DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Spring Semester 2010
Cultures and Languages Across the Curriculum: CLAC
Prerequisite: You must either be enrolled in at least one two-credit 200-level course in the language or have completed at least one two-credit 200-level course in the language. The CLAC modules are designed for students with an intermediate background.
These courses offer a foreign language component or CLAC component in the following languages:
Students who select the CLAC option will complete work in a foreign language that will supplement the work in other departments. Students who complete the CLAC assignments successfully will earn 1 credit for the CLAC component.
To register for the CLAC component, you must also register for one of the courses listed above and for one of the one-credit LANG 230 CLAC options listed for that course. Meeting times and location will be arranged at the beginning of the semester. Credit for CLAC modules may be counted toward the requirements for International Studies and as elective credit in the Language department.
Chinese 112F: Elementary Chinese II
(5 credits)
Chan, Shelley
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 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 330: Chinese Topics: Business Chinese
(4 credits)
Choy, Howard
Prerequisite: Chinese 311 or its equivalent
This is an advanced Chinese language course with specific attention to business terminology and etiquette. Students will have improved oral communication skills in business settings and acquired business protocols and decorum strategies through reading and writing of survey, commercial, etc. Taught in Chinese; readings in Chinese.
Chinese 330C/1W: May 4th to June 4th: Lu Xun and Mo Yan
(4 credits)
Chan, Shelley
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This course focuses on two writers, Lu Xun (1881-1936), the father of modern Chinese literature who exemplified the liberal spirits of the May Fourth literature, and Mo Yan (1955-), one of the most influential and prolific writers of contemporary China. Using the May Fourth Movement of 1919 and the June Fourth Tiananmen Massacre of 1989 as milestones, this course analyzes the writings by these two important writers, which showcase the historical and cultural contexts of China in the past century. We will examine how the May Fourth literary tradition is continued and developed by contemporary writers represented by Mo Yan. Other May Fourth writers, as well as the contemporaries of Mo Yan, will also be introduced. Film will be used to provide a visual dimension to the stories in question. Students will be introduced to the important scholarship of Lu Xun studies. All readings are in English and all films have English subtitles. Writing intensive.
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 262/1.1: Traduction: théorie et pratique
(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 263/1.2: La Culture et le film francophones
(2 credits)
Wierenga, Leanne
Prerequisite: French 112 or 200 level placement
This is a content-based conversation course that uses the medium of film to explore various aspects of French culture and history.
Prerequisite: Four credits of 200 level French
This course will look at the historical roots of popular culture in contemporary France and consider the effects of Americanization and globalization on French culture. All the while we will try to answer the question, “Qu’est-ce que la culture française?” or, perhaps, “Qu’est-ce qui reste de la culture française?” Students will be required to keep a reading journal. There will be two essay exams, several short papers and class presentations. Taught in French. Most readings in French.
French 450/1W: Senior Seminar
(4 credits)
Wilkerson, Timothy and 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 261/1.1: Umwelt: Natur und Kultur
(2 credits)
Barry, David
Prerequisite: German 112 or 200 level placement
This is a content-based reading and conversation course that focuses on the role of the natural environment in the lives of contemporary Germans; it explores some of the distinctive ways in which those Germans express their regard and concern for the natural world.
German 263/1.2: Film und Kultur
(2 credits)
Barry, David
Prerequisite: German 112 or 200 level placement
This is a content-based composition and conversation course that uses the medium of film to explore German culture at various points in its evolution over the past one hundred years. In so far as the setting for each of the movies highlighted below is Berlin, the current manifestation of the course provides historical and contemporary portraits of Berlin in particular.
German 275A/L 1W: Germans and Jews: Culture, Identity and Difference
(4 credits)
Bennett, Timothy
Taught in English, no prerequisites.
Study of the issues that have characterized the history of German Jewry in its relationship to German Christendom, focusing on the period from the Enlightenment to the aftermath of the Holocaust. Consideration of the problems of cultural difference, assimilation, European identity and discrimination as reflected in the cultural imagination. German and religion sections meet together on a regular basis. 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 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 130C: Language and Society: Kanji as a Way of Life”
(4 credits)
Hoye, Masako
Prerequisites: Taught in English. No prerequisites.
The primary purpose of this course is to explore in some depth how selected kanji express the many, rich, and diverse “forms” of life that define Japanese culture both traditionally and today. Along with these kanji, Japanese key concepts, which are crucial to understand Japanese culture, are also introduced. Through the reading and discussion of primary and secondary materials in English, through selected films, and through the discussion of current events in Japan, participants will develop a heightened awareness of the richness, challenges, and unique dimensions of the Japanese language and culture.
Japanese 212: Intermediate Japanese II
(5 credits)
Hoye, Masako
Prerequisite: C- or above in 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.
Japanese 312: Advanced Japanese II
(4 credits)
Hoye, Masako
Prerequisite: C- or above in 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 430: Topics in Japanese Language and Literature
(4 credits)
Imai, Terumi
Prerequisite: C- or above in 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
Latin 112F: Intermediate Latin
(4 credits)
Jones-Lewis, Molly
Prerequisite: Latin 111
Continuation of grammar, exercises and selected readings in classical Latin and discussion of Roman culture.
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: The Modern Hero
(4 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
The “Modern Hero” in Russian culture begins with the fairy tale! What traits distinguish them from our concept of the heroic or anti-heroic? We’ll then proceed to the development of the Revolutionary hero who wants to singlehandedly change Russian society. Join us in this course as we encounter the representation of the hero/ine to the present day and perhaps 600 years into the future! While examining the “Modern Hero”, readers will be introduced to the best writers of 19th and 20th century Russian literature such as Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Zamjatin, Bulgakov, and others. No Russian is required! All readings, lectures, and discussion in English. Fulfills either the “A” Fine, Performing, and Literary Arts or “C” Non-Western Cultures General Education requirement.
Russian 262/1.2: Introduction to Translation
(2 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: Russian 112 or 200 level placement
Introduction to the practice of good translation including more advanced topics in Russian grammar such as verbs of motion, verbal aspect and verb. Special attention to idiomatic expressions and formulaic speech patterns.
Russian 264/1.1: Voices from the Past
(2 credits)
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: Russian 260: Contemporary Issues or Russian 230: Reading Russian on the WWW
Students will study the main currents of Russian history through readings, biographies, and films. Additional grammatical topics for reading Russian will be included.
Russian 490: Independent Study
Spanish 111: Beginning Spanish I
(5 credits)
Cantrell, John
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 II
(5 credits)
Henlon, Sheree
Prerequisite: 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: Hispanic Caribbean Literature
(4 credits)
Henlon, Sheree
Taught in English. No prerequisites.
This is an introductory-level course that centers on 20th-century poems, novels, and essays from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.
Spanish 150F: Intermediate Spanish
(5 credits)
Garcia, Victor
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 260/1.1: El mundo contemporáneo
(2 credits)
Blanco, Fernando
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)
Hoff, Ruth
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)
Hoff, Ruth
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)
Blanco, Fernando
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 302A/1W: Introduction to Hispanic Literature II
(4 credits)
Blanco, Fernando
Prerequisite: Eight semester hours at the 200 level including Spanish 264 and Spanish 265
Continuation of Spanish 301, provides the student with a survey of 19th and 20th centuries. Significant figures and literary currents of the Hispanic world are presented. Writing intensive.
Spanish 427: The Silver Screen
(4 credits)
Blanco, Fernando
Prerequisite: One 300 level Spanish
This course will familiarize students with the history of film in the Hispanic world. Students will view works by prominent directors from Spain and the Americas, as well as explore issues and trends in Hispanic films.
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
