The Senate of Michigan Technological University


PROPOSAL 5-89

ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDY
Department of Humanities

 

PROPOSAL STATEMENT:

The Senate of Michigan Technological University recommends that the Department of Humanities offer an Advanced Certificate in Foreign Language and Area Study.

 

Students at Michigan Technological University preparing for careers in business, science, and technology will be expected to understand the intensely interdependent nature of the world community. In order to increase global awareness and international competence, students must develop a better understanding of the complex interactions between society and technology. By awarding an "Advanced Certificate in Foreign Language and Area Study" the university can encourage students to make more effective use of their thematic studies courses. Knowledge of other nations, their cultures and languages will improve the professional qualifications of MTU graduates and enhance their career opportunities.

BACKGROUND:

Recognizing the need for global perspectives in professional education, Michigan Technological University encourages students to become internationally informed professionals. On May 4, 1983, the Senate approved proposal 7-83, Certificate Program in Foreign Language and Area Study. By March 23, 1989, 145 students met the requirements for the certificate.

Michigan Technological University has also offered students the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs and internships. In his annual address to MTU employees on December 8, 1988, President Dale F. Stein set as one of the goals for the university "to develop a global perspective by expanding the foreign language and intercultural studies program."

CERTIFICATE GOALS:

This certificate will contribute to developing a global perspective since it focuses on advanced courses in foreign languages, culture, literature, and communication.

CERTIFICATE CONTENT:

Using the Certificate in Foreign Language and Area Study as prerequisite, the Advanced Certificate will broaden the students' understanding of intercultural issues through the interdisciplinary seminars, internship and study abroad programs as well as other courses leading to global competence. In order to ensure language fluency, students must take at least six credits in the target language.

SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Basis: Certificate in Foreign Language and Area Study

10 Credits from the following two areas:

  1. 4 credits must be earned in HU 475, HU 485, or HU 495 (HU 670 for graduate students)
      HU 475 Advanced Foreign Language Seminar: Technology in Literature
      HU 485 Advanced Foreign Language Seminar: Language and Power
      HU 495 Advanced Foreign Language Seminar: Individual and Society
      HU 670 Advanced Foreign Language Seminar in Literature and Film


  2. 6 credits may be earned in other HU courses on the 300-level or above. The following courses have been approved by the faculty of the Department of Humanities on February 7, 1989:
      HU 375 HU 381 HU 385 HU 395 HU 475 HU 303* HU 450* HU 570
      HU 376 HU 382 HU 386 HU 396 HU 485 HU 304* HU 460* HU 585
      HU 377 HU 383 HU 387 HU 397 HU 495 HU 328 HU 470* HU 670
                HU 445    
    *with permission of certificate advisor

COSTS:

Since the development of the interdisciplinary seminars is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and no new courses are needed for this program, the Advanced Certificate will not require funding by the university.

ADMINISTRATION:

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

AWARDING 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 each student's transcript.

 

Adopted by Senate: 26 April 1989
Supported by Administration: 3 May 1989