Special Programs and Activities

The Department prides itself for providing a relaxed and stimulating atmosphere in which working and learning go hand in hand with socializing. Faculty and TAs have a good rapport with their students and many of our teachers are involved in extracurricular activities (also see below). We have get-togethers in which colleagues get to talk to their peers and to our undergraduate students, and we also enjoy meeting our students' parents. Please follow the links below to see some images of recent departmental functions.

 

	Pictures from our departmental party Fall 2004
	Luncheon for our graduating seniors and parents. June 2003
	Pictures from our departmental Spring Fling. Spring 2003

 

Study Abroad

Our programs are primarily for intermediate students except for the Pamplona, Spain program, which offers third and fourth year courses. The Mexico program has recently offered some individualized internships for more advanced students. Please see the detailed descriptions of the departmental study abroad programs in the respective language sections.

Ohio University students may also participate in programs sponsored by other universities with the assistance and coordination of the Study Abroad Office of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Center for International Studies.

Tutorial Programs

A three-year program for exceptionally well-qualified students is offered in French and Spanish through the Honors Tutorial College . The student generally devotes two-thirds of his or her time to the major and one-third to related disciplines. Although students may take or audit any University course, most course work is done under the direction of tutors. An honors tutorial student takes comprehensive examinations in the areas approved by the director, submits a thesis in the final year, and usually spends one quarter studying in one of the departmental centers abroad. Admission to this program is through the Honors Tutorial Program.

National Language Honorary Societies

Eligible students may join various national honorary societies for languages and cultures. The following societies have chapters at Ohio University:

Delta Phi Alpha is a national German honorary whose purpose is to recognize the academic excellence of advanced German students from all majors and colleges within the university and to promote the study and appreciation of the language and cu ltures of the German-speaking areas. Activities have included free tutoring for beginning students and the organization of German festivals in Athens. Delta Tau, the O.U. chapter, has been active since 1958.

Sigma Delta Pi is a national Spanish honorary that focuses on the Hispanic world. At O.U. the organization sponsors cultural events such as "El día de los muertos."

Phi Sigma Iota is an international honorary for Romance Languages. At Ohio University it serves as a club for our outstanding French students. Events include an annual dinner for members and inductees, participation in the international street fair, and tutoring for local high school students.

 

Other Clubs and Organizations

Slava, the Russian Culture Club is a student-run organization whose purpose is to promote and develop interest in Russia, its language, culture and heritage throughout the Ohio University community. In addition to sponsoring the Russian Conversation Table and the occasional Russian Film Series, Slava helps organize other lectures and events to promote discussion of Russia. A highlight of every quarter is the Slava Russian dinner.

 

The Spanish Club sponsors and organizes various activities related to the Hispanic world, including trips to music and theater performances, dances, and other events.

 

Activities

Language-related activities and cultural events contribute significantly to the learning experience of the student of modern languages. The location of Ohio University in a relatively small town with a rich natural setting provides ample opportunities for activities outside the classroom.

 

Cultural events

 

Students are encouraged to participate in the Foreign Language Fair, sponsored annually by the Department of Modern Languages in cooperation with Ohio high school teachers and students. The annual International Street Festival, sponsored by the International Students' Association, is a day-long event featuring ethnic foods, traditional songs and dances, and other activities. Students from our department contribute to this very popular festival with dance numbers, traditional costume displays, food sampling booths, and other types of informative exhibits. Thanks to Sigma Delta Pi, the city of Athens has the opportunity to celebrate "El día de los muertos," the Mexican All Soul's Day, with a mass in Spanish, accompanying music and chorus, and a Galbreath Chapel decorated especially for the event. The German section brings several other celebrations to life in Athens: Oktoberfest in the fall, Fasching (Carnival) during winter quarter and Maifest (May Fest) in the spring.

 

Conversation Hours

 

The various language sections (French, Italian, Russian, German, and Spanish) hold weekly conversation hours that give students the opportunity to speak the languages with professors, native speakers, and other students in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The meeting place may be the lounge of a dorm, a local café, or a nearby park. Students planning to study abroad attend these conversation hours as part of their preparation.

Colloquia

The Spanish section, in conjunction with the Spanish Club and La Organización de Latino América, has begun an annual Coloquio primaveral, to which authors and critics are invited in the spring quarter.

Theater

Teatro La Caterva is a student theater group directed by Ohio University Spanish Professor José Delgado-Costa whose goals are three-fold: to provide immersion in the language for students, to advance social issues, and to serve the growing Spanish-speaking community of the area. The group performs on the Ohio University campus, often to standing-room only crowds, and has travelled to literary conferences in Kansas and Kentucky.

 

Film Series

 

The German, Russian, French, and Spanish language students organize separate film series each year. The series include both classics and latest releases, all in the original languages.

 

Publications

 

Students of Spanish have the opportunity to contribute to ¡Dígamelo! a magazine published by our department featuring articles, stories and poems in Spanish written by our students and faculty.