Global Cultures and Languages (GCL) - Courses

+GCL 100 Cr.3

Cultural Encounters: Becoming a Global Citizen

In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is essential. This course invites students on a transformative journey of encountering different cultures, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for navigating and thriving in diverse environments. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, experiential learning, and reflective practices, students navigate encounters of various cultures, including, but not limited to ethnic, religious, linguistic, and regional diversities. Offered Fall.

GCL 101 Cr.4

Elementary Languages I

This is the first of two introductory courses in target languages which covers oral and written language study, reading, and grammar. Repeatable for credit in different languages - maximum eight credits. Offered Fall.

+GCL 102 Cr.4

Elementary Languages II

This is the second of two introductory courses in target languages which covers oral and written language study, reading, and grammar. Repeatable for credit in different languages - maximum eight credits. Prerequisite: GCL 101 in the target language. Offered Spring.

+GCL 201 Cr.4

Intermediate Languages I

This is the first of two intermediate level courses that covers oral and written language study, reading, and grammar. Repeatable for credit in different languages - maximum eight credits. Prerequisite: GCL 102 in the target language. Offered Fall.

+GCL 202 Cr.4

Intermediate Languages II

This is the second of two intermediate level courses that covers oral and written language study, reading, and grammar. Repeatable for credit in different languages - maximum eight credits. Prerequisite: GCL 201 in the target language. Offered Spring.

+GCL 299 Cr.3

Global Literature in Translation

The primary focus of this course is on major and representative works originally written in French, German, Russian, Spanish and/or Chinese. The course is taught in English by specialists of the respective literatures. Content and theme vary with instructors. Offered Occasionally.

GCL 300 Cr.3

World Language Education: Field Experience I

This course is designed to equip teacher candidates to understand theoretical and research-based foundations of world language instruction. Through an integrated practicum experience at a local school, candidates will learn about the complex processes of planning discipline-specific world language instruction, engaging students in learning, and assessing student learning. Candidates further develop understanding and practices related to the topics of teacher performance assessment (edTPA), professionalism, and classroom management. A multi-day, consistent schedule (typically 3 consecutive half days) in the field experience classroom is established by the course instructor in consultation with the teacher candidate and cooperating teacher. Prerequisite: EDS 203, EDS 206; concurrent enrollment in GCL 400; admission to teacher education. Offered Spring.

GCL 310 Cr.3

Theories and Research in Second Language Acquisition

This course is designed as an introduction to the field of second language acquisition. It surveys the different theories of second language acquisition and focuses on connecting theory to practice through student-led undergraduate research projects. In this course, learners gain foundational knowledge of second language acquisition and related theories and will examine current research trends through the analysis of various empirical studies as related to second language acquisition. Prerequisite: junior standing and one of the following: AP foreign language score of 3 or higher; placement into 201-level or higher foreign language course; score 70 or higher on La Crosse Battery (non-native speakers of English); grade "B" or better in 102-level or higher foreign language course taken at UWL (taught in foreign language). Offered Fall.

GCL 320 Cr.3

World Language Education: Field Experience II

This course is designed to equip teacher candidates to understand theoretical and research-based foundations of world language instruction. Through an integrated practicum experience at a local school, candidates learn about the complex processes of planning discipline-specific world language instruction, engaging students in learning, and assessing student learning. Candidates further develop understanding and practices related to the topics of teacher performance assessment (edTPA), professionalism, and classroom management. A multi-day, consistent schedule (typically 3 consecutive half days) in the field experience classroom is established by the course instructor in consultation with the teacher candidate and the cooperating teacher. Prerequisite: GCL 300; concurrent enrollment with GCL 420; admission to teacher education; junior standing. Consent of department. Offered Fall.

GCL 398 Cr.1-3

Advanced Languages

This course is an advanced study of target languages and cultures. Instruction may be offered on an individualized basis or when a course is available on another campus, through distance education (CLP). Through collaboration with another campus or program, students have the opportunity to take a course in a language not currently taught at UWL. Repeatable for credit in different languages - maximum six credits per language. Prerequisite: 202-level course in the target language. Offered Occasionally.

GCL 400 Cr.3

Teaching World Languages: Methods and Approaches

This course, taken concurrently with a Field I experience course, is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as professional world language educators. As the first course in the program's two-course methods sequence, this course is intended to introduce the student to prominent approaches and methods of language teaching as well as guiding frameworks and essential concepts in the field. Students connect theory to practice by engaging in introductory activities focused on philosophies of language teaching, unit planning, assessment, and observations. Prerequisite: EDS 402 or concurrent enrollment in GCL 300; admission to teacher education. Offered Spring.

GCL 420 Cr.3

Teaching World Languages: Design and Application

This course, taken concurrently with a Field II experience course, is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed as professional world language educators. As the second course in the program's two-course methods sequence, this course prepares students to design and implement effective world language lessons. Students connect theory to practice by engaging in applied activities related to lesson and task design, teaching demonstrations, formative assessment, technology integration, and other practical methods. Prerequisite: GCL 300 or EDS 402; concurrent enrollment with GCL 320 or EDS 446; admission to teacher education; junior standing. Offered Fall.