COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Fall Semester 2003
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 and markers, 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 and thinking 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 structures. 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 21th-century China. Class work is conducted almost entirely in Chinese. Prerequisite: Chinese 212 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 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 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 250/1W: French Culture and Society
(4 credits)
Wierenga
Consideration of topics in contemporary french culture, including study of economic, political, sociological, educational and artistic institutions and issues in France today. Prerequisite: One 200 level course or permission of instructor. Writing intensive.
French 301A/1W: Survey of Literature I
(4 credits)
Cothran
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 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 210: Conversation
(4 credits)
Bennett
Concentration on phonetics, vocabulary building, oral practice, and communicative strategies. Prerequisite: 112, German competency or permission of instructor.
German 301A/1W: Aufklaerung, Klassik, Romantik
4 credits)
Barry
Survey of the literary monuments of the German Enlightenment, German Classicism, and Romanticism. The literature is examined in light of the historical and intellectual movements of the various periods. Writing intensive.
German 490: Independent Study
German 491: Internship
Greek 111: Elementary Hellenistic Greek
(4 credits)
Croy
An introduction to the Greek language used in the post-Classical era. Emphasis on Grammar, basic vocabulary, and translation of selected texts, including but not limited to the New Testament and the Septuagint. Intended for the beginner.
Japanese 111: Beginning Japanese I
(5 credits)
Christiansen
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 130: Japanese Topics
(4 credits)
Staff
To be announced.
Japanese 211: Intermediate Japanese I
(4 credits)
Staff
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 311: Advanced Japanese I
(4 credits)
Staff
The goal of the course is to develop culturally and socially appropriate proficiency in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Prerequisite: 212 or placement.
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: Journey into the Fantastic
(4 credits)
Zaharkov
Join us in this course as each hero/ine takes a journey into a fantastic world! While it may be as "normal" as a hero/ine in a fairy tale on a quest, it might be as fantastic as a journey into the future 600 years from now or maybe to another planet! While journeying into the world of the fantastic, readers will be introduced to the best writers of 19th and 20th century Russian literature who use this medium just for fun, or maybe to discover other truths! No Russian is required! All readings in English. Fulfills either the Literary Arts or Non-Western culture General Education goals.
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. Writing intensive. Placement exam is given if you did not take Russian 112 here at Wittenberg.
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 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
Staff
Emphasis on elementary grammar, oral practice, and required laboratory.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
Cantrell
A continuation of Spanish 111, this course includes grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory. Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
Sagastume
A continuation of Spanish 111, this course includes grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory. Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
Franklin
This is an intermediate level course that will review, introduce, and expand upon vocabulary and structures commonly dealt with in introductory courses. Laboratory time also required. Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement.
Spanish 215: Studies in Spanish
(4 credits)
Sagastume
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 350H: Spanish Peninsular Civilization
(4 credits)
McIntyre
Cultural survey of Spain from its earliest history to the present with an emphasis on contemporary Peninsular culture. Lectures and discussions are supplemented by readings as well as presentations that reflect the history and development of Spanish civilization. Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 217.
Spanish 426/1W: Advanced Studies in Hispanic Literature II
(4 credits)
Franklin
In-depth study of topics and themes in Latin American literature. Course will include reading, analysis, and discussion of selected literary works. Prerequisite: any 300-level course taught in Spanish. Writing intensive.
Spanish 430/01.1: Intensive Spanish Conversation
(2 credits)
McIntyre
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 434/01.2: Spanish Pronunciation
(2 credits)
McIntyre
Introduction to Spanish Phonology with particular attention to speech characteristics and to dialectal differences in Peninsular and Spanish American phonology. Oral drill to improve pronunciation and diction. Prerequisite: Any 300-level course taught in Spanish.
Spanish 491/494: Methodology in Early Childhood Spanish Language Education
(2 credits)
Cantrell
This course is designed to give students experience in foreign language teaching at the elementary school level. It requires a six-week field experience (minimum of 30 contact hours) and involves both classroom observation and supervised teaching of Spanish in one of the local elementary schools.
Spanish 490: Independent Study
Spanish 491: Internship
