Courses in Modern Languages

Courses in Arabic

Beginning Arabic I

This course employs the communicative approach to language learning, stressing correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and basic speaking ability. The major components of each chapter are vocabulary, story, culture, grammar, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing and speaking activities, and snippets of colloquial conversation in the widely used dialects of Egypt, the Levant, and North Africa. Grammar is learned inductively with special attention given to morphology.

Beginning Arabic II

This course is a continuation of Beginning Arabic I, the first course in Modern Standard Arabic. The course employs the communicative approach to language learning, stressing correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and basic speaking ability. The major components of each chapter are vocabulary, story, culture, grammar, reading comprehension, listening comprehension, writing and speaking activities, and snippets of colloquial conversation in the widely used dialects of Egypt, the Levant, and North Africa. Grammar is learned inductively with special attention given to morphology. Prerequisite: ARAB 191.

Intermediate Arabic I

This course introduces students to Intermediate Arabic, the third course in Modern Standard Arabic. The course employs the communicative approach to language learning, stressing correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and speaking ability. Grammar is learned inductively with special attention given to morphology. Prerequisite: ARAB 192.

Intermediate Arabic II

This course is a continuation of Intermediate Arabic I; it is the fourth-semester course in Modern Standard Arabic. The course employs the communicative approach to language learning, stressing correct pronunciation, aural comprehension, and speaking ability. Grammar is learned inductively with special attention given to morphology and syntax. Prerequisite: ARAB 291 or equivalent.

Courses in Chinese

Elementary Chinese I

The goals for this course are for students to master the pinyin Romanization system and to acquire basic communication skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing Mandarin Chinese. CHIN 161 is open only to beginners in Chinese or those with two years or less of high school Chinese.

Elementary Chinese II

This course is a continuation of Elementary Chinese I. Students will continue to develop the language skills they acquired in Elementary Chinese I. Prerequisite: CHIN 161 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate Chinese I

Course work helps students to develop four linguistic skills (speaking, writing, listening and reading) in Chinese at a more advanced level. Course work emphasizes drills, conversation and grammar. The goals are for students to acquire the following skills: to pronounce modern standard Chinese, to write words using both characters and pinyin Romanization system, to converse in more complicated sentences based on grammatical structures introduced in this course and to write essays. Prerequisite: CHIN 162 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate Chinese II

A continuation of CHIN 216. Prerequisite: CHIN 261 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Topics in Chinese

Topics in the Chinese language. May be repeated with different topics for credit.

Advanced Chinese I

Reading and discussion of advanced Chinese materials. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing compositions. Prerequisite: CHIN 261 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Advanced Chinese II

A continuation of CHIN 361. Prerequisite: CHIN 361 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Advanced Readings and Projects in Chinese

Open to advanced students in Chinese. May be repeated for credit.

Chinese Conversation

Designed to improve communication skills in Mandarin Chinese, with special focus on the four tones and on acquiring useful terms and phrases for daily conversation. Prerequisite: CHIN 262 or permission of instructor.

Courses in French

Elementary French I

Introduction to the French language with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The essentials of French grammar. Emphasis on communication and Francophone cultures. FREN 101 is open only to beginners in French or those with two years or less of high school French.

Elementary French II

A continuation of FREN 101. Prerequisite: FREN 101.

Review of Elementary French

Practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Review of French grammar and study of Francophone cultures. For those students who have prior experience in French. Satisfies the Group 5 requirement. Open to students who are placed into this level by test results or departmental direction. Not open to those who have credit for FREN 101 or 102.

Intermediate French I

Reading, oral practice, composition and further study of grammar and Francophone cultures. Prerequisite: FREN 102 or 110 or qualifying score on the French placement test.

Intermediate French II

A continuation of FREN 201. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or qualifying score on the French placement test.

