Language and Cultural Training Program

• A variety of languages including: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish
• English as a Second Language, American Business English and Accent Reduction

During the past 35 years, some of our clients have included:

ACCESS, Arab Chaldean Council - Detroit & Hamtramck, Audi of America, Arvin Meritor, AVL, BASF, Calsonic, Chrysler, DTE, Denso International, Detroit Public Schools, Detroit Public Libraries, Ford-UAW, Ford-Visteon, Ford Motor Company, Gedas, General Motors, Guardian Industries, Hacienda Foods, Henry Ford Health Systems Detroit and West Bloomfield, Holy Redeemer Parish, INA USA, Mahle, Magna Powertrain, Magna Seating, Merrill-Lynch, Nissan, Old Redford Academy, Providence Hospital, Rehau International, Volkswagen of American and more!

Program Content

• Activities/Games/Role Playing
• Oral/Aural instruction/response
• Written and verbal instruction/response
• Interspersed dialogue
• Interspersed pictorials
• Topics and vocabulary relevant to working adults
• Topics and vocabulary relevant to business
• Continued engagement to increase language retention and fluency

Length of Instruction

Classes for nonacademic are individualized to meet specific timeframes and learning needs. Classes for academic credit are flexible with several semester-length options available.

Academic Credit (optional)

University academic credit (3 credit hours) is available with 36.5 or more contact hours. Students can elect to take the course for academic credit by completing a form for academic credit and by paying the non-refundable processing fee of $185 per course. Academic credit goes on a permanent transcript. Students can choose a letter grade or the pass/fail option.

Participants can learn languages for business, academic or personal pursuits. Other benefits of our program include:

• Flexible scheduling and on-site training
• Competitive rates
• Employer tuition plan acceptance
• One-on-one or small group instruction
• Immersion training
• Academic credit (optional)

Ricardo Romero, former Attaché, U.S. Embassy - Sana’a, Yemen

My Arabic instructor taught the critical aspects of life abroad, those needed to properly function as an American diplomat. I am now better prepared to engage in international affairs on behalf of the United States of America than many seasoned diplomats. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to your department and the University for helping me to become a much better representative of the U.S.

Rhonda Okeke, Automotive Sales Manager

The University of Detroit Mercy’s Japanese program is the most advanced program that fits in with my work schedule. The instructors have taken a personal interest in my language training. They have done a great job preparing me for meeting with Japanese clients and adapting to Japanese business culture.

Elizabeth J. Angus, M.D., Senior Staff Physician
Department of Neurology/Division Head, EMG and Neuromuscular Diseases, Henry Ford Health Systems

I have found the Spanish for Medical Professions course to be a valuable and enriching experience. The instructor was dynamic and capable and went the extra mile to meet my very specific needs.

Select criteria from our business menu and customize a program that is tailored to meet your company's objectives, as well as your personal and professional needs. The following programs/locations are available:

• Austria
• Brazil
• China
• Croatia
• Germany
• Japan
• Mexico
• South Korea
• And many more.

Programs are also available focusing on countries located throughout Africa and the Middle East, the European Union, Latin and South America.

Students at our partner schools achieve language fluency in the four skill areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) while taking coursework for college credit. High school students entering 11th-12th grades can pursue their coursework for dual academic credit.

Call to find out how your high school junior or senior can enroll in coursework for college credit. Go to University of Detroit Mercy's Dual Enrollment page for information and forms.

FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER
Contact Lara Wasner
313-993-1191
wasnerle@udmercy.edu

ESL courses offered through University of Detroit Mercy's Language & Cultural Training Department - Academic credit is available (3 credit hours based on 38 contact hours). Call University of Detroit Mercy's Language & Cultural Training Program to schedule class and for rates.

For Corporate and Community-based contexts on or off campus: Individual and small group classes can run at Detroit Mercy or at the job site by calling 313-993-1191.

For University of Detroit Mercy international students who have completed or tested out of ALCP courses: Individual or small group classes are available for Detroit Mercy's international students who wish to improve their English language proficiency, while pursuing their academic majors. Courses can be created when needed during any part of term, Fall, Winter and Summer terms. Three academic credits are available. After completing a diagnostic, students will be placed according to competency needs in reading, writing, listening, speaking or combination of skill areas. Call 313-993-1191 to schedule diagnostic and to discuss student's schedule.

Language Course Offerings - level placement determined by Standard English Diagnostic proficiency test (testing appointments can be made by calling 313-993-1191).

Courses Offered

To see descriptions of each course, click on the underlined course number. If you are interested in programs not on this list, please contact the Language & Cultural Training Department.

Credits are available if needed.

