Chinese 111: Elementary Chinese I (5 credits) Mickel
Chinese is a fascinatingly different language. It does not have Western style grammatical features such as tense, gender, number, agreement, etc. Instead, grammatical values are defined by position, with the result that where elements are in sentences determines everything. Chinese has a simple phonetic structure and uses tones (voice pitches) to differentiate between words. The character writing system operates on the basis of representing concepts and sounds in a way that is very different from English writing. These differences make Chinese an entrancing language and a window on a very different way of talking about the world. This year we will continue to use a textbook that concentrates on communicating in Chinese. Mastering the dialogues and conversations it contains will give you the ability to talk with Chinese people on topics from everyday life. We will also begin our study of the specifics of the Chinese writing system, and over the semester you will learn to read and write 250 characters and compounds.
Chinese 211: Intermediate Chinese I (4 credits) Mickel
We will focus on continuing to build both your reading and speaking abilities in modern Chinese. There will be an emphasis on reviewing the grammar we previously studied and mastering additional nuances. We will, of course, be learning new vocabulary and developing greater skill with the writing system of the language. There will be many different activities aimed at improving both your speaking, listening, and reading skills in Chinese.
Prerequisite: Chinese 112 or the equivalent.
Chinese 311: Directed Readings in Chinese Newspapers (4 credits) Mickel
Introduction to journalistic writing that is the basic prose style of 20th-century China. Class work is conducted almost entirely in Chinese.
Prerequisite: Chinese 212 or permission of instructor.
Chinese 380: Methods for Teaching Foreign Language (K-12) (4 credits) Hoff
Course to acquire an understanding of the history and rationale for foreign language instruction and of the relationship between theories of language learning and classroom practice. The student learns to plan, implement, and evaluate language instruction for students at the middle and secondary school levels and to enrich curriculum content to promote appreciation of the customs, values, and history of other cultures. Field experience is included. This course does not count toward completion of the Foreign Language minor.
Prerequisite: two courses at the 200 level in the target language or permission of instructor.
Chinese 490: Independent Study
Tutorials for the student who has excelled in previous study of Chinese. Thematic content chosen according to student's intellectual interests. Conducted entirely in spoken putonghua.
French 111: Elementary French (5 credits) Wilkerson
Emphasis on elementary grammar, oral practice, and required laboratory. Open to the beginner, except by permission or placement.
French 112F: Intermediate French (5 credits) Wierenga
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
Prerequisite: French 111 or equivalent
French 112F: Intermediate French (5 credits) Cothran
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
Prerequisite: French 111 or equivalent
French 201F: Advanced Intermediate French (4 credits) Cothran
Study of French in the context of the liberal arts. Readings in French literature, culture, and history; composition, oral practice; thorough and systematic review of French grammar. For students with three or more years of high school French.
French 215/1W: Expression écrite (4 credits) Wilkerson
Introduction to stylistics, survey of literary forms, grammar review.
Prerequisite: French 201 or instructor's permission
Writing intensive.
French 301A/1W: Survey of Literature I (4 credits) Wierenga
Survey of major writers, movements, and genres in French literature from the Medieval period through the 17th century.
Prerequisite: one 200-level French course
Writing intensive.
French 380: Methods for Teaching Foreign Language (K-12) (4 credits) Hoff
Course to acquire an understanding of the history and rationale for foreign language instruction and of the relationship between theories of language learning and classroom practice. The student learns to plan, implement, and evaluate language instruction for students at the middle and secondary school levels and to enrich curriculum content to promote appreciation of the customs, values, and history of other cultures. Field experience is included. This course does not count toward completion of the Foreign Language minor.
Prerequisite: two 200 courses at the 200 level in the target language or permission of instructor
French 390R: Contemporary Theory (4 credits) Cothran
Introduction to contemporary theory, including deconstruction, discourse theory, feminist and postcolonial theory, and theories of gender.
No prerequisites.
NOT writing intensive.
French 413/1W: La Prose II: le roman du 19e siècle (4 credits) Wierenga
Study of the novelists of the 19th century, including Musset, Balzac, Stendhal, and Flaubert.
Prerequisite: French 301 and/or 302
Writing intensive.
French 490: Independent Study
French 491: Internship
German 111: Elementary German (5 credits) Barry
Fundamentals of grammar, pronunciation, oral practice, and laboratory work. Also a basic introduction to German culture. Open to only the beginner, except by permission of instructor.
German 111: Elementary German (5 credits) Bennett
Fundamentals of grammar, pronunciation, oral practice, and laboratory work. Also a basic introduction to German culture. Open to only the beginner, except by permission of instructor.
