World Languages and Composition
Galina Bakhtiarova, Chair
bakhtiarovag@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall, 218B
(203) 837-8734
(203) 837-8032 (fax)
Kelli Custer, Assoc. Chair
custerk@wcsu.edu
HAAS 303
(203) 837-3941
Krista Brooks, Department Secretary
brooksk@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 201, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9166
(203) 837-8032 (fax)
Faculty
D. Anderson
G. Bakhtiarova, Chair
K. Custer, Assoc. Chair
S.A. Hawkins
V. Rubino
Adjunct Faculty
| H. El Khalfi, Arabic | S. Pena, Spanish | D. Anderson, Composition | A. Gallagher, Composition |
| R. Ludanyi, German | J. Matranga, French | B. Dyer, Composition | J. Geren, Composition |
| M. Purgatorio, Spanish | M. Oliveira, Portuguese | G. Griffith, Composition | C. Jordan, Composition |
| Y. Toma, Chinese | M. Newell, Composition | S. Myers, Composition | L. Purtle, Composition |
| P. Farina, Italian | B. Dyer, Composition | S. O’Connor, Composition | C. Rudkin, Composition |
| E. Fabrizio-Garcia, Spanish | C. Peloso, Composition | E. O’Donnell, Composition |
Overview
The Department of World Languages and Composition opens doors to the 21st century global economy with the continued growing demand for language skills for business, government, community groups, and international organizations.
In our composition and language classes, students are encouraged to be critical thinking citizens and leaders of our increasingly interdependent world community. As they study rhetoric in our composition courses, students are more prepared to succeed in college. Our students learn to view the world from diverse perspectives and to cross borders through effective communication based on an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Major programs in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, and education programs in elementary or secondary education with a concentration in Spanish, offer students a curriculum that is balanced between the study of language, cultures, and literary traditions from Spain, Latin America and Latinxs in the USA with an emphasis on a greater awareness of the vital connections between global and local Hispanic communities.
Mission
Through the study of rhetoric and writing, languages, cultures, translation, and great works, students gain access to professional opportunities: travel, promotions, and an edge in our increasingly competitive employment market. Writing, rhetoric, language and culture proficiency gives students the power to think quickly from diverse viewpoints to make proposals, solve problems, and interact with diverse local and international populations, students, or clients. Even when bilingualism is not the deciding factor for initial employment, evidence confirms that excellent writing and language skills can enhance mobility and aid in admission to graduate study and job promotion.
Learning Outcomes for Students in World Languages
The Department of World Languages & Cultures at Western Connecticut State University adheres to national standards for foreign language learning determined by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) for language proficiency and cultural competency through the: Communication, Cultures, Comparisons, Connections, and Communities.
The ACTFL proficiency scale from 2012 established guidelines for language proficiency at the following levels:
- Novice (Low, Mid, High)
- Intermediate (Low, Mid, High)
- Advanced (Low, Mid, High)
- Superior
- Distinguished
Degree Programs in World Languages
Bachelor of Arts
Spanish
Bachelor of Science
Secondary Education: Spanish
Minor Programs
Spanish
Spanish Translation
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (B.A.)
Description: The Department of World Languages & Composition opens doors to the 21st century global economy with the continued growing demand for language skills for business, government, community groups, and international organizations.
In our language programs, students are encouraged to be critical thinking citizens and leaders of our increasingly interdependent world community. Our students learn to view the world from diverse perspectives, and to cross borders through effective communication based on an appreciation of cultural diversity.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 33 SH.
