Language Courses

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See Course Prerequisites Policy.

French

Lower Division Courses

Fr 101, 102, 103 Beginning French

4 credits each

Introductory course to promote communicative competency. Emphasis on listening comprehension and oral fluency. Grammar is presented in a way that encourages communicative skills. Reading and writing skills are stressed as well. Audio and video media reinforcement is provided. Not open to native speakers of French.

Fr 106, 107, 108 Beginning French Conversation

1 credit each

Oral practice of materials studied in Beginning French. Must be taken concurrently with Beginning French. Available on pass/no pass basis only. Not open to native speakers of French.

Fr 199 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

Fr 201, 202, 203 Intermediate French

4 credits each

Emphasis on communicative competency in speaking and writing with review of French grammar. Fluency gained through exposure to authentic cultural and literary materials which serve as a basis for class discussions and written work. Media lab reinforcement. Not open to native speakers of French. Prerequisites: Fr 101, 102, 103, or equivalent.

Fr 206, 207, 208 Intermediate French Conversation

1 credit each

Oral practice of materials studied in Intermediate French. Must be taken concurrently with Intermediate French. Graded pass/no pass only. Not open to native speakers of French. 

Fr 209 Practicum

Credit to be arranged

Upper Division Courses

Fr 301 Introduction to French Literature

4 credits

Introduction to various genres in French literature through short representative works of poetry, short stories, the novel, and theatre. Emphasis is on developing reading skills as preparation for advanced literature courses. Offered spring term of odd years. Prerequisite: two years of college French or concurrent enrollment in Fr 203.

Fr 308 French Trailer Course

1­2 credits

Taught in French as a trailer to a course in another department (e.g. history, art, music, business, sociology, or women's studies). Involves readings and discussions in French on topics relevant to the main course. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: Fr 203 or consent of the instructor.

Fr 311, 312 Survey of French Literature

4 credits each

Study of selected French literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Normally offered regular sessions, even years. Prerequisite: two years of college French; Fr 301 recommended.

Fr 314, 315, 316 French Culture, Composition, and Conversation

4 credits each

Designed to promote an understanding of French culture and society together with the development of oral and written expression. Cultural topics include the historical influence on contemporary culture; French patterns of daily behavior; artistic expression; and societal, religious, and political institutions. Topics serve as the basis for in-class discussion and composition assignments. The fundamentals of French composition are practiced by writing frequent essays in a variety of composition forms such as descriptions, résumés, expository writing, narration, and a research paper (Fr 316). Taught in French. Prerequisite: Fr 203.

Fr 331, 332 French Pronunciation and Phonetics

2 credits each

Thorough study of the fundamentals of French pronunciation and phonetics with personal attention to each student's difficulties. Prerequisite: one year of college French.

Fr 350 Topics in French Film

3­4 credits

Study of selected topics in French cinema, focusing on insights into French culture as seen through film. Recent topics include: Feminine Images in French Film, French Film of the '80s, and French Film and Society. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: Fr 203 or consent of the instructor. (Cross listed with Hum 350.)

Fr 399 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

Fr 401/501 Research

Credit to be arranged

Fr 403/503 Thesis

Credit to be arranged

Fr 405/505 Reading and Conference

Credit to be arranged

Fr 407/507 Seminar

Credit to be arranged

Fr 408 Professional Internship

Credit to be arranged

French language internship in a discipline of the student's interest, such as business, science, or social science. Internships may be with local or foreign companies that do business with francophone countries.

Fr 409/509 Practicum

Credit to be arranged

Fr 426/526 Topics in French Literature

1­4 credits

A study of literary texts reflecting the development of a genre and/or a specific topic in a given age. Prerequisite: Fr 311, 312. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Fr 427/527 Non Continental Francophone Literature

1­4 credits

A study of francophone literature by authors originating from countries other than France. Representative works selected from African, Canadian, Caribbean, Indo-Chinese, or Latin American literature. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: Fr 311 or 312. May be repeated for credit when topic changes.

Fr 428/528 Topics in French Culture 

2­6 credits

Study of selected topics in French culture having significant influence on French thought or contemporary French society. Topics may include social, political, artistic or historical movements; contemporary lifestyles and customs; and issues of current interest in the French-speaking world. Taught in French. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisites: Fr 314, 315, 316 or consent of instructor.

Fr 445/545 Advanced French Grammar

4 credits

An intensive review of French grammar. Focuses on common problem areas. Conducted in French. Prerequisites: Fr 201, 202, 203.

Fr 460/560 Translation

4 credits

Studies the problems of translating literary and nonliterary texts from French into English and English into French. Some work on simultaneous oral translation. Prerequisites: completion of composition and conversation sequence (Fr 314, 315, 316) or consent of instructor.

Fr 480/580 Business French

4 credits

Basic introduction to commercial French. Focuses on language and vocabulary of French business institutions as well as legal and social factors affecting French commerce. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: Fr 314, 315, 316, or consent of instructor.

Fr 490 Capstone

2­4 credits

Senior capstone. In consultation with a faculty member, the student designs an independent research project. The capstone reflects a student's personal interests and career goals, and may be linked to a work internship with advisor approval. The project results in an analytical research paper and bibliography written in French. Capstones may be in the areas of language, literature, or culture. An oral presentation of the project is presented in French to Foreign Languages and Literatures faculty. Prerequisites: senior standing in the major; Fr 314, 315, and 316.

German

Lower Division Courses

GL 101, 102, 103 Beginning German

4 credits each

An introductory course in basic German language skills and cultural behavior patterns designed to promote communicative competency. Emphasis on comprehension and speaking with audio, textual, and video reinforcement. Not open to native speakers of German.

GL 199 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

GL 201, 202, 203 Intermediate German

4 credits each

A text-based continuation of Beginning German that emphasizes communicative competency. Intensive review of grammatical structures. Audio and video reinforcement of authentic and current themes. Not open to native speakers of German. Prerequisite: GL 101, 102, 103.

GL 209 Practicum

Credit to be arranged

Upper Division Courses

GL 301, 302, 303 German Culture, Conversation, and Composition

4 credits each

An integrated approach to German language fluency incorporating writing, conversation, literature, culture, and history. Prerequisite for the fourth year.

GL 308 German Trailer Course

1­2 credits

Taught in German as a trailer to a course in another department (e.g. history, art, music, business, sociology, or women's studies). Involves readings and discussions in German on topics relevant to the main course. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: GL 203 or consent of the instructor.

GL 399 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

GL 401/501 Research

Credit to be arranged

GL 403/503 Thesis

Credit to be arranged

GL 405/505 Reading and Conference

Credit to be arranged

GL 407/507 Seminar

Credit to be arranged

GL 408/508 Overseas Internship

Credit to be arranged

Summer work opportunities in German and Swiss businesses are available to qualified students. Provides practical experience in a German language environment. Minimum prerequisite: GL 301, 302, 303, and approval by the appropriate professor.

GL 409/509 Practicum

Credit to be arranged

GL 411, 412 Business German

4 credits each

Refinement of German language proficiency and communicative competence to function effectively in a German business setting. Introduction to German business practices and correspondence.

GL 413 Major Figures in German Literature

4 credits

Introduction to significant forms, trends, and major figures with emphasis on twentieth century writers. Conducted in German. Can be repeated for credit when content changes.

GL 440 Germany 1845­1945: Germany's Search for Unity

4 credits

The sociohistorical, political, economic, and artistic development of Germany in its search for nationhood. Taught in German. Prerequisites: GL 301, 302, 303, or approval of instructor.

GL 441 Germany 1945­1990: From Division to Unity

4 credits

The sociohistorical, political, economic, and artistic development of postwar Germany in its search for self-determination and unity. Taught in German. Prerequisites: GL 301, 302, 303, or approval of instructor.

GL 490 Capstone

2­4 credits

Senior capstone. In consultation with a faculty member, the student designs an independent research project. The capstone reflects a student's personal interests and career goals, and may be linked to a work internship with advisor approval. The project results in an analytical research paper and bibliography written in German. Capstones may be in the areas of language, literature, or culture. An oral presentation of the project is presented in German to Foreign Languages and Literatures faculty. Prerequisites: Senior standing in the major; GL 301, 302, and 303.

Japanese

Jpn 101, 102, 103 First-Year Japanese

4 credits each

Introductory course in Japanese focusing on communicative skills and cultural competence. Some work with Japanese characters.

Jpn 106, 107, 108 First-Year Japanese Conversation

1 credit each

Oral practice and conversation for students in First-Year Japanese. Must be taken concurrently with First-Year Japanese. Graded pass/no pass only. Not open to native and advanced speakers of Japanese.

Jpn 199 Special Studies

1­4 credits

Jpn 201, 202, 203 Second-Year Japanese

4 credits each

Intensive review of Japanese grammar and continued work on conversational skills through exposure to various forms of Japanese: oral, written, and visual texts. Continued work with Japanese characters.

Jpn 206, 207, 208 Second-Year Japanese Conversation

1 credit each

Oral practice and conversation for students in Second-Year Japanese. Must be taken concurrently with Second-Year Japanese. Graded pass/no pass only. Not open to native or advanced speakers of Japanese.

Jpn 209 Practicum

1­4 credits

Jpn 409 Practicum

1­4 credits

Spanish

Lower Division Courses

Span 101, 102, 103 Beginning Spanish

4 credits each

By the end of level one, the student will be able to reach the intermediate-low level of the ACTFL proficiency scale. Students create with language, ask and answer questions on familiar topics, and perform simple language tasks.

Span 106, 107, 108 Beginning Spanish Conversation

1 credit each

Conversational practice at the first-year level. Must be taken concurrently with Beginning Spanish. Graded pass/no pass only. Not open to native speakers of Spanish.

Span 199 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged 

Span 201, 202, 203 Intermediate Spanish

4 credits each

By the end of Intermediate Spanish, the student will be able to reach the intermediate-mid level of the ACTFL proficiency scale. Students participate in conversations on familiar topics, describe and compare, and accomplish a variety of daily communicative tasks.

Span 206, 207, 208 Intermediate Spanish Conversation

1 credit each

Conversational practice at the second-year level. Must be taken concurrently with Intermediate Spanish. Graded pass/no pass only. Not open to native speakers of Spanish.

Span 209 Practicum

Credit to be arranged

Upper Division Courses

Span 301 Introduction to Reading Hispanic Literature

4 credits

Reading and analysis of literary texts written in Spanish for Hispanic audiences. Theory and practical applications. Recommended for students desiring transitional reading experience before participating in study abroad programs or before entering upper division literature courses. Readings, lectures, compositions, discussions in Spanish. Not open to students who have completed Span 322 or 323. Prerequisites: Span 201, 202. Recommend Span 203 be taken concurrently.

Span 308 Spanish Trailer Course

1­2 credits

Taught in Spanish as a trailer to a course in another department (e.g. history, art, music, business, sociology, or women's studies). Involves readings and discussions in Spanish on topics relevant to the main course. May be repeated for credit when topic changes. Prerequisite: Span 203 or consent of the instructor.

Span 310, 311, 312 Hispanic Culture, Composition, and Conversation

4 credits each

Development of effective strategies for reading and listening, for speaking and writing, and for observing and analyzing Hispanic cultures. Daily behavior patterns, and patterns of belief in Hispanic culture. After surveying cultural clashes and national stereotyping by foreigners, the course examines food habits; gender roles; courting; the family; cultural attitudes toward work and money; the cultural patterning of time and space; the city in Spain and Latin America; leisure activities; the arts and aesthetics in a cultural context; and religion and ritual in the Hispanic world. Taught in Spanish. Must be taken in sequence. Prerequisites: Span 201, 202, and 203.

Span 322 Nineteenth Century Hispanic Literature

4 credits

Survey of major writers and trends in the nineteenth century literature of Spain and Spanish America. Emphasis on Romanticism, "costumbrismo," Realism, and Naturalism. Prerequisite: Span 301.

Span 323 Twentieth Century Hispanic Literature

4 credits

Survey of major writers and trends in the twentieth century literature of Spain and Spanish America. Emphasis on Generation of '98, Modernism, Surrealism, and Post-Modernism. Prerequisite: Span 301.

Span 399 Special Studies

Credit to be arranged

Span 401/501 Research

Credit to be arranged

Span 403/503 Thesis

Credit to be arranged

Span 405/505 Reading and Conference

Credit to be arranged

Span 407/507 Seminar

Credit to be arranged

Span 408 Capstone: Community-Based Work or Internship Experience

1­6 credits

A volunteer work experience conducted in Spanish in the context of services provided to native Spanish speakers in schools, institutions, agencies, businesses, or other organizations serving a Hispanic community. Includes a statement of work/learning objectives filed with the academic supervisor, a daily journal, interviews, computer reports and oral and written evaluations by the work supervisor. Prerequisites: Span 310, 311, 312 and 481 or 482 or otherwise demonstrate attainment of advanced Spanish language proficiency in writing, speaking, and listening and in knowledge of Hispanic culture.

Span 409/509 Practicum

Credit to be arranged

Span 421/521 Selected Genre or Period Studies

1­6 credits each topic (All credits for a topic must be from a single course.)

Selected topics addressing theoretical, literary, and aesthetic issues of a designated genre or period of Spanish or Hispano-American literature. All activities in Spanish. Repeated credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisites: Span 322, 323. 

The Generation of '98

Outstanding works by the generation of modernist or symbolist writers whose original thought and aesthetics moved Spanish literature and culture into the twentieth century. Included are Miguel de Unamuno, Azorín, Pío Baroja, Antonio Machado, Jacinto Benavente, and others.

Spanish Post War Novel

A study of major works of prose fiction written after the Spanish Civil War, including texts by Camilo José Cela, Carmen Laforet, Miguel Delibes, Luis Martín-Santos, and Juan Goytisolo.

Genre: Major Works

A close reading and analysis of generic aspects of major works of drama, fiction, and poetry from selected major Hispanic authors.

Hispanic Film as Literature

An analysis of Spanish language films from the point of view of plot and dramatic characterization, world view, and imagery.

The Golden Age of Spanish Drama

A study of outstanding Spanish theatre through texts and videotaped performances of Lope de Vega, Calderón, and Tirso de Molina.

Span 422/522 Major Literary Figures

1­6 credits each topic (All credits for a topic must be from a single course.)

Reading and analysis of outstanding works of an author or group of authors from Spain or Hispano-America. All activities in Spanish. Repeated credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisites: Span 322, 323.

Span 441/541 Topics in Hispanic Culture

1­6 credits each topic (All credits for a topic must be from a single course.)

Selected topics addressing basic cultural differences in the Hispanic world. Examination of cultural constructs related to institutions, artistic forms, customs, and beliefs. All activities in Spanish. Prerequisites: Span 311, 312.

Education in the Hispanic World

Comparison of the educational systems of either Spain or a selected country in Latin America and the United States with special emphasis on higher educationschools and universities; curriculum, standards, and expectations; classroom etiquette.

Spain and Latin America on Film

Viewing and critical analysis of selected contemporary films that are particularly rich in cultural information and produced in Spain or South America.

Celebration and Ritual

Study of selected cultural or religious celebrations and art forms in the Iberian peninsula and Spanish America. Examples come from either the Iberian tradition or the indigenous cultures of South America.

Span 460/560 Topics in Contemporary Hispanic Literature and Society

1­6 credits each topic (All credits for a topic must be from a single course.)

Selected topics addressing the nature and complexities of thought, aesthetics, and social reality in a period of twentieth century Spanish or Hispano-American history as exemplified in a particular group of literary and nonliterary texts. All activities in Spanish. Repeated credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisites: Span 322, 323.

