Foreign Languages
Chair: Professor Lalande
Professors: Lalande, McKeown; Associate Professors: Ferrero, Lasso-von Lang, Mesa, Yozell; Assistant Professor: Hildebrandt; Visiting Instructors: Mandler, Snyder; Adjunct Faculty: Buckley, Connor-Hanninen, Emiliani-Mowrey, Hamouch, Laramie, Zanchettin
Full programs of study are offered French, German, and Spanish. Courses in Latin, Arabic and Italian are available, while Greek, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian may be taken by cross-registration at other LVAIC member institutions. The department also offers a major in international management jointly with the Department of Economics and Business and secondary education certification in conjunction with the Department of Education.
The program in classical languages is designed to give the student an understanding of the ancient classics and their supporting civilizations. Moravian College cooperates with Lehigh University in offering intermediate and advanced courses in Latin and courses in Greek at all levels.
The program in modern languages aims to develop proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing a contemporary language, mainly as it finds expression in language and literature, with appreciation for the history and culture of those countries in which it is spoken.
Foreign language majors prepare for graduate study in the various fields of humanistic learning and for professional careers in teaching, management and business, writing, law, government service, or theology. Social service, the sciences, bilingual education, and industry offer opportunities to the modern language major.
The Major in French, German, or Spanish
A major in French, German, or Spanish consists of ten course units above Foreign Language 105, including Foreign Language 215, 241 and two courses at the 300 level (at least one of which must be taken at the College in the student's senior year). Students may use either Spanish 110 or 111, but not both, towards a major in Spanish. After completing Foreign language 215 or 241, students may no longer take 100-level courses. Only one internship in a foreign language may be taken for credit towards a major in that language.
A major in French normally includes the following: French 110, 210, and 215, plus two courses chosen from FR 225, 241 and 250, a minimum one-semester study abroad (three courses minimum), and two courses at the 300 level (at least one must be taken at the College in the senior year).
A major in German normally includes the following: : German 110, 210, and 215, plus two more courses at the 200 level, a minimum one-semester study abroad (three courses minimum), and two courses at the 300 level (at least one must be taken at the College in the senior year). A student may not take a course at the 300 level that he/she has already taken at the 200 level, and vice versa.
A typical major in Spanish for non-native speakers will include the following: Spanish 110 or 111; 120, 210, and 215; one course chosen from Spanish 241, 243, 255, 256; a minimum one-semester study abroad (three courses minimum); and two courses at the 300 level (at least one must be taken at the College in the senior year). A typical major in Spanish for heritage speakers will include the following: Spanish 125, 210, and 215; one or two courses at the 200 level chosen from 241, 243, 255, 256; a minimum one-semester study abroad (three courses minimum); and two courses at the 300 level (at least one must be taken at the College in the senior year). Heritage speakers may opt to include Spanish 111 among their major electives. In all languages, special topics courses at the 200 and 300 level may count towards a French, German, or Spanish major; please consult with an advisor.
During their course of study at Moravian College, all students majoring in French, German, or Spanish will be required to study abroad for a minimum of one semester in a country where the student's major language of study (French, German, or Spanish) is the principal language.
To make sure that this requirement can be fulfilled in the best possible conditions, the Admissions Office will inform students interested in languages of the requirement upon their arrival at Moravian College. Upon declaring a major in a foreign language, students (in consultation with their advisors) must work out a schedule which will make study abroad possible. Declaration of major should be done as early as possible, and no later than upon completion of Foreign Language 210 or 215, or the beginning of the sophomore year.
The department recognizes that there will be cases that call for exceptional attention. These cases will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by the department. Students who wish to apply for an exception to this policy must apply for a waiver or exception with the department. The application is available from the Foreign Language Department chair. Unless the student has already spent a minimum of one year as an adult in a country where the targeted foreign language is spoken, the student will not, generally speaking, be waived of the entire study abroad requirement. Courses taken during study abroad must be approved by the department prior to the student's registration for the program.
Courses in French, German, and Spanish are listed below.
The Major in French and Francophone Studies
Introduction: The French and Francophone Studies major provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the intellectual and cultural history of French-speaking countries in a global context by combining courses in French language and literature with courses from fields such as art, economics, history, and political science. Specifically, the program seeks to broaden the students’ understanding of works by Francophone figures and of contemporary and historical issues related to Francophone cultures.
A bachelor of arts with a major in French and Francophone Studies may lead to careers in fields such as business, international economics, translation, foreign service, journalism, international law, publishing, and politics.
Program Structure: In part self-designed, course selection will be done with the help of a faculty advisor to ensure a coherent program of study, including study abroad. Majors in French and Francophone Studies are required to take ten course units. A minimum of six courses above French 105 must be earned within the French section of the Department of Foreign Languages. Of these six courses, the following five are required: FR 210, FR 215, FR 225, FR 241, and FR 250.
Please note: After completing any course at the 200 level, students may no longer take 100 level courses in French. Students earning less than a B average at the 200 level will be discouraged from continuing in the major. A minimum of one 300-level course in French must be taken at the College in the senior year.
The remaining four units are chosen from a list of pre-determined courses in other departments, including Special Topic courses (please see below for how these courses are selected). Students may also check course listings at LVAIC institutions; Muhlenburg and Lehigh currently have Francophone specialists on their faculty. All courses choices, however, must be approved by program advisors at Moravian.
No more than one course at the one-hundred level may be taken within any single department, and only two of the four courses taken outside the Department of Foreign Languages may be at the one-hundred level. No more than two courses may be taken within a single department.
Possible electives include, but are not limited to:
| Art 113 | Global perspectives in Art History to the Renaissance |
| Art 114 | Art History since the Renaissance |
| Art 222 | African Art |
| Art 226 | Art of the 19th Century |
| Art 229 | Modern Through Post-Modern Art |
| Afri 110 | Introduction to Africana Studies(Soc 110) |
| Economics 236 | International Economics |
| Management 333 | International Issues in Management |
| History 110 | Introduction to Africana Studies |
| History 112 | European Civilization since 1500 |
| History 126 | African Civilizations |
| History 250 | The History of Canada to 1885 |
| Political Science 235 | Contemporary European Politics |
Study Abroad Requirement: All French and Francophone Studies majors participate in an academic experience abroad. Students should choose a semester program; if impossible, participation in a six-week summer program or an appropriate May term approved by the advisor in advance can fulfill this requirement. Courses taken abroad may count toward the major but must be approved in advance by the advisor.
The Major in German Studies
The German studies major provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to the intellectual and cultural history of German-speaking countries by combining courses in German language and literature with courses from fields such as art, economics, history, music, philosophy, and political science. Students are encouraged to design their own programs of study in close cooperation with an advisory board. A bachelor of arts with a major in German studies may open doors to careers in fields such as business, international economics, foreign service, journalism, international law, publishing, politics, and teaching. All German studies majors must have a significant experience abroad. Students may choose to study for a semester abroad or participate in a six-week summer program. Courses taken abroad may count toward the major but must be approved in advance by the advisor.
Majors in German studies are required to take a total of 10 courses above German 105, six of which must be earned within the German section of the Department of Foreign Languages. Of these six courses, German 215 and 241 (or equivalent) and one course at the 300 level are required. After completing German 215 and 241 (or equivalent), students may no longer take 100-level courses in German. A grade of B or better is required in German 220 or 241 for advancement in the German studies major. A minimum of one 300-level course in German must be taken at Moravian College, and at least one 300-level course in German must be taken at the College in the senior year.
The remaining four units may be chosen from relevant offerings in the Department of Foreign Languages or other departments. No more than two courses can be taken within a single department. Possible electives include:
| Art 218 | Art of the Renaissance |
| Art 226 | Art of the 19th Century |
| Art 229 | Modern Art |
| Economics 336 | International Economics |
| German 200 | Witches and Demons in German Culture and Literature |
| German 260 | German Film from Caligari to Fatih Akin |
| History 112 | European Civilization Since 1500 |
| History 219 | Bismark to Hitler to Fischer: History of Modern Germany |
| History 220 | The Holocaust |
| Management 333 | International Issues in Management |
| Music 281 | Western Music to 1750 |
| Music 283 | Classical and Romantic Music |
| Music 352.2 | The 20th Century to 1945 |
| Music 354.2 | Contemporary Music Since 1945 |
| Political Science 215 | History of Western Political Thought |
| Political Science 235 | Contemporary European Politics |
| Political Science 250 | Topics in 20th-Century Political Thought |
| Other courses may serve as electives. Please consult with the advisor, Axel Hildebrandt. | |
The Minor in French, German, or Spanish
The minor consists of five course units above Foreign Language 105 in a single language, including 110, 210, and 215. In French, students must choose two courses from among French 225, 241, and 250. The Spanish minor for non-native speakers includes Spanish 110 or 111; 120, 210, and 215; plus one chosen from among Spanish 241, 243, 255 and 256. The Spanish minor for heritage speakers includes Spanish 125, 210, and 215; and at least one course chosen from among Spanish 241, 243, 255, 256, or any 300-level course. Students may opt to include Spanish 111 in their minor in place of Spanish 110, but may not include both.
The Interdepartmental Major in French, German, or Spanish
Set I of an interdepartmental major in French, German, or Spanish consists of six course units above Foreign Language 105. Courses in Sets I and II are selected by the student with the approval of the advisor. It is possible to combine language study with area studies.