| Choose four 200-level intermediate courses: SPA 203 Cultural Conversations: Film; SPA 212 Spanish for Business; SPA 213 Spanish for Health Professional; SPA 214 Introduction to Spanish Translation; SPA 221 Cultures: Spain; SPA 222 Cultures: Latin America; 227 Cultural Conversations: Food; SPA 228 Cultural Conversations: Borders; SPA 229 Cultural Conversations: Arts | 12 SH |
| Choose five 300-level courses: SPA 311 Spanish Translation: Theory and Practice; SPA 330 Global Voices: Spain; SPA 331 Global Voices: Latin America; SPA 360 Translating America; SPA 365 Global Voices: Social Justice; SPA 370 Translating Latina/o/x; SPA 371 Global Voices: Caribbean | 15 SH |
| SPA 400 Applied Linguistics: Spanish | 3 SH |
| Spanish Elective: Any 200-400 level SPA course | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in Spanish = 2.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Spanish
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Humanities (First Level SPA, depending on placement) | 3 | Elective (2nd Level SPA, if needed) | 3 |
| COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning* | 3 | Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 1 | 3 | SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 3 | 3 |
| SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 2 | 3 | SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 4 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6** | SH |
| SPA 300-Level Course 1 | 3 | SPA 300-Level Course 3 | 3 |
| SPA 300-Level Course 2 | 3 | SPA 300-Level Course 4 | 3 |
| SPA 200-400 Level Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| SPA 400 Linguistics | 3 | SPA 300-Level Course 5 | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Spanish = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0 | |||
*Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**Students who major in Spanish are strongly encouraged to consider a study-abroad experience. Junior year is an opportune time for this. Speak with your advisor for guidance.
Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education: Spanish (B.S.)
Description: This degree provides foundations in Spanish language usage, and the literature and cultures of many Spanish-speaking countries such that graduates are prepared to educate others in this field.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 33 SH, 35 Certification.
| Choose four 200-level intermediate courses: SPA 203 Cultural Conversations: Film; SPA 212 Spanish for Business; SPA 213 Spanish for Health Professional; SPA 214 Introduction to Spanish Translation; SPA 221 Cultures: Spain; SPA 222 Cultures: Latin America; 227 Cultural Conversations: Food; SPA 228 Cultural Conversations: Borders; SPA 229 Cultural Conversations: Arts | 12 SH |
| Choose five 300-level courses: SPA 311 Spanish Translation: Theory and Practice; SPA 330 Global Voices: Spain; SPA 331 Global Voices: Latin America; SPA 360 Translating America; SPA 365 Global Voices: Social Justice; SPA 370 Translating Latina/o/x; SPA 371 Global Voices: Caribbean | 15 SH |
| Spanish Elective: Any 200-400 level SPA course | 3 SH |
| SPA 400 Applied Linguistics: Spanish | 3 SH |
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES | |
| Gen Ed: Fine Arts | 3 SH |
| Gen Ed: Lab Science | 4 SH |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning | 3 SH |
| HIS 148 OR 149 American History | 3 SJ |
| CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS | |
| ED 206 Introduction to Education | 3 SH |
| ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II | 3 SH |
| HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools | 3 SH |
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 SH |
| ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools co-req ED 386 | 3 SH |
| ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience co-req ED 385 | 1 SH |
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 SH |
| ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools | 3 SH |
| ED 340 Assessment of Teaching Strategies | 1 SH |
| ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education (Grade 7-12) | 12 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS Secondary Ed in Spanish = 3.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Secondary Ed – Spanish
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology (CST 110 recommended) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Humanities (First Level SPA, depending on placement) | 3 | Elective (2nd Level SPA if needed) | 3 |
| COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 | Gen Ed: Fine Arts | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning* | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| EHIS 148 OR 149 American History | 3 | ENG Literature | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 1 | 3 | SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 3 | 3 |
| SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 2 | 3 | SPA 200-Level Intermediate Course 4 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Writing & Info Literacy (COMP 102 recommended) | 3 | HPX 215 Health Issues in Schools | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 4 | ED 212 Educational Psychology: Childhood & Adolescence II | 3 |
| ED 206 Introduction to Education | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 ** | SH |
| SPA 300-Level Course 1 | 3 | SPA 300-Level Course 4 | 3 |
| SPA 300-Level Course 2 | 3 | SPA 300-Level Course 5 | 3 |
| SPA 300-Level Course 3 | 3 | SPA 200-400 Level Elective | 3 |
| SPA 400 Applied Linguistics: Spanish | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| EPY 405 Intro to Special Education | 3 | ED 340 Assess. of Teaching Strategies | 1 SH |
| ED 385 Methods of Teaching in Secondary Schools co-req ED 386 | 3 | ED 342 Student Teaching Secondary Education | 12 SH |
| ED 386 Secondary Education Professional Dev. Experience co-req ED 385 | 1 | ||
| ED 440 Integrating Language | 3 | ||
| ED 447 Teaching in Secondary Schools | 3 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS Secondary Ed Spanish = 120; Minimum GPA 3.0 | |||
*Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**Students who major in Spanish are strongly encouraged to consider a study-abroad experience. Junior year is an opportune time for this. Speak with your advisor for guidance.