Culture and Drama of Spain

Social, cultural, and aesthetic implications of Spanish drama in the twentieth century. Emphasis varies from year to year. Attention is given to the theatre of Lorca, Valle-Inclán, Buero, Gala, and Nieva.

Spanish Feminist Poets

A survey of Spanish feminist poetry and women poets in the light of current feminist theory and social conditions in Spain. Included are works by Maria Alfaro, Maria Beneyto, Carmen Conde, Angela Figuera Aymerich, Gloria Fuertes, Angelina Gatell, and their predecessors and successors.

Voices of Freedom: Poets of Central America

A survey of Central American poets and essayists in whose writings are reflected the political, moral, and social upheavals of the region. Included are poets Ernesto Cardenal and Nicolas Guillen, among others, as well as essays on social values, socioeconomic conditions, and religion.

The Neo-Colonial Period: Power and the Novel

Economic, political, and social problems of Hispano-America from the point of view of dictatorship, development, and U.S. dependency. Included are novels by Carlos Fuentes, Miguel Angel Asturias, Alejo Carpentier, and sociopolitical writings by essayists such as Eduardo Galeano, F.H. Cardoso, and Enzo Faletto.

Span 481/581 Topics in Applied Spanish Linguistics

1­6 credits each topic (All credits for a topic must be from a single course.)

Selected topics in the four dimensions of language: phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. All activities in Spanish. Repeated credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisites: Span 311, 312.

Spanish Phonetics and Phonology

Linguistic and geohistorical analysis of Spanish phonetics and phonemics with some attention to contrasts with English.

Spanish Morphology and Syntax

The formation of words and morphemes and a description of syntactic structures of the Spanish language.

Spanish Lexicology and Semantics

A study of word meanings and their variations and changes both diachronically and synchronically.

Spanish Sociolinguistics

Speech as an indicator of social class and economic status, geographical origin, age, education, and profession. 

Span 482/582 Topics in Writing and Translation

1­6 credits each topic (All credits for a topic must be from a single course.)

Selected topics in practical applications of linguistic principles through writing and translation. Repeated credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisites: Span 311, 312.

Translation of Texts in the Humanities and Social Sciences

The theory and practice of translation from English to Spanish and Spanish to English with an emphasis on process. Work with scholarly texts in literary theory and history, linguistic theory and practice, and in the fields of economics, history, political science, anthropology, sociology, and philosophy.

Translation of Poetry

The theory and practice of translation from English and Spanish texts. Emphasis on practice and process. Major project with local poets.

Translation of Dramatic Literature

The translation of short and long pieces of drama from and into Spanish. Emphasis on process and theatrical elements. Major project with local theatre.

Creative Writing

Analysis of short stories and poetry written in Spanish as models for the students' original work in Spanish. Recommended for those who desire an opportunity to express themselves in these genres.

Span 490 Capstone

2­4 credits

Senior Capstone. In consultation with a faculty member, the student designs an independent research project. The capstone reflects a student's personal interests and career goals, and may be linked to a work internship with advisor approval. The project results in an analytical research paper and bibliography written in Spanish. Capstones may be in the areas of language, literature, or culture. An oral presentation of the project is presented in Spanish to Foreign Languages and Literatures faculty. Prerequisites: senior standing in the major; Span 310, 311, 312, 322, and 323.

Span 498 Capstone: Research and Writing Seminar

4 credits

A literature and culture seminar focusing on advanced Spanish language skills through both individual and team research and writing projects and oral reports. Each student presents to the faculty a final, polished, analytical research paper and annotated bibliography and makes an oral presentation of the paper to the faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures. All work in Spanish. Two credits fulfill the capstone requirement and two may be applied toward fulfillment of the literature emphasis of the major. Prerequisites: complete Span 312, 322, 323 and 421, 422, or 460 and demonstrate attainment of advanced Spanish language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening and in knowledge of Hispanic culture.