The Major in International Management (French/German/Spanish)
The major in international management is offered jointly with the Department of Economics and Business. International management majors take Accounting 157, Economics 152, 156, and 336; Management 223 and 333; and two electives from Management 231, 251, 253, or 260. Foreign language requirements include seven courses above Foreign Language 105, including either Foreign Language 210 or 215 and Foreign Language 241 or equivalent, plus at least one 300-level course in the senior year.
This program requires a semester abroad in which one business-related course and one foreign language course must be taken. All students interested in this major should consult with James P. West and Nilsa Lasso-von Lang (Spanish), Jean-Pierre Lalande (French), or Axel Hildebrandt (German). A student wishing to elect a major in international management with a language not listed should consult with Professor Lalande.
There is no minor offered in international management.
Teacher Certification in a Foreign Language
Foreign language majors who plan to teach should consult the requirements for teacher certification under education and should note Education 360 and 378.
The major requirements for teacher certification in a foreign language are the same as for all other foreign language majors.
Discussion and demonstration of teaching methods appropriate to the elementary and secondary school levels for developing proficiency in all four skill areas (reading, speaking, writing, and comprehension) are included in Education 360 and 378.
All non-native speakers of French, German, and Spanish who are candidates for secondary teacher certification in those languages are required to pass the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) with a minimum grade of Intermediate High in order to be recommended by the Department of Foreign Languages for student teaching. Students will pay the cost of the exam(s) and any expenses involved with doing the interview.
Dual Certification in Foreign Languages
When a student completes a full major in one foreign language, certification may be obtained in a second under the following conditions:
- Completion of seven courses above the elementary level in the second foreign language, with the understanding that a desired level of proficiency may be reached after completion of fewer than seven courses in exceptional cases. It is also possible that a student may be required to complete work beyond the seven courses if, in the judgment of the Foreign Languages Department, the competence required for certification has not been achieved. The student must achieve the required 3.00 average in each language to be recommended for certification. Student-teaching experience is required in all languages in which certification is anticipated.
- The seven courses must include Foreign Language 210, 215, and 241 (or equivalent), and one additional literature course. The student is strongly advised to take a course in the culture of the country or region speaking the language (French 250, German 220, or Spanish 246 or 248). As with all other foreign language majors, a fall or spring term abroad is required.
- Students interested in dual certification in foreign languages are advised to consult with Joanne McKeown, foreign language teacher-education advisor, early in their academic program.
Departmental Recommendations
Foreign language majors are advised to work toward mastery of a second foreign language and to extend their studies as far as possible in history, economics, management, literature, linguistics, philosophy, art, music, religion, and sociology.
All language majors are required to participate in an organized program of study abroad and to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities for contact with foreign languages and cultures, such as language clubs, foreign films, and other cultural events. Students interested in learning one of the less commonly taught languages should consult the advisor.
Special Foreign Language and Literature Courses
111-116. Masterpieces of Literature in English. Detailed study of works of classical Greek, French, German, Russian, or Spanish literature in English translation. Prerequisite: Writing 100. No knowledge of the foreign language is required. Cannot be counted toward a foreign language major or minor.
Staff
111. French. Novels by writers such as Hugo, Balzac, Zola, Sartre, and Camus.
113. Russian. Short stories by Lermontov, Turgenev, Leskov, and Pushkin; novels by Dostoevsky, Tolstoi, Goncharov, Gogol, and Pasternak.
115. Spanish. Works by Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Zorrilla, Unamuno, Lorca, and later 20th-century writers, such as Buero Vallejo, Martín Gaite, and Matute. (M2)
116. Latin American. Works by Mistral, Neruda, Asturias, García Márquez, Paz, Walcott, Fuentes, Allende, Esquivel, Vargas Llosa. (M2)
214. Immigration, Exile and Internal Displacement in Latin American and Latino Literature. (Also Foreign Language 214) Immigration, exile and internal displacement are phenomena seen across the world, and ones that are frequent topics of discussion. This course will examine such issues among the diverse Latin American cultures through the lens of fiction. These texts and films deal directly with moments of social transformation, power differences, and cultural (mis)understanding. Studying how these works will help students better understand the timely issues of displacement, as well as how these issues are perceived and represented. Course conducted in English. (M5) Prerequisite: Writing 100 or LinC 101.
Staff
Moravian-LVAIC Summer-Abroad Courses
Courses in language and culture on the intermediate and advanced levels are offered on a rotating basis by one or more of the LVAIC institutions. Enrollment is by cross-registration. Each course is six weeks long and carries two course units of credit. The following are Moravian's offerings.
