Academic Programs Catalog

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Arabic is designed to develop both the linguistic and intercultural skills of students to an advanced level of language competency. Students will study modern standard Arabic and Arabic culture and literature. The major focuses on creating proficient speakers of Arabic who can apply their language skills in a variety of disciplines and careers.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the major should consult an undergraduate advisor in Arabic.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Arabic                   
 

1. The University requirements for bachelor’s degrees as described in the Undergraduate  Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Arabic.
   
   The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Arabic major is met by completing Arabic 401 or 402 or 460 or 461.  Those courses are referenced in items 3. a. and 3. b. below.
2. The  requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The completion of Arabic 202 satisfies the College of Arts and Letters requirement of second-year competency in a foreign language.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (24 credits):
   	ARB	201	Second-Year Arabic I				5
   	ARB	202	Second-Year Arabic II				5
   	ARB	301	Third-Year Arabic I				4
   	ARB	302	Third-Year Arabic II				4
   	ARB	401	Fourth-Year Arabic I (W)				3
   	ARB	402	Fourth-Year Arabic II (W)				3
   b.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
   	ARB	460	Special Topics in Arabic Culture (W)				3
   	ARB	461	Introduction to Arabic Literature (W)				3
   c.	Completion of a capstone experience.
   	This requirement may be satisfied by completion of special assignments in Arabic 460 or 461, an advanced 400-level Arabic language course, ARB 499 Senior Thesis Research, or advanced language study during an approved study abroad program.

This option is designed to encourage students to combine a major in Arabic with a major in another field such as business, economics, history, international relations, political science, or another foreign language.  Students electing this option must meet the requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete the requirements 3. a. as well as select one of the courses listed in 3. b. (Arabic 460 or 461) in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Arabic above to fulfill the requirement of 27 semester credits.

The Minor in Arabic, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures, will provide students the opportunity to acquire a core of basic knowledge of Arabic language and culture.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Arabic.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in Arabic.

Requirements for the Minor in Arabic

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese is designed to equip students with functional proficiency in the language, and cultural sensitivity to and factual knowledge about China. Study abroad is encouraged to provide students with firsthand experience of cultures superficially different from those to which they are accustomed, but are similar in many ways at the level of human interaction.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the major should consult an undergraduate advisor in Chinese.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate  Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Chinese major is met by completing Chinese 401 or 402.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. below.
2. The  requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The completion of Chinese 201 and 202 satisfies the College of Arts and Letters requirement of second-year competency in a foreign language.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	All of the following courses (31 credits):
   	CHS	202	Second-Year Chinese II						5
   	CHS	301	Third-Year Chinese I						4
   	CHS	302	Third-Year Chinese II						4
   	CHS	350	Studies in Chinese Language						3
   	CHS	366	Chinese Culture: Tradition and Modernity (W)						3
   	CHS	401	Fourth-Year Chinese I (W)						3
   	CHS	402	Fourth-Year Chinese II (W)						3
   	CHS	410	Chinese Short Stories						3
   	CHS	466	Modern Chinese Literature and Films (W)						3
   b.	Complete 3 credits from at least one course from the following:
   	CHS	291	Special Topics in Chinese						1 to 4
   	CHS	360	Chinese Film Studies						3
   	CHS	411	Advanced Spoken Chinese						3
   	CHS	491	Special Topics in Chinese Studies						1 to 4
   c.	Completion of a capstone experience. This requirement may be satisfied by completion of special assignments in Chinese 302 (in China), 366, 402 or 466. The capstone experience must be approved by the student’s advisor.
   d.	Study Abroad: Students with a primary major in Chinese are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience approved by the Chinese program. MSU study abroad programs are available at various sites in China and vary in length.
   e.	In order to fulfill the college-level cognate requirement, students should consider the following disciplinary areas from within the College of Arts and Letters: English literature, linguistics, philosophy, art history, and religious studies. Suggested disciplinary areas from outside the college are: sociology, political science, economics, communication and history. With advisor approval history may be treated as a cognate within the College of Arts and Letters. Students are encouraged to formulate interdisciplinary thematic areas for both cognates. Both the cognates and the related courses must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

This option is designed to encourage students to combine a major in Chinese with a major in another field.  Students electing an additional major must meet the requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete requirements 3. a. in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chinese above to fulfill the requirement of 31 semester credits.

