodology courses offered by the Foreign Language Education faculty in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education in the College of Education and Human Development: FORL 3022 , FORL 4025 , FORL 4026 , and EDCI 4600 . All students will register for EDCI 4650 - Opening School Experience and EDCI 4700 - Student Teaching in Middle Grades .

All students seeking certification in Spanish must pass EXC 4020 in the College of Education and Human Development with a grade of B or higher.

Earned a 2.5 overall cumulative GPA,
Passed [Combined Test I, II, and III (700)] or been exempted from the GACE Program Admission Assessment. When registering for the assessment, program entry candidates must add your program provider (Georgia State University - school code 5090) as a score recipient when you register or we will not receive notification that you have completed the assessment.; and
Completed the Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry (350) Assessment; though there is no “Pass/Fail” grade assigned. Program entry candidates must add your program provider (Georgia State University) as a score recipient when you register or we will not receive notification that you have completed the assessment.

In order to be recommended for K-12 certification in Spanish, students must complete all major courses taken in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and the methodology courses taken in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education (FORL courses) with a grade of B or higher.

Pre-Service Certificate

Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE)

edTPA

edTPA is a program completion and teacher certification requirement. Students may graduate from the program while continuing to complete teacher certification requirements for edTPA.

Graduation with Distinction in the Major

Programs

Bachelor’s

Certificate

Dual Degree

B.A./M.A. Program in Spanish

Minor

Other Programs

Courses

Arabic

Chinese

French

German

Italian

Japanese

Korean

Page: 1 | 2