German, Spanish 190. Language and Culture Abroad I. Intensive study of conversation in the language of the country; reading, development of writing skills, and selected aspects of the culture.
German, Spanish 290. Language and Culture Abroad II. Intensive study of conversation in the language of the country; rapid review of basic grammar, the reading and analysis of moderately difficult texts, development of rudimentary written skills, supplemented study of selected aspects of contemporary civilization.
German, Spanish 390. Language and Culture Abroad III. Intensive practice of speaking and writing in the language of the country aimed at providing the student with extensive proficiency of expression and the ability to discriminate linguistic usage. Idiomatic expressions and an introduction to stylistics. Reading and analysis of more difficult texts, supplemented by in-depth study of selected aspects of contemporary civilization.
Courses in Classical Languages
Latin
100-105. Introductory Latin I and II. Introduction to the language, with oral and written exercises, and reading of simple prose. Introduction to Roman civilization. No previous study of Latin required. Prerequisite for Latin 105: Passing grade in Latin 100 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. Three 70-minute periods. (F3)
Zanchettin
110. Latin III. Three weeks of systematic grammar and syntax review, including written exercises, followed by selective grammatical and syntactical analysis of Latin texts. Building vocabulary through texts and books such as K. C. Masterman's A Latin Word List.Translation and discussion of selections by Roman authors. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Latin 105 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
Advanced-level courses to complete the major in Greek or Latin may be taken at Lehigh University or other LVAIC institutions upon availability.
Hebrew
Courses in Hebrew are available through cross-registration at Moravian Theological Seminary.
Courses in Contemporary Languages
Arabic
100-105. Introductory Arabic I-II. Fundamentals of the Arabic language. These courses stress aural comprehension, basic grammar, correct pronunciation, and practical reading and writing. Courses also give exposure to graded literary texts and to Arabic culture and civilization. (F3)
Hamouch
Chinese
Courses in Chinese may be scheduled through cross-registration at Lehigh University.
French
100. Introductory French I. Beginning study of French language and culture through textual, audio, and visual materials. Learning to function in culturally authentic situations and to perform with some proficiency in the four fundamental skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Designed to develop novice to novice-mid oral and written proficiency as defined by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages. (F3)
Staff
105. Introductory French II. Continuation of French 100. Designed to develop novice-mid to novice-high proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in French 100 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
110. Introductory French III. Continuation of French 105. Designed to develop intermediate-low proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in French 105 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
210. Films as Keys to French and Francophone Cultures. This course is designed to improve French language skills at the intermediate level to prepare the transition to more advanced coursework. Students will view and study five films from different areas of France and the Francophone world. Response to those films will hone skills in writing, speaking, listening and reading. Class is discussion-based and conducted entirely in French. Prerequisite: French 210 and 215 or equivalent.
Lalande, McKeown
215. Texts as Keys to French and Francophone Cultures. This course is designed to improve French language skills at the intermediate level to prepare the transition to more advanced coursework. Students will read a variety of texts and media sources from France and the Francophone world. Response to those works will hone skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Class is discussion-based and conducted entirely in French. Prerequisite: French 110.
Lalande, McKeown
225. French Connections: Letters and Culinary Art. This course is designed to develop writing skills at the advanced level (ACTFL scale for proficiency in writing) to prepare students for writing in advanced-level literature classes. Students will respond in writing to a variety of culture-based readings centered on French gastronomy. They will conduct research in French on related topics. Grammar will be reviewed with a level-appropriate text. Class is discussion-based and conducted entirely in French. Not open to students who previously completed French 230. Prerequisites: French 210 and 215
McKeown
241. Introduction to French Literature. Critical chronological reading of French drama, poetry, and prose works, and an introduction to literary and intellectual movements that produced these works. Taught primarily in French, with plays, films, and audio recordings of selected works. Prerequisite: French 155 or equivalent. Fall. (M2)
McKeown, Lalande
250. France from 1950 to the present – Politics and Society. This course focuses on the social, political and cultural events that have shaped France since the 1950’s. Through readings, media sources and movie clips, students will learn how such factors as the baby-boomers’ coming of age, immigration, the construction of the European Union, and globalization have, often painfully, transformed a country rooted in rural traditions into a modern, pluralistic one able to compete in the global world. Prerequisites: FR 210 and 215
Lalande
330. Art, Culture, and History in Paris. Reading of literary works and discussion of artistic and socio-cultural context will help students develop informed knowledge and appreciation for past and present importance of this historical and cultural metropolis. Prerequisites: French 210, 215, and one other 200-level in French, or equivalent.
