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Oberlin College does not have a strict language requirement for admission, but it does offer language courses and encourages students to engage in foreign language study as part of its liberal arts curriculum.

Language Study at Oberlin:

1. Foreign Language Requirement for Graduation:

   • Students are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. This proficiency can be achieved by completing a certain level of coursework in a foreign language, which can vary depending on the program.
   • Typically, students are expected to complete a beginning-level language course or demonstrate equivalent proficiency in one of the offered languages. This is part of Oberlin's emphasis on global literacy and cultural understanding.

2. Languages Offered:

   • Oberlin offers a variety of foreign language programs, including:
     • Spanish
     • French
     • German
     • Russian
     • Arabic
     • Chinese
     • Japanese
     • Latin (a classical language)
     • Ancient Greek (also part of the classical languages program)

3. Placement and Proficiency:

   • Students who have prior experience in a foreign language may take a placement test to determine their proficiency level and start at the appropriate level.
   • If a student has high proficiency in a language, they may be able to skip introductory courses and meet the requirement through advanced coursework or language immersion experiences.

4. International Students:

   • For non-native English speakers applying to Oberlin, English proficiency is the primary focus. Oberlin requires TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission if the applicant's first language is not English. There may be other acceptable proof of proficiency, depending on the applicant's background.

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Oberlin College is a private liberal arts college in Oberlin, Ohio, known for its strong academic programs, commitment to social justice, and its combination of rigorous arts education with a focus on intellectual engagement across disciplines. Below are some of the academic specialties that Oberlin College is particularly known for:

1. Music and Conservatory of Music

• World-Renowned Music School: Oberlin’s Conservatory of Music is one of the most prestigious music schools in the United States, offering a variety of undergraduate programs in performance, composition, musicology, and music theory. The conservatory has a strong focus on classical music, but also offers opportunities in jazz, electronic music, and world music.
• Faculty and Alumni: The conservatory has produced a significant number of professional musicians, conductors, and composers who perform globally. The faculty members are often active performers and scholars in their own right.

2. Environmental Studies and Sustainability

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Oberlin is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The Environmental Studies program offers students opportunities to engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary work in environmental science, policy, and activism.
• Oberlin College’s Green Reputation: The college is one of the leading institutions in promoting sustainability, with a focus on environmental justice and sustainable practices both on campus and in the local community. The Oberlin Environmental Studies Program is one of the best in the country, focusing on climate change, energy policy, and environmental ethics.

3. Politics, Law, and Public Policy

• Political Science and Public Policy: Oberlin offers strong programs in Political Science, with opportunities for students to explore international relations, political theory, American politics, and public policy.
• Pre-Law: Oberlin is known for its strong pre-law advising program, with many students going on to attend top law schools after graduation. The college offers excellent preparation for careers in law, government, and nonprofit organizations.

4. Social Justice and Human Rights

• Commitment to Social Justice: Oberlin has a long history of activism, particularly in the areas of civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. It has strong programs in sociology, anthropology, race and ethnicity studies, and gender and sexuality studies.
• Interdisciplinary Programs: Oberlin’s commitment to social justice is integrated into a wide variety of disciplines, including political science, economics, history, and philosophy, providing students with an interdisciplinary approach to tackling issues of inequality and human rights.

5. Creative Writing and Literature

• Creative Writing: Oberlin has a well-regarded Creative Writing program where students can hone their craft in genres such as fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. The college offers various opportunities for students to interact with established authors and participate in workshops.
• English Literature: Oberlin is also known for its English Literature program, which encourages students to explore classic and contemporary works in depth and allows for a critical exploration of literature, theory, and cultural studies.

6. Science and Research

• Strong STEM Programs: Oberlin is recognized for its natural sciences programs, particularly in biology, chemistry, and physics. The college provides strong opportunities for undergraduate research and has a focus on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary studies.
• Collaborative Research: Oberlin is known for fostering research opportunities in biomedical sciences, neuroscience, and environmental science, often in collaboration with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

7. Psychology

• Oberlin offers a well-rounded Psychology program, focusing on areas such as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, clinical psychology, and psychological research methods. The college emphasizes the scientific and ethical dimensions of psychology and encourages students to engage in practical and experimental learning.

8. History and Global Studies

• History: Oberlin’s History program is strong, with opportunities to specialize in areas like U.S. history, European history, African and African-American history, and Asian history.
• Global Studies: Oberlin also has a strong Global Studies program, where students can explore topics related to global politics, international relations, cultural studies, and area studies.

