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General
Description:
The Department of Foreign Languages at The University of Southern
Mississippi offers a program leading to the Master
of Arts in the Teaching of Languages (MATL)
with an emphasis in Spanish,
French, and Teaching
English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
This unique program is designed particularly for the needs of
elementary, middle, high school, and community college teachers
who are in search of a practical graduate study program. The focus
of the MATL is on developing and enhancing the knowledge and skills
in language, language acquisition, and language instruction that
are essential for both effective teaching and successful learning.
The MATL offers a strong preparation in the theory and practice
of foreign language teaching with concentrations in Spanish, French
and TESOL. Over the years, the MATL has developed many strengths
that make it a unique program. An internationally recognized graduate
program, the MATL is the largest program of its kind in the USA
addressing language teachers' needs. The MATL
program at The University of Southern Mississippi, with a summer site in Mexico (see below),
brings together foreign language teachers and teachers-to-be from
all parts of the United States and abroad. More
than 30 exceptionally qualified professors have contributed their
expertise through interactive, application-oriented instruction,
facilitating students to share their experiences and significantly
enhance their professional and academic training in an enriching
and stimulating, multicultural environment. Our curriculum and
teaching practice have achieved the best combination between theory
and classroom work (see our courses); our portfolio
assessment criteria successfully train both the candidates
who are either looking for a position and those preparing for
the National
Board Certification.
While the MATL meets requirements for AA licensure/certification
in many states, the program is not designed to provide initial
certification. Applicants seeking initial certification in languages should check with their state department of education for specific requirerments.
We are pleased to offer the MATL program
year for enrollment in Fall, Spring or Summer Semesters at
our university campus in Hattiesburg,
Mississippi, as well as in Puebla, Mexico, for summer enrollment only. Each site is unique, offering
a large variety of courses aimed to meet the multifaceted needs
of today's language teachers. Students may select the site of
study for each term, engaging thus an even more rounded and culturally
diversified and enriching experience.
Beginning in the fall of the 2006-07 year, the MATL has been approved for online completion of the degree. Initially, we anticipate offering at least one of our core courses and an emphasis course each fall and spring semester, with hybrid courses available during the summer. For more information about online course offerings and other distance learning opportunities with the MATL, click here.
In addition, study and research abroad
opportunities are available.
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