Lalande
350. Conformists and Rebels: Selected works from Seventeenth and Eighteenth-century France. The course is designed to engage the students with selected works from the beginning of the seventeenth century when the literary salon culture began to flourish in Paris to the start of the French Revolution in 1789. Students will study how the themes of conformity and rebellion are represented, paying special attention to how the conflicts arising from the intersection of these apparently opposing roles—conformist and rebel—are played out in essays, novels and plays of the period. The course will be conducted entirely in French. Prerequisites: French 210, 215 and one other 200-level course or its equivalent abroad.
McKeown
353. A Role of Her Own: Works by French and Francophone Women. The course is designed to engage the students with works by women writing in French, specifically with respect to the theme of women’s roles in the domestic and public spheres. Students will read a variety of literary genres, including essays, novels, and poetry from the medieval period through the twentieth-century. They will study how writers from throughout the French speaking world have represented searches for meaningful roles in women’s lives, and will also consider the part the writing process itself has in crafting meaning for women. Students will read works by Christine de Pisan, Louise Labé, Isabelle de Charrière, Gabrielle Roy, Fatima Fallaire, Colette and Simone de Beauvoir, and others. The course will be conducted entirely in French. Prerequisites: French 210, 215 and one other 200-level course or its equivalent abroad.
McKeown
355. The Novel as an Expression of Traditional and Modern France. Reading of novels and short stories that reflect the long, often difficult mutation of the country from rural and traditional to industrial and modern. Prerequisites: French 210, 215, and one other 300-level French course (or equivalent).
Lalande
360. 20th-Century Theater. Trends in French drama from the surrealist period to theater of the absurd. Plays by Vitrac, Cocteau, Giraudoux, Sartre, Camus, Anouilh, Beckett, and Ionesco. Prerequisites: French 230 and 241.
Lalande
361. French Modern Urbanization. The industrial revolution transformed France into an urban country. From then on urban life became a major concern for political leaders and a vast source of inspiration for artists. Through readings by Zola, Gide, Breton, Camus, Sartre and Butor, discussions of paintings by Impressionists, Cubists and other modern painters and studies of architectural achievements, students will develop a sense of the evolution of the urbanization process and an understanding of the relationship between literature, art and the prevailing political climate. Prerequisites: French 210, 215 and one other 200-level course or its equivalent abroad.
Lalande
190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
286, 381-384. Independent Study.
288, 386-388. Internship.
400-401. Honors.
German
100. Introductory German I. Beginning study of German language and culture through textual, audio, and visual materials. Learning to function in culturally authentic situations and to perform with some proficiency in the four fundamental skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Designed to develop novice to novice-mid oral and written proficiency as defined by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages. (F3)
Staff
105. Introductory German II. Continuation of German 100. Designed to develop novice-mid to novice-high proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in German 100 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
110. Introductory German III. Continuation of German 105. Designed to develop intermediate-low proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in German 105 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
200. Witches and Demons in German History and Culture. (Also Interdisciplinary Studies 200) Examines a wide variety of texts and other media to explore the idea and representation of the strange and "deviant" in German literature and culture from early modern Europe to the present. Focus on the concept of the witch, witch-hunts, the Faust legend, and gender issues. Supplemented by audio-visual materials from art history, film, and popular culture. Taught in English. (M2)
Staff
210. German Culture in Context: Art and Contemporary Culture. This course is designed to improve German language skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking at the intermediate level to prepare the transition to more advanced coursework. We will discuss topics of history and the diversity of culture in German-speaking countries by using resources such as videos, Internet links and music. Grammar concepts will be reviewed as well. Prerequisite: GR 110
Hildebrandt
215. German Culture in Context: Literature and Film. This course is designed to improve German language skills at the intermediate level with an emphasis on short literary texts and films to prepare the transition to more advanced coursework. We will discuss topics of literature and history and the diversity of culture in German-speaking countries by using Internet resources, videos and music. Grammar concepts will be reviewed as well. Prerequisite: GR 110
Hildebrandt
225. Berlin in Film and Literature. This course will discuss major forms and periods of literary texts and films in and about Berlin from the early 20th century to the present within their social, political, and cultural context. We study diverse voices of male and female authors, including immigrant writers and filmmakers, on themes important to their and our times such as social oppression, ethics, gender, nation, and identity. Not open to students who have completed German 325. Prerequisites: GR 210 and 215.
Hildebrandt
241. Introduction to German Literature. Analysis and discussion of selected texts from the past two centuries, designed to introduce students to representative authors, works, and genres, and to develop critical reading and writing skills. Readings of poetry, fairy tales, and works by authors such as Goethe, Tieck, Büchner, Droste-Hülshoff, Hauptmann, Thomas Mann, Brecht, and Dürrenmatt. Prerequisites: German 210 and 215 or equivalent. (M2)
Hildebrandt
244. Young German Writers: Search for Identity. This course will cover one of the most exciting periods in German history through the perspective of young writers and filmmakers from the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 to the present. The difference between East and West Germany still influences literature, music, art, and politics and furthermore deals with discourses on national identity and economic inequalities. Not open to students who have completed German 344. Prerequisites: German 210 and 215 or equivalent.