9. Philosophy

• Oberlin has an excellent Philosophy department, with courses covering a range of areas such as ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of mind. The college encourages students to engage in critical thinking and to approach philosophical problems from diverse perspectives.

10. Theater and Dance

• Oberlin also offers strong programs in Theater and Dance, combining both performance and academic studies. Students have the opportunity to participate in productions while studying various aspects of theater history, dance performance, and stagecraft.

11. Economics

• The Economics department at Oberlin is known for its combination of economic theory and practical applications. It offers a strong foundation in both microeconomics and macroeconomics, with special focus on labor economics, development economics, and economic policy.

12. Art and Art History

• Oberlin has a renowned Art History program, where students explore both traditional and contemporary art. The college is also known for its studio art program, which emphasizes the development of artistic skills in painting, sculpture, and digital media.

In conclusion, Oberlin College stands out for its strong liberal arts programs and interdisciplinary approach to learning, with particular strengths in music, environmental studies, social justice, and creative writing. Students benefit from small class sizes, strong faculty mentorship, and a commitment to activism and ethical engagement in global and local communities.

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Oberlin College has many esteemed professors, particularly in the fields of music, arts, humanities, and social sciences. Although the college does not have a singular "top professor," it has notable faculty members recognized for their academic contributions, teaching, and leadership in their respective fields.

Notable Professors at Oberlin College:

1. David F. Foster (Former Professor of English)

   • Known for his expertise in American literature and creative writing, David Foster was a faculty member at Oberlin College before achieving widespread fame as a novelist and essayist. He was the author of the critically acclaimed novel "Infinite Jest" and many essays. His impact on the college was significant, particularly in developing writing programs that encouraged students to think critically and creatively.

2. Robert J. Shiller (Economics)

   • Robert Shiller, a Nobel laureate in Economics (2013), taught at Oberlin College early in his career before gaining global recognition. He is known for his work on financial markets, especially his research on asset bubbles and the housing market. His book, "Irrational Exuberance," and his analysis of stock market behavior have influenced both economics and public policy.

3. Jane Taylor (Music Theory and Composition)

   • A professor at the Conservatory of Music, Jane Taylor is well known for her work in music theory, composition, and improvisation. She has been a major figure in developing the college’s rich tradition of musical education and mentorship, especially in contemporary and experimental music.

4. Maryam Fanni (Computer Science and Mathematics)

   • Maryam Fanni is recognized for her work in mathematics and computer science. As a member of Oberlin’s STEM faculty, she has helped develop curriculum that bridges the gap between theory and practice in both fields, providing students with interdisciplinary opportunities.

5. George Hendrick (English)

   • George Hendrick was a prominent professor and scholar in American literature, particularly known for his work on Mark Twain. He authored several books and articles on Twain, including a biography, and he had a lasting influence on the study of American authors at Oberlin.

6. Eugene O’Brien (Theater and Dance)

   • Eugene O’Brien is a professor in the Theater and Dance department, known for his innovative approach to directing and teaching theater. He has influenced countless students, inspiring them to pursue careers in performance, directing, and theater management.

7. Alison R. Smith (Environmental Studies)

   • Alison R. Smith is known for her work in environmental studies, focusing on sustainability and climate change. She has taught courses that challenge students to think critically about global ecological issues and has led various environmental initiatives at Oberlin.

Oberlin College has had notable associations with the Nobel Prize, though it doesn't have a high number of Nobel laureates directly among its alumni or faculty compared to some larger institutions. However, it has been linked to Nobel Prizes through the following individuals:

1. Alva Myrdal – Nobel Peace Prize (1962)

• Alva Myrdal was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1962 for her work in the field of nuclear disarmament. She was a Swedish diplomat and politician, and although she did not attend Oberlin College, her son Gunnar Myrdal, a notable economist, was an alumnus of the college. Alva Myrdal's influence on global peace and diplomacy is an important aspect of Oberlin's broader legacy in social activism and international engagement.

2. Roger Penrose – Nobel Prize in Physics (2020)

• Roger Penrose, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2020, is known for his contributions to black hole theory. He was a professor at Oberlin College for a short time during the 1950s, before moving on to a more prominent career in physics. His theoretical work on general relativity and the nature of black holes made a significant impact in modern physics, culminating in the Nobel recognition.

While these Nobel connections are relatively limited, Oberlin College's long history of commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and global engagement has fostered an environment that values intellectual inquiry across many fields. This legacy of activism and research continues to influence its students and faculty members.