Chinese 111: Elementary Chinese I
(5 credits)
S. Chan
Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
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 Topics
(4 credits)
Staff
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
To be announced.
Chinese 151A/C: Film & Fiction in Modern China (In English)
(4 credits)
S. Chan
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
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.
Chinese 211: Intermediate Chinese I
(4 credits)
Staff
Prerequisite: Chinese 112 or the equivalent.
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.
Chinese 311: Directed Reading in Chinese Newspapers
(4 credits)
Staff
Prerequisite: Chinese 212.
Read authentic materials on the internet, such as news and cyber literature. Class work is conducted almost entirely in Chinese.
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)
L. Wierenga
Open to the beginner, except by permission or placement. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
Fundamentals of grammar, pronunciation, oral practice and laboratory work. Also a basic introduction to French culture.
French 112F: Intermediate French
(5 credits)
T. Wilkerson
Prerequisite: French 111 or equivalent. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, reading, and required laboratory.
French 201F: Advanced Intermediate French
(4 credits)
L. Wierenga
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.
French 210: Expression orale
(4 credits)
T. Wilkerson
French 112, 201 or placement or instructor’s permission.
Oral French, concentrating on vocabulary building, and study of idioms and popular style.
French 250/1W: French Culture & Society
(4 credits)
L. Wierenga
Prerequisite: French 201, 210, 215 or placement.
Study of contemporary French culture, including economic, political, sociological, educational and artistic institutions. Taught in French. Writing intensive.
French 301A/1W: Survey of Literature I
(4 credits)
T. Wilkerson
Prerequisite: One 200 level French course. Recommended: French 215
Survey of major writers, movements and genres in French literature from the Middle Ages through the 17th century. Writing intensive.
French 490: Independent Study
French 491: Internship
German 111: Elementary German
(5 credits)
D. Barry
Open to only the beginner, except by permission of instructor. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
Fundamentals of grammar, pronunciation, oral practice, and laboratory work. Also a basic introduction to German culture.
German 111: Elementary German
(5 credits)
T. Bennett
Open to only the beginner, except by permission of instructor. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
Fundamentals of grammar, pronunciation, oral practice, and laboratory work. Also a basic introduction to German culture.
German 112F: Intermediate German
(5 credits)
D. Barry
Prerequisite: German 111 or equivalent. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
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)
T. Bennett
Prerequisite: 112, German competency or permission of instructor.
Stylistic analysis and grammar review. Using writing as a mode of exploration, the student analyzes various texts and films portraying aspects of German culture. Writing intensive.
German 301A/1W: Aufklaerung, Klassik, Romantik
(4 credits)
D. Barry
Prerequisite: One course in German at the 200 level.
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
Japanese 111: Beginning Japanese I
(5 credits)
A. Christiansen
Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
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 150A/C: Survey of Japanese Literature
(4 credits)
A. Christiansen
No prerequisite. Taught in English.
Introduction to major literary works written in Japan between the year 900 and the present. Designed to be of interest to the entire campus community.
Japanese 211: Intermediate Japanese I
(4 credits)
T. Imai
Prerequisite: Japanese 112 or placement.
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.
Japanese 311: Advanced Japanese I
(4 credits)
T. Imai
Prerequisite: 212 or placement.
The goal of the course is to develop culturally and socially appropriate proficiency in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Japanese 430: Topics in Japanese Language and Literature
(4 credits)
T. Imai
Prerequisite: Japanese 312
This course is designed to meet the needs of Japanese language students who have surpassed the highest levels of Japanese language study available in existing courses at the university. Course design will vary in accordance with student need, and may include select readings and conversation activities.
Japanese 490: Independent Study
Russian 111: Elementary Russian
(5 credits)
L. Zaharkov
Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
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)
L. Zaharkov
Prerequisite: Russian 112 or placement.
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.
Russian 230: Conversation Through Film
(2 credits)
L. Zaharkov
Prerequisite: Russian 112 or placement.
This course allows you to continue your study of Russian in multiple ways! Students will improve their aural comprehension, increase their conversational vocabulary and learn about Russian culture all by watching subtitled movies! The focus this year will be on films of the last ten years.
Russian 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
C. McIntyre
Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
Emphasis on elementary grammar, and oral practice.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
M. Apodaca-Valdez
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required
A continuation of Spanish 111, this course includes grammar, composition, oral practice, and reading.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
L. Franklin
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required
A continuation of Spanish 111, this course includes grammar, composition, oral practice, and reading.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
J. Cantrell
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required
A continuation of Spanish 111, this course includes grammar, composition, oral practice, and reading.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
R. Hoff
Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
This is an intermediate level course that will review, introduce, and expand upon vocabulary and structures commonly dealt with in introductory courses.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
J. Cantrell
Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement. Ninety minutes a week of independent lab time is required.
This is an intermediate level course that will review, introduce, and expand upon vocabulary and structures commonly dealt with in introductory courses.
Spanish 215: Studies in Spanish Language
(4 credits)
C. McIntyre
Prerequisite: Spanish 112, 150, or placement examination.
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.
Spanish 216: Conversation and Contemporary Issues
(4 credits)
M. Apodaca-Valdez
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)
R. Hoff
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 216.
This course is designed to develop written language skills at the advanced intermediate level. Prerequisite: Writing intensive.
Spanish 302A/1W: Introduction to Hispanic Literature I
(4 credits)
L. Franklin
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 217.
Spanish 301 is designed to introduce students to some of the major works of modern (19th, 20th, and 21st) Hispanic literature and provide them with a technical vocabulary to talk about and interpret these texts. Since this may be many students’ first exposure to an organized survey of Hispanic literature, an overview of literary criticism and its application will also be included. Writing intensive.
Spanish 351H: Latin American Culture
(4 credits)
M. Apodaca-Valdez
Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or 217
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.
Spanish 434/1.1: Spanish Pronunciation
(2 credits)
C. McIntyre
Prerequisite: Any 300 level Spanish course taught in Spanish
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.
Spanish 430/1.2: Intensive Spanish Conversation-Medical Spanish
(2 credits)
C. McIntyre
Prerequisite: Any 300 level course taught in Spanish
Expansion of oral communication skills related to medicine. Emphasis on modes of expression and lexicon enhancement.
Spanish 490: Independent Study
Spanish 491: Internship
