Chinese 112F: Elementary Chinese II
(5 credits)
Wu, Jie
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. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Chinese 130A/C: Introduction to Chinese Culture
(4 credits)
Choy, Howard
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course is an introduction to Chinese culture from ancient to modern times aiming at providing students with fundamental knowledge of this Asian civilization. We will first study China in the pre-modern period, and then proceed to focus on its modern developments. Students will learn aspects of Chinese history, literature, art, philosophy, and religion by reading primary sources in English translation.
Chinese 130A/C: Classical Chinese Poetry and Drama
(4 credits)
Wu, Jie
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course on traditional Chinese poetry and drama provides an introduction to its forms, major themes, and relevant conventions, with a focus on the sentiments and emotions of human beings. The sentiments of sorrow, joy, sympathy, frustration and pride are everlasting despite changes of time and space, and these sentiments are the original impetus behind poetry. How are these sentiments addressed in traditional Chinese poetry and drama? Through the study of selected texts in English translation, students will be introduced to some of the key poets and representative works in their historical and cultural context, as well as approaches to understanding and appreciating traditional Chinese poetry and drama. All readings are in English. No prior knowledge of Chinese is required, although the original Chinese texts will be occasionally provided.
Chinese 212: Intermediate Chinese II
(5 credits)
Choy, Howard
Prerequisite: Chinese 211 or placement
This is the second part of a two-semester course in intermediate Chinese. Students will continue to develop the basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in daily life situations and self-expressions. It is intended to lay a solid foundation for everyday communication in Chinese and further study of the language. Students should be prepared for a steady expansion of their vocabulary and are expected to speak the language in classroom activities. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Chinese 230S: Language and Society
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course will look at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Our main focus will be on the variation in one language, which results from different social statuses and purposes. We will seek to explain as well as describe such facts. Why do regional varieties of US English continue to exist after all these years of mass media influence? Why does one variety of a language gain and maintain such great prestige (the so-called standard variety)? Why are we prejudiced against some varieties of language, and what reasons do we offer for those prejudices? Why do men and women speak differently? Is English a sexist language? If so, what linguistics facts support such an interpretation? These are some of the questions we will be asking in this course. We will focus on the language variation in English but will also read some articles on Japanese language variation to see if these variation patterns hold among different languages.
Chinese 312: Directed Readings in Chinese Literature
(4 credits)
Choy, Howard
Prerequisite: Chinese 311 or permission of instructor
This is an advanced Chinese course. Students will continue to develop reading strategies and writing skills. The opportunity to work with more lively, thought-provoking materials will be valuable for the interdisciplinary study of the language, literature, and culture. Students will read authentic literary writings published in the 1990s and 2000s. This course emphasizes different styles of writing and current thoughts on humanity with extensive discussion and frequent composition assignments in Chinese.
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: Beginning French II
(5 credits)
Wilkerson, Timothy
Prerequisite: French 111 or placement.
Grammar review, composition, oral practice, and reading. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
French 150F: Intermediate French
(5 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. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
French 230S: Language and Society
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course will look at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Our main focus will be on the variation in one language, which results from different social statuses and purposes. We will seek to explain as well as describe such facts. Why do regional varieties of US English continue to exist after all these years of mass media influence? Why does one variety of a language gain and maintain such great prestige (the so-called standard variety)? Why are we prejudiced against some varieties of language, and what reasons do we offer for those prejudices? Why do men and women speak differently? Is English a sexist language? If so, what linguistics facts support such an interpretation? These are some of the questions we will be asking in this course. We will focus on the language variation in English but will also read some articles on Japanese language variation to see if these variation patterns hold among different languages.
French 262/1.1: Traduction
(2 credits)
Wilkerson, Timothy
Prerequisite: French 112 or 200 level placement
In this course, students will learn basic techniques of translation and, by rendering texts from French into English as well as vice versa, to understand and produce stylistically sophisticated French writing. Readings, class discussions, and written work will be in both English and French.
French 264/1.2: L’Histoire française
(2 credits)
Wilkerson, Timothy
Prerequisite: French 112 or 200 level placement
This is a content-based course that offers a general overview of continental French history from the Middle Ages to the Fifth Republic. Readings, class discussions, and examinations will be entirely in French.
