News and Events - Modern and Classical Languages

First ESL Program Helps International Students Succeed

norrisma1 — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:07:15 +0000

Author:

Mary A. Durlak

Published Date:

July 26, 2012

Buffalo State’s first pre-academic, stand-alone English as a second language (ESL) program started on July 9.

"While some courses offered by the College Writing Program address ESL issues, this is the first ESL program," said William White, chair and associate professor of modern and classical languages. "It goes beyond language fluency by offering students an introduction to the communication skills necessary to succeed at an American university."

The six-week course requires 20 hours of in-class time weekly plus five to ten hours of co-curricular activities, such as sitting in on classes and working with a conversation partner. The course is taught by Jamie Morrison, adjunct instructor in modern and classical languages.

White was asked to help with the program because he coordinated an ESL program before coming to Buffalo State. "Students who study a foreign language, whether it’s English in other countries or foreign languages here, learn a certain variety of the language," he said. That variety, which usually features fairly formal vocabulary and strict grammatical constructions, often bears little resemblance to the vernacular variety of language used by most native speakers of a language.

White said that accent, speed, and enunciation are three of the main impediments to understanding spoken English. "When we speak our native tongue," he said, "we use our own accent, we talk fast, and we don’t enunciate as clearly as teachers and materials used in language courses."

Buffalo State requires international students to achieve a certain TOEFL score to be admitted as matriculated (degree-pursuing) students. However, as the college increases the number of its partnerships around the world, some administrators believe that a pre-academic ESL program will make it easier to attract more international students.

"Other institutions have ESL programs that prepare international students to be matriculated," said Mark Petrie, associate vice president of enrollment management. "I’m excited about ours, because I really do believe that all students get so much more out of their education if they learn with students from different backgrounds." Petrie said that developing a strong ESL program could help both students who need to raise their TOEFL scores to be admitted, and those who could improve their fluency by taking part in an ESL program.

"We also realize that people from Buffalo’s immigrant and refugee communities are beginning to apply to Buffalo State," said White. "We envision offering this program year-round, and creating multilevel sections to meet the needs of various students."

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Insertion Date for Daily Bulletin Feature:

July 27, 2012

Commencement Profile: Gabriela Moreno

norrisma1 — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:20:16 +0000

Published Date:

May 9, 2012

Gabriela Moreno graduates with a bachelor of arts degree in arts and letters, focusing on French language and theater, with a minor in anthropology.

Moreno will receive the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence during the 10:00 a.m. baccalaureate ceremony at Buffalo State's 140th Commencement, Saturday, May 12, in the Sports Arena.

Gabriela fulfilled her graduation requirements within two and a half years while attaining a 3.8 GPA. Her passion, intelligence, and genuine concern for others earned her the praise of professors, peers, and community members alike.

Moreno came to Buffalo State from Veracruz, Mexico, where she had proven herself an outstanding high school student, poetry reciter, and distinguished dancer of Mexican folkloric dance. After overcoming some language and cultural barriers, she quickly demonstrated her abilities at Buffalo State. One faculty member described her as “the walking definition of ‘academic excellence.’” Moreno was never satisfied with simply knowing the correct answer; she considered each new answer as the next step in her search for more questions. Because of her exemplary academic record, she was invited to join the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society and to attend Honors Convocation.

During her time at Buffalo State, Moreno also explored diverse artistic pursuits—serving as the audience services manager for Casting Hall Productions, producing original presentations for the Anne Frank Project, and earning roles in campus productions, such as Cassius in Julius Caesar. She was praised for her professionalism, integrity, and willingness to sacrifice any personal agenda for an entire production’s benefit.

She participated in two programs that allowed her to expand her study of French: the summer French language program in Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, and the creative writing program in Hyères, France.

In the community, Moreno discovered an affinity for teaching. She served as a staff leader and program director for the summer youth theater program in the Merge theater workshop in Cheektowaga. Concerned Ecumenical Ministry also hired Moreno to promote the academic, social, and cultural development of children in its after-school program.

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Faculty and Staff Appeal 2012: Chelsea Christine Bernardi

norrisma1 — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:41:09 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

March 7, 2012

Chelsea Christine Bernardi chose Buffalo State for its excellent reputation preparing students to enter the classroom because she thought she might teach high school French one day. During her time at Buffalo State, her career dreams have evolved and expanded. Now the junior majoring in French language and literature and minoring in Spanish is planning for a career as a linguistics professor.

In addition to her terrific language classes at Buffalo State, the opportunity to study in Paris last fall through the SUNY study-abroad program significantly influenced her decision.

“I was exposed to so many different types of cultures and languages while in Europe, either through people I met or other countries I visited,” said Bernardi, who grew up on Grand Island. “Those experiences only reinforced that I love languages.”

Bernardi said she couldn’t have made that trip without the help of the Dr. Eliane McKee French Education Scholarship Fund, which provides a one-time scholarship of $500 for students studying French.

Numerous faculty and staff members contribute to the McKee Fund, along with other scholarships, to continue to help Buffalo State students each year either through one-time gifts or payroll deductions.

“Every bit helps,” said Bernardi, who also receives a Dean’s Scholarship each semester and works part time to finance her education.

To be considered for the McKee scholarship, students are required to write an essay about their goals and how they would use the scholarship. Bernardi conveyed how she wants to teach French and possibly other languages in the future. Applicants also need to maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average in their major and 3.0 overall, a qualification Bernardi definitely meets. Her current GPA is 3.98.

“Getting this scholarship makes me proud of my accomplishments and proud that people recognize my hard work,” Bernardi said. She is now working with Michael Vermy, assistant professor of modern and classical languages, to explore her opportunities for graduate school.

Won’t you consider helping students like Bernardi by participating in the 2012 Faculty and Staff Appeal? A complete list of funds is available at www.buffalostate.edu/pdf/fundslist/pdf.

For additional information about giving to the Faculty and Staff Appeal, please contact Louis Noce.

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January Orientation Welcomes New Students

norrisma1 — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:20:34 +0000

Published Date:

January 18, 2012

Your first days at Buffalo State student will be a flurry of activity. Meeting your adviser, confirming your class schedule, buying textbooks, and locating classrooms will be just a few of the things you do as a new student.

January Orientation, Thursday, January 19, welcomes more than 650 new undergraduate students—75 new first-year students and 580 transfer students—to campus. The Orientation Office, with the aid of 30 current undergraduate and five graduate students, helps new students cross items off their “to-do lists” and introduces them to some of the unique opportunities Buffalo State has to offer.

“January Orientation gives new students the information needed to be successful at Buffalo State,” said Robert Mead-Colegrove, director of orientation and new student programs. “Students attend presentations from various offices on campus, meet with an adviser, and attend a resource fair.”

Also on the agenda for January Orientation: Workshops, including “Reduce Stress and Manage Your Time,” and “Student Exchange and Study Abroad”; small group activities with student orientation leaders; and an introduction to Buffalo State technology (ANGEL, Banner, Degree Navigator, and Gmail). Students and their guests will also familiarize themselves with the Financial Aid and Registrar's offices, Weigel Health Center, E. H. Butler Library, the Bengal Card Office, and many other college departments.

New to this semester’s orientation is the option for students who registered early to upload their own photos for their student ID and bus pass, allowing them to avoid the lines to have their picture taken.

“My ultimate goal is that students feel that Buffalo State was the right choice, and that they are ready for their first day of class,” Mead-Colegrove said. “In the past, many students and guests enjoyed the orientation and appreciated the small groups and time to talk to an adviser.”

January Orientation is mandatory for all new matriculated students. The event begins at 8:00 a.m. with a continental breakfast for participants in Rockwell Hall. An entire schedule of activities can be found on the Orientation Office’s website.

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January 19, 2012

Year of the Arts: November at a Glance

norrisma1 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:06:43 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

October 31, 2011

The Year of the Arts continues to thrive at Buffalo State. October was replete with art exhibits, films, and music performances. French-American singer/songwriter Madeleine Peyroux’s visit to campus attracted a nice crowd and media coverage, as did the spoken word event, “When Brothers Speak.”

November also promises an assortment of newsworthy and lively events—from a performance by a Grammy-nominated classical pianist to a three-day music and art festival at the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Following are highlights for the month. At the end of November, we will provide a preview of December YOTA events.

Ongoing through November 19

Dragons in the Sky: For millennia, one of the most popular mythological creatures has been the dragon. Often personified as a fiery villain, the dragon was the most feared or revered titanic central figure. Many are immortalized in the stars. Glimpse a visit from Eltanin the Dragon as he shares the star lore and legends of his own kind in the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium at7:00 p.m. Fridays and 1:00 p.m. Saturdays through November 19. While a show for younger audiences, Dragons in the Sky is a magical journey for all ages. The show is followed by a tour of the constellations of autumn. See pricing below.

Star Lore of the Iroquois: November is National Native American Heritage Month, and the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium is celebrating the local Native Americans of the Iroquois Confederacy through a multimedia presentation. It highlights the story of creation, the Great Bear Hunt, the Pathway to Eternity, the Star That Stands Still, and more at 8:30 p.m. Fridays and 2:30 p.m. Saturdays through November 19. Admission is free for Buffalo State students, and $4 for faculty and staff. For the general public, tickets cost $6 for adults and $4 for children, other college students with ID,and seniors, age 65 and older.

November 1-11

Fine Arts Faculty Exhibition: Faculty representing all Fine Arts Department disciplines will display their work in painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and photography in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery. A reception and meet-and-greet with the faculty will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. November 10 in the lobby outside the gallery. Admission is free. (716) 878-6014.

November 2

La Belle Endormie (The Sleeping Beauty): The film that examines feminine mythology in a take on the classic fairytale is the last in the five-part Tournées French film series. In French with English subtitles, the film runs from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Art Center Auditorium. Admission is free. The film series was made possible by a grant awarded to the Modern and Classical Languages Department and the French American Cultural Exchange (FACE). (716) 878-6011.

November 2

Buffalo State Percussion Ensemble and West African Drumming Ensemble: Music Department chair and associate professor Brad Fuster directs the student Percussion Ensemble, followed by the West African Drumming Ensemble, directed by Tiffany Nicely, at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. Students from Williamsville North High School will join the percussion ensemble, which uses standard percussion instruments such as timpani, mallet keyboard instruments, tom toms, cymbals and gongs, along with constructed instruments such as car parts, architectural elements, and household furnishings. The West African Drumming Ensemble performs traditional music of the Mande ethnic groups living in Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast. Admission is free. (716) 878-3005.

November 3

An Evening of Piano, Featuring Petronel Malan: The Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed pianist Petronel Malan performs the music of Joseph Haydn, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Franz Liszt, among other great classical composers, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. Born in South Africa, Malan began playing the piano at age 4 and debuted with the Johannesburg Symphony at 10. Lauded by reviewers as an unmistakably creative force in the classical music industry, Malan’s critical acclaim culminated in the nomination of three Grammy awards, including “Best Instrumental Solo Album 2004” for her debut disc. Admission is free for Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff. General public tickets are $10. (716) 878-3005.

November 6

King John: A Staged Reading: Anthony Chase, assistant dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, directs the staged reading of this lesser-known Shakespeare play, which stars Todd Benzin, classroom support supervisor for Instructional Resources, as King John at 7:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Seminary, 205 Bidwell Parkway, Buffalo. The staged reading, in which all the actors donated their time and talent, serves as the sixth annual fundraiser for the Shakespeare in Delaware Park (SDP) fundraiser. The event includes wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 p.m. and dessert and coffee during intermission. Tickets are $50 for SDP members and $55 for non-members. To make reservations, call (716) 856-4533.

November 7-12

We Are All Tied to Something: A Sculptural Installation by Andrew Hutner: Art student Hutner’s large sculpture will fill the Margaret E. Bacon Gallery, Upton Hall during the week of November 7. Meet the artist during a reception Tuesday, November 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the gallery. To learn more, at the artist's Facebook event.

November 9

The Stepmother: The Theater Department presents this twist on the “wicked stepmother,” at 8:00 p.m. in the Flexible Theater in the Donald Savage Building. Written by Githa Sowerby in 1924, the play tells the story of a young stepmother who cares deeply for her new daughters, but behind closed doors the picture is very different. Associate theater professor Donn Youngstrom directs. Following performances of The Stepmother will be held at 8:00 p.m. November 10-12 and November 16-19, with 2:00 p.m. matinees November 12 and November 19. Tickets cost $6 for Buffalo State College students; $10 for Buffalo State faculty, staff and alumni, other students, and senior citizens; all other adults cost $15. (716) 878-3005 and www.buffalostate.edu/theater.

November 10

Vocal Jazz Ensemble: Under the direction of assistant professor of music Victoria Furby, the student ensemble will perform a collection of vocal jazz standards at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center of Rockwell Hall. Students from Clarence High School and the Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts will join the Buffalo State ensemble. Admission is free. (716) 878-3005.

November 16

Faculty and Friends Concert Series: The Buffalo State Wind Ensemble: The ensemble, featuring percussion soloists Mark Hodges, principal with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and lecturer of music; Jim Tiller, principal with the Rochester Philharmonic; and Brad Fuster, chair and associate professor of music, will perform Russell Peck’s stunning triple-percussion concerto, “The Glory and the Grandeur” at 7:30 p.m. at Kleinhans Music Hall, 3 Symphony Circle in Buffalo. Rick Fleming, associate professor of music and director of bands at Buffalo State, is directing. Buffalo State President Aaron Podolefsky will deliver “Year of the Arts” opening remarks. Admission is free for Buffalo State students and $10 for the general public. (716) 878-3005.

November 17

The annual Design Student Exhibition: This stellar exhibit, featuring a mix of students’ ceramics, fibers, metals/jewelry, wood/furniture and communication design, opens in the Czurles-Nelson Gallery in Upton Hall and runs through December 2. A reception and student award presentation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. December 1. (716) 878-6032.

Screening: If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front. The film, playing at 7:00 p.m. in the Burchfield Penney Art Center, explores two of America’s most pressing issues—environmentalism and terrorism—by lifting the veil on a radical environmental group the FBI calls America’s “number one domestic terrorism threat.” Part of Consider the Alternatives: A Documentary Film Series, the film is presented by the Burchfield Penney and the Buffalo State Communication Department. The film series explore alternative responses to social problems. Admission is free for Burchfield Penney members, Buffalo State College students, faculty, and staff, and $5 for the general public. (716) 878-6011.

November 17-20

RendezVous: Variations: Join the Burchfield Penney Art Center for RendezVous, a three-day art and music festival centered around common themes appealing to the varied and diverse interests of the Western New York community. The celebration of concerts, films, workshops, and lectures takes place over an extended weekend that coincides with the third anniversary of the opening of the new Burchfield Penney location. On November 17, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. students and museum guests can participate in art activities, a raffle and games during Carnaval d’Arte, which is hosted by the Burchfield Penney’s college student organization, the BPAC Street Team. (716) 878-6011.

November 18

Faculty and Friends Concert Series: Jazz Ensemble: Rick Fleming, associate professor of music and director of bands at Buffalo State, will direct the Buffalo State Jazz Ensemble in traditional jazz standards as well as contemporary jazz ensemble arrangements at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. Numbers include favorites such as “My Funny Valentine,” “Mack the Knife,” and “Orange Colored Sky.” Fleming is the founding conductor of the Erie County Chamber Winds and was recently appointed the conductor of the Buffalo Silver Brass Band. Admission is Free. (716) 878-3005.

November 22

Faculty and Friends Concert Series: Buffalo State Philharmonia: Hear lesser-known composers and orchestral pieces that are worthy of being performed more frequently with “Rare But Well Done!” at 7:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall. Repertoire includes Tchaikovsky’s “Cossack Dance” from Mazeppa; Humperdinck’s “Witch’s Ride” from Hansel and Gretel; German’s “3 Dances” from Nell Gywn; Chadwick’s “Noel” from Symphonic Sketches; Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, R. 531” (featuring Drew Cone and Eva Herer, cellos); and Stravinsky’s “Symphony No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 1.” (716) 878-3005. Buffalo State lecturer of music Paul Ferington directs. Admission is free.

November 25

Star of Wonder: See the night sky as it appeared two millennia ago in a show at the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium that explores a variety of actual celestial events that may have been recorded as the Star of Bethlehem. The questions of who saw the event, when they saw it, and what it likely was are addressed in this live presentation. Each year this program helps audiences from across Western New York celebrate the holiday season. Star of Wonder will be presented on Fridays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. through December 31. Admission is free for Buffalo State students and $4 for faculty and staff. For the general public, tickets cost $6 for adults and $4 for children, other college students with ID, and seniors, age 65 and older. (716) 878-4911.

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November 1, 2011

An Evening of French Theater: October 19

norrisma1 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:52:16 +0000

Author:

Laurie Kaiser

Published Date:

October 17, 2011

Francophiles and theater-lovers alike will revel in the evening of French theater coming to the Burchfield Penney Art Center, Wednesday, October 19. Two one-act plays, La Peur Des Corps and La Voix Humaine, will be performed entirely in French by two acclaimed actors from the Caravague Theatre Company: Andre’ Nerman and Yannick Rocher.

The Modern and Classical Languages Department is presenting the performance in concert with L‘Alliance Francaise de Buffalo (AFB) and the Burchfield Penney as part of Buffalo State’s Year of the Arts programming.

“We try to involve the college and community as much as possible with all things dealing with languages and cultures,” said William White, associate professor and department chair. The event “provides a great opportunity for people to get a glimpse into diverse cultures and languages,” White said.

George Courteline’s comedy La Peur Des Corps (Afraid to Fight) examines the relationship between a violent and overzealous husband and his wife after an evening out. According to the husband, she has been courted all night by a young, handsome army officer—and loved it.

Jean Cocteau’s play La Voix Humaine (The Human Voice) focuses on a woman talking on the phone to the lover she has just ended a relationship with, amid a bad connection. The piece was written in 1930, but anybody who has ever experienced a lost signal will empathize.

An Evening of French Theater will begin at 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

White expects a sizable turnout for the performances—from college and high school French students to native French speakers, adding that a large number of French-speaking people call Buffalo home.

AFB provides a multitude of events for the French community to stay connected to its culture and heritage, and offers courses for individuals wishing to learn the French language and experience French culture. Membership in the group is strong and growing.

Likewise, interest in French, along with other world languages, remains steady at Buffalo State, White said. Thirty Buffalo State students currently are majoring in French, and enrollment in French courses at the lower level stays full.

“We forget that French is a world language spoken on almost every continent,” White said. “In Africa, French is the common language that binds former French and Belgian colonies together for economic and cultural purposes. You see it blossoming across the world, from the number of speakers, the number of textbooks, novels, and poetry coming out of these countries.”

Advance tickets are $5 for students; $8 for AFB members and Buffalo State faculty and staff; and $10 for the general public.

On the evening of the performance, tickets cost $5 for students; $12 for AFB members and Buffalo State faculty and staff; and $15 for the general public. To order tickets, call (716) 878-6011 or visit http://www.BurchfieldPenney.org.

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