The Certificate of World Language Pedagogy familiarizes students with the instructional methodology of teaching world languages. It is designed to fit into WLL major and minor programs as well as other fields, including Applied Linguistics, Education, and Communication. It is especially suitable for people who have a high level of proficiency in a world language, wish to teach a language at a private or public K-16 school in the United States, or intend to apply to GTEP or other teacher education programs. Candidates may enroll as undergraduate or post-baccalaureate students.
The certificate is available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Russian, and Spanish.
Students are required to take a total of 20 upper-division credits covering the following four areas: 1. Methods, 2. Linguistics, 3. Content, 4. Practicum. They are expected to have a degree of language proficiency that is determined by each language section in order to qualify for the certificate. Students will have an advisor for the certificate who will guide them through the coursework.
Requirements
| Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 |
|---|
| Methods | Linguistics | Content | Practicum |
| 8 Credits | 4 Credits | 4 Credits | 4 Credits |
| Options: WLL498, JPN477, JPN478, SPN312, LING477, LING438 (used only in one area) | Options: AR 414, 490; CHN 490; FR 325, 414, 490, 494, 497; GER 414, 490, 494; IT 390; JPN 414, 494; RUS 325, 414, 494, 497; SPAN 325, 414, 490, 494, 497, 498; WLL390; LING 390, 438 (used only in one area) | Options: 300 and 400 in AR, CHN, FR, GER, IT, JPN, PER, RUS, SPAN, WLL (can be used in more than one area) | Options: 409 in the language of student’s choice (There may be other options upon the advisor’s approval) |
Language Proficiency
Students can demonstrate an equivalent level of proficiency in ways other than the ACTFL and the courses indicated below. The proficiency levels listed below indicate a minimum required level with the expectation that a student will continue to develop their language skills.
| Language | Expected Levels | Course |
|---|
| Arabic | ACTFL Intermediate Mid in all skill areas | AR 303, B or above |
| Chinese | ACTFL Intermediate Mid in all skill areas | CHN 303, B or above |
| French | ACTFL Advanced Low in all skill areas | FR 303, B or above |
| German | ACTFL Advanced Low in all skill areas
or CEFR B2 | GER 303, B or above |
| Italian | ACTFL Intermediate Mid in all skill areas | IT 302, B or above |
| Japanese | ACTFL Intermediate Mid in all skill areas | JPN 304, B or above |
| Persian | ACTFL Intermediate Mid in all skill areas | PER 302, B or above |
| Russian | ACTFL Intermediate High in all skill areas | RUS 413, B or above |
| Spanish | ACTFL Advanced Low in all skill areas | SPAN 303, B or above |
Advisors
To discuss your language proficiency, please meet with an advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I do this certificate as a post bac?
A: Yes. If you have taken some of the courses listed above in the past, you can use them toward this certificate. - Q: What is the difference between TESOL and this certificate?
A: TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is about teaching English in the United States to those whose first language is other than English, or about teaching English as a foreign language in another country. The WL pedagogy certificate is for languages other than English that are taught as a foreign language. - Q: What’s the first step?
A: If you are not yet admitted to PSU, submit an application and then get in touch with the advisor of your language listed at the website. If you are already admitted to PSU, contact the advisor of your language. - Q: How long does it take to complete the certificate requirements?
A: We estimate 3 terms if you have already taken some of the language courses. If you are already a language major, most of the upper division courses can be applied to the certificate requirements, leaving a few courses such as teaching methods courses and practicum credits. - Q: What is the language proficiency requirement?
A: The levels indicated in the information sheet represent the minimum level of proficiency to be awarded the certificate. If you have not taken one of the language courses indicated in the table, there may be an alternate way to demonstrate your proficiency. Please consult with your advisor. - Q: Do I have to major in one of the nine languages to add this certificate?
A: You do not need to be a language major. You can complete the certificate program by demonstrating the required proficiency in the language of your choice and meet the course requirements. - Q: If I get this certificate, can I start teaching?
A: No. This certificate is a basic and initial introduction to what teaching a world language is like. Teaching a language requires a set of skills that are different from being able to communicate in the language and understand the culture. Usually it takes teacher education and training at a post-undergraduate level to obtain a teacher license to be able to teach at public K-12 schools, and this certificate provides you with an initial taste of what it is like to teach a world language.