German 112F: Intermediate German (5 credits) Barry
Explication of grammar, continued oral practice, reading of literary and/or cultural texts, and related explication of grammar and laboratory work.
Prerequisite: German 111 or equivalent
German 140A: German Crooks and the Quest for Human Justice (4 credits) Barry
From the plays and novellas of the "Prussian meteor" Heinrich von Kleist to the short stories and novels of Franz Kafka, German literature over the last two hundred years has been replete with figures obsessed with the quest for human justice. In this course, which is designed to introduce students to some of literary Germany's greatest hits–comic, tragic and otherwise–we examine a selection of such figures. All reading, writing and discussion is in English. Requirements include a number of oral presentations, short essays and a couple of tests. Successful completion of the course meets the "A" learning goal in "Fine, Performing and Literary Arts."
Not writing intensive.
German 210: Conversation (4 credits) Bennett
Concentration on phonetics, vocabulary building, oral practice, and communicative strategies.
Prequisite: 112, German competency or permission of instructor.
German 302A/1W: Von heute bis zum Vormaerz (4 credits) Bennett
Survey of German literature beginning with the modern period and tracing its roots back to the period preceding the failed March revolution of 1848. Course helps the student to understand the questions of literary origins and to assess the relationships between cultural and literary problems.
Prerequisite: one course at the 200 level or permission of instructor
Writing intensive.
German 380: Methods for Teaching Foreign Language (K-12) (4 credits) Hoff
Course to acquire an understanding of the history and rationale for foreign language instruction and of the relationship between theories of language learning and classroom practice. The student learns to plan, implement, and evaluate language instruction for students at the middle and secondary school levels and to enrich curriculum content to promote appreciation of the customs, values, and history of other cultures. Field experience is included. This course does not count toward completion of the Foreign Language minor.
Prerequisite: two courses at the 200 level in the target language or permission of instructor
German 390R: Contemporary Theory (4 credits) Cothran
Introduction to contemporary theory, including deconstruction, discourse theory, feminist and postcolonial theory, and theories of gender.
No prerequisites.
NOT writing intensive.
German 490: Independent Study
German 491: Internship
Japanese 111: Beginning Japanese I (5 credits) Toratani
Introduces the fundamental communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the sociolinguistic information necessary for effective communication with Japanese natives.
Japanese 211: Intermediate Japanese I (4 credits) Christiansen
Further development of the fundamental communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the sociolinguistic information necessary for effective communication with Japanese natives.
Prerequisite: Japanese 112 or placement
Japanese 250A/C: Japanese Literature & Aesthetics (4 credits) Christiansen
Study of the Japanese sense of beauty as expressed in literature, drawing also from the visual arts, ranging from the very traditional to pop culture. Discussions of the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic conflicts arising from the encounter of the traditional Japanese world view with post-industrial consumer culture. Taught in English.
Japanese 330: Advanced Readings in Japanese (4 credits) Toratani
Focuses on building Japanese language ability through a variety of reading and writing tasks.
Prerequisite: Japanese 312 or permission of instructor
Japanese 380: Methods for Teaching Foreign Language (K-12) (4 credits) Hoff
Course to acquire an understanding of the history and rationale for foreign language instruction and of the relationship between theories of language learning and classroom practice. The student learns to plan, implement, and evaluate language instruction for students at the middle and secondary school levels and to enrich curriculum content to promote appreciation of the customs, values, and history of other cultures. Field experience is included. This course does not count toward completion of the Foreign Language minor.
Prerequisite: two courses at the 200 level in the target language or permission of instructor
Japanese 490: Independent Study
Latin 111: Elementary Latin (4 credits) Roark
Concentration on grammar, vocabulary, selected readings, and Roman culture. Intended for the beginner and for the student with some high school background in Latin.
Russian 111: Elementary Russian (5 credits) Zaharkov
Afraid of the Russian alphabet? Believe it or not, you already know almost half of it if you know Latin (our) alphabet and a little Greek from being a member of a sorority or a fraternity! After just five days you will be able to read many words that are borrowed from other languages! We use the computer to help us, too! Recent world economic events have convinced us that Russia is indeed an important player in the international economic arena. Don't be left behind! This course also will teach you how to speak and write Russian while learning the structure of the language. In addition, this course is accompanied by a video program where we follow the adventures of an American who lands in Russia as a roving photographer to learn about the people and the country.
Russian 130A/C: Topics: The Russian Short Story (4 credits) Zaharkov
This course traces the development of the Russian short story genre from its beginnings in the nineteenth century to the present day. While reading these stories in their historical framework, we will look at the changes that occurred in Russian society and culture. We will read some of Russia's most famous writers. There will be a wide range of themes in their works from fairy tales, fantasy, madness, love, (and more) to science fiction! Class discussion and short reaction papers required. Course is supplemented by films based on the works and about aspects of Russian history and culture. Taught in English with all readings in English.