Hildebrandt
260. German Film from Caligari to Fatih Akin. This course covers the periods from the beginning of filmmaking in Germany, exploitation of the media during the Nazi time and reflect on different political and moral implications in East and West Germany after the end of World War II, namely how films dealt with the Holocaust, and how life under socialism and capitalism are reflected in films. German unification and its results as well as the situation of minorities in contemporary Germany will provide a broad overview and its moral implications in films. Course taught in English. (U2) Prerequisites: None, for students not majoring in German. For students majoring in German or German Studies, German 210 and 215 are prerequisites; these students will have to write the papers in German.
Hildebrandt
325. Berlin in Film and Literature. This course will discuss major forms and periods of literary texts and films in and about Berlin from the early 20th century to the present within their social, political, and cultural context. We study diverse voices of male and female authors, including immigrant writers and filmmakers, on themes important to their and our times such as social oppression, ethics, gender, nation, and identity. Not open to students who have completed German 225. Prerequisites: German 210, 215, and one other 200-level course or equivalent. Hildebrandt
341. Women in German Literature and Culture. (Also Women's Studies 341) Study of texts by female authors from the 12th century onward, including Hildegard von Bingen, Mechthild von Magdeburg, Sophie La Roche, Louise Karsch, Bettina von Arnim, Rahel Varnhagen, Ebner-Eschenbach, Lou Andreas-Salomé, Anna Seghers, Ingeborg Bachmann, Christa Wolf, Doris Dorrie, Erica Fischer, and Caroline Link. Film and Internet resources complement the readings. Prerequisites: German 210, 215, and one other 200-level course or equivalent.
Staff
344. Young German Writers: Search for Identity. This course will cover one of the most exciting periods in German history through the perspective of young writers and filmmakers from the time of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 to the present. The difference between East and West Germany still influences literature, music, art, and politics and furthermore deals with discourses on national identity and economic inequalities. Not open to students who have completed German 244. Prerequisites: one course above German 215. Hildebrandt
350. 20th-Century German Theater. Trends in German theater from expressionism to the present, through the plays of Toller, Horvath, Brecht, Fleisser, Lasker-Schüler, Borchert, Handke, Fassbinder, Kroetz, Bernhard, Jelinek. Prerequisites: German 210, 215, and one other 200-level course or equivalent. Two 70-minute periods.
Hildebrandt
360. German Literature from 1949 to the Present. Writings from the divided Germany until the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Major plays, prose, and poetry by such writers as Böll, Lenz, Grass, Heym, Müller, Hein, Wolf, Kunert, and Fried. Excerpts from writings of Frisch, Dürrenmatt, Handke, and Bernhard. Some material on film. Prerequisites: German 210, 215, and one other 200-level course or equivalent. Two 70-minute periods.
Hildebrandt
190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
286, 381-384. Independent Study.
288, 386-388. Internship.
400-401. Honors.
Italian
100. Introductory Italian I. Beginning study of Italian language and culture through textual, audio, and visual materials. Learning to function in culturally authentic situations and to perform with some proficiency in the four fundamental skill areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Designed to develop novice to novice-mid oral and written proficiency as defined by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages. Fall. Three 70-minute periods. (F3)
Emiliani-Mowrey, Zanchettin
105. Introductory Italian II. Continue of Italian 100. Designed to develop novice-mid to novice-high proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Italian 100 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. Spring. Three 70-minute periods. (F3)
Emiliani-Mowrey, Zanchettin
110. Introductory Italian III. Continuation of Italian 105. Designed to help develop intermediate-low proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Italian 105 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Emiliani-Mowrey
150. Conversation and Contemporary Life. Designed to develop oral proficiency at the intermediate level. Practice through discussion of contemporary issues in video and CD-ROM programs, Internet resources, texts, and newspapers. Grammar review as necessary.
Emiliani-Mowrey
Japanese
Courses in Japanese may be scheduled through cross-registration at Lafayette College.
Russian
Courses in Russian may be scheduled through cross-registration at other area colleges.