French Conversation and Phonetics

Emphasis on oral practice and phonetics. Prerequisite: FREN 202 or qualifying grade on the placement test. Students with recent foreign residence in a French-speaking country must consult with the chair of the department before registering for FREN 305. Not open to heritage speakers of French.

Introduction to Francophone Cultures

An examination of the major artistic, intellectual and social movements and figures of the Francophone world. Students explore the historical and contemporary experiences of French-speaking cultures outside of France. Prerequisite: FREN 305.

French Civilization

Culture and institutions before the Fifth Republic. A study of artistic movements, intellectual currents, and social development in France to 1958. Prerequisite: FREN 305. May count towards European Studies minor.

Contemporary French Civilization

Culture and institutions of the Fifth Republic. A study of artistic movements, intellectual currents and social developments in France since 1958. Prerequisite: FREN 305. May count towards European Studies minor.

Business French

This course focuses on economics and business practices in France. Its goals are to familiarize students with the basic institutions (banking, Paris Stock Market, European Union), with how French corporations are organized and how they function (administrative structure, secretarial, marketing, sales, etc.), and with certain socio-cultural aspects of the workplace (executive behavior, management-labor relations, gender issues). Required work includes readings, tests, essays and oral presentations. Prerequisite: FREN 305 or permission of instructor. May count towards European Studies minor.

Introduction to Literature in French

Selection of significant texts from various periods. Prerequisite: FREN 305 and one additional 300-level course. May count towards European Studies minor.

Topics: Literatures and Cultures in the French-speaking World

Study of varied topics on the cultural, political, social, historical and literary aspects of life in the French-speaking world. Prerequisites: FREN 305 and one other 300-level French course. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May count towards European Studies minor.

Advanced French Stylistics

Advanced syntax, writing styles, composition, linguistics and history of the French language. Prerequisite: FREN 327.

French Seminar

A detailed study of an author, or a principal movement in literature and/or culture in French. Open only to senior French majors. May count towards European Studies minor.

Advanced Readings and Projects in French

Open to advanced students in French with permission of chair. Student may repeat for credit with different topics.

Advanced Readings and Projects in French

A continuation of FREN 427.

Courses in German

Elementary German I

An introductory program with a variety of learning approaches. Presentation and reinforcement of grammar, pronunciation and idiom through simple reading, guided writing and functional spoken German. An introduction to the German cultural tradition. GER 111 is open only to those without German language background or to those with two years or less of high school German.

Elementary German II

A continuation of GER 111.

Intermediate German I

General preparation in German for personal, academic and professional use. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing brief original compositions. Reading from modern literary and cultural sources; selected topics about contemporary German life and the German tradition. Prerequisite: GER 112 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate German II

A continuation of GER 211. Prerequisite: GER 211 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Advanced German

This course is designed to prepare students for advanced work in German language, literature and culture. Students will read a variety of texts. Active practice in spoken and written German. GER 212 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Introduction to German Literature

Experience in the study of literature and German literary history through texts from the 18th century to the present. Students will gain an overview of the historical development of the German tradition. GER 212 or permission of instructor. May count towards European Studies minor.

German for Business

This course is designed to introduce students to the language of business German and to give them insight into Germany's current place in the global economy. Consideration of various themes organized around major business and economic topics, along with language and skill-building activities. Prerequisite: GER 304 . Not open to first-year students. May count towards European Studies minor.

German Cultural Studies

Emphasis on aspects of popular, artistic, intellectual, religious and social tradition from selected periods. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May count towards European Studies minor.

Twentieth Century German Literature and Culture

This course focuses on one period or theme taken primarily from 20th century German literature and culture. Possible topics include: Modernism in Berlin and Vienna, the Weimar Republic, Post-1945 German literature, etc. Prerequisite: GER 307 or permission of instructor.May be repeated for credit with different topics. May count towards European Studies minor.

Topics

Critical investigation of a subject, usually from one of the following areas: genre or motif study, comparative arts, recent writers and criticism, social background to literature, cultural studies, linguistics, contemporary theory. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May count towards European Studies minor.