The Minor in Chinese, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures provides students the opportunity to acquire a core of basic knowledge of Chinese language and culture.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chinese.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in Chinese

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in German

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate  Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in German.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the German major is met by completing German 420, 435, 445  or 455.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. (3) below.
2. The  requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
    
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following German courses (34 to 40 credits):
   	(1)	Two of the following courses (6 credits):
   		GRM	301	Third-Year German: Global Germany			3
   		GRM	302	Third-Year German: Nature in Germany			3
   		GRM	303	Third-Year German: German Genders			3
   		GRM	304	Third-Year German: German Media			3
   		GRM	311	Business German I			3
   	(2)	Six additional credits at the 300-level, including at least one of the following courses (6 credits):
   		GRM	341	German Literature and Culture Before 1918			3
   		GRM	342	German Literature and Culture Since 1918			3
   	(3)	Twelve credits at the 400-level selected from the following courses (12 credits):
   		GRM	420	Advanced German (W)			3
   		GRM	435	18th and 19th German Literary Studies (W)			3
   		GRM	445	20th Century and Contemporary German Literary Studies (W)			3
   		GRM	455	Major Themes in German Cultural History (W)			3
   		GRM	460	Linguistic Analysis of Modern German			3
   		GRM	461	Applied Linguistics for German Learners and Teachers			3
   		GRM	491	Special Topics in German Studies			1 to 4
   	(4)	The following capstone course (1 credit):
   		GRM	492	Capstone Project			1
   	(5)	German electives:  Additional credits in German courses numbered 250 and above, with the exception of German 400, as needed to meet the requirement of at least 34, but not more than 40, credits in courses in the major. A maximum of 3 credits of German 250 or Linguistics and Languages 250A may be counted as elective credits toward the major.
   	(6)	Education Abroad requirement: Students with a primary major in German are expected to participate in a education abroad experience approved by the German program. MSU study abroad programs are available at various sites in Germany and Austria throughout the year. Completion of German 202, or the equivalent, is a requirement for participation. Under special circumstances, equivalent experiences may be approved by the department.

This option is designed to encourage students to combine a major in German with a major in another field such as international relations, political science, English, another foreign language, or engineering.  Students electing this option must meet the requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete the following requirements for the major in German:

1. The German courses listed in items 3. a. (1) through (4) under the heading Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in German above, plus one additional course of at least 3 credits, to meet the requirement of 28 credits. Additional majors are also expected to participate in a study abroad program as listed in item 3. a. (6) above.

The Minor in German, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures, provides students the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of the German language and German cultures.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in German.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in German

The Minor in Indian and South Asian Studies equips students with linguistic and cultural proficiency focused on India and the other nations of South Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, and Tibet) to enable their future work across the region and the disciplines. Students gain global cultural understanding, develop communication skills, and think analytically. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, internships, student-centered organizations, and experiential learning opportunities through which they can practice the language and deepen their cultural understanding. Students will become conversant with digital technologies as an integrated part of their academic training in preparation for their career beyond MSU.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. 

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in Indian and South Asian Studies

Students must fulfill the following requirements:

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese is designed to equip students with functional proficiency in the language, and cultural sensitivity to and factual knowledge about Japan. Study abroad is encouraged to provide students with firsthand experience of cultures superficially different from those to which they are accustomed, but are similar in many ways at the level of human interaction.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the major should consult an undergraduate advisor in Japanese.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Japanese

