MODERN LANGUAGES LINGUISTICS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MLLI 110 The Languages of the World (Gen. Ed. Goal 11)
A global perspective of the 5,000 or so languages spoken today. The course examines the fundamental structure of human language and the factors involved in language diversity. Major topics include: the internal organization of language, the genetic and structural relationships of the world’s major languages, myths and misconceptions about language, the writing systems of the world, linguistic trends in multilingual societies, the effect of mass communication on world linguistic geography. Related topics include bilingualism, literacy, language planning, and language policies, with an emphasis on non-Western European languages and cultures.
MLLI 350 Romance Linguistics
A survey of the emergence and the evolution of the Romance languages from their immediate parent, Vulgar Latin, and an analysis of their current structure. The course examines the internal and external causes that brought about the various changes in pronunciation, word inflection, and word order, and presents contemporary data from which to apply methods of linguistic analysis. The course also includes a component on language acquisition.
MLLI 495 Internship or Practicum in Modern Languages
A supervised practical experience which complements the course work of the student in a field study setting. The experience requires individual consultations with the advisor and a research project. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors from the Modern Language major and requires a 2.5 QPA. Offered on a quarter or full-semester basis, the internship counts as either one or two courses toward the major requirement, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience.
MLLI 496 Internship in International Management
A semester of practical experience in an international business environment in this country or abroad, e.g., in a French or Spanish-speaking country. A written project is required. The students are advised and evaluated by members of the Modern Language and Economics departments. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors or second semester juniors and requires a 2.5 QPA. Students may earn up to 2 course credits applicable to the language minor and/or International Management Concentration, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience. Credit will not be given for both MLLI 496 and MLLI 495.
Prerequisite: Approval of the department chairs.
MLCH 171 Elementary Chinese I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills, both oral and written, and an appreciation of Chinese cultures.
MLCH 172 Elementary Chinese II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills, both oral and written, and an appreciation of Chinese cultures.
Prerequisite: Students must either complete MLCH 171 Elementary Chinese I or have the corresponding placement test score, or have prior approval of the instructor in order to enroll in this course.
MLFR 101 Elementary French I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Francophone culture. Note: Students with previous experience in the language are encouraged to take the placement test before enrolling in MLFR 101.
MLFR 102 Elementary French II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Francophone culture.
Prerequisite: Students must complete MLFR 101 or have the corresponding placement test score or prior approval of instructor in order to enroll in MLFR 102.
MLFR 201 Intermediate French I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An intermediate French course in which students are trained to become independently functional in the French language and knowledgeable about Francophone culture and thought. Discussions, in French, are based on cultural readings, tapes, and films. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.
Prerequisite: MLFR 102 Elementary French II or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.
MLFR 202 Intermediate French II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of intermediate French I. Students gain further training in order to become independently functional in the French language and knowledgeable about Francophone culture and thought. Discussions, in French, are based on cultural readings, tapes, and films. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.
MLFR 300 Business French
Practical study of the various types of French written communication involving the world of business, “la langue commerciale’’, with the acquisition of its specialized vocabulary and translations from French to English and English to French. Facts concerning the French economy and the principal commercial and industrial exchanges throughout the Francophone world are studied.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 301 Advanced French Composition & Conversation I
Designed to improve verbal fluency, listening comprehension, and written composition, with special attention to the finer points of grammar and elements of style. Classroom activities and assignments include small group improvisations, oral and written reports, and discussions on topics of contemporary French culture. Conducted in French.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 302 Advanced French Composition & Conversation II
A further development of spoken and written language, including a review of pronunciation and grammar. Classroom activities and assignments include small group improvisations, oral and written reports, and discussions on topics of contemporary French culture. Conducted in French.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 303 French Culture and Civilization
The development of France and its civilization as seen chronologically through selected writings, from its beginnings to modern times. The geography of the country is also reviewed. This course, required of French majors, is open to non-majors. All readings as well as a substantial part of media presentations are in French.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 305 Contemporary Trends in the French-Speaking World
Conducted in French as a conversation class, an enhancement of the students’ command of colloquial French through discussions focusing on contemporary French and French-Canadian cultures and current events. As a point of departure for discussions, the course utilizes readings from a text on francophone cultures, current French newspapers and magazines, and records and tapes. Class activities include short exposes, debates and dialogues, and listening comprehension exercises. Non-majors are strongly encouraged to take this course to increase their fluency in French and their understanding of culture in the Francophone world.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 306 Major French Writers I
An introduction to French literature from the Middle Ages through the seventeenth century. This course is conducted in French.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 307 Major French Writers II
An introduction to French literature from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries. This course is conducted in French. Major French Writers I is not a prerequisite for the course.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 402 The Age of Enlightenment
The eighteenth century in France; its thought and the forms in which the Enlightenment was expressed are studied through extensive readings in the major literary works of the period and through detailed analysis of selected passages. Students frequently report on their readings orally and in written essays to demonstrate their mastery of the foreign language as well as their understanding of its literature. Conducted in French.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 403 Nineteenth Century French Literature
The nineteenth century in France as studied through an analysis of the major literary works of the period, spanning the Romantic, Realistic, and Symbolist currents. Students frequently report on their readings orally and in written essays to demonstrate their mastery of the foreign language as well as their understanding of its literature. Classes are conducted in French.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 452 French Intonation and Diction
A review of phonetics and intense practice in the correct speech patterns of the foreign language. Training in aural comprehension, memorizations and dramatizations, prepared or impromptu reports or debates, are some of the class activities.
Prerequisite: MLFR 201 Intermediate French I, equivalent placement exam score, or or prior approval of the instructor.
MLFR 490 Independent Study in French
An in-depth investigation into a topic in the areas of literature, culture, linguistics or pedagogy, selected by the student under the guidance of a member of the Modern Languages Department. Regular meetings with the faculty advisor are arranged. A written report is required. Limited to juniors and seniors.
Prerequisite: Advanced knowledge of French literature and culture. This course is not meant to be a replacement for major required courses.
MLFR 495 Internship or Practicum in Modern Languages
A supervised practical experience which complements the course work of the student in a field study setting. The experience requires individual consultations with the advisor, and a research project. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors in Modern Languages and requires a 2.5 QPA. Offered on a quarter or full-semester basis, the internship counts as either one or two courses toward the major requirement, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience.
MLGE 151 Elementary German I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An introduction to language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Germanic cultures, both present and past, as illustrated in the works of Durer, Beethoven, Schubert, Th. Mann, Einstein, and Freud. Note: Students with previous experience in the language are encouraged to take the placement test before enrolling in MLGE 151.
MLGE 152 Elementary German II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Germanic cultures, both present and past.
Prerequisite: Students must complete MLGE 151 or have the corresponding placement test score or have prior approval of the instructor in order to enroll in MLGE SOCI
PORTUGUESE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
MLPO 141 Elementary Portuguese I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Brazilian and Portuguese cultures.
MLPO 142 Elementary Portuguese II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Brazilian and Portuguese cultures.
Prerequisite: Students must either complete MLPO 141 or have the corresponding placement test score, or have prior approval of the instructor in order to enroll in this course.
MLSP 131 Elementary Spanish I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Hispanic cultures. Note: Students with previous experience in the language are encouraged to take the placement test before enrolling in MLSP 131.
MLSP 132 Elementary Spanish II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Hispanic cultures.
Prerