COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Fall Semester 2005
Chinese 111 - Elementary Chinese I
(5 credits)
Mickel
Chinese is a fascinating language. It does not have Western style grammatical
features such as tense, gender, number, agreement, etc. Instead, grammatical
values are defined by markers and position, with the result that where elements
are in sentences determines meaning. Chinese has a relatively 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 fundamentally different from English alphabetic 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 interact 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 130A/C - Chinese Woman Writers: Ancient & Modern (In English)
(4 credits)
Chan
Chinese women have been known as the suppressed sex for thousands of years.
Nevertheless, women’s writing has always been an important part of Chinese
literature. Whereas the long history of pre-modern China produced a rather large
number of women writers, the concept of “women’s literature”
emerged only in the early twentieth century when enormous changes in Chinese
women’s social status occurred after the May Fourth Movement of 1919.
Moreover, since 1949 Communist China has witnessed further rapid changes as
far as women’s writing is concerned.
This course is a general introduction to Chinese women writers in different
historical periods, namely, pre-modern, modern, and contemporary. To help students
understand the gender issue, it provides them with a cultural background from
the Confucian patriarchy to the Maoist “equality” between the sexes,
as well as a background on cultural norms toward Chinese women. It discovers
women’s voice in a traditionally male-centered society and literature,
examines the feminine/masculine opposition, studies how Chinese women writers
have not only formed their own voice, but also often led the way in the literary
development of the post-Mao period.
It is hoped that participants come
away from this course having acquired an understanding of Chinese women writings
after having explored the complex thoughts of women writers from ancient to
modern China and that students will have learned how to appreciate literary
texts and the different ways readers may interpret these texts. The readings,
including poetry, prose and fiction, will be buttressed by films. Textual analysis
and discussion not only train students’ appreciation of literature, but
also enhance their cultural understanding and increase their cultural sensibility.
All readings are in English and all films have English subtitles. No prerequisites.
Chinese 151A/C - Film & Fiction in Modern China(In English)
(4 credits)
Mickel
We will watch and discuss representative films from the major waves of movie
making in China, and we will read representative fiction from the four main
literary periods in 20th century China; in two cases, the readings will be the
original stories used to make the movies. We will focus on both the aesthetics
of the short stories and movies as well as the cultural values they express.
All readings, discussions, and lectures will be in English, and the films will
have English subtitles. The Chinese have written magnificent stories and made
great films so it will be an interesting and entertaining course. The course
can be used to meet either the “A” or “C” General Education
requirements. No prerequisites.
Chinese 211 - Intermediate Chinese I
(4 credits)
Chan
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 330 - Readings in Chinese Literature
(4 credits)
Chan
In this course, students will read authentic literary writings published in
the 1990s or later. The opportunity to work directly with lively authentic materials
will be valuable for the studies of the language, literature, society and culture.
We will focus on content and style with extensive discussion and frequent written
assignments in Chinese. Prerequisite: Chinese 212.
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)
Bertrand
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
Prerequisite: French 111 or equivalent.
French 140A - Themes of Francophone Literature: French Fairy Tales (In English)
(4 credits)
Wierenga
In this course, we will read some medieval “fairy” tales (some of
which don’t have fairies at all, but magic birds, ships and clothes) by
Marie de France, in English of course, as well as the 17th century French versions
of popular tales such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Cinderella”.
In addition, we will examine some more recent texts which use the fairy tale
model like Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince. Required work: several
short essays, two exams, a group project and the creation of a personal fairy
tale. Taught in English. No prerequisite.
French 201F - Advanced Intermediate French
(4 credits)
Wilkerson
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. Prerequisite: French 112 or placement.
French 215/1W - Expression écrite
(4 credits)
Bertrand
Introduction to stylistics, survey of literary forms, grammar review. Prerequisite:
French 201 or instructor’s permission. Writing intensive. French 112 or
placement.
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 with intentional emphases on the themes
of love and suffering. Prerequisite: one French course above French 201. Writing
intensive. Prerequisite: One 200 level French.
French 414/1W - La Littérature du vingtième siècle
(4 credits)
Wierenga
This class will focus on French fiction of the twentieth century. One of our
tasks will be to study the relationships between philosophical, cultural and
political currents which influenced these narratives and their representations
of the human condition. In doing this, we will want to examine narrative structures
and descriptive systems and how all of these converge to produce the meaning
of the text. Some of the texts: Alain-Fournier, Le Grand Meaulnes, Marcel Proust,
Combray, Andre Gide, La Symphonie pastorale, Albert Camus, La Chute, short stories
by Beckett, Robbe-Grillet, Pinget, Le Clezio and Tournier. Taught in French.