French 303/1W: La littérature française
(4 credits)
Wierenga, Leanne
Prerequisite: Four credits of 200 level French
In this course, we will explore French literature in several different historical periods and in different genres, focusing on those works considered “masterpieces” by the French. Students will write several short papers and exams. This course is taught in French. Writing intensive.
French 450/1W Senior Seminar
(4 credits)
Wierenga, Leanne
Prerequisites: One 300 level French
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: Beginning German I
(5 credits)
Barry, David
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. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
German 112F: Beginning German II
(5 credits)
Barry, David
Prerequisite: German 111 or placement.
Explication of grammar, continued oral practice, reading of literary and/or cultural texts, and related explication of grammar. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
German 112F: Beginning German II
(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. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
German 140A: German Crooks and the Quest for Human Justice
(4 credits)
Barry, David
Taught in English. No prerequisites
From the plays and novellas of the “Prussian meteor” Heinrich von Kleist to the novels and short stories of Franz Kafka, German literature is replete with figures obsessed by questions of human justice. In this course, which is designed to introduce students to some of literary Germany’s finest achievements, we examine a selection of such figures. All reading, writing, and discussion are in English. Requirements include several short essays, informal oral presentations, occasional quizzes, a midterm and a final exam. Successful completion of the course meets the “A” learning goal in Fine, Performing, and Literary Arts.
Taught in English; no prerequisites.
This course will look at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Our main focus will be on the variation in one language, which results from different social statuses and purposes. We will seek to explain as well as describe such facts. Why do regional varieties of US English continue to exist after all these years of mass media influence? Why does one variety of a language gain and maintain such great prestige (the so-called standard variety)? Why are we prejudiced against some varieties of language, and what reasons do we offer for those prejudices? Why do men and women speak differently? Is English a sexist language? If so, what linguistics facts support such an interpretation? These are some of the questions we will be asking in this course. We will focus on the language variation in English but will also read some articles on Japanese language variation to see if these variation patterns hold among different languages.
German 264/1.1: Deutsche Geschichte und historische Quellen
(2 credits)
Bennett, Timothy
Prerequisite: German 112 or 200 level placement
Through the study of German, students will read and discuss texts and films that narrate German history and become conversant with major historical events in German-speaking Europe. The course will also help students work on language skills necessary for narrating past events.
German 265/1.2: Nationale Identität und kulturelle Vielfalt
(2 credits)
Bennett, Timothy
Prerequisite: German 112 or 200 level placement
Through readings, film, and discussion, students study the histories that have shaped German identity in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and which shape contemporary discussions of pluralism in German-speaking Europe. The course also focuses on developing the language skills necessary to engage in basic research and discussion of these issues.
German 330: The Intersection of Science and Imagination in German Culture
(4 credits)
Bennett, Timothy
Prerequisites: Four credits of 200 level German in German
In this course, we’ll be measuring the pH of the scientific imagination in German-speaking culture: i.e. we’ll examine the way in which physicists, physicians, psychiatrists*, and philosophers engage phantasy (in the sense not only of phiction but also of imagination in general) to understand the world. Einstein thought of the physicist as a reader working her way through a detective story trying to unravel the clues to solve the mystery. For Einstein, however, the great mystery was the book of nature itself and unraveling the clues meant that the researcher needed to cultivate her imaginative faculties. We’ll examine the work of key figures in German-speaking culture who conducted scientific research and we’ll also examine how their legacy changed the way we understand nature and our place in it.
The course is designed not only for students of German culture, but also for students interested in the history of science and the relationship between the natural sciences and culture.
Students will be required to write frequent short responses to readings and discussions, to lead and participate in discussions, and to prepare a final project for the course. Readings and discussions in German.
*Yes, I know there is no “ph” in psychiatrist but one can only stretch a conceit so phar.
German 490: Independent Study
German 491: Internship
Japanese 112F: Beginning Japanese II
(5 credits)
Christiansen, Amy
Prerequisite: Japanese 111 or placement
The course continues to introduce the 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. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Japanese 150A/C: Survey of Japanese Literature
(4 credits)
Christiansen, Amy
Prerequisites: Taught in English. No prerequisites.
