Speaking another language opens up another world. Language is not only a medium of communication; it is also a means of gaining understanding of the customs, thoughts, and beliefs of the people who speak it. Proficiency in a foreign language is a valuable practical tool in this era of global telecommunications. Fluency in the written and spoken word is a powerful survival tool and our goal is to provide this tool to our students.
The methodology of teaching in the department is audio-lingual, and the teachers attempt to communicate with the students almost exclusively in the target language. We encourage the creative use of the language. A “no-fault” approach is utilized in the early curriculum. Students converse without worrying about their conversations being micro-dissected for errors. In this way, they become comfortable in the initial stages of mastery in oral recitation.
Each of our courses places emphasis on the acquisition of appropriate levels of excellence in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. We offer a diversity of experience in the literature of the target languages. Readings are drawn from literary (essays, stories, poetry, and novels) and non-literary texts (articles) texts.
Assessments include: Midterm and final exams, at least two exams per marking period, quizzes, oral projects, listening comprehension activities, on-the spot speaking responses and evaluations of articles concerning international events, national issues, local events, entertainment and sports in foreign language newspapers for upper level classes. We encourage our students to become proficient in all aspects of communication of the specific language studied. The goal of the faculty is to accomplish this purpose with a curriculum that is progressively more challenging with each additional year of study.
Course Descriptions
Spanish
Students in Spanish I begin to develop proficiency in listening and speaking the Spanish language. Proper pronunciation is emphasized, and students engage in simple conversations. There is extensive emphasis on vocabulary acquisition. Basic grammatical structures are learned and gradually, with the use of authentic materials, they develop the necessary skills for effective and accurate written communication. The culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world is explored.
All students who have successfully completed Spanish I are eligible to take this course which is designed to reflect the main thrust of foreign language instruction: communication. This is effectuated by the continued concentration on the four areas of Spanish language mastery: reading, writing, speaking and listening. The teaching of Spanish II is thematic: vocabulary is introduced in manageable amounts and in meaningful contexts. In addition, one of the foremost goals of students enrolled in this course is to be able to function effectively with the spoken language and to hone their listening comprehension skills. The students further develop their knowledge of the culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking world.
The students continue to develop the four basic language proficiencies in a communicative setting. Emphasis continues to be on the acquisition of an extensive active vocabulary that will enable them to communicate in a wide variety of real-life situations. Spanish language skills are enhanced by written application and reading and writing abilities are polished. Maximum communicative practice is afforded the student with additional concentration on listening skills. Spanish newspapers, short stories and films are presented to stimulate discussion and reading comprehension.
The students enrolled in this course master topical vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and practical expressions on an advanced level. They discuss a variety of contemporary themes gathered from authentic materials, including novels. Newspaper article analysis assigned weekly and written paragraphs and essays submitted. This course emphasizes aural comprehension and oral proficiency. Those students wishing to enroll can take this course for college credit from Adelphi University. Three college credits may be earned. (Adelphi Spanish 122)
A communicative approach will be continued of Spanish language mastery including in- depth literary analysis and essay and paragraph writing. The students will acquire more advanced communicative skills in multiple tenses with an extensive vocabulary base as well as increased synonym and antonym acquisition. Cultural information will be accessed and discussed, Spanish newspapers read weekly, and novels, essays and poetry will be studied. Literary vocabulary is taught. These students will be eligible for Adelphi University college credits upon completion of the course.
French
Students in French I begin to develop proficiency in listening and speaking the French language. Proper pronunciation is emphasized, and students engage in simple conversations. There is extensive emphasis on vocabulary acquisition. Basic grammatical structures are learned and gradually, with the use of authentic materials, they develop the necessary skills for effective and accurate written communication. The culture and civilization of the French-speaking world is explored.
The students continue to develop the four basic language proficiencies in a communicative setting. Emphasis continues to be on the acquisition of an extensive active vocabulary that will enable them to communicate in a wide variety of real-life situations. Spanish language skills are enhanced by written application and reading and writing abilities are polished. Maximum communicative practice is afforded the student with additional concentration on listening skills. Spanish newspapers, short stories and films are presented to stimulate discussion and reading comprehension.
The students continue to develop the four basic language proficiencies in a communicative setting. Emphasis continues to be on the acquisition of an extensive active vocabulary that will enable them to communicate in a wide variety of real-life situations. French language skills are enhanced by written application and reading and writing abilities are polished. Maximum communicative practice is afforded by additional concentration on listening skills. French newspapers, short stories and films are presented to stimulate discussion and reading comprehension.
The students enrolled in this course master topical vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and practical expressions on an advanced level. They discuss a variety of contemporary themes gathered from authentic materials, including novels, films, short stories, articles and newspaper articles. Literary vocabulary is acquired. This course emphasizes aural comprehension and oral proficiency. These students will be eligible for Adelphi University college credits upon completion of the course.
Faculty
