Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Dena'ina Language

The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Dena’ina Language prepares students for learning knowledge, resources, and skills appropriate for a variety of entry-level jobs that use Ahtna Dene language. Students who earn this OEC will be able to certify a level of low intermediate speech ability according to the guidelines of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines scale through completion of an oral proficiency assessment. The style of Dena’ina taught in this program is Upper and Inland.

Admission Requirements

Graduation Requirements

AKNS A101FElementary Dena'ina Language I4
AKNS A102FElementary Dena'ina Language II4
AKNS A114FDena'ina Reading and Writing4
AKNS A292BAlaska Native Language Conversational Fluency Intensive 11-3
AKNS A240FAlaska Native Cultural Orientation: Dena'ina3
Total16-18
1

Must be taken in Dena'ina

A minimum of 16 credits is required for the degree. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Dena'ina Language will be able to:

  • Demonstrate low intermediate speaking proficiency, with conversational speaking skills as described in the ACTFL Guidelines standards.
  • Read and comprehend basic Dena’ina, including words and sentences pertaining to everyday topics, at a level comparable to their speaking proficiency on ACTFL standards.
  • Locate and assess Dena’ina Dene language resources and reference materials for diverse situations and proficiency levels.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Dena’ina history, culture, arts, and issues in the Dena'ina region. 
  • Examine cross-cultural communication, cultural values, and working with Elders.