Introduction to major literary works written in Japan between the year 600 and the present. Designed to be of interest to the entire campus community.
Japanese 212: Intermediate Japanese II
(5 credits)
Imai, Terumi
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. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Prerequisites: Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course will look at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Our main focus will be on the variation in one language, which results from different social statuses and purposes. We will seek to explain as well as describe such facts. Why do regional varieties of US English continue to exist after all these years of mass media influence? Why does one variety of a language gain and maintain such great prestige (the so-called standard variety)? Why are we prejudiced against some varieties of language, and what reasons do we offer for those prejudices? Why do men and women speak differently? Is English a sexist language? If so, what linguistics facts support such an interpretation? These are some of the questions we will be asking in this course. We will focus on the language variation in English but will also read some articles on Japanese language variation to see if these variation patterns hold among different languages.
Japanese 312: Advanced Japanese II
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Prerequisite: Japanese 311 or placement.
A continuation of Japanese 311, the goal of the course is to develop culturally and socially appropriate proficiency in the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Japanese 490: Independent Study
Russian 112F: Beginning Russian II
(5 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisite: Russian 111 or placement.
Continuation of 111, practice with conversation and grammatical patterns. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Russian 130A/C: Real to Reel: Russian War in Film
(4 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
Conflict is the foundation of drama. War, with all its horrors and triumphs, provides an effective setting for conflicts internal as well as external. The unfortunate impact of war throughout Russia’s history has permeated its collective consciousness and created a culture that both grieves and celebrates simultaneously, accepting loss and finding hope and small victories in the midst of destruction. The Russian films in this course deal frankly with the anguish of war yet manage to hearten the viewer by the resiliency of the human spirit. All films have English subtitles and all coursework and discussion is in English. Films are shown on Monday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in addition to class meeting times. Due to the explicit depiction of war atrocities, students sensitive to violent imagery are cautioned in their choice of this class.
Prerequisite: Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course will look at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Our main focus will be on the variation in one language, which results from different social statuses and purposes. We will seek to explain as well as describe such facts. Why do regional varieties of US English continue to exist after all these years of mass media influence? Why does one variety of a language gain and maintain such great prestige (the so-called standard variety)? Why are we prejudiced against some varieties of language, and what reasons do we offer for those prejudices? Why do men and women speak differently? Is English a sexist language? If so, what linguistics facts support such an interpretation? These are some of the questions we will be asking in this course. We will focus on the language variation in English but will also read some articles on Japanese language variation to see if these variation patterns hold among different languages.
Russian 261/1.2: The Physical World
(2 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: Russian 112 or 200 level placement
We will develop further reading and conversation skills as we study physical cultural monuments and Russians’ attitudes toward them. What do the cities and rivers mean? Siberia? What is the Motherland and why is it a feminine noun?
Russian 265/1.1: Translation
(2 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: Russian 112 or 200 level placement
We will examine how Russian uses verbs in all their glory! We will study the contrasts of expressing ourselves in English and Russian through the verbal system. Conversation will help us practice these forms.
Russian 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
The course is designed for the beginner. No prior knowledge of Spanish needed. Students will learn to hear and use basic vocabulary and sentence structure. At the end of the course, students should be able to talk about and respond to questions about themselves, their family and their activities. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time in the Foreign Language Learning Center (FLLC) is required.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish IIPrerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Grammar, composition, oral practice, and reading. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Spanish 112F: Beginning Spanish II
(5 credits)
Cantrell, John
Prerequisite: Spanish 111 or placement.
Grammar, composition, oral practice, and reading. Ninety minutes per week of independent lab time required.
Spanish 130A: Caribbean Literature
(4 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
Caribbean Literature explores the culture and literature of the non English-speaking Caribbean. How have some from the region tackled the subjects of self, race, and gender in their writing? By reading their stories, are we perhaps reading the stories of many others? Spanish 130 offers students the opportunity to see beyond the sandy beaches of the region in search of a more authentic and sometimes troubling Caribbean voice.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisite: Spanish 112 or placement.
This course is designed to offer students at the intermediate level an opportunity to acquire communicative skills, improve their formal knowledge of the language, and develop an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic skills, improve their formal knowledge of the language, and develop an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic cultures. Lab component may be completed through an optional Service Learning Program tied to the course.
Spanish 230S: Language and Society
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Prerequisite: Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course will look at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Our main focus will be on the variation in one language, which results from different social statuses and purposes. We will seek to explain as well as describe such facts. Why do regional varieties of US English continue to exist after all these years of mass media influence? Why does one variety of a language gain and maintain such great prestige (the so-called standard variety)? Why are we prejudiced against some varieties of language, and what reasons do we offer for those prejudices? Why do men and women speak differently? Is English a sexist language? If so, what linguistics facts support such an interpretation? These are some of the questions we will be asking in this course. We will focus on the language variation in English but will also read some articles on Japanese language variation to see if these variation patterns hold among different languages.
Spanish 260/1.1: El mundo contemporáneo
(2 credits)
Apodaca-Valdez, Manuel
Prerequisite: Spanish 112, 150 or placement examination.
This course aims to develop students’ knowledge in relevant contemporary issues currently modeling the life and destiny of Hispanic countries in relation to the world. The course also includes a review of some of the most complex aspects of Spanish grammar, and expands vocabulary for conversation.
Spanish 261/1.1: El mundo fisico
(2 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Prerequisite: Spanish 112, 150 or 200 level placement
This course serves as an introduction to the Hispanic world by highlighting the diverse nature of its people, cultures, climate, and geographic features. As a special topic, the course will look at the environment to see what measures others are taking to protect it. Spanish 261 will also include pronunciation practice and a review of imperative forms, adjectives, and prepositions.
Spanish 262/1.2: Entre dos mundos: el arte de la traducción
(2 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Prerequisite: Spanish 112, 150 or 200 level placement
This intermediate course will introduce students to some theories and practices of translation. Through translation practice from Spanish to English and English to Spanish, students will focus on nuance, style, and context of language/text. Students will read selected essays on translation and read selected texts in dual language versions, and create their own translations of short texts.
Spanish 263/1.2: El cine y el cambio social
(2 credits)
Apodaca-Valdez, Manuel
Prerequisites: Spanish 112, 150 or 200 level placement
This course introduces students to films from Spain and Latin America that intersect with social and historical transitions. Students will explore the cultural context of each film, analyze major themes, and discuss the role of film as a reflection of and catalyst for social change. Course also includes selected grammar topics and focuses on colloquial vocabulary that triggers opportunities for class conversation.
Spanish 264/1.1W: Voces del pasado
(2 credits)
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisites: Four semester hours of 200-level courses in Spanish
This course gives students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the Spanish-speaking world by examining its rich cultural heritage. Through reading and writing activities, student learners will explore the complexity of the Hispanic world and how historical events have influenced human contact. The course will help students develop language skills for description and narration in the past. Writing intensive .
Spanish 265/1.2W: La diversidad en el mundo hispano
(2 credits)
Hoff, Ruth
Prerequisites: Four semester hours of 200-level courses in Spanish
This course will provide students the opportunity to explore human diversity in the Spanish-speaking world, in both historical and contemporary contexts. Through reading, viewing and writing activities students will gain an understanding of the complexities of identity, ethnicity, and multiculturalism across the Hispanic world, including the United States. The course will aid students in developing language skills to express and support opinion. Writing intensive.
Spanish 301A/1W: Introduction to Hispanic Literature I
(4 credits)
Franklin, Lillian
Prerequisite: Eight semester hours at the 200 level including Spanish 264 and Spanish 265
This beginning course in literature introduces students to various texts from the Hispanic world. The course is designed for the student who has already studied beginning and intermediate Spanish language, and wishes to take a step beyond reading to exploring the how and why of literature. The course will provide students with a variety of texts from the medieval period to early 19th century, from Spain to the Americas, and from the poetic to the theatrical arts. Writing intensive.
Spanish 415/1W: Advanced Studies in Spanish Language
(4 credits)
Apodaca-Valdez, Manuel
Prerequisite: Eight semester hours at the 200-level and a 300-level course taught in Spanish
It is especially recommended for students who seek advanced work in grammar, with the goal of producing idiomatic Spanish. Through a perspective of the socio-anthropology of food in the Hispanic world, students will acquire an understanding of more sophisticated grammar structures and their interrelations. Writing intensive.
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