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate  Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Japanese major is met by completing Japanese 469.  This course is referenced in item 3. b. below.
2. The  requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree. The completion of Japanese 202 satisfies the College of Arts and Letters requirement of second-year competency in a foreign language.
   1. The following requirements for the major:

      a.	All of the following courses (19 credits):
      	JPN	202	Second-Year Japanese II				5
      	JPN	301	Third-Year Japanese I				4
      	JPN	302	Third-Year Japanese II				4
      	JPN	401	Fourth-Year Japanese I				3
      	JPN	402	Fourth-Year Japanese II				3
      	Students who place out of any of these courses may take additional electives from item 3. c. below to make-up for deficient credits in this requirement. Students may also choose from the following elective courses to make-up deficient credits: Japanese 290, 490, 493, or 499. Course work used to make-up deficient credits must be approved by the student's academic advisor.
      b.	Both of the following courses (6 credits):
      	JPN	369	Japanese Literary and Cultural Studies I				3
      	JPN	469	Japanese Literary and Cultural Studies II (W)				3
      c.	Three of the following courses with at least one course at the 300- or 400-level (9 credits):
      	JPN	260	Japanese Cinema				3
      	JPN	261	Japanese Culture and Anime				3
      	JPN	350	Japanese Language in Society				3
      	JPN	451	Advanced Japanese for Japanese Language Proficiency Test Preparation				3
      	JPN	460	Media and Digital Culture in Japan				3
      	JPN	461	Japanese Children's Literature and Cultural Translation				3
      d.	Completion of a capstone experience.
      	This requirement may be satisfied by completion of an approved education abroad or internship experience in Japan or by completion of JPN 492 Capstone Project.
      e.	Study Abroad: Students with a primary major in Japanese are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience approved by the Japanese program. Michigan State University study abroad programs are available at various sites in Japan throughout the year.
      f.	To fulfill the college cognate requirement of 15 credits, students are encouraged to consider a cognate in the field of East Asian Studies.

This option is designed to encourage students to combine a major in Japanese with a major in another field.  Students electing an additional major must meet the requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete requirements 3. a., 3. b., and one course from 3. c. in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese above to fulfill the requirement of 28 semester credits.

The Minor in Japanese, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures provides students the opportunity to acquire a core of basic knowledge of Japanese language and culture.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Japanese.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in Japanese

The Minor in Korean, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures equips students with linguistic proficiency in the Korean language and cultural literacy about Korea and its place in the world. Students gain global cultural understanding, develop communication skills, and think analytically. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, internships, student-centered organizations, and experiential learning opportunities through which they can practice the language and deepen their cultural understanding.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the department.

Requirements for the Minor in Korean

Linguistics is the scientific study of the nature of human language and the characteristics of particular languages. It is a field with close ties to many areas of study, such as English, foreign languages, psychology, sociology, anthropology, philosophy, history, mathematics, and speech and language pathology; majors may emphasize any one or more of these areas.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Linguistics major is met by completing Linguistics 499. That course is referenced in item 3. a. (2) below.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following Linguistics courses (32 to 38 credits):
   	(1)	One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
   		LIN	200	Introduction to Language			3
   		LIN	401	Introduction to Linguistics			4
   	(2)	All of the following courses (14 credits):
   		LIN	424	Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology			3
   		LIN	431	Introduction to Morphology			3
   		LIN	434	Introduction to Syntax			3
   		LIN	437	Semantics and Pragmatics			3
   		LIN	499	Senior Thesis Research (W)			2
   		The completion of Linguistics 499 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Linguistics major.
   	(3)	Linguistics electives:  Additional credits in Linguistics courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 32, but not more than 38, credits in courses in the major.

The minor in Linguistics, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures will provide a minimum foundation in the field; general knowledge and basic findings and theories in one of the core areas of phonetics-phonology or syntax; and knowledge of one or two subfields selected according to the interest of the student. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in Linguistics

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Russian

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Russian.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Russian major is met by completing Russian 440 or 441. Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. (1) below.
2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major:

   a.	The following Russian courses (32 to 40 credits):
   	(1)	All of the following courses (20 credits):
   		RUS	201	Second–Year Russian I			4
   		RUS	202	Second–Year Russian II			4
   		RUS	420	Russian Life and Culture Before World War I			3
   		RUS	421	Russian Life and Culture in the 20th Century			3
   		RUS	440	Contemporary Russian Life and Culture (W)			3
   		RUS	441	Russian Literature (W)			3
   	(2)	A capstone experience.  This requirement may be satisfied by completing special assignments in Russian 420, 421, 440, or 441; by completing RUS 341Russian Life and Culture of the 20th Century, in Russia, or by completing RUS 499 Senior Thesis Research.
   	(3)	Russian electives:  Additional credits in Russian courses numbered 201 and above, as needed to meet the requirement of at least 32, but not more than 40, credits in courses in the major.

The following cognates from within the College of Arts and Letters are suggested: English literature, history, linguistics, philosophy, art history, and religious studies. Suggested disciplinary cognates from outside the college are:  sociology, psychology, political science, economics, or communication. For both required cognates, students are also encouraged to formulate interdisciplinary thematic areas.

This option is designed to encourage students to combine a major in Russian with a major in another field such as international relations, political science, English, another foreign language, or hotel and restaurant management.  Students electing this option must meet the requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree and must complete the following requirements for the major in Russian:

1. The Russian courses listed in items 3. a. (1) and 3. a. (2) under the heading Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Russian (20 credits).
2. Six additional credits in Russian courses numbered 201 and above.
3. The completion of a major in addition to Russian satisfies one of the cognates required by the College of Arts and Letters.

The minor in Russian, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures, will provide students the opportunity to acquire a core of basic knowledge of Russia, Russian culture, and the Russian language. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Russian. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in Russian

The Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, which is administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures, provides students with the skills necessary to construct learning activities, select and evaluate English teaching.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University except for students in the College of Education. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures.

Requirements for the Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Students must complete a minimum of 15 or 16 credits from the following:

The Minor in Cognitive Science introduces students to one of the most important remaining mysteries in science: the nature of the mind and how biological systems process complex information to produce thought and adaptive behavior, and how artificial systems can be endowed with the same capabilities. The scientific study of the nature of mind requires familiarity with many different theoretical perspectives and empirical traditions, and an appreciation for the concerns of several different academic disciplines. Students enrolled in this minor will gain understanding from a variety of disciplinary viewpoints, of problems in cognitive science.

The Minor in Cognitive Science is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the Minor in Cognitive Science should consult the undergraduate advisor for cognitive science.

Requirements for the Minor in Cognitive Science

Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits from the courses listed below. Independent study and special topics courses must be approved in advance by the advisor for the minor, to ensure that the content of the course is specifically related to cognitive science. Students are encouraged to take advantage of research opportunities with specific faculty members through independent study. The students program of study must be approved by the advisor for the minor.

This program is designed to help meet the national and international need for teachers of English as a second language.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, of the College of Arts and Letters, and of the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Applied Linguistics, each applicant must:

1. include in the application a 500-700 word statement providing the applicants academic background and reasons for pursuing the advanced degree for which application has been made.
2. have three persons who are qualified to comment on the applicants ability to pursue graduate study forward letters of recommendation to the department.
3. take one of the tests of English language proficiency described below if the applicants first language is not English.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. a baccalaureate degree in English or another language–oriented field.
2. a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.25 for the baccalaureate  degree program.

In addition, an international applicant whose first language is not English is required to have fulfilled the university's English language proficiency requirement. For international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English, submit English language test scores, with the test being an approved one from the Michigan State University Graduate School’s list of English language tests for international students.

Students are generally admitted for fall semester only. Spring semester admissions decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Most students complete the program under Plan B (without thesis), although Plan A (with thesis) is also available.  A total of 37 credits is required for the degree under Plan A, and a total of 36 credits is required for the degree under Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student’s advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

The master's degree program in German studies is an integrated program that introduces students to a range of approaches including cultural studies, literary studies, global studies, film studies, language studies and teaching German as a foreign language. The master’s program is an ideal foundation for advanced graduate studies. The degree is also well suited for those teaching in the K-12 system as part of their continuing education. Outreach and co-curricular aspects of the program may also open opportunities for positions in academic or professional contexts.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in German studies, an applicant must:

1. Submit a 500-word personal statement that addresses the applicant's goals for pursuing a Master of Arts degree in German Studies at MSU. 
2. Submit a portfolio of representative work in German.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. Completed at least 27 credits in approved second-, third-, and fourth-year courses in German language, literature, and culture at the college level.
2. Achieved a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in the last two years of the undergraduate program.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in German Studies

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 31 credits is required for the degree under Plan A, and a total of 30 credits is required for the degree under Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete 4 credits of GRM 899  Master's Thesis Research.
2. Pass a final oral examination that covers the student's program of study, thesis, and reading list.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

Complete one of the following:

1. Complete 3 additional credits in courses at the graduate level, and pass final written and oral examinations that cover the student’s program of study and reading list.
2. Complete 3 credits of German 898 Master’s Research Project, and pass a final oral examination that covers the student’s program of study, master’s research project, and reading list.

The Doctor of Philosophy in German Studies seeks to provide students with a critical understanding of the field of German studies in the digital age. The curriculum comprises the study of literature, culture, language and pedagogy within the context of the production and dissemination of knowledge via media and technology. The program emphasizes an integration of curricular and co-curricular activities in the comprehensive training of students in research, teaching, service, and outreach.  It is expected that at least two years of study will be devoted to course work. The program is designed to be completed in four years.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in German Studies an applicant must:

1. Have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field.
2. Submit a 500-word personal statement that addresses the applicant's goals for pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in German Studies at MSU and the applicant's research interests.
3. Submit a 500-word statement of purpose and research interest.
4. Submit a writing sample, either a significant paper or a master's project, written in German and illustrative of the applicant's scholarly abilities.
5. Provide contact information for an interview.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, the applicant must demonstrate German language proficiency sufficient to pursue graduate work in German, as determined by program faculty. If an applicant appears to have inadequate language proficiency, admission to the program may be granted provisionally.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in German Studies

The student must:

1. Complete at least 24 credits but no more than 39 credits in courses approved by the guidance committee, including at least 18 credits in German studies and at least 6 credits outside of German studies according to the student’s research interests.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in German and English and document proficiency in a third language at a level appropriate to the student’s program of study, as determined by the guidance committee. 
3. Pass written and oral doctoral comprehensive examinations.  The examinations will be administered by the student's guidance committee.
   1. Written comprehensive examination:
      The written comprehensive examination will consist of the following parts:
      1. portfolio consisting of a current curriculum vitae, an annotated list of relevant course work, one original research paper suitable for publication, and a reflective statement on one’s research activities, teaching philosophy, and participation in co-curricular pre-professional activities.
      2. four-hour examination on an area or areas coordinated by the guidance committee that is based on courses taken and a reading list approved by the student’s guidance committee.
         To assure breadth, the portfolio paper should be in a different area from the focus area examined in the written examination.
   2. Oral examination: The oral examination will consist of the following parts:
      1. A public presentation, based on the paper referenced in item (1) of the written examination, followed by a question and answer session. 
      2. A two-hour examination based on item (2) of the written examination.
4. Submit a dissertation prospectus to the guidance committee no later than the end of the semester following the one in which the student passes the comprehensive examinations. Approval of the prospectus is required before the student may enroll for additional German 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research credits in subsequent semesters.
5. Successfully defend the dissertation.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Master of Arts degree program in linguistics, an applicant must:

1. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test forwarded to the department.
2. Include in the letter required by the college a 500–700 word statement of purpose and summary of academic background.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A grade–point average of at least 3.20 in courses completed in the last two years of the baccalaureate degree program.
2. Completed an introductory survey course in linguistics.

Provisional Admission

Persons who have not met the requirements for admission on regular status as specified above may be admitted to the program on provisional status and be required to complete collateral courses.  A student who has not completed an introductory survey course in linguistics must enroll in Linguistics 401 during the first semester of enrollment in the program.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Linguistics

The program is available under both Plan A (with thesis) and Plan B (without thesis).  A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B.  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B

Additional Requirements for Plan A

1. Complete 4 credits of LIN 899  Master's Thesis Research. No more than 4 credits of Linguistics 899 may be counted toward the degree.
2. Complete 5 additional credits in courses approved by the student's academic advisor.
3. Pass an oral examination in defense of the thesis.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

1. Complete 9 additional credits in Linguistics courses approved by the student's academic advisor.
2. Pass a written final certifying examination in an area of linguistics. Ph.D. students who have successfully defended their first comprehensive examination paper can use it in lieu of the M.A. Plan B examination and file for M.A. in passing.

Academic Standards

The student must maintain a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.20.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in linguistics, an applicant must:

1. Have the results of the Graduate Record Examination General Test forwarded to the department.
2. Submit to the department a master's thesis or other sample of written work as evidence of the applicant's ability to conduct doctoral–level research.
3. Include in the letter required by the college a 700–1000 word statement of purpose and summary of academic background.

To be admitted to the program on regular status, an applicant must have:

1. A bachelor’s or master's degree in linguistics or related field.
2. A grade–point average of at least 3.50 in courses completed in all previous undergraduate or graduate work.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Linguistics

The student must:

Academic Standards

The student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade–point average of at least 3.50.
2. Not accumulate more than 6 credits with a grade below 3.0 in LIN courses.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Second Language Studies seeks to provide students with a deep understanding of how second, multiple, and additional languages are learned and ways of thinking about the application of this knowledge in a pedagogical context. The program is designed to prepare students for university-level faculty and administrative positions, as well as private and public sector positions, in the fields of language learning and/or teaching. Students will be prepared to conduct research and contribute to the future development of these fields.

Because teaching and research are integral to this program, every effort will be made to provide students with research and teaching experience in the form of graduate assistantships. Teaching experience may include classroom teaching or related activities, such as program and curriculum development.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Preference for admission will be given to those with a Master of Arts degree in a related field. All admission decisions will be made by the Advisory Committee in consultation with other relevant faculty.

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Second Language Studies, an applicant must submit the following along with an application.

1. An Academic Statement of Purpose (ASOP).
2. A writing sample, preferably a research paper or other product that reflects the degree of the applicant’s familiarity with applied linguistics.
3. Three academic references from faculty who are able to address the applicant’s academic background and/or professional experiences.
4. For international applicants and applicants whose first language is not English, English language test scores, with the test being an approved one from the Michigan State University Graduate School’s list of English language tests for international students.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Second Language Studies

Complete 24 to 44 credits of course work. The student’s program of study must be developed in cooperation with and approved by the student’s guidance committee and must include the requirements specified below.

Guidance Committee

The Program Director will serve as the initial advisor. By the midpoint of the second semester, the student will select a guidance committee with a chair. This committee will be comprised of four members, including two core second language studies faculty members.

Academic Standards

In order for the student to be considered in good standing, the student must:

1. Maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 in all courses.
2. Receive a grade of at least 3.0 in courses to be considered as  satisfying any requirement.
3. Not obtain more than 3 credits with a grade below 3.0.
4. Submit the first qualifying research paper by the final submission date within the fourth semester in the program.

Any required examination, pre-dissertation or dissertation defenses, can be repeated only once and must be completed the semester following initial failure. No more than one required examination, pre-dissertation or dissertation defenses, can be failed.

The Graduate Certificate in Second Language Studies, administered by the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Cultures, is designed to provide working professionals in applied linguistics or a related field or current graduate students at Michigan State University with materials and methodologies for researching their own practices, their program’s practices, or external language-teaching programs’ practices in second, additional, or multilingual language-teaching methods. The foci of the program is on applied linguistics and second language acquisition, exploration of the cognitive and social mechanisms underpinning second, additional, and multilingual language development, and how identities and ideologies, and educational language policies, practices, and assessment, affect teaching and learning. The program aids in the understanding of second language acquisition theory and places emphasis on including marginalized and underrepresented language learners and teachers in research on second, additional, and multilingual language learning and teaching.

Admission

Applicants must complete the Intent to Enroll form on the Second Language Studies Program’s Web site at https://sls.msu.edu/admissions/.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Second Language Studies

Students must complete 9 credits from the courses below with a minimum grade of 3.0 minimum in each course for it to count toward the certificate.