Department: Foreign Languages; French
What type of interesting features do you incorporate into your classes?
I try to use films, children's songs, children's literature, native speaker class assistants and enthusiasm.
In your opinion, how is Mount Union College unique from other small liberal arts colleges?
We have solid academic programs and majors in many fields. For example, we have majors in four foreign languages and we offer instruction in both Chinese and Russian. We have a study abroad program that offers programs and student exchanges in more than thirty countries. Faculty members are accessible to students. Special programs such as American studies, pre-law, pre-medicine, study abroad, the writing center, etc. have faculty directors that help the programs remain connected to student interests and needs. Mount Union College faculty invest the time and effort necessary to help all students to understand how to succeed. A very high percentage of Mount Union faculty have the highest possible degree in their field.
How do Mount Union students benefit from attending a small school as opposed to a larger school?
Mount Union offers accessible opportunities. Every student has a chance to act in a play, to play a varsity sport, to write for the College newspaper, to study abroad, etc. without having to face impossible challenges. A student can gain an identity more quickly at Mount Union College than in a large university. Students have considerable access to faculty members.
Have you done any interesting research or developed any interesting courses at Mount Union? If so, explain.
I have in the recent past made presentations and published an article on the topic of program building in a foreign language department. I have an ongoing interest in literary translations. Since I have been at Mount Union College, I have created courses in the foreign language teaching methods, French film, children's literature, French cultural history and translations.
What kinds of opportunities do Mount Union students have after graduating from College?
We have five former French majors from the past seven years that are currently teaching French at the high school level. We have sent French major graduates to earn advanced degrees at the University of Cincinnati, Indiana University, Concordia University (Canada) and New York University.
In what activities do you participate in your spare time?
Reading, canoeing and kayaking, gardening and traveling.