Senior Seminar

A detailed study of an author or a principal movement of German literature and/or culture. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

Advanced Readings and Projects in German

Open to advanced students in German with permission of chair. May be repeated for credit.

Advanced Readings and Projects in German

A continuation of GER 447.

Courses in Italian

Introduction to Italian I

Introduction to the Italian language with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Introduction to Italian II

A continuation of ITAL 171. Prerequisite: ITAL 171.

Intermediate Italian

Second year Italian. First semester. This course emphasizes oral and written expression, listening comprehension and building vocabulary. It also provides an intensive review of grammar. Learning is facilitated by a careful selection of literary texts, such as plays, novels, short stories, celebrated lyrics from opera and contemporary music. A variety of real-life material is also employed, including newspaper and magazine articles, radio and television broadcasts. Students are required to participate and engage in conversation during class. Regular attendance is essential. Daily assignments are required. Pre-requisite: Italian 171 & 172 or permission of a professor of Italian in the Modern Language Department.

Intermediate Italian II

Continuation of ITAL 271.

Advanced Conversation and Composition

In this course, students will engage in conversation through film, current events, opera, contemporary music and short stories. Though the course will focus especially on developing the students' oral fluency and writing competence, students will improve their writing, reading, listening-comprehension and oral skills. This course will prepare students for more advanced work in Italian language and culture. It will encourage students to engage in conversation with native Italians through skype, explore different topics in Italian culture, and practice writing though a variety of exercises including preparing a resume, creative writing, film reviews, and articles or stories regarding their lives on campus to be exchanged with students studying Italian in Italy.

Introduction to Italian Literature

An introduction to short stories and excerpts from some of the masterpieces of Italian literature of the twentieth century. Literary texts will be the point of departure for a course based on discussion. Taught in Italian. Pre-requisite: Italian 371 or approval of the instructor. May count towards European Studies minor.

Readings and Projects in Italian

This course is an independent studies course for advanced students of Italian who wish to pursue an independently designed program of research or inquiry in Italian.

Courses in Japanese

Elementary Japanese I

Introduction to the Japanese language with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. JAPN 151 is open only to beginners in Japanese or those with two years or less of high school Japanese.

Elementary Japanese II

A continuation of the study of JAPN 151. Open to students who have successfully completed Japanese I or who are placed into this level by test results. Prerequisite: JAPN 151 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate Japanese I

Further study of Japanese language and practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Prerequisite: JAPN 152 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate Japanese II

A continuation of JAPN 251. Prerequisite: JAPN 251 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Advanced Japanese I

Readings and discussion of advanced Japanese materials. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing compositions. Prerequisite: JAPN 252 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Advanced Japanese II

Further study of the Japanese language. Prerequisite: JAPN 252 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Advanced Readings and Projects in Japanese

Open to advanced students in Japanese. May be repeated for credit.

Courses in Modern Languages in English

The Cinema

A. France; B. Spain/Latin America; C. Italy; D. Germany; E. Russia; F. Japan; G. China; H. World. Screening and study of representative masterworks of cinema, the film as art and a product of culture. No knowledge of the foreign language is required. Credit toward a major or minor may be given at the discretion of the department.

Arabic Literature in Translation

In this course we will study modern and contemporary works of Arabic literature in a variety of genres: the novel, novella, short story, and poetry. Basic principles of literary analysis will be covered at the beginning of the course, with special attention given to the development of the mentioned genres in their various Arab settings and in the context of particular literary movements. The bulk of the reading will be in the primary sources themselves (novels, novellas, short stories, and poems). Among the authors covered are the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz, Abdulrahman Munif, Elias Khoury, Hanan al-Shaykh, Etel Adnan, Adonis, and Mahmoud Darwish. We will look at film adaptations of a number of Arabic novels. Knowledge of Arabic is not required, but issues of translation will often be presented and discussed.

