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1.
Overview
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Foreign
language instruction at Buffalo State aims not only at
basic proficiency in understanding and use of a foreign
language (grammar, vocabulary, etc.) but also but also,
and crucially for the IF program, at knowledge of the
distinctive features of the cultures associated with the
language studied. Both are crucial for the well-educated
individual. The Committee's proposal for the Foreign
Language requirement is heavily conditioned by the severe
resource constraints facing the College. It aims at
incremental improvement and progress towards a true
proficiency standard.
The SUNY Trustees treat the Foreign Language
requirement as a proficiency. A student may demonstrate
proficiency by presenting high school or other exam
results. We sought to preserve the principle of
proficiency, in parallel with the Mathematics &
Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Buffalo State College
presently requires all students pursuing a B.S. degree to
complete successfully at least two semesters of
college-level instruction in a single language, or to
have completed successfully two years of high school
language instruction. Students pursuing a B.A. degree are
required to complete successfully at least four semesters
of college-level instruction in a single language, or to
have completed successfully four years of high school
language instruction. The high school criteria in both
cases amounts to a "seat time" standard rather than a
true proficiency standard.
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2. Learning
Outcomes/Objectives
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Informational Memo: The
following learning outcomes have already been approved by
the College Senate as part of the GE2K Assessment
Plan.
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a.
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Students will demonstrate basic proficiency in
understanding and use of a foreign language
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i.
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Holistic Language/Communications Strategies
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(a)
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Students will convey meaning clearly at the sentence
level
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(b)
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Students will use vocabulary and idioms appropriate
for the level of study (i.e., avoidance of word-for-word
translation from English, false cognates; command of
frequently confused words in target language, formal vs.
informal address)
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(c)
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Students will describe themselves, someone with whom
they are familiar (i.e., a friend, a favorite singer,
etc.)
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(d)
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Students will identify and categorize,
compare/contrast familiar objects in their immediate
environment
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(e)
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Students will state a fact or opinion, give a piece of
advice (B.A. only)
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(f)
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Students will make a hypothetical statement ("If..., I
would...")(B.A. only)
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ii.
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Foreign Language
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Grammar/Syntax
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(a)
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Students will use verbs marked with appropriate
conjugation
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(b)
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Students will begin to describe events in the past
using correct tense and aspect
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(c)
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Students will use correct subject-modifier agreement
(i.e., correct selection of articles, noun and adjective
endings)
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(d)
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Students will use correct word order
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Oral
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(a)
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Students will speak smoothly, with no more than a
brief hesitation between words and clauses
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(b)
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Students will use accurate and standard
pronunciation
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b.
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Students will demonstrate knowledge of the distinctive
features of culture associated with the language
studied.
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i.
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Students will demonstrate a basic familiarity
with/knowledge of Latin American and Spanish culture, or
the culture of France and Fancophone countries
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ii.
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Students will know basic politeness, daily routines,
celebrations and other differences between American and
target cultures in education, health carte, shopping,
etc.
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3. Options for demonstrating
fulfillment of the learning
outcomes
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a.
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Options for demonstrating fulfillment of the B.S.
learning outcomes
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i.
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Successfully complete the 102 level of a language
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ii.
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Successfully complete two years of standard language
instruction at the high school level, and take a single,
one-credit Foreign Language Across the Curriculum (FLAC)
course, described below. (Subject to approval of FLAC
courses. Eligibility for this option to be determined by
the ad hoc foreign language committee to be established
by the IFOC. See below).
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iii.
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Pass the New York State Regents Exam or equivalent
proficiency exam in a language other than English. (Exact
criteria for this option to be determined by the ad hoc
foreign language committee to be established by the IFOC.
See below).
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b.
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Options for demonstrating fulfillment of the B.A.
learning outcomes
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i.
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Successfully complete the 202 level of a language
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ii.
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Successfully complete four years of standard language
instruction at the high school level, and achieve a score
of 85% on the Regents or equivalent exam, and receive a
grade of "C" (75) or better in the fourth year of
standard high school language study. (Exact criteria for
this option to be determined by the ad hoc foreign
language committee to be established by the IFOC. See
above).
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iii.
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Successfully complete four years of standard language
instruction at the high school level, and take a single,
one-credit Foreign Language Across the Curriculum (FLAC)
course, described below. (Subject to approval of FLAC
courses. Eligibility for this option to be determined by
the ad hoc foreign language committee to be established
by the IFOC. See below).
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iv.
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Pass a proficiency exam in a language other than
English with a score appropriate to the 202 level at
Buffalo State. (Exact criteria for this option to be
determined by the ad hoc foreign language committee to be
established by the IFOC. See below).
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c.
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Foreign Language Across the Curriculum (FLAC)
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Foreign
Language Across the Curriculum courses are one-credit
applied language courses tied to specific content areas
or, in the limit, to specific courses. Students study
specialized vocabulary and research (e.g., on the
internet) resources in the target foreign language that
relate to an area of study. Students may also enroll in a
FLAC course as a means of determining placement
level.
Nota Bene: Committee proposals involving FLAC
courses are subject to IFOC and Senate Curriculum
Committee approval of FLAC courses.
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4.
Implementation
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The IFOC shall form an ad hoc committee of in
Spring, 2003, with the following charge:
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a.
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The committee shall review, and if necessary, revise
the existing Buffalo State College Learning
Outcomes/Objectives for Foreign Languages.
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b.
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The committee shall determine the minimum Regents exam
score along with other minimum, pre-college criteria for,
and means of demonstrating foreign language proficiency
for those who do not normally have access to the New York
State Regents Exams.
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c.
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Review Foreign Language Across the Curriculum course
proposals and make recommendations to the IFOC.
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d.
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All committee decisions are subject to ratification by
the IFOC and may be appealed via the IFOC to the College
Senate Curriculum Committee.
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