COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Spring Semester 2006
Chinese 112F: Elementary Chinese II
(5 credits)
Mickel, Stanley
Prerequisite: Chinese 111 or placement.
Continuation of 111. Gaining further skill in using putonghua with every day conversational topics will be important. We will also learn to read and write more of the characters used to represent those concepts.
Chinese 130A/C: Aesthetics & the Cultural Revolution: Literature & Film in China, 1960s to the Present
(4 credits)
Chan, Shelley Wing
Taught in English, no prerequisite.
The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-76) launched by Mao Zedong was the most notorious political and cultural movement in modern Chinese history, and had an enormous impact on Chinese people. Heavily tainted by politics, a special cultural landscape was formed during that ten-year campaign. Mao’s death in 1976 brought an end to the Revolution. Chinese intellectuals started questioning the Maoist legacy and began re-examining their history, culture and the notion of “Chineseness.” In favor of an individual quest, writers experimented and searched for new modes of self-expression. As a result, in the late 1970s, China experienced a renaissance in literature and art.
This course provides students with a general introduction to the political and sociocultural background of the Cultural Revolution and the literary phenomena during and after this influential event. Students will experience the heteroglossia in literature and art from the 1980s onward, vis-à-vis the monoglossia during the Cultural Revolution. Using literary texts as well as other forms of artistic productions prevailing in the Cultural Revolution as both a context and contrast, this course shows the great changes in post-revolutionary fiction and film and examines the aesthetics of the new era. Selected works by well-known post-Mao writers will be read and discussed. Films, many of which are from the Fifth Generation directors who created a completely different cinematic language from the Maoist discourse, will provide a visual dimension to buttress the reading. It is hoped that participants come away from this course having acquired an understanding of contemporary Chinese culture after having explored the complex thoughts of these writers in late twentieth-century China, and that students will have learned how to appreciate literary texts and the different ways readers may interpret these texts. 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.
Chinese 130A/C: Literature of Contemporary Chinese Women Writers and Film
(4 credits)
Chan, Shelley Wing
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
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. On the one hand, they have moved on from the topic of emancipation on a rather superficial level to the examination of their self-consciousness and the discovery of their body. On the other hand, the issue of gender and power continues to be the focus of feminine discourse. From Shen Rong’s concern for women intellectuals to Chi Li’s writing about the anxiety of everyday life, from Wang Anyi’s nostalgia to Xu Kun’s playfulness, from Zhang Jie’s Platonic love to Wei Hui’s postcolonial decadence, the sphere of women’s writing has witnessed a rapid regeneration and vitalization. This course will be a general introduction to women’s writings in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as cultural norms for Chinese women. It will enable the participants to experience the heteroglossia, and comprehend the complexities of feminine subjectivity through reading works by famous and sometimes controversial women writers and watching films about the life of Chinese women. At the same time, it will provide a cultural background from the Confucian patriarchy to the Maoist “equality” between men and women for a better understanding of the gender issue. The stories to be discussed in this course provide a kaleidoscopic window into the vast, complex and rapidly changing society in which Chinese women live. The readings 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. This course focuses on literature, mainly fiction, by women writers from Mainland China after the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). All readings are in English and all films have English subtitles.
Chinese 212: Intermediate Chinese II
(4 credits)
Chan, Shelley Wing
Prerequisite: Chinese 211
Continuation of 211. We will finish the lessons in Practical Chinese Reader Book II and, towards the end of the semester, prepare to move into a textbook that will prepare us for reading original modern prose texts. Of course, all of this will be done while speaking Chinese.
Chinese 230S: Introduction to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
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.
Chinese 490: Independent Study
Tutorials for the student who has excelled in previous study of putonghua. Thematic content chosen according to student's intellectual interests. Conducted entirely in putonghua.
French 112F: Intermediate French
(5 credits)
Bertrand, Brenda
Prerequisite: French 111 or placement.
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
French 112F: Intermediate French
(5 credits)
Wierenga, Leanne
Prerequisite: French 111 or placement.
