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`If students have a passion for foreign languages and are looking for courses to take here at Millersville University, the Foreign Language department currently offers courses in French, Spanish and German and offers four degrees—B.A.; B.S.E., with certification in either French, Spanish or German; M.A.; and M.E.D..
Millersville’s International Studies Curriculum Committee of foreign language professors has noticed this narrow scope of curriculum and has been brainstorming the putting together of a survey to “gauge the students’ interest” and need in terms of the teaching of foreign languages here at Millersville.
Dr. Robert J. Bookmiller, associate professor of Government and Political Affairs, director of the International Studies Program and director of the International Studies Committee, remarked late last week that the survey would be gauging the teaching of foreign languages at the University, but so far, any talk about according action has not been had.
According to Rachel Schultz, junior, who took an introductory 100-level Spanish course her Freshman year, her experience was “okay,” but in general she thought “there should be more languages taught,” after being informed that only three languages are offered at Millersville.
Christine Gaudry-Hudson, Foreign Language chair and associate professor of French, has heard comments such as those from Schultz, and more so from Government majors and Foreign Language majors and minors, who feel a need, especially in this time of such an interwoven international culture, to be able to communicate readily.
“All International Studies majors must complete a minor in a foreign language in order to graduate,” said Gaudry-Hudson. “At the present time, MU only offers a minor in French, German, Spanish and Latin, but several students have expressed interest in having exposure to other languages, especially from Asia and Africa.”
In order to meet the students’ stated needs, “the International Studies Curriculum Committee has decided to conduct a short e-mail survey of all MU students,” said Gaudry-Hudson.
Currently, students’ only option is to take foreign languages not offered at Millersville, at Franklin and Marshall College.
Senior Chris Doty, a Spanish minor, said the Foreign Language curriculum should have “more diverse languages, such as Arabic or Japanese” and that more “important languages” should be available.
By “important” Doty meant relevant such as in the example of Government majors who would like to have at least some experience in middle-eastern languages.
Though the Foreign Language department currently does not offer any more than three foreign languages and no non-western languages, Gaudry-Hudson said the University is “committed to respond to the changing needs of a dynamic society and the survey [will] help us determine how to best meet the needs of students.”
Students can visit www.millersville.edu/~forlang to find out more about the Foreign Language department at Millersville University.