Contact Information
Languages, Literatures and International Studies at NMU
The Department of Languages, Literatures and International Studies offers courses in international studies, language courses in American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Russian and Spanish, as well as culture and literature courses in the target languages and in English. The department occasionally offers courses in other languages and helps facilitate university credit for students who study languages abroad. International and language studies, as well as language and studies provide an excellent liberal education. They enhance virtually any career and increase employment opportunities. International studies, as well as language, culture and literature studies open students to new and exciting horizons, place them in contact with worldwide artistic and intellectual accomplishments, help them to understand other people, and prepare them for success in an increasingly globalized world.
The department offers programs leading to the bachelor of arts degree with majors in French, German Studies, International Studies, Spanish, secondary education French and secondary education Spanish. Minors are offered in Deaf Studies, French, German, International Studies, Spanish, French Education, German Education, Spanish Education, and Workplace Intercultural Competency. Language students are encouraged to participate in language conversation tables.
Student Organizations
- All Nations Club
- Club ASL
- French Club
- German Club
- Spanish Club
- Student Michigan Education Association
Department Facilities
The department has a Language Resource Center located in 111i Learning Resource Center. It has listening and viewing stations for the center’s numerous audio and videotapes. The laboratory is available for class and individual student use. The department also has a resource room for students, while Northern's Olson Library contains representative works by foreign authors, works of criticism and linguistics, and a fine collection of records on history, art and architecture from around the world.
Department/Program Policies
Placement Policies for French, German and Spanish
Students with no previous academic experience with a particular language may take 101 in that language. Students who have passed 101 with a "C" or better in a language may take 102 in that language. Students who have passed 102 with a "C" or better in a language may take 201 in that language, but they may NOT take 101. Students who have passed 201 with a "C" or better in a language may take 202 in that language, but they may NOT take 101 or 102. Students who have passed 202 with a "C" or better in a language may take 300 or 305 in that language, but they may NOT take 101 or 102 or 201. Students who have passed 300 with a "C" or better in a language may take other upper division courses in that language, but they may NOT take 101, 102, 201 or 202. Students who have passed other 300-level classes in a language may NOT take 101, 102, 201 or 202.
Students with credit on their high school transcript for a language or who have any other form of language experience (such as having lived or studied abroad or having grown up hearing a language) must take the online WebCape Placement Exam in that language. Students who wish to enroll in a course other than the one indicated by the Placement Exam results must receive special permission to enroll in a different course by the Department Head or the Instructor of the course via an Add card.
Students who do not observe the foregoing policies will be dropped from the courses for which they register. They will be informed of this action via e-mail.
Advanced Placement Credit
Students may obtain credit for French, German and Spanish I and II (FR, GR and SN 101 and 102) through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Students who complete FR/GR/SN 102, 201 or 202 with a "C" or better can receive credit for the course that precedes it. Students who complete FR 300/GR 301/GR 302/SN 301/SN 302 with a "C" or better can receive credit for 201 and 202.
Students who pass the advanced placement examination (APP-CEEB) with a score of three or higher will receive advanced placement credit in either language or literature depending on the examination that was taken.
Grade Requirements
All non-teaching majors and minors and students seeking language certification must earn a minimum grade of “C” in every language course. Students majoring in secondary education French or secondary education Spanish, or minoring in French education, German education, or Spanish education must maintain a grade point average of 2.70 or greater with no grade below a “C” in the professional education sequence, the major and/or minors and required cognates combined.
Residency Requirements
Departmental majors must take a minimum of 8 credit hours toward their major under the direct supervision of NMU faculty. Departmental minors must take a minimum of 4 credit hours toward their minor under the direct supervision of NMU faculty.
Use of Courses Taught in English for the French Major/Minor and German Minor
Students majoring in French may apply two NMU courses taught in English (a maximum of eight credits) toward the major. French and German minors may apply one NMU course taught in English (a maximum of four credits) toward the minor. Language majors or minors enrolled in courses taught in English will be expected to complete some assignments in either French or German.
Enrolling in LG 350, Methods and Materials in Teaching Language Education
- All students intending to seek teaching certification in one or more languages should contact the faculty member in charge of teaching methods and student supervision as soon as they declare their major and/or minor. They will be monitored throughout the rest of their studies at NMU for satisfactory academic progress and language proficiency.
- Prior to enrolling in LG 350, students must obtain Evaluation Form 1 and 2 from the department secretary in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and International Studies or LG 350 instructor, then complete an oral proficiency interview with a faculty member in each of the languages in which they intend to earn certification. The results of this interview will be entered on Evaluation Form 1 and filed with the Department of Languages, Literatures, and International Studies.
- Students are also required to submit Evaluation Form 2 indicating their potential for becoming successful teachers (maturity, commitment).
Students will be notified of their enrollment status, based on the results of the evaluations. LG 350 is not taught as a directed study.
Study Abroad Programs
Students who major or minor in French, German or Spanish are encouraged to study abroad for at least a semester to improve their language skills and to become immersed in the target culture. Programs are also open to students in other disciplines who want to pursue their studies abroad. For more information please see the “Study Abroad” section of this bulletin.
Language Certification Program Policies and Procedures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and International Studies offers a language certification program in which degree-seeking students can validate their language proficiency skills at less than the minor level, but beyond sophomore-level proficiency. Language certification is available in French, German, or Spanish.
Language certification applications can be obtained in the Department of Languages, Literatures and International Studies upon completion of the requisite courses. Accomplishment of language certification will be noted on NMU transcripts, and the student will receive a certificate from the department.
Elementary and Secondary Education French, Spanish and German
Students with a major or minor in elementary or secondary French, Spanish or German education must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or greater overall, in the major, and/or minor(s) with no grade below a "B-" in the professional education sequence and no grade below a "C" in the major and/or minor(s).
Programs
Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Undergraduate Bulletin