Why study foreign languages?
Research has shown that studying a second language can improve your skills in math and English and in turn, improve your entrance exam scores. In addition, learning a new language can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Knowing more than one language enhances opportunities in government, business, law, medicine and health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications, industry, social service, and marketing. Studies also show that learning a foreign language can help prevent dementia. Researchers from York University in Toronto, Canada, analyzed hospital records of patients diagnosed with a variety of types of dementia and found that those who were bilingual throughout their lives delayed the onset of the disease by three to four years. Learn more here from HuffPost UK.
Why teach a foreign language?
Teaching a foreign language gives you the opportunity to teach students skills that they will be able to use outside the classroom in this globalized world. In addition, you will be able to transfer your knowledge and understanding of the target culture and language to your students. By teaching a foreign language, you are certain to remain an expert in the target language through daily practice. Another benefit to becoming a foreign language teacher is having the chance to enjoy cultural experiences, such as traveling abroad with your students.
There is an urgent need for foreign language teachers! We have a new opportunity for teachers interested in learning about methods of teaching foreign languages in immersion programs.
Why study Foreign Language Education at Hofstra?
- 37-credit program
- Students connect with a large network of cooperating teachers and Hofstra alumni.
- Students are afforded with extensive resources through the Office of Field Placement and the Office of Educational Support Services, collaboratively serving students throughout the teacher certification process.
- Classes are offered throughout January, Spring, Summer, and Fall sessions to support students with flexible course loads. Evening courses allow students to complete field placements and student teaching requirements during the day.
- Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish
Foreign Language Education Programs
Foreign Language Education, B.A.
Prospective teachers of French, Italian, Spanish, German or Russian select the language they wish to teach as a liberal arts and science major (see specific language requirements). After completing a minimum of 45 semester hours of college semester hours of course work, the student then chooses Foreign Language Education as a co-major. For admission policies, procedures, and program requirement, see Secondary Education, Undergraduate Programs at the beginning of the Secondary Education heading.
In the specific language studies, the prospective teacher must earn 24-36 semester hours above level 4 (depending on the particular language major) a d must acquire sufficient competence to utilize the language as an instrument of oral and written communication. Before student teaching, the prospective teacher must present to the Office of Field Placement a statement from the chairperson of his/her language major(s) attesting to proficiency in written and oral communication in that language. In addition, prospective teachers of French, Italian, Spanish, German, or Russian must be knowledgeable of the culture and society of the country or countries in which the target language is spoken.
All prospective teachers of French, Italian, Spanish, German, or Russian must complete a minimum of each of the following: 6 semester hours of culture, 3 semester hours of conversation practice, 3 semester hours of grammar, and 3 semester hours of composition (see academic adviser within the major for specific courses). The adviser may recommend additional course work in one or more of these areas to remedy identified weaknesses. Prospective teachers of French, Spanish or Italian will register for FREN 107, SPAN 108, or ITAL 108 for a total of 1 semester hour.
The co-major in Foreign Language Education consists of a minimum of 31 semester hours of education course work, and you can view the Foreign Language Education (French, Italian, Spanish, German or Russian), BA Major in curriculum here.
Foreign Language Education, M.S.Ed.
This course of study is intended for career changers looking for New York state initial certification, valid for teaching languages other than English in grades 7-12. This program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time teaching. Literacy, multicultural education, and information technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms with the New York State Learning Standards in Languages other than English and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages standards for oral proficiency. Individuals interested in extending their certification to include foreign language instruction in the elementary school, grades 1-6 should see FLES program. View more information on the Foreign Language Education, MSEd curriculum.
Language Other Than English (LOTE) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), M.S.Ed.
Courses in this dual program lead toward the following two New York state teaching initial certificates: Languages Other Than English (LOTE) in Grades 7-12 and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in Grades PreK–12. The program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time student teaching. Literacy education, multicultural education, meeting the needs of learners with exceptionalities, and the use of technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. View more information on the Languages Other Than English and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, MSEd curriculum.