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory
French 140A/C: French West African Literature and Culture
(4 credits)
Bertrand, Brenda
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
Colonialism in West Africa constructed a cultural “other” for civilizations in the West. However, with the growth of national literatures and the corresponding move toward independence, these countries have allowed the Western world a glimpse into the depths of a cultural identity that goes far beyond attempts at self-definition in light of colonialism. This course explores national identity in West Africa as expressed through the transition from oral tradition to the written word.
French 201F: Advanced Intermediate French
(4 credits)
Wierenga, Leanne
Prerequisite: French 112 or placement
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 210: Expression orale
(4 credits)
Bertrand, Brenda
Prerequisite: French 201 or placement level French 202+.
This course is intended to help students acquire vocabulary, improve listening-comprehension skills, deepen their understanding of French-language cultures, and to become more sophisticated speakers of French. Required for all French majors and minors.
French 230S: Introduction to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
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.
French 250/1W: French Culture and Society
(4 credits)
Wierenga, Leanne
Prerequisite: French 112
Consideration of topics in contemporary French culture, including study of economic, political, sociological, educational and artistic institutions and issues in France today.Taught in French.Writing intensive.
French 450/1W: Senior Seminar
(4 credits)
Wilkerson, Timothy
Prerequisite: One 300 level French class.
Review of major literary movements and genres. Required of majors. Departmental comprehensive examination serves in lieu of final examination. Writing intensive.
French 490: Independent Study
French 491: Internship
German 111: Elementary German
(5 credits)
Staff
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, Timothy
Prerequisite: German 111 or placement.
Explication of grammar, continued oral practice, reading of literary and/or cultural texts, and related explication of grammar and laboratory work. .
German 112F: Intermediate German
(5 credits)
Staff
Prerequisite: German 111 or placement.
Explication of grammar, continued oral practice, reading of literary and/or cultural texts, and related explication of grammar and laboratory work
German 215 1W: Culture & Composition
(4 credits)
Bennett, Timothy
Prerequisite: German 112, German competency, or permission of instructor.
Stylistic analysis and grammar review. Using writing as a mode of exploration, the student analyzes texts and films to investigate issues characterizing German history and culture. Writing intensive.
German 230S: Introduction to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
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.
German 410/1W: Period Seminar
(4 credits)
Bennett, Timothy
Prerequisite: One course at the 300 level or permission of instructor.
The seminar will study the literary response to modernism. We’ll begin by studying Nietzsche’s influence on German thought at the beginning of the twentieth century and examine texts by the Symbolists, Neo-Romantics and Expressionists. We will consider the ways in which the literature of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century responds to the loss of faith in transcendent meaning and often usurps the role traditionally played by religion and philosophy. Writing intensive.
German 490: Independent Study
German 491: Internship
Japanese 112F: Beginning Japanese II
(5 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Prerequisite: Japanese 111 or placement
The course continues to introduce basic Japanese communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will increase understanding of the Japanese cultural perspective, and gain insight into the nature of language study.
Japanese 212: Intermediate Japanese II
(4 credits)
Christiansen, Amy
Prerequisite: Japanese 211 or placement.
The course continues to introduce the fundamental Japanese communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will begin to utilize the language to establish contacts with people beyond the walls of Wittenberg, and increase understanding of the Japanese cultural perspective.
Japanese 230S: Introductions to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English, no prerequisites
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 312: Cultural Communication in Japanese II
(4 credits)
Christiansen, Amy
Prerequisite: 311 or placement.
The course broadens knowledge of skills fundamental to communication in Japanese: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will utilize the language to make connections with communities beyond the walls of Wittenberg. They will deepen their understanding of the concept of culture and the inextricable relationship between language and culture as they deepen their understanding of the Japanese cultural perspective.
Japanese 490: Independent Study
Latin 112F: Intermediate Latin
(4 credits)
Roark, Margaret
Prerequisite: Latin 111 or placement.
Continuation of grammar exercises, vocabulary and derivative studies, selected readings in classical Latin, and discussions of Roman culture.
Russian 112F: Elementary Russian II
(5 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisite: Russian 111 or placement.
