Teaching
With the exception of certain courses in Russian, all Modern Literatures and Cultures courses are taught in the target language, so you'll always receive reinforcement in listening, speaking, reading and writing. At the 300 level, different courses focus on different skills. For instance, conversation courses are more oral-intensive. The “Introduction to Literature” courses fulfill the field of study literary studies (FSLT) general education requirement in addition to improving your reading ability and giving you a good background in the literary works that have influenced the languages and cultures of your study. Courses at the 400 level tend to focus on specific topics and periods. Through the study of literary texts, films and other documents, students explore historical and contemporary questions in a cultural context.
Practice Assistants
To help students learn, the department has created a “practice assistants” program in which students with advanced language skills can apply to serve as assistant teachers for French, German, Italian, Russian and Chinese language programs. The teaching assistant leads one to two 45-minute “drills” a week, each with no more than 10 language students. Language students gain the benefit of practicing their skills outside of the regular class sessions and advanced students cement their fluency as they work with beginner and intermediate students.
A small stipend, or academic credit, is available to practice assistants. Tryouts are usually held in late spring and early fall for the following semesters and are led by language program directors. Students who have never worked on campus before must contact Student Employment before beginning work. International students must also obtain a letter from Krittika Onsanit as well as a social security number prior to beginning employment.