Spanish
100. Introductory Spanish I. Beginning study of Spanish language and culture through textual, audio, and visual materials. Learning to function in culturally authentic situations and to perform with some proficiency in the four fundamental skill areas: reading, writing, listening, speaking. Designed to develop novice to novice-mid oral and written proficiency as defined by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages. (F3)
Staff
105. Introductory Spanish II. Continuation of Spanish 100. Designed to develop novice-mid to novice-high proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Spanish 100 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
110. Introductory Spanish III. Continuation of Spanish 105. Designed to develop intermediate-low proficiency in reading, writing, listening, speaking. Prerequisite: Passing grade in Spanish 105 or placement by the Foreign Language Department. (F3)
Staff
111. Spanish for Medical Personnel. This course will introduce essential medical vocabulary, practical reference information, and medical notes written from a cross-cultural perspective. It will provide students with opportunities to apply the grammatical structure presented in the corresponding lessons of the main textbook. It will present everyday situations that medical students, pre-professionals, and professionals may encounter at work when dealing with Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. It will include notas culturales about health issues affecting Hispanics in the United States. Pre-requisite: Spanish 105. (F3)
Lasso von-Lang
NOTE: After completion of Spanish 111, the student who intends to pursue a major or minor takes Spanish 120, but not Spanish 110 or 125. A heritage speaker who has not yet completed Spanish 125 may take it the next semester.
120. Intermediate Spanish - Spain: A Crossroads of Civilizations. This course offers an overview of contemporary Spain through readings, exercises and media. We will explore the rich culture and history of each autonomous community, and how Spain was formed as the nation it is today. Students will develop their writing skills and improve their knowledge of grammar through different assignments. Class is discussion-based and conducted entirely in Spanish. Pre-requisite: Spanish 110 or Spanish 111.
Ferrero, Mesa
NOTE: This course will fulfill the F3 requirement for honor and advanced placement students. Upon completion of Spanish 120, students who wish to pursue a major or minor should take Spanish 210 or 215.
125. Spanish for Heritage Speakers. This course is designed for incoming heritage speakers of Spanish who aspire to improve their writing skills and further develop their knowledge of the Spanish language. The course will offer a variety of engaging topics and readings, along with current cultural information. It will focus on spelling, accentuation, lexical development and grammar topics especially relevant to English dominant Spanish-speaking students and Spanish dominant speakers. (F3) Prerequisite: Experience speaking Spanish with family and friends
Lasso-von Lang
210. Introduction to Hispanic Literatures and Cultures: Islamic Spain to the Colonial Period. This course combines a chronological survey of Spanish literary and cultural history from Islamic Spain to the Colonial period with specific advanced language study. Students will engage with a variety of texts and media sources and will hone their writing skills through different informal and formal assignments. Class is discussion-based and conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 120 or 125
Ferrero, Mesa
215. Introduction to Hispanic Literatures and Cultures: The Enlightenment to the Present in Latin America. This course combines a chronological survey of Latin American literary and cultural history from the Enlightenment to the present with specific advanced language study. Students will engage with a variety of texts and media sources and will hone their writing skills through different informal and formal assignments. Class is discussion-based and conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 120 or 125
Lasso-von Lang, Yozell
241. Introduction to Literature of Spain and Latin America. Introduction to Spanish peninsular and Latin American literary genres (narrative, poetry, theater, and essay), movements and techniques from the Middle Ages to the present. Readings and discussion in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 210 and 215 or permission from instructor.
(M2)
Ferrero, Lasso-von Lang, Mesa, Yozell
243. Introduction to Hispanic Literature in the U.S. This course provides an overview of the history of Latino literature in the U.S., introducing the major literary trends from the nineteenth century to today: native literature, immigration literatureandexile/refugee literature. Emphasis will be on similarities and differences in the experiences among diverse Hispanic groups, especially Puerto Rican, Mexican-American and Cuban-American groups who represent the largest Hispanic population in the U.S. Pre-requisites: SP 210 and 215.
Lasso-von Lang/Ferrero
255. From Macondo to McOndo. The literary “Boom” in Latin America took the global market by storm, drawing the world’s attention to the region’s rich offerings. In recent years, new writers and filmmakers have proclaimed a break with magical realism, reveled in the over-stimulated mediatic age, and weighed in on the effects of globalization. We will consider how “Latin American literature” itself has been figured as we explore the questions raised by these voices. We will also incorporate continued development of written and spoken expression in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 210 and 215.
Yozell
256. Reel Images: Spanish Cinema from Buñuel to Almódovar. This course offers an opportunity to examine main trends in Spanish cinema from Luis Buñuel’s surrealistic provocations to Pedro Almodóvar’s irreverent, yet emotional portraits of Spain and its inhabitants. We will learn about the history, theory and criticism of Spanish cinema while paying special attention to the representation of violence and repression, issues of immigration and exile, and the intersection between film and literature. Pre-requisites: Spanish 210 and 215.