Required work: three short papers and one longer study. Writing intensive. Prerequisite:
French 301 and/or 302.
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)
Bennett
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)
Barry
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. Prerequisite: One course
at the 200 level or permission of instructor.
German 490: Independent Study
German 491: Internship
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 211: Intermediate Japanese I
(4 credits)
Imai
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 230: Introduction to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai
Have you studied a foreign language before? Have you wondered why it is so different
from English? For example, why does Japanese have ways in the grammar to show
respect for elders and superiors while English doesn’t? Have you wondered
why Russian doesn’t have articles like “a” and “the”
while English does? Have you wondered why your Spanish doesn’t sound like
your teacher’s? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this class
is for you. We will discuss the different levels of language (their sound systems,
vocabularies, inflections, and grammars) and the role these languages and their
units play in their respective societies. Taught in English. No prerequisites.
Japanese 311: Advanced Japanese I
(4 credits)
Imai
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)
Staff
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 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: Conversation Through Film
(2 credits)
Zaharkov
This year’s topic is Russian films by and about women. Keep up your conversational
skills while learning about the lives of Russian women and films by women directors.
Films are subtitled. Prerequisite: Russian 112 or by permission.
Russian 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
McIntyre
Emphasis on elementary grammar, oral practice, and required laboratory.
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
Cantrell
Emphasis on elementary grammar, oral practice, and required laboratory.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
Franklin
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)
Cantrell
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)
Cloud
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 Language
(4 credits)
Franklin
Designed for the student who has completed Spanish grammar at the beginning
level (112) or the intermediate level (150). The course will identify selected
areas of grammar for review and expansion. Moreover, Spanish 215 will pay particular
attention to the development of listening and speaking skills. For students
who wish to continue Spanish study or work toward the major or minor, 215 serves
as the “gateway” course. Prerequisite: Spanish 112, 150, or placement
examination.
Spanish 216: Conversation and Contemporary Issues
(4 credits)
Cloud
Designed to develop skills in the spoken language. Course reviews the more complex
aspects of Spanish grammar and expands vocabulary for conversation. This class
will require some hours of off-campus volunteer work within the Spanish-speaking
community of Springfield. The volunteer work will be integrated into the course
and will provide students with the opportunity to practice their communicative
skills outside of the traditional classroom environment. The community service
hours will also be incorporated into our discussions of contemporary issues
facing the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, students will have the opportunity
to do additional volunteer work within the Spanish-speaking community and have
it count towards the completion of Service Learning 100. Prerequisite: Spanish
215.
Spanish 217/1W: The Craft of Writing
(4 credits)
Hoff
This course is designed to develop written language skills at the advanced intermediate
level. Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 216 or permission of instructor. Writing
intensive.
Spanish 350H: Spanish Peninsular Civilization
(4 credits)
McIntyre
This course is designed to give students a broad understanding of Spain—its
peoples, geographies, cultures and histories—from its origins to the present
day. We will examine recurring themes, tensions, conflicts and continuities
over the course of Spain’s existence, in order to better comprehend how
Spaniards perceive themselves and their relation to their own national state.
This inquiry also includes an exploration
of Spain’s place in the European Union and its role in Western European,
Latin American and U.S. history: consolidation as a modern nation-state, colonial
metropolitan center, the decline of empire and postcolonial aftermath. We will
examine a variety or texts—literature, fine arts, film, etc.—as
integral components of our inquiry. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 217 or permission of instructor.
Spanish 425 1W: Advanced Studies in Hispanic Literature I
(4 credits)
Hoff
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. Prerequisite: One 300
level Spanish.
Spanish 430/01.1: Intensive Spanish Conversation: Medical Spanish
(2 credits)
McIntyre
This course is designed to give students necessary vocabulary and language structures,
with special emphasis on listening and speaking skills, to communicate with
Spanish-speaking health care clients and relay their information to English-speaking
health professionals, or vice versa. Students will learn to request basic information
for/about a medical history, medical emergency, and acute illness and injury.
Student will also learn to convey basic public health information on issues,
such as dental hygiene for young children, or chronic illnesses, like diabetes,
to a Spanish-speaking audience. The course will also give students an awareness
of the cultures and histories of Spanish-speaking peoples in the U.S., as well
as a brief look at the long tradition of natural remedies and alternative medicine
in Latino and Latin American communities. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish
course or permission of instructor.
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 490: Independent Study
Spanish 491: Internship