See the Department of Education and Educational Psychology within the School of Professional Studies.
Major in Spanish
(B.A. SPANISH, B.S. SPANISH-SECONDARY ED.)
Students who complete a major in Spanish (B.A. Spanish, B.S. in Spanish-Secondary Ed.) achieve a minimum level of Advanced Low as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale. Spanish majors and minors are assessed annually for oral and writing proficiency as part of an internal program assessment through a final exam or project during at least one 200-level and one 300-level Spanish course on cultural and/or literary topics.
B.S. Spanish – Secondary Education Certification
Students admitted to the professional semester for the B.S. in Spanish-Secondary Education achieve a minimum level of Advanced Low as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale. In addition to assessment of cultural competency of students in final exams and projects in culture and literature courses, candidates for teacher certification demonstrate oral proficiency and writing proficiency through the following external assessments:
- OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) Language Testing International
- WPT (Writing Proficiency Interview) Language Testing International
Foreign Language Requirements
All students enrolled in B.A. programs and secondary education majors must fulfill the foreign language requirement in one of the following ways:
1. By completing through the third year of one foreign language in high school with an overall “C” average.
2. By studying a total of three years of two foreign languages in high school with an overall “B” average.
3. By successfully completing a foreign language proficiency examination, or by providing the necessary documentation outlined in the language waiver policy in this catalog.
4. By successfully completing a language immersion experience of one semester abroad. Consult the Department of World Languages and Composition or ISEP.
5. By successfully completing the specified language courses at WCSU. Students may fulfill the foreign language requirement by successfully completing an Introductory II second-semester course in languages offered in the Department of World Languages and Composition, or any one semester of a language course at the intermediate level or above that is taught in the target language, not in English.
Introductory Level- Foreign Language Requirement
Students who complete the second semester of an introductory language sequence at WCSU achieve a minimum level of Novice Mid as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale in the following courses or their equivalents: French 164, German 164, Italian 164, Portuguese 164, and Spanish 164. Students may complete the foreign language requirement with an academic language study abroad, which includes:
- Summer Study Abroad in Spain – www.wcsu. edu/spain
- Wintersession in Florence – www.wcsu.edu/italy
- ISEP – www.wcsu.edu/isep
Students who complete the second semester of an introductory language sequence achieve a minimum level of Novice Low as defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale in oral and writing proficiency in the following courses or their equivalents: Arabic 102 and Chinese 164. Assessment at this level is conducted by faculty teaching the course in a final exam or project at the end of the semester.
Arabic 101 and 102 and Chinese 162 and Chinese 164 are available as Student Independent Studies.
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
18 SH (eighteen credits) in Approved Spanish Electives
-Course electives must be approved by a World Languages and Composition Advisor.
-Students shall select electives above the course level of SPA 164 Introductory Spanish II
The Spanish Translation minor (18 SH) is open to all students with at least a minimum of intermediate Spanish proficiency through completion of SPA 197: Continuing Spanish Language & Culture. Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required courses (12 SH):
SPA 212 Spanish for Business
SPA 213 Spanish for Health Professions
SPA 214 Introduction to Spanish Translation
SPA 311 Spanish Translation: Theory & Practice
And choose two (2) courses from the following (6 SH):
SPA 330 Global Voices: Spain;
SPA 331 Representative Authors: Spanish America;
SPA 360 Translating America;
SPA 361 Gender & Sexuality in Spanish America;
SPA 365 Global Voices: Social Justice;
SPA 370 Translating Latina/o/x