Undergraduate Programs

The goals for the first year language program include development of the following: mastery of the alphabet, basic vocabulary and of the forms and syntax essential for reading and oral comprehension. Elementary writing skills are taught at this stage as well. In addition, the program introduces the students to some elements of Russian and Polish literature, culture, or history. Furthermore, students are taught some vocabulary, forms, and syntax through the limited introduction of original texts.

In assessing the beginning student's knowledge a number of instruments are used. These include quizzes (both written and oral), homework, tests, class participation/response, in-class writing exercises. Close attention is given to assessing the student's knowledge of vocabulary, forms, and syntax in context. These tools include comprehension questions, transformation exercises, substitution exercises, translating sentences and/or passages at sight, translating English sentences into target language. Tests include material that the student has not seen before (such as sight passages or sentences) to assess the student's ability to apply knowledge to new contexts. They also include previously studied and memorized forms and vocabulary in context. Classroom drills that involve the whole class together as well as those that involve one student at a time are utilized for practice and ongoing assessment by both teacher and student. Oral examination designed to test students' progress in oral comprehension, reading, and speaking is given at the end of each semester.

In addition to reviewing the material studied previously, in 201-202 students learn forms, vocabulary, and syntax not encountered in the first year. There is more emphasis on writing and more exposure to original texts. Assessment instruments used at this point of study mirror the ones used in the elementary courses. Increasingly more attention, however, is given to developing listening comprehension and speaking.

In the advanced classes students improve their knowledge of grammar, enlarge their vocabulary, and continue working on oral comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. There is a variety of 300 level classes offered, but they all incorporate a close study of grammatical and syntactical forms with practical usage. Most of the material studied and analyzed consists of original texts from literature, journalistic writing, business, and other relevant areas of language. Concepts of style are discussed and literary elements are identified when appropriate. In translation courses, equal attention is given to the English and to the target language in terms of grammar, style, and adequate rendering of the original in another language. Depending on the course, class work consists of reading, discussion, grammar drills, as well as translation of original texts from Russian or Polish into English and from English into Russian or Polish. Tests are given that include both prepared and sight material. Grammar, syntax, vocabulary knowledge and linguistic analysis are assessed through identifications, substitutions, completions, and composition. Oral testing is utilized as well.