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B.S. Overview Possible Subject Area Specialties
B.S. Details:
I. Liberal Education, Arts & Sciences General Requirements
II. Basic Language/Culture Core
III. Translation/Business Language Courses
IV. Subject Area Specialty
Study Abroad

Suggested Four-Year Plan for B.S. in Translation Majors in French & Spanish
Suggested Four-Year Plan for B.S. in Translation Majors in German & Russian

Overview of the Bachelor of Science in Translation Major (2003-2004 Catalog) at Kent State University in the Department of Modern & Classical Language Studies
The four Bachelor of Science degrees in French Translation, German Translation, Russian Translation, and Spanish Translation are essentially identical in program content. They are therefore summarized together in this overview. Differences between the programs are noted where relevant. For more information, contact Dr. Geoffrey Koby, Coordinator, gkoby@kent.edu, (330) 672-1814. Each B.S. in Translation consists of four parts:
I. Liberal Education Requirements/General B.S. Requirements of the College of Arts & Sciences Some of these courses can also count as part of the Subject Area Specialty 45 credit hours
II. Basic Language/Culture Core These courses provide the student with the linguistic and cultural tools (including a background in literature) to enable him/her to successfully function as a mediator between two cultures. 21 credit hours
III. Translation/Business Language Courses These courses provide an introduction to the theory of translation and some practice in it, including courses containing specialized knowledge enabling a student to deal with modern business language and general business translation in the workplace. 22 credit hours
IV. Subject Area Specialty The Subject Area Specialty is a departmentally approved coherent sequence of courses in one or more other disciplines (i.e., not in the Department of Modern & Classical Language Studies). The philosophy behind the Subject Area Specialty is that a translator working in today's market cannot simply have been trained in the general areas of language, literature, and culture, but must have deeper knowledge of one or more disciplines outside the linguistic area. In order to be approved, the Subject Area Specialty must include courses in an area or areas which are currently marketable, such as business, legal studies, international relations, political science, computer science, chemistry, physics, or other "hard sciences." The student can opt to take a second language as part of the Subject Area Specialty. Up to 17 credits in the same language (through Composition & Conversation I) can be counted.

Minor or double major/dual degree: Students are encouraged to consider either a minor or a double major or dual degree in their Subject Area Specialty. Though not a requirement, having a minor or second degree can be useful in the workplace. Students should be aware, however, that simultaneously earning a B.S. in Translation and a B.A. in another discipline is considered a dual degree, which requires a total of 140 semester hours (as of the 2003-2004 Catalog; earlier catalogs have higher total requirements). Double major and dual degree students should expect their studies to take additional time.
39 credit hours
  Total   127 credit hours

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Detail View of the Bachelor of Science in Translation Major (2003-2004 Catalog) at Kent State University in the Department of Modern & Classical Language Studies
I. Liberal Education, Arts & Sciences General Requirements: 45 credit hours. Students are generally free to take any courses listed in the requirements. However, the following courses are strongly recommended by the department. Underlined courses are required.
I. Composition (6 credits)
ENG 10001 College English I 3 credits
ENG 10002 College English II 3 credits
II. Mathematics, Logic, and Foreign Languages (11 credits; 8 are earned by passing Intermediate I)
III. Humanities and Fine Arts (9 credits) Any courses listed in LER requirements.
IV. Social Sciences (9 credits)
ECON 22060 Principles of Microeconomics 3 credits
ECON 22061 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 credits
Any one Social Science course from a different area 3 credits
V. Basic Sciences (9 credits)
BSCI 10001 Human Biology 3 credits
CHEM 10050 Fundamentals of Chemistry 3 credits
GEOL 21062 Environmental Geology 3 credits
VI. University Orientation (1 credit)
EXPR 10290 University Orientation 1 credit

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II. Basic Language/Culture Core: 21 credit hours
(all courses are three credits unless otherwise noted)
French Spanish German Russian
33211 Conversation
33212 Composition
33215 Phonetics & Diction
33421 Civilization
Any 30000-level lit. course
Any 40000-level lit. course

Choose one from:
43213 Advanced Composition
43216 Contemporary Culture
38211 Grammar & Composition
38213 Reading & Conversation
38215 Phonetics & Diction
38421 Civilization of Spain
38424 Culture & Civ. of Latin America
48215 Advanced Composition
Any SPAN 30000-40000-level lit. course
31201 Intensive Grammar
31211 Composition/Conversation
31215 Phonetics & Diction
31303 Introduction to Literature
31421 Civilization
41211 Advanced Comp./Conversation
41216 Contemporary Culture
32207 Conversation (2)
32211 Composition & Conversation
32215 Phonetics & Diction
32303 Modern Writers
32421 Civilization (4)
42211 Advanced Comp./Conversation
Any RUSS 30000-40000-level lit. course

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III. Translation/Business Language Courses: 21 Credits
Note: Starting in Fall 2000, business language courses will be offered in even years, translation courses in odd years.
Course Title Course Number Notes Offered
Approaches to Translation MCLS 30230
  • taken by all B.S. in Translation Majors
  • 3 credits
Fall 2003
Fall 2005
Translation Practice FR 33231, SPAN 38231, GER 31231, RUSS 32231
  • to be taken concurrently with MCLS 30230
  • 1 credit
Fall 2003
Fall 2005
Advanced Translation Practice FR 43230, SPAN 48230, GER 41230, RUSS 42230
  • 3 credits
Spring 2004
Spring 2006
Foreign Language and Culture Studies MCLS 40240
  • taken by all B.S. in Translation Majors
  • 3 credits
Every Spring
Conversation for Business and Special Purposes FR 33240, SPAN 38240, GER 31240, RUSS 32240
  • 3 credits
Fall 2004
Fall 2006
Business and Special Texts FR 43240, SPAN 48240, GER 41240 ,RUSS 42240
  • 3 credits
Spring 2005
Spring 2007
Additional Required General Courses for all B.S. Majors
One writing course required by the B.S. major:
 

OR

ENG 20002 Introduction to Technical Writing 3 credits
ENG 30063 Adv. Business and Professional Writing 3 credits
One Computer Literacy Elective:
 

OR

OR

OR

M&IS 24070 Principles of Systems Development 3 credits
M&IS 24053 Intro. to Computer Applications 3 credits
CS 10001 Computer Literacy 3 credits
CS 10061 Intro. to Computer Programming 3 credits
OR Any advisor-approved computer oriented course

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IV. Subject Area Specialty: 39 credits
Option 1
Single Subject Specialty
Option 2
Foreign Language plus Subject
Option 3
Double B.S. in Translation
(Two Languages plus Subject)
A single subject area or a combination of relevant courses approved by the Departmental B.S. Coordinator (a minor, double major, or dual degree is acceptable here): Up to 17 credits of a second foreign language:
Elementary I / II – 8
Intermediate I / II – 6
Composition/Conversation – 3
Plus a single subject area or a combination of relevant courses approved by the Departmental B.S. Coordinator (a minor may fit here):
The student is registered for a double major in two B.S. in Translation degrees (e.g., French & Spanish). Each major's language courses through Composition/Conversation can be counted as part of the other language's Subject Area Specialty (up to 17 credits) as in Option 2. The remaining courses of the Subject Area Specialty shown below will be counted for both majors.
  Note: the number of Subject Area credits required for Option 2 will vary depending on how many language courses are taken.  

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Possible Subject Area Specialities
This list includes current majors and minors offered at Kent State University. Other coursework in similar or related fields taken at other institutions can be counted if officially recorded by the registrar on your KSU transcript.
Note 1: It is not necessary to actually earn the major or minor in any field. It is also possible to design a Subject Area Specialty using a combination of courses from various disciplines.
Note 2: Overlap rules apply to double majors - each major must have 21 separate credit hours, which reduces the number of hours available for the subject area specialty.
Accounting
Advertising
Aeronautics
Anthropology
Applied Mathematics
Architecture
Biological Sciences
Biology
Biotechnology
Botany
Business
Business Management
Cartography
Chemistry
Climatology
Computer Information Systems
Computer Science
Conservation
Criminal Justice Studies
Earth Science
Economics
Electronic Media
Electronic Technology
Finance
Flight Technology
Geography
Geology
Industrial Technology
International Business
International Relations Courses (subject to 21 hour rule)
Justice Studies
Latin American Studies (Spanish Translation majors)
Management
Management and Industrial Studies
Marketing
Mathematics
Media Sales/Management
Medical Technology
North Atlantic Security Studies
Nursing
Operations Management
Paralegal Studies
Physics
Political Science
Public Relations
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Radio and Television
Soviet and East European Studies (Russian Translation majors)
Technology
Zoology
Selected KSU Regional Campus Technology Majors/Minors/Associate degrees

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Study Abroad
Although not required, study abroad in a country where the target language is spoken is recommended for anyone majoring in Translation. Experience abroad provides additional qualifications and a competitive advantage in a field where experience and qualifications are extremely important. Minimum recommended length of stay is one semester. Repeated summer visits can also provide a similar experience. College credit is available if students go abroad through recognized and accredited programs. See the Center for International and Comparative Programs website for more information.

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Suggested Four-Year Plan for B.S. in Translation Majors in French & Spanish
First Year Third Year
First Semester Credits First Semester Credits
ENG 10001, College English I 3 Computer Literacy Elective1 3
EXPR 10290, University Orientation 1 Phonetics & Diction, FR 33215, SPAN38215 3
Social Sciences (1)2 3 Intermediate I (2nd lang.)/Subject Area Specialty3 3
Basic Sciences (1)4 3 {FR 33421, Civilization I, OR 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (1) 3 {SPAN 38421, Civilization of Spain  
Intermediate I, FR 23201, SPAN 28201 3 MCLS 30230, Approaches to Translation 3
    Translation Practice, FR 33231, SPAN 38231 1
Total 16 Total 16
Second Semester Second Semester
ENG 10002, College English II 3 Intermediate II (2nd lang.) or Subject Area Specialty3 3
Social Sciences (2)2 3 Conv. Bus. & Spec. Purp., SPAN 38240, FR 332405 3
Basic Sciences (2)4 3 {FR 33422, Civilization II, or 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (2) 3 {SPAN 38424, Civilization of Latin America  
Intermediate II, FR 23202, SPAN 28202 3 French/Spanish Literature Elective 3
    ENG 20001, Business Writing 3
    or ENG 20004, Technical Writing  
Total 15 Total 15
Second Year Fourth Year
First Semester Credits First Semester Credits
Elementary I (Second Language) or Subject Area Specialty3 4/3 Comp. & Conversation I (Second Language) or Subject Area Specialty3 3
Social Sciences (3)2 3 Advanced Composition, FR 43213, SPAN 48215 3
Basic Sciences (3)4 3 Business & Special Texts, FR 43240, SPAN 48240 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (3) 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Comp. & Conversation I, FR 33211, SPAN 38211 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
      Subject Area Specialty3 3
Total 15-16 Total 18
Second Semester   Second Semester  
MATH 11011, College Algebra 4 Adv. Translation Practice, FR 43230, SPAN 48230 3
Elementary II (Second Language) or Subject Area Specialty3 4/3 MCLS 40240, FL & Culture Studies 3
    Subject Area Specialty3 3
Subject Area Specialty3 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (4) 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Comp. & Conversation II, FR 33212, SPAN 38213 3 Subject Area Specialty3 1-3
Total 16-17 Total 16-18

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Suggested Four-Year Plan for B.S. in Translation Majors in German & Russian
First Year Third Year
First Semester Credits First Semester Credits
ENG 10001, College English I 3 Computer Literacy Elective1 3
EXPR 10290, University Orientation 1 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Social Sciences (1)2 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Basic Sciences (1)4 3 Intermediate I (2nd lang.)/Subject Area Specialty3 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (1) 3 MCLS 30230, Approaches to Transl. 3
Intermediate I, GER 21201, RUSS 22201 3 Translation Practice, GER 31231, RUSS 32231 1
Total 16 Total 16
Second Semester   Second Semester  
ENG 10002, College English II 3 Conv. Bus. & Spec. Purp., GER 31240, RUSS 322405 3
Social Sciences (2)2 3 Intermediate II (2nd lang.)/Subject Area Specialty3 3
Basic Sciences (2)4 3 Phonetics & Diction, GER 31215, RUSS 32215 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (2) 3 Civilization, GER 31421, RUSS 32421 4
Intermediate II, GER 21202, RUSS 22202 3 ENG 20001, Business Writing 3
Conversation: GER 31207, RUSS 32207 2 or ENG 20004, Technical Writing  
Total 17 Total 16
Second Year Fourth Year
First Semester Credits First Semester Credits
Elementary I (Second Language) or Subject Area Specialty3 4/3 Comp. & Conv. I (Second Language) or Subject Area Specialty3 3
Comp. & Conversation, GER 31211, RUSS 32211 3 Adv. Comp. & Conv., GER 41211, RUSS 42211 3
Modern Writers, GER 31303, RUSS 32303 3 Business & Special Texts, GER 41240, RUSS 42240 3
Social Sciences (3)2 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (3) 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
    Subject Area Specialty3 3
Total 15-16 Total 18
Second Semester   Second Semester  
MATH 11011, College Algebra 4 Adv. Translation Practice, GER 41230, RUSS 42230 3
Elementary II (Second Language) 4/3 MCLS 40240, FL & Culture Studies 3
or Subject Area Specialty3   Subject Area Specialty3 3
Subject Area Specialty3 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Basic Sciences (3)4 3 Subject Area Specialty3 3
Humanities & Fine Arts (4) 3 Subject Area Specialty3 1-3
Total 16-17 Total 16-18

1Note: Students may take ADMS 24001, ADMS 24053, CS 10001, CS 10051, or any advisor-approved computer-oriented course.
2Note: It is strongly recommended that students in this program take ECON 22061 and 22062 as part of their Social Sciences requirement.
3Note: Subject Area Specialty is a departmentally approved coherent sequence of courses in one or more other disciplines. Sufficient hours must be taken in the Subject Area Specialty to assure the 129 hours required for graduation.
4Note: It is strongly recommended that students in this program meet their Basic Sciences requirement with Biology 10001, Chemistry 10050, and Geology 21062.
5Note: This sequence will change starting in Fall 2000, when Business courses will be offered in even years (2000-01, 2002-03, 2004-05, etc.), and translation courses in odd years (2001-02, 2003-05, 2005-07, etc.).

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