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Foreign languages facultyPiet J. Koene, M.A.Associate Professor of Spanish, Translation & Interpreting M.A., Monterey Institute for International Studies
M.A., University of Toronto
B.A., Calvin College 712-707-7051
koene@nwciowa.edu
NTBM 5
ProfileProfessor Koene is a professionally certified translator and interpreter who has earned two master's degrees: one in interpretation and translation, and the other in Latin American history. He was Iowa’s Professor of the Year for 2004, chosen for that honor by the Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In 2003 he was named the recipient of Northwestern’s Teaching Excellence Award. He is part of a bilingual family, having met his wife while living and working in Honduras. Time spent in Spain and Mexico has also contributed to his near-native fluency in Spanish and interest in Latin American studies. Professor Koene advises Northwestern’s Spanish House, has led spring service and summer study trips to Honduras and Mexico, and serves as a translator and interpreter in the community. A state-certified court interpreter, he is among a handful of people who have reached this top tier of professional legal interpreters for the state of Iowa.
Courses- Advanced Spanish Conversation
Advanced Spanish Conversation The main goal of this course is to improve oral communication, which includes speaking as well as listening, comprehension. Since successful communication also involves cultural awareness of the Spanish speaker's feelings, thoughts and attitudes, part of this course involves studying sources of these important underlying constructs.Prerequisite: SPA202 or equivalent proficiency.(1 credit) - Advanced Grammar and Composition
Advanced Grammar and Composition Advanced development of writing skills and a review of difficult grammar concepts. Students will be expected to write in a variety of contexts. Emphasis will be on the writing process. The majority of the assignments will be completed in steps including multiple drafts. Additionally, students will be expected to review grammar and complete some grammar exercises.Prerequisite: SPA202 or equivalent proficiency.(3 credits) - Oral Spanish Interpretation
Oral Spanish Interpretation An in-depth study of interpretation between Spanish and English, with
both theoretical background knowledge and applied practice included.
Specific topic areas covered involve legal, medical and religious
interpretation. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 202 and one
3-credit 300-level course. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)
- Hispanics in the United States
Hispanics in the United States A wide-ranging study of the current situation of Hispanics in the United States. After an historical overview, a thematic approach will be taken to better understand the role of Hispanics in the United States and their growing influence. Possible topics include demographics, voting tendencies, purchasing power, Hispanic media, religion, labor laws, immigration, Spanglish and bilingualism, among others. Using interviews and research, the course will conclude with a study of our Hispanic neighbors here in northwest Iowa.Prerequisites: SPA202 and one 3-credit 300-level course.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department) - Written Spanish Translation
Written Spanish Translation This course is an introduction to the theory, methods, techniques and
problems involved in basic translation. The first half of the semester
will focus mostly on translating from Spanish to English. The second half
of the course will involve general material from specific areas of life:
popular culture, music, social sciences, education, business, medicine,
the legal profession, etc., with translation exercises from both Spanish
to English and English to Spanish. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites:
Spanish 202 and one 3-credit 300-level course. (3 credits; alternate
years, consult department)
- Introduction to Translation and Interpreting
Introduction to Translation and Interpreting - Interpreting I
Interpreting I - Interpreting II
Interpreting II - Translation I
Translation I - Translation II
Translation II - Translation III
Translation III - Practicum in Spanish
Practicum in Spanish Designed for advanced Spanish students, this practicum gives students the opportunity to practice their Spanish on a daily basis in a Spanish speaking environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication, both speaking and listening. Placement opportunities include, but are not limited to, living in the Northwestern College Spanish house or with a Spanish speaking Hispanic family.Prerequisite: SPA202. Enrollment through permission of modern foreign languages department.(2 credits) - Special Topics in Language
Special Topics in Language See course description for LAN365. (2-4 credits) - Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture
Intermediate Spanish Language and Culture Combined study of intermediate language and culture. Study of primary sources in print, audio and visual forms to develop appreciation for the ways culture in general and the language's culture in particular shape a variety of social contexts. Building on previously acquired ability in Spanish, continued study of language in a communicative context with considerable emphasis upon precision and expansion of linguistic skills.Prerequisite: SPA102, or placement by the foreign language placement exam.(3 credits) - Directed Study
Directed Study - Internship
Internship (2 credits may apply toward the major or minor) - Honors Research
Honors Research
Publications and presentations- Professional Trainer, Interpreter Workshops, Sight Translation for Advanced Interpreters, Spanish-English, & Pitfalls of English-Spanish: Advanced Grammar Review for Interpreters, Nebraska Association of Translators and Interpreters, August 4-6, 2011
- “The State of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs in T&I”, paper presented at Iowa Interpreters and Translators Association (IITA), June 11, 2011
- “Interpreting: ‘The Commoditization of Language’ or ‘Bridging the Communications Gap that Sin Created’?” Paper presented at NACFLA (North American Christian Foreign Language Association); April 2011
- "The Price of Justice: Intepretation Costs in the Legal System and a Christian Perspective," paper presented at North American Christian Foreign Language Association (NACFLA) conference, 2008
- "Professional Court Interpretation & the Christian Professor," paper presented at NACFLA, March 2007, and published in the Journal of Christianity and Foreign Languages, Vol. 9, spring 2008
- "Integrating the Bible Into the Language Classroom: A Practical Approach to Key Biblical Passages and Their Relevance to Language," paper presented at NACFLA, April 2003
- "Compliance or Revolution: Historical Reasons for Acquiescence and Deference in Honduran Culture," paper presented at NACFLA, April 2001
Professional experience- Translator and Interpreter, State District & State Juvenile Courts, northwestern Iowa counties
- Translator and Interpreter, Federal District Court, Sioux City, IA
- Notary Public
Memberships- North American Christian Foreign Language Association (president, 2007-09)
- National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators
- Iowa Interpreters and Translators Association
- Nebraska Association of Translators and Interpreters
- American Translators Association
Honors- Professional Interpretation and Translation Certification, 2009
- State Certified Court Interpreter, Iowa, 2006
- U.S. Professor of the Year (Iowa), Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Council for Advancement and Support of Education, 2004
- Excellence in Teaching Award (Professor of the Year), Northwestern College, 2003
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