First-Year Seminar in Modern Languages

A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of modern languages. Open only to first-year students.

Russian Culture: From Icons to Faberge

Cultural expression in Russia from its beginnings through the 19th century, with focus on music, art, architecture, high culture and folk crafts, folk and popular culture, and religious and pagan elements. No prerequisites. May count towards European Studies, Russian and Russian Studies minors.

Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature

The classics of Russian literature, including Alexander Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol, Fedor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy and Anton Chekhov. Relationship of the writer with society, the state and ethical questions. Familiarization with literary terms and movements of the period. No prerequisites. May count towards European Studies an Russian Studies minors.

Topics in French Literature

Reading and analysis of the translated works of various authors, genres and/or periods of French literature. Not applicable toward a major or a minor in the department. Student may repeat for credit with a different topic. May count towards European Studies minor.

Topics in Hispanic Literature

Reading and analysis of the works of Spanish and/or Latin American authors or of U.S. Latino authors. Not applicable toward a major or a minor in the department. Student may repeat for credit with a different topic.

Topics in Latin American Culture

Study of topics in the Hispanic culture of Latin America. Not applicable toward a major or a minor in the department. Student may repeat for credit with a different topic.

Topics in Modern Languages

Courses in specific topics, such as culture, literary movements or genres, linguistics or film. Taught in English. May be repeated for credit with a different topic. May count towards European Studies minor.

Twentieth-Century Russian Culture

A survey of the major Russian contributions in art, architecture, music, dance, literature, film and popular culture during the 20th century. From the Ballets Russes to avant-garde film, from Rachmaninov to Shostakovich, from Chagall to parodies of socialist realism, modern Russian culture is examined in relationship to the society, history and politics of its time. No prerequisites. May count towards European Studies and Russian Studies minors.

Twentieth-Century Russian Literature

This course examines some of the major works of 20th-century Russian literature, as well as the literary and social trends connected with them. Russian perceptions of the world and individual artistic choices in terms of message, style and ethical values for each era are discussed. Writers as diverse as the symbolist poets Blok, Sologub and Gippius; socialist realist writers Gorky and Sholokhov; futurists Mayakovsky and Khlebnikov; and dissidents Tertz and Solzhenitsyn are considered in this framework. No prerequisites. May count towards European Studies and Russian Studies minors.

Advanced Topics in Modern Languages

Courses on specific topics, such as culture, literary movements or genres, linguistics or film. May address multiple areas, such as a course on European literature or culture. Taught in English. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Courses in Portuguese

Elementary Portuguese I

Introduction to Brazilian Portuguese with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Elementary Portuguese II

A continuation of PORT 181. Prerequisite: PORT 181.

Intensive Elementary Portuguese

Intensive Portuguese is an intensive review of elemenary Portuguese which assumes prior knowledge and some experience with Portuguese and/or Spanish. The course uses a variety of language teaching approaches to help students achieve proficiency in all four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. At the same time students will become familiar with some of the most important cultural currents of Brazil. Not open to students with credit for PORT 181 and/or PORT 182.

Readings and Projects in Portuguese

Open to advanced students in Portuguese with permission of chair. Student may repeat for credit with different topics. May count toward European Studies minor.

Courses in Russian

Elementary Russian I

Introduction to the Russian language with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Includes work with CD's and video supplements. RUS 121 is open only to beginners in Russian or those with two years or less of high school Russian.

Elementary Russian II

A continuation of RUS 121. Prerequisite: RUS 121 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate Russian I

Continued development of proficiency in Russian with focus on key points in style, word formation, grammar and speaking. Includes work with CD's and video supplements. Prerequisite for RUS 221: RUS 122 or qualifying score on the placement test. May count towards Russian Studies minor.

Intermediate Russian II

A continuation of RUS 221. May counts towards Russian Studies minor.