Continuation of 111, practice with conversation and grammatical patterns.
Russian 130A/C: Russian Literature: A Salute to St. Petersburg, with an optional Spring Break trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg
(4 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
Created by the will of Peter the Great in 1703, this great city is the stage as we study exclusively the Russian writers of the 19 th and 20 th centuries. In addition to studying the literature within its historical framework, we will study the city’s cultural heritage and history, such as Peter the Great’s dreams and victories for Russia, Ballet, and music, down to present day St. Petersburg rock groups! Sub-titled films will also be included in the curriculum. Special note: You’ve read the book! Now see for yourself. An optional Spring Break trip is being planned to Moscow and St. Petersburg. (Contact Dr. Zaharkov.)
Russian 230: Russian Reading and the Web
(2 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisite: Russian 112 or 106.
This course gives you the skills to approach a text. In the first part of the course, students will work in class developing proficiency skills for reading a text using common materials and the web. The second part of the course allows the students to choose what texts they would like to “specialize in” according to their interests or major.
Russian 230S: Introductions to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English, no prerequisites
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.
Russian 310 1W: Advanced Conversation & Composition
(4 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: Russian 210
This course continues with the text from Russian 210 with more emphasis on role-playing in preparation for study abroad. Required for study abroad programs. Writing intensive.
Russian 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
McIntyre, Christine
Emphasis on elementary grammar, oral practice, and required laboratory.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
McIntyre, Christine
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Grammar, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
Martin-Lozano, Arantxa
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Grammar, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
Cantrell, John
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Grammar, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
Spanish 130A: Caribbean Literature: Geographical Location or Cultural Phenomenon
(4 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
Continuing its mission to introduce the campus community to the diversity of the Hispanic world, Spanish 130 explores the cultural basin of the Caribbean. The texts for this class, in the form of readings (fiction and non-fiction), film, and music will examine artists from Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. Class materials will afford students the opportunity to discuss and analyze issues of race, gender, ethnicity, and cultural identity within the context of the Caribbean. Taught in English.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
Cantrell, John
Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement.
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.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement.
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.
Spanish 215: Studies in Spanish Language
(4 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Prerequisite:Spanish 112, 150 or placement examination.
Spanish 215 is an advanced-intermediate course designed for the student who has studied Spanish beyond the elementary and intermediate levels. Although students need not have mastery of all types of communicative functions, they are ready to transition to a higher level. This course combines the goals of both proficiency and content-based instruction. Students will focus on skill development (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and the information in the readings Assessment instruments will have a communicative component, but learners must also demonstrate content knowledge.
Spanish 216: Conversation and Contemporary Issues
(4 credits)
Martin Lozano, Arantxa
Prerequisite: Spanish 215
This course is designed to develop skills in the spoken language. Course focuses on contemporary issues of the Hispanic world, reviews the more complex aspects of Spanish grammar, and expands vocabulary for conversation.
Spanish 217 1W: The Craft of Writing
(4 credits)
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 216 or permission of instructor.
Spanish 217 is designed to develop written proficiency at the 200 level. Emphasis is placed on composition as communication, the role of reading in the process of writing, and the function of grammar in context. Writing intensive.
Spanish 230S: Introductions to Linguistics
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English, no prerequisites
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.
Spanish 301A 1W: Introduction to Hispanic Literature I
(4 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 217
Provides an introduction to the major periods and movements through which Hispanic literature has evolved, from its beginnings to the 19 th century. Designed to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire technical vocabulary of the Hispanic literary critic. Includes discussions of the artistic implications of literature and presentation of the four basic genres: narrative, poetry, drama and essay. Writing intensive.
Spanish 426/1W: Advanced Studies in Hispanic Literature II
(4 credits)
McIntyre, Christine
Prerequisite: One 300 level Spanish class
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 450 1W: Senior Seminar
(4 credits)
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisites: Spanish 301 or 302 and one 400-level Spanish course.
In-depth study of a literary movement, problem, author, or genre. Topic to be chosen by instructor. Required of each Spanish major. Writing intensive.
Spanish 490: Independent Study
Spanish 491: Internship
