Administrative Information | Search Terms | Background Note | Scope and Contents Note | Arrangement | PDF of Finding Aid
 

COLLECTION SUMMARY

Title:     College of Arts and Science, Modern Languages Department records

Dates:     1957-2003, [n.d.] (bulk 1974-1986, 1989-1991)

Creator:     Modern Languages Department, College of Arts and Science, South Dakota State University

Physical description:   0.21 linear feet—1 container

Collection number:     UA 6.6

Language:     Collection material in English.

Repository:     South Dakota State University Archives, Hilton M. Briggs Library, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Abstract:     Collection is composed mainly of newsletters produced by the Modern Languages Department. Also included are course announcements, pamphlets, programs, a departmental history, and some information about departmental rules. 

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION 

Provenance: The bulk of this collection was found in the Archives in 1997. There is no indication of where they came from or how they came to be here.

This is an on-going collection with material arriving through departmental records transfers, the university campus mail, or random donation by various individuals.

Access Restrictions: This collection is open to research without restriction. Items in this collection do not circulate and may be used in-house only.

Copyright Status: Copyright 2008 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives. Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this finding aid.

It is the responsibility of anyone reproducing material to determine the copyright holders and obtain permission from them if necessary. Archives staff will provide available copyright information on request. Please note that most collections, especially those received before 1997, may not have complete information on file. (Revised 15 SEP 2003)

Preferred citation: [Identification of item]. College of Arts and Science, Modern Languages Department records, UA 6.6, South Dakota State University Archives, South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.

Processing information: This collection was processed by Crystal J. Gamradt on March 2, 1999 with revisions on August 12, 2008 (cjg).

SELECTED SEARCH TERMS

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the subject guide. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically therein.

Subjects:

• Foreign Language Department—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Awards—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Chinese—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Discussions and debate—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—French—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—History—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Japanese—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Newsletters—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Pamphlets—South Dakota State University.

• Modern Languages Department—Russian—South Dakota State University.

BACKGROUND NOTE

Although recognized since the establishment of South Dakota State University as an essential part of a liberal education, foreign language instruction was sporadic and, at times, nonexistent during the early years.  Around 1901, Modern Languages became a regular department.  French and German programs were developed, but Latin suffered an early demise, disappearing as a college subject after 1909 and from the Preparatory Department after 1911.  The years of 1916-1921 were years of great importance.  The courses in German and French had good attendance, and the staff was well qualified.  Due to World War I, however, German was dropped in 1917 and was not taught again until 1930, consequently, Spanish was introduced.

In the 1950's, a Russian program was initiated and a composite BS Degree in Foreign Languages was approved.  The 1960's saw growth of the Department of Modern Languages in both the laboratory and enrollment.  A composite BA Degree in Modern Languages was approved and BA and BS Degrees were approved in French, German, Russian and Spanish.  In 1969, Russian was dropped and was not taught again until the 1990's.

The Department of Modern Languages provides proficiency-oriented instruction in second languages, literatures, civilizations and cultures.  In the 1998-2000 catalog, Modern Languages offers BA Degrees with majors in French Studies, German and Spanish.  It also offers minors in French, German and Spanish.  Students may also take courses in Lakota, or in other languages, which are taught occasionally, depending on demand.

SCOPE AND CONTENTS NOTE

This collection is composed of composed mainly of the newsletter “Campanile” produced by the Modern Languages Department from 1974 to 1995. Also included are announcements for special language courses, such as Chinese, Japanese and Russian, a departmental history obtained from written histories of the college, and college catalogues; department information pamphlets; programs from awards banquets; and, standing rules of the department which detail policies and procedures for the Modern Languages Department in 1957.

ARRANGEMENT of the RECORDS 

Folders are arranged in alphabetical order.

Box 1.

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Updated 12 August 2008 by cjg

Email questions or comments to: arcrefs@sdstate.edu

Copyright 2008 by South Dakota State University and SDSU Archives.
Please credit the SDSU Archives if you copy or reproduce material from this page.