No prerequisites.
Advising section–limited to first year students.
Russian 210/1W: Beginning Conversation & Composition (4 credits) Zaharkov
We're not really beginning conversation and composition if you took Russian at Wittenberg. You know we have already done this during Russian 111 and 112. Don't worry if you've forgotten your Russian over the summer. Second year courses review and refine what you have learned. This course allows you to do this while teaching you to maneuver through such important daily activities as transportation, shopping, and speaking on general themes. The course is supported by video and you will learn much about Russian culture. Placement exam is given if you did not take Russian 112 here at Wittenberg.
Writing intensive.
Russian 230: Topics: Reading Russian & the Web (2 credits) Zaharkov
You will notice that this course carries 2 credits. This will enable students to take a full course load and yet still keep up with their Russian. This course will teach you reading skills in a foreign language as well as investigating topics on Russian culture using the Web. A final project on the topic of your choice is in lieu of a final exam.
Prerequisite: Russian 112 or 106
Russian 380: Methods for Teaching Foreign Language (K-12) (4 credits) Hoff
Course to acquire an understanding of the history and rationale for foreign language instruction and of the relationship between theories of language learning and classroom practice. The student learns to plan, implement, and evaluate language instruction for students at the middle and secondary school levels and to enrich curriculum content to promote appreciation of the customs, values, and history of other cultures. Field experience is included. This course does not count toward completion of the Foreign Language minor.
Prerequisite: two courses at the 200 level in the target language or permission of instructor
Russian 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I (5 credits) Sagastume
Emphasis on elementary grammar, oral practice, and required laboratory. Students should plan for evening video viewing.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II (5 credits) McIntyre
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory. Students should plan for evening video viewing.
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or equivalent
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II (5 credits) Cantrell
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory. Students should plan for evening video viewing.
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or equivalent.
Spanish 215: Studies in Spanish (4 credits) Hoff
Designed for the student who has completed Spanish grammar at the intermediate level (112) or its equivalent. The course will provide a thorough and systematic survey of Spanish grammar, expand vocabulary for conversation, and teach students how to write in a simple, clear style.
Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement examination
Spanish 216: Conversation and Contemporary Issues (4 credits) Sagastume
This course is designed to develop skills in the spoken language. Course reviews the more complex aspects of Spanish grammar and expands vocabulary for conversation.
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or permission of instructor
Spanish 217/1W: The Craft of Writing (4 credits) González
This course is designed to develop written language skills at the advanced intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on composition as communication, the role of reading in the process of writing, and the function of grammar in context.
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 216 or permission of instructor
Writing intensive.
Spanish 351H: Latin American Culture (4 credits) Franklin
Study of the development of Latin America focusing on the cause, meaning, and effects of events which have shaped its culture. The course objective is to show the unity of Latin American culture.
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 217
Spanish 380: Methods for Teaching Foreign Language (K-12) (4 credits) Hoff
Course to acquire an understanding of the history and rationale for foreign language instruction and of the relationship between theories of language learning and classroom practice. The student learns to plan, implement, and evaluate language instruction for students at the middle and secondary school levels and to enrich curriculum content to promote appreciation of the customs, values, and history of other cultures. Field experience is included. This course does not count toward completion of the Foreign Language minor.
Prerequisite: two courses at the 200 level in the target language or permission of instructor
Spanish 390R: Contemporary Theory (4 credits) Cothran
Introduction to contemporary theory, including deconstruction, discourse theory, feminist and postcolonial theory, and theories of gender.
No prerequisites.
NOT writing intensive.
Spanish 425/1W: Advanced Studies in Hispanic Literature I (4 credits) McIntyre
In-depth study of topics and themes in Peninsular literature. Course will include reading, analysis, and discussion of selected literary works.
Prerequisite: any 300-level course taught in Spanish
Writing intensive.
Spanish 430: Intensive Spanish Conversation (2 credits) Franklin
Expansion of oral communication skills in different areas of concentration such as business, medicine, literature, and politics. Emphasis on modes of expression and lexicon enhancement.
Prerequisite: any 300-level course taught in Spanish
Course meets first half of the semester.
Spanish 432: Reading and Research in Spanish (2 credits) Franklin
Selected readings. Emphasis on critical analysis and literary theories with direct application to Hispanic studies.
Prerequisite: any 300-level course taught in Spanish
Course meets second half of the semester.
Spanish 490: Independent Study
Spanish 491: Internship
