Second languages and cultures

A unique program meeting second language needs in all settings

The college’s second languages and cultures program is unique because it addresses teaching issues in all second language settings—world languages, English as a second language, bilingual, and immersion education.

Coursework includes instruction both for teachers who work with minority language students and those who work with majority language students. By incorporating attention to all second language teaching contexts within one program, students receive the opportunity to gain broad perspectives that are valuable regardless of what setting they are in or preparing to enter.

In addition, the programs in this field of study provide preparation not only for those who are or will be teaching in K–12 schools, but also for those who teach at the university level or work with adult learners. The second languages and cultures program offers K–12 licensure, M.Ed., M.A., and Ph.D., as well as a certificate in immersion education, the only certificate of its kind in the U.S.

The program benefits from various factors both within the University and across the Twin Cities. The metro area offers a world of possibilities for language education research due to large numbers of minority language learners as well as language programs for majority language learners. Immigration to Minnesota is accelerating, with significant numbers of non-English speakers arriving from all over the world. In addition, in the metro area alone, 17 Spanish and French language immersion programs for K–12 learners exist.

Foreign language elementary programs operate in many of Minnesota’s schools, and middle and high schools boast strong language programs in both commonly taught and less commonly taught languages (such as Japanese and Russian).

Within the University, faculty and students are involved in research and development projects administered through CARLA, the Center for Applied Research in Language Acquisition, one of 14 national language resource centers. The second languages and cultures program also has strong relationships with several of the University’s language departments.

For more information, please go to: www.education.umn.edu/CI/Languages.