Mesa
330. Spanish Literature into Film. A study of the Spanish Peninsular literature of the 19th and 20th centuries as portrayed in novels, romanticism, realism, naturalism, and the Generación del '98, and the adaptation of representative works into a film version. An incursion into modernism, Generación del '27, the postwar novel, and contemporary post-Francoist literature as seen in the new cinema and in other forms of art.
Ferrero
342. Love and Jealousy from Cervantes to Almodóvar. This course seeks to establish a connection between early modern Spanish writers and contemporary authors through the themes of love and jealousy, honor and dishonor, power and submission, appearance and reality. This course starts with Cervantes’s and Maria de Zayas’s accounts and continues with a variety of contemporary texts and media that draw upon the rich visual imagery of early modern Spain. Students will have the opportunity to conduct individual research and will be encouraged to present their work at undergraduate conferences. Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad).
Mesa
345. Agency, Citizenship and Identity in the Southern Cone. This seminar examines questions of agency, citizenship and identity, as well as the subtle categories of inclusion and exclusion that shape different groups’ and individuals’ experiences in society. Through a careful study of literary and filmic representations and multi-disciplinary secondary sources, we will focus on particular examples in the South American Southern Cone of the ways in which individuals and groups negotiate their place in society. Students will have the opportunity to do individual research. Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad).
Yozell
348. Central American Literature: Rebirth through Contemporary Voices. This course focuses on literary works written by contemporary Central American writers. Special emphasis will be given to the relationship between literature and social change, stressing particularly the works of women writers. Students will read short stories, poetry, plays, testimonial literature, and fragments of selected novels. Students will study about history, politics, human rights, social activism, and gender roles in the region. Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad)
Lasso-von Lang
354. Emblems and Visual Culture in Early Modern Spain. The publication of Andrea Alciato’s Emblematum liber in 1531 gave birth to emblematic literature, a genre that combines pictorial and verbal text. The Emblematum played a significant role in the art, literature and architecture of Spain and its colonies during the early modern period. As Alciato himself anticipated, his book of emblems became a source of inspiration for all those who wanted to “fasten cameos on clothes, badges on hats and write with wordless tokens.” This course investigates the impact of emblematic literature in the early modern Spanish world through the study of parallelisms between emblems and literature as well as between emblems and the visual arts. Students have the opportunity to conduct individual research and are encouraged to present their work at undergraduate conferences. Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad).
Mesa
355. Latin-American Literary Movements. The clash between European culture and the indigenous world as it modified the European tradition brought to Latin America in the colonial period. The search for a unique national identity during the independence process as expressed in Latin American literature. Impact of modern literary expression (modernism, magical realism, writers of the '60s) on world literature. Readings and discussion in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 230 and 241.
Lasso-von Lang, Yozell
356. Caribbean Literature: Space and Narrative. This course will examine the ways in which space and narrative are intertwined in the Caribbean imaginaries. Whether we consider the space of an island itself, particular spaces within and without a city, a house, a room, an airplane, for instance or abstract, conceptual spaces, their filmic and literary representations can help us better understand the complexities of national, social and individual identities, ideals, fears, and perceptions. Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad)
Yozell
357. Monsters and Madmen
Through a focus on eccentric and marginal figures in 20th and 21st-century Latin American literature, we will examine how society defines itself by what it excludes: the crazy, the monstrous, the deviant, the radically other. We will also consider how representations of those figures may at times constitute resistance and social critique. Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad)
Yozell
358. Latin American Popular Culture and Tradition. A study of the combination of different cultural traditions (the Indigenous, the European, and the Creole) which has resulted in a particular literary production. The course will focus on the literary representation of the struggle between the official and popular culture, the urban and rural worlds, and the elite and lower classes. Attention will be given to the non-traditional voice in Latin American arts.
Lasso-von Lang
360. 20th-Century Peninsular Literature. The literary generations of 1898 and 1927 and the postwar generation in Spain. Major authors, their ideas and influence. Readings and discussion in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 230 and 241 or equivalent.
Ferrero
362. Linguistic Varieties in the Spanish-Speaking World. This course examines how Castilian Spanish has changed due to the influence of the languages with which it has come in contact in Spain and Latin America. The readings and multimedia materials will offer a new linguistic insight into the changeable concept of bilingualism, biculturalism, and diglossia. The class also gives the opportunity to discuss the social, political and cultural conditions that define when a dialect becomes a language or when a language, through contact with other(s) turns into a “pidgin” or “creole.” Prerequisites: Spanish 210, 215, and one other 200-level course (or its equivalent abroad)
Ferrero, Lasso-von Lang
190-199, 290-299, 390-399. Special Topics.
286, 381-384. Independent Study.
288, 386-388. Internship.
400-401. Honors.