The Certificate of World Language Pedagogy familiarizes students with the instructional methodology of teaching world languages. It is designed to fit into WLL major and minor programs as well as other fields, including Applied Linguistics, Education, and Communication. It is especially suitable for people who have a high level of proficiency in a world language, wish to teach a world language at a private or public K-16 school in the US, or intend to apply to GTEP or other teacher education programs. Candidates may enroll as undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students. The certificate will be available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Russian and Spanish. Students are required to take a total of 20 upper-division credits covering the following four areas: 1. Methods, 2. Linguistics, 3. Content, 4. Practicum. They are expected to have a degree of language proficiency that is determined by each language section in order to qualify for the certificate. Students will have an adviser for the certificate who will guide them through the coursework.
Requirements
Students are required to take a total of 20 credits covering the following four areas: Methods, Linguistics, Content, and Practicum. Students are expected to have a language proficiency at the level required to complete Methods and Practicum courses. The required level of proficiency is determined by each language section. Students will have an adviser for the certificate who will guide them through the coursework.
Area 1: Methods (8 credits)
Students will take 2 courses from among the following methods courses in World Languages or Linguistics to earn a total of 8 credits in language teaching methods. With approval of an adviser, methods courses from other accredited institutions can be used. Ling 438 can only be applied to Area 1 or Area 2.
| Jpn 477 | Teaching Japanese As a Foreign Language | 4 |
| Jpn 478 | Teaching Japanese As a Foreign Language | 4 |
| Span 312 | Introduction to Teaching Spanish | 4 |
| WLL 498 | Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages | 4 |
| Ling 477 | TESOL Methods I | 4 |
| Ling 438 | Second Language Acquisition | 4 |
Area 2: Linguistics (4 credits)
Students will take one linguistics course relevant to the world language of their choice from the following list. If a linguistics course is not available in their chosen language section, the course from Applied Linguistics (Ling 390, Ling 438) may be taken to meet this requirement. Ling 438 can only be applied to Area 1 or Area 2.
Area 3: Content (4 credits)
Students will take one course of literature, language, culture, or content area relevant to the language of their choice. The course may be taught in English or the target language. Upper division courses from the following areas may count towards this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Russian, Spanish, and World Languages and Literatures.
Area 4: Practicum (4 credits)
Students will complete 4 credits of Practicum in the world language of their choice (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Russian, or Spanish). The total of 4 credits can be taken all at once or over multiple terms. At least 1 credit hour of practicum should involve instructional experience supervised by WLL faculty in existing language courses, content courses, or in the community, (which would be pre-arranged by the adviser of the target language). The practicum may include practicum or internship experience abroad. Cooperative Education/Internship (404 with language prefix, e.g., Ar404) and Senior Capstone courses ("Japanese and Chinese Language for Youth," "Bilingual Education," and "Teaching/Tutoring Adult ESL") may substitute for Practicum credits.
All credits should be 300 or above. They may include up to 12 credits taken outside of PSU's program, and credits earned through study abroad at a PSU's partner institution will be considered as residential credits.