Department of Foreign Languages, Spring 2010
Happenings
Foreign Language Department Faculty Member Wins Phi Kappa Phi Eleanor Gaunder Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Keith Lindley, Assistant Professor of French, became the second foreign language faculty member to win the top teaching award here at the University of North Alabama. Each year, a committee comprised of faculty who are members of Phi Kappa Phi observes a select group of faculty who have been nominated for the excellence in teaching award. Observations last for approximately one week, and can occur randomly. The professor chosen for this award is recognized at both the Honors Banquet and the Phi Kappa Phi banquet. In the fall, a dinner is given at the President's House for the current award recipient as well as for past recipients. A monetary award of $1,000 comes with the honor.
Dr. Lindley instructs his students on the nuances of French grammar.
Two Department of Foreign Languages Scholarships Awarded
Georgina Cox and Sheila Latham, both Spanish majors, are this year's recipients of the Department of Foreign Languages Endowed Scholarships. Each award gives $400 to the student recipient for the purchase of books or the payment of other expenses incurred in the pursuit of a degree. Student winners are chosen on the basis of academic achievement as well as potential for a successful career incorporating knowledge and skills they gained in the study of foreign languages.
Scott Infanger, Assistant Professor of Spanish, earns PhD from Vanderbilt University
In August 2009, Dr. Scott R. Infanger successfully defended his dissertation, "Dying to Speak: Death and the Creation of a New Reader in the Latin American Novel" directed by Earl E. Fitz, at Vanderbilt University and was awarded the Ph.D. in Spanish and Portuguese with a Certificate in Latin American Studies in December 2009. For outstanding service given to the Graduate School at Vanderbilt University, he was selected to be the Ph.D. Banner Bearer at Vanderbilt's Commencement Exercises in May 2010.
Foreign Language Online Course Offerings Continue to Grow
The Department of Foreign Languages continues to expand its distance learning offerings, with several new courses literally coming online this year. Spanish 101 and 102 and French 101 and 102 now appear regularly on course schedules, and FL 350 Culture Through Cinema via the internet is now under development. All of the above courses will be taught in Summer 2010. These new courses reflect a growing trend in academia in general, and here at the University of North Alabama specifically, and help to keep our university at the forefront of changes in the way courses are delivered.