Reading Russian

This course develops a number of reading techniques and provides intensive work in word-formation and syntax. A wide variety of non-fiction texts--including journal and newspaper articles, scientific and popular works--are examined. Prerequisite or co-requisite: RUS 221. May count towards Russian Studies minor.

Spoken Russian

Designed to improve communication skills in the Russian language, the flexible curriculum includes the following: conversation (use of everyday idiom), comprehension (understanding at a native Russian pace), applied phonetics (specialized instruction in pronunciation and intonation). May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Prerequisite or co-requisite: RUS 221. May count towards Russian Studies minor.

Advanced Russian

Offers advanced work in grammar, stylistics, reading, conversation and composition. Prerequisite: RUS 222 or permission of instructor. May count towards Russian Studies minor.

Topics

Supervised study of a subject of interest chosen in consultation with the instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics. May count toward European Studies minor.

Courses in Spanish

Elementary Spanish I

Introduction to the Spanish language with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The essentials of Spanish grammar. Emphasis on communication and Hispanic cultures. SPAN 131 is open only to beginners in Spanish or those with two years or less of high school Spanish.

Elementary Spanish II

A continuation of SPAN 131.

Intensive Elementary Spanish

Accelerated review of Spanish grammar and study of Hispanic cultures. Practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For those students who have prior experience in Spanish. Satisfies the Group 5 requirement. Open to students who are placed into this level by test results or departmental direction. Not open to those who have credit for SPAN 131 or 132.

Intermediate Spanish I

Reading, oral practice, composition and further study of grammar and Hispanic cultures. Prerequisite: SPAN 132 or SPAN 140 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Intermediate Spanish II

A continuation of SPAN 231.

Spanish Conversation and Phonetics

Emphasis on oral practice and phonetics. Prerequisite: SPAN 232 or qualifying grade on the Spanish placement test. Students with recent foreign residence in a Spanish-speaking country must consult with the chair of the department before registering for SPAN 330. Not open to heritage speakers of Spanish.

Spanish Reading and Grammar

Advanced reading techniques, including grammar review and composition. Prerequisite: SPAN 232 or qualifying grade on the placement test.

Introduction to Hispanic Literature

Significant authors and texts from throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 332.

Latin American Civilization

A study of the history, geography, art, intellectual currents and social developments of Latin America. Prerequisite: SPAN 332 or permission of instructor.

Spanish Civilization

A study of the history, geography, art, intellectual currents and social developments of Spain. Prerequisite: SPAN 330 or 332 or permission of instructor. May count towards European Studies minor.

Business Spanish

This course focuses on economics and business practices in the Spanish-speaking world. Its goals are to familiarize students with the basis institutions (banking, stock market), with how corporations are organized and how they function (administrative structure, secretarial, marketing, sales, etc.), and with certain socio-cultural aspects of the workplace (executive behavior, management-labor relations, gender issues). Required work includes readings, tests, essays, and oral presentations. Prerequisite: SPAN 330 or 332 or permission of instructor. May count towards European Studies minor.

Topics in Spanish

Study of topics, such as literary periods, genres, movements or themes, areas of civilization, linguistics or oral interpretation. Prerequisite: SPAN 332 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Advanced Composition

An opportunity to write creative prose in different styles in Spanish with emphasis on articles, essays and short stories. Illustrated readings for analysis and discussion. Prerequisite: SPAN 332.

Literature of Spain

Selections from important authors of Spain. Prerequisite: SPAN 335 or permission of instructor. May count towards European Studies minor.

Spanish American Literature

Selections from important authors of Spanish America. Prerequisite: SPAN 335 or permission of instructor.

Hispanic Seminar

A detailed study of an author, genre, theme, or principal movement of Hispanic literature or civilization. Open only to senior Spanish majors.

Advanced Readings and Projects in Spanish

Open to advanced students in Spanish with permission of chair. May be repeated for credit.

Advanced Readings and Projects in Spanish

Open to advanced students in Spanish with permission of chair. May be repeated for credit.