Current News

GREAT NEWS!  We were recently awarded a a Title VI U.S. Department of Education grant for Undergraduate Foreign-Language Instruction and International Studies.  Patricia Simpson, who wrote the grant, is also the Principal Investigator and Director.  The total two-year funding ($89,517.00 in year one, matched by MSU) will enable the Department of Modern Language and Literatures to expand its offerings and work toward establishing a new major in International Studies.  Brett Walker, who is Chair of the Dept. of History and Philosophy at MSU, will be Co- Director. His expertise will be invaluable in establishing an interdisciplinary Asian Studies program. The grant will benefit the entire Department and its students and was, according to Simpson, a successful team effort.

Patty Simpson, Associate Professor of German Studies, recently returned from an invited lecture at the University of Georgia, Athens, where she participated in a conference on the "Meaning of Culture" and spoke about her book project, Cultures of Violence in the New German Street. In conjunction with this project, she will travel to Moscow in June to present her new research on national identity and popular music. Simpson has also been invited to participate in an editorial workshop in London this summer.

Student Ivie English (Spanish major) received the Sue Burton Cannon Memorial Award; 2008. This award is given to the outstanding Junior female student in a Modern Languages class and is based on service to the Department of Modern Languages, academic performance, and service outside the Department.

Student Mark Lehman (Spanish Teaching major) received the Steven L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship; 2008. This award is given to the outstanding Spanish Teaching major. It not only recognizes academic success, but quality of character as well, reflecting the esteem of teachers and peers in the department.

Patty Simpson was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the German Studies Association. Her three-year term begins in 2008. In addition, she was elected to serve as the division delegate for the Modern Language Association for Late 18th and Early 19th Century German Literature.

Congratulations to Patty Simpson on the 2007 release of her book The Erotics of War in German Romanticism, published by Bucknell University Press (2007), ISBN 978-083875662X.

Patty Simpson was elected to serve on the steering committee of the Women’s Faculty Caucus, 2007-08. She has also been appointed to the Women’s Studies Minor Committee.

Patricia Catoira is the recipient of an Award for Excellence, 2007. This award is given by MSU's Alumni Association and the Bozeman Area Chamber of Commerce for exceptional guidance and inspiration.

Bridget Kevane received the President's Award for Excellence in Service Learning for her Supervised Practicum course and two courses in volunteerism, 2007.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 4/29/08