BACKGROUND:

The proposed program has been endorsed by the Departments of Humanities and Social Sciences, the School of Business and Engineering Administration, and the College Council of the College of Sciences and Arts. Senate Policy 10-70, Procedures for Developing Significant Changes in the Academic Program requires that the Senate Curricular Policy Committee review proposed programs and submit a recommendation to the Senate. On April 21 the Senate Curricular Policy Committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Senate approve the proposed Certificate Program in Foreign Language and Area Study.

OBJECTIVE:

To encourage undergraduate students at Michigan Technological University to study a foreign language and to take related area study courses by awarding a "Certificate in (French, German, or Spanish) Language and Area Study."

BACKGROUND:

Recognizing the need for global perspectives in professional education, may universities have included the study of foreign languages and cultures in their professional school programs. A certificate program in foreign language and area study could be an effective means to encourage students to become internationally informed professionals.

BENEFITS:

The study of foreign languages and related fields can:

• Improve the professional qualifications of graduates of MTU
• Enhance the career opportunities of graduates of MTU
• Make American students more aware of the ideas, activities, and attitudes of the non-English speaking world
• Increase the students' understanding of English
• Broaden the students' horizons in intercultural understanding
• Improve communication with other nations in an increasingly interdependent and multicultural world.

COSTS

As no new courses are needed, the cost will be limited to the publicity and administration of this modest program.

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Two years of a foreign language (21 credits)
   
   
2. Three area study courses (9 credits)
   1. One course in anthropology or cultural geography (3 credits)
   2. One course in non-U.S. history, non-U.S. political science, or economics (3 credits)
   3. One course in French, German or Spanish literature (330-level) or Intercultural Communication or World Literature in Translation or other courses approved by the Advisory Committee (3 credits)

   Note: The three area study courses should be related or relevant to the specific foreign language. For non-business students, BA206-Principles of Economics III is recommended.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED COURSES

For students who qualify for a Certificate and are interested in taking other area study courses, a list will be prepared by the Advisory Committee to include relevant courses from the Humanities and Social Science departments.

ADMINISTRATION

One member of the foreign language faculty will be appointed by the Department of Humanities to administer this program.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

An advisory committee will be set up to assist the administrator with the development of operating procedures and to deal with specific problems. This committee should be charged with evaluating the effectiveness of the Certificate Program and recommending improvements. The committee will consist of one representative from the School of Business, one representative from the Department of Social Sciences, and one representative from each foreign language.

AWARDING OF THE CERTIFICATE

Michigan Technological University will award the certificate to students who have fulfilled the specific course requirements. The certificate will also be noted on the students' transcripts.

 

Adopted by Senate: 4 May 1983
Approved by Administration: 23 September 1983