International Languages & Literature

Academics

We offer courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Swahili, and Spanish. Courses are also occasionally taught in Portuguese and other languages. Currently, we offer minors in French and Spanish.   

 ILC faculty are committed to engaging learners and guiding them through the option of minoring and pursuing study abroad experiences. Our courses encourage dialog in the target language, collaboration across learners, and openness to new ways of thinking.

About Us

The vision statement of Central State University is to produce graduates who will make contributions to a global society. 

The International Cultures & Literatures is a vibrant unit that works to prepare students for the realities of a globalized world. We challenge learners in a supportive environment where they can develop their linguistic skills and intercultural competence.

Our courses investigate the cultural, literary, and critical aspects of societies that use our languages. This means that learners develop a base of knowledge not only in language but, just as importantly, a repertoire of skills and attitudes that are vital for understanding and navigating the highly globalized world of the 21st century.

Our Beliefs
Linguistic Diversity, An American Reality

More than 110 home and native languages are spoken in homes within the state of Ohio (Ohio Department of Education, 2020). Moreover, more than 350 languages are spoken by people in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau, 2015). This means that languages other than English should be viewed as precious resources, helping the United States to engage with an increasingly competitive, interconnected world.

Critical Self-Reflection for Global Citizens 
Goethe wrote: “Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.”  We strongly believe that studying another language and culture enriches education in profound ways. Understanding others’ language and culture avails a critical understanding and appreciation of one’s own language and culture. Consequently, we are dedicated to developing learners’ communicative skills in a second language but also to developing learners’ abilities to analyze literary and cultural artifacts, to identify and evaluate multiple points of view, and become critically self-aware. Together, these skills developed in our courses represent the tools needed to be global citizens.

Developing Learners’ 21st-Century Skills
A university education must impart skills with application in the 21st century (ACTFL, 2020). Among these skills are:

·      an ethos of productivity/ accountability,

·      an ability to be self-directing and responsible,

·      flexibility and adaptability,

·      social and cross-cultural skills,

·      communication and collaboration,

·      literacies in technology, media/ information,

·      creativity/ innovation,

·      & critical thinking/ problem-solving.

Our courses develop these skills or provide learners with opportunities for their development in meaningful, communicative ways.

Honors College Projects 
Learners in our courses can enhance their academic and professional portfolios by proposing and implementing an Honors College project. Learners can develop their unique interests in cultural aspects related to our courses, culminating in an accomplishment that is meaningful to them beyond academics.

Exciting Projects and Learning Opportunities
We provide exciting opportunities and study abroad in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East/ North Africa (M.E.N.A.), as well as virtual exchange programs with students in those regions.

We encourage our learners to take advantage of study-abroad opportunities. We recommend that all CSU students spend at least one semester studying abroad. Students can apply for financial aid to fund study abroad programs. CSU’s Center for Global Education can offer more information.

ILC Credit for Advanced Placement (AP) Courses 
We recommend students who have already taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school pursue a minor in those languages. For students having earned a three or higher on AP tests, credit can be discussed with the Registrar. More information on earning a minor can also be found through the Registrar. Contact individual ILC Faculty for further information, whose interests can be explored here.  


Michael Gormley
Chair
Wesley Hall, Room 212
O: 937-376-6459
E: mgormley2@centralstate.edu

James Williamson
Administrative Secretary
Wesley Hall, Room 212
O: 937-376-6459
E: jwilliamson@centralstate.edu