Profile image for Ben Coates

Ben Coates, PhD

Department Chair, Modern Language and Linguistics
Program Coordinator, Spanish Educatio
864.977.7068
ben.coates@ngu.edu
Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Modern Language and Linguistics
Location: Tigerville

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Teaching & Education

    You will learn with me when taking courses in Spanish language, literature, and culture and world languages education.

    Degrees

    BA, Clemson University

    MA, University of Northern Iowa

    MEd, Converse College

    PhD, National University of Distance Education (Spain)

  • Professional Experience

    My experience includes a nine-year career in secondary education in South Carolina. I have been teaching at the university level since 2008.

  • Articles Published

    El teatro representado en lengua española en Los Ángeles – 2000-2010. Editorial Académica Española. 2017.

    “Puestas en escena de obras de dramaturgos españoles del siglo de oro en Los Ángeles (2000-2010).” Signa 23 (2014): 321-341.

    “El teatro representado en español en Los Ángeles: lazos culturales y desafíos comunes.” Gestos 56 (2013): 148-157.

    “¿Puestas en escena en una lengua minoritaria?: La reconstrucción de cartelera de toda la actividad teatral en español en Los Ángeles en los años 2007-2009.” Anagnórisis 4 (2011): 60-87.

  • Awards Received

    2016 – Excellence in Teaching Award, Gardner-Webb University

    2014 – Award for Outstanding Dissertation, National University of Distance Education (Spain)

    2000-2001 – Teacher of the Year, Jonesville High School

  • My Network

    I am an elder at my church, Milestones Church, in Spartanburg. With my church, I have participated in mission trips in Palacagüina, Nicaragua and Ontario, Canada. I have contacts on the ground in both of those places.

    While serving at Gardner-Webb University, I led a group of students on a mission trip to Jinotega, Nicaragua, in an effort to establish a study abroad partnership with a university in Jinotega. I still have contacts at that university.

  • My Story

    When I started college, I knew that God was leading me to do something with Spanish, but I was not sure of exactly what He wanted me to do with the language. He opened doors for me to teach, but I was very resistant at first. Over time, He has reinforced this call on my life, and He orchestrated a series of events to place me at North Greenville. I greatly enjoy both aspects of my job at NGU. I enjoy teaching the language, literature, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world, and I enjoy preparing future Spanish teachers. It is very rewarding work.

    Favorite Course to Teach:

    There are honestly aspects of each class that I like, but my favorite is probably Intermediate Spanish Conversation. In this class, students actively speak Spanish each day, and it is very rewarding to see them improve and gain confidence in their speaking abilities.

  • Related Links

    Explore more resources related to this field of study:

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