• ESL 1150 Introductory Business English Level I (3 credits)
• ESL 2110 Intermediate English as a Second Language Level II (3 credits)
• ESL 2120 Intermediate English as a Second Language Level III (3 credits)
• ESL 2150 Intermediate Communication (3 credits)
• ESL 3100 Advanced English as a Second Language Level I (3 credits)
• ESL 3110 Advanced English as a Second Language Level II (3 credits)
• ESL 3120 Advanced English as a Second Language Level III (3 credits)
• ESL 3150 Advanced Business English Level III (3 credits)
• ESL 3950 Advanced Conversation (1 to 3 credits)
• ESL 3990 Advanced Classroom Culture (1 to 3 credits)

University of Detroit Mercy offers a Certificate in Language Studies through the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences' Language and Cultural Training Program. Based on their entry level, students will be awarded a Certificate in Language Studies I (Introductory/Intermediate) when they enroll in and complete 12 credit hours of language study with a grade of C or better.

Language Certificates are available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Korean, Latin, and Spanish.

• Certificate Level I - course sequence consists of levels 1100, 1110, 1120, 2100 or 2110.

*Language placement test may be administered to determine entry point into the program. Placement credits may only be applied to the Level I certificate program.

Foreign Language coursework at the University adapts the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. The goals and learning outcome areas of the standards establish an inextricable link between communication and culture, which is applied in making connections and comparisons and in using this competence to be part of local and global communities. The learning outcomes are described in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) links below as Can-Do-Statements for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced for each of the three modes of communication described below.

The World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages create a roadmap to guide learners to develop competence to communicate effectively and interact with cultural competence to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.

Students enrolled in the certificate program focus on the interpretive, interpersonal and presentational modes of communication as described in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages:

• Interpretive Communication: Learners understand, interpret and analyze what is heard, read or viewed on a variety of topics.
• Interpersonal Communication: Learners interact and negotiate meaning in spoken, signed or written conversations to share information, reactions, feelings and opinions.
• Presentational Communication: Learners present information, concepts, and ideas to inform, explain, persuade and narrate on a variety of topics using appropriate media and adapting to various audiences of listeners, readers or viewers.

Click here for World-Readiness Standards for Learning Language benchmarks.

Click here for more information on three modes of communication, as well as benchmarks and indicators.

Mission

The Language and Cultural Training Program prepares learners to become engaged global citizens by helping them to communicate effectively in more than one language. The program provides linguistic knowledge and practice, socio-cultural competence and understanding, and the tools to navigate a multicultural and multilingual world. Using the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) framework as our guide, language learning at Detroit Mercy happens in the contexts of the 5 Cs: communication, culture, connections, comparisons and communities.

Membership

As a member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), our curriculum is aligned with -- and student learning outcomes are developed to correlate to -- the ACTFL scale for Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of language learning.

Curriculum Objectives and Outcomes (beginner)

The objectives and outcomes listed below apply to all languages.

Introductory I / 1100 (3 credits)
An introduction to the language includes learning sounds, writing system, vocabulary and structure. Students will experience the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in a practical scenario with individualized attention. Cultural business themes will be incorporated into instruction.

At the conclusion of the Introductory/1100 course, students will be able to do the following:

• reproduce the sound system of the target language and integrate these sounds into learned utterances.
• use vocabulary for everyday manners and survival in both written and spoken form.
• participate in brief conversations asking and answering simple questions.
• write concise, logical sentences and comprehend simple written passages.
• appreciate diversity through comparison of cultures.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, economy, institutions, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Introductory II / 1110 (3 credits)
A continuation of Introductory/1100, this course builds on previously acquired language fluency and aims at augmenting vocabulary and structure in a practical context. Increasing attention will be devoted to individual student practice and needs. Emphasis will continue to include culture.

At the conclusion of the Introductory/1110 course, students will be able to do the following:

• use the sound system effectively.
• expand and use vocabulary regarding recurring events and functions in both written and spoken form.
• demonstrate creative language use in response to spoken or written questions or directions in complete sentence form.
• read and understand passages on a variety of familiar topics relating to basic personal and social needs.
• take notes on spoken and written language pertaining to factual topics.
• appreciate diversity through comparison of cultures.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections.  Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics,institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Introductory III / 1120 (3 credits)
A third level of language permits the student to utilize the target language in increasingly complex ways and in more rapid speech patterns. Continued exposure to the cultural heritage of the native speakers of the language will be stressed.

At the conclusion of the Introductory/1120 course, students will be able to do the following:

• integrate past vocabulary and structures into new and more complex communication.
• communicate in casual conversations, and write more meaningful and sophisticated passages on topics including family, interests,
  work, travel, and current events.
• read and comprehend with reference aides, unedited, authentic materials such as texts, newspapers, and magazines.
• comprehend most speech on familiar topics grasping main ideas and some relevant details.
• perform successfully in some routine social situation.
• appreciate diversity through comparison of cultures.

Introductory Business I / 1150 (3 credits)
No prerequisite required.
An introductory level of language designed to present students with the basics in speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing in a business context. Cultural business themes will be incorporated into instruction.

Curriculum Objectives and Outcomes (intermediate)

Intermediate I / 2100 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 1120 or equivalent.
An intermediate level of language focusing on increased structural accuracy in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will be exposed to unedited authentic materials (i.e., newspapers, books, movies, music, etc.) to improve proficiency in the four skill areas. They will gain an increased appreciation of cultural diversities.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections.  Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, economy, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Intermediate II / 2110 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2100 or equivalent.
A continuation of Intermediate/2100 integrating past vocabulary and structures into new and more sophisticated forms of speaking and enhanced listening comprehension. Students will write cohesive summaries and resumes of material read or heard. Additionally, they will increase their understanding of the cultures of the countries in which the target language is spoken.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Intermediate III / 2120 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2110 or equivalent.
A third intermediate level of language study in which more complex forms of speaking, listening, reading and writing will be developed and reinforced through the use of a variety of course materials and classroom activities.

By the conclusion of Intermediate 2120, most of the language's critical structures will have been introduced and practiced. Students will demonstrate increased knowledge of the culture where the language is spoken and its effect on the world.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Intermediate Business II/2150 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 1120, 1150 or equivalent.
This course is designed to improve the language skill areas (speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing) in the business setting. Business cultural proficiency will be enhanced as well.

Curriculum Objectives and Outcomes (advanced)

Advanced I / 3100 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of study in which students will create with the language by combining learned elements. They will understand details when listening to a spoken language, and connect discourse on a variety of topics. They will read and demonstrate comprehension of longer prose of several paragraphs in length. They will demonstrate a keen understanding of cultural differences between the presented countries and their own.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Advanced II / 3110 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 3100 or equivalent
This second level of advanced language study will expose students to authentic situations to promote mastering listening and reading skills. Students will initiate and sustain conversations on practical, social, professional and abstract topics, hypothesize and support their opinions in spoken and written forms. They will demonstrate detailed knowledge of the represented cultures.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections. Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, economy, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Advanced III / 3120 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 3110 or equivalent.
Students participating in this third level of advanced language study will exhibit pronounced accuracy in all four language skill areas and marked cultural proficiency. They will continuously expand vocabulary and master grammatical structures in order to communicate more effectively with native speakers not accustomed to dealing with foreigners.

Students will explore cultural diversity by focusing on the 5 Cs:  communication, cultures, communities, comparisons, and connections.  Students will develop an understanding of and critically examine the complexity of elements important to another culture in relation to its history, values, politics, institutions, economy, beliefs and its products, practices and perspectives.  

Advanced Business III / 3150 (3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120, 2150 or equivalent
An advanced level of business language study designed to increase precision and diminish Anglicisms in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Advanced cultural themes are an integral part of course themes and vocabulary.

Advanced Conversation / 3950 (1 or 3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language study which focuses on improving participants' oral/aural proficiency by having them initiate and sustain dialogue on diverse subjects pertaining to the represented cultures.

Advanced Reading/Writing / 3980 (1 or 3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language study in which selected short stories, poems and/or passages from contemporary literature are read and comprehension of material is demonstrated through discussion.

Advanced Culture / 3990 (1 or 3 credits)
Prerequisite: 2120 or equivalent.
An advanced level of language study which focuses on contemporary cultural themes presented in varying art forms including film, theater, music and the visual arts.

Student learning outcomes in the four skill areas:

Detroit Mercy's language programs prepare students for competency in the following level-appropriate and in culturally-specific ways:

1. SPEAKING: Student participates in casual conversations and in practical contexts, using level-appropriate vocabulary for everyday manners and survival, recurring events and practical functions, exhibiting increased confidence in both rehearsed and impromptu settings.
2. LISTENING: Student understands and responds to simple spoken questions and/or directions, distinguishing level-appropriate dialectical differences, advancing in their ability to interpret basic information and adjusting to rapidity of the language.
3. WRITING: Student writes concise, logical and sophisticated passages on a variety of topics of interest and current events, creating compositions that demonstrate comprehensibility and accuracy in content, organization, vocabulary, construction, and mechanics.
4. READING: Students will read and comprehend simple written passages, reference aides, unedited, authentic materials (texts, newspapers, magazines, books) on a variety of topics relating to basic personal and social needs. 
5. CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Students will perform successfully in brief but routine social situations because of their appreciation of diversity through comparison of cultures. At the conclusion of 2100, students will adhere to cultural conventions in presentational, interpretive and interpersonal modes of communication.

ACTFL Proficiency Standards and Guidelines

The following links will download a Microsoft Word document. Check your downloads folder to view the document.

• ACTFL grid (3 Modes of Communication & 5 Cs) [Word doc]

Three modes of communication rubrics:

• Interpersonal communication [Word doc]
• Presentational communication [Word doc]
• Interpretive communication [Word doc]
• Score chart [Word doc]

Master cultural competency rubric:

• Master competency rubric [Word doc]