Certificate of Competence in
(Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish)
Language and Culture
Requirements
The Certificate of Competence in Language and Culture is designed to allow students to demonstrate competence in a language other than English and a competent understanding of the cultural contexts in which that language is spoken. Undergraduate students from any school or college are eligible to apply.
In order to receive the certificate, students will meet a set of requirements combining academic and co-curricular experiences. Upon completion of the Certificate of Competence in Language and Culture, students will receive a certificate that recognizes their achievement and lists the activities in which they have engaged. A notation acknowledging their successful completion of the Certificate will also appear on the student's university transcript.
Specific requirements are outlined below:
I. Completion of two semesters of language studies beyond the intermediate level (6 credit hours)
One of the language courses beyond the intermediate level (beyond 140) may be taken during a study abroad experience with the consent of the Director. Recommended courses for this requirement are those numbered 150 (a topics course, including "Studies in Language and Culture: National Identity in a Trans-National Age," film, et.) and 160 (a topics course focusing on literature). Other courses at or above this level may be taken with the approval of the Director. (For more information about our course levels, see this page)
II. Completion of a course in intercultural communication (3 credit hours)
Students may take WLC 148 or a pre-approved equivalent course from a study abroad program.
III. Completion of a Study Abroad Experience (5 credit hours)
Before Studying Abroad
Students will complete WLC 180. Students will complete a pre-study abroad survey (the Global Perspectives Inventory) during this course (one credit hour)
While Studying Abroad
Students will complete WLC 181. This study abroad experience may be completed during the academic year or during a summer term. The experience must be in a country in which the language being studied is spoken. It must include experiential learning and be pre-approved by the Director. (one credit hour)
After Studying Abroad
Students will complete XX2 (number to be determined), the capstone course. Students will also complete a post-study abroad survey (the Global Perspectives Inventory) during this course. Students may write a thesis in the target language focusing on a topic related to their major and/or minor. (three credit hours)
Students wishing to receive the certificate should speak with the Director as early in their Drake studies as possible. The Director must also approve the study abroad experience in advance. Once students are accepted into the certificate program, they will be assigned a faculty advisor.
For more information about the certificate or to apply to begin the certificate, please contact the Director Dr. Cadd at marc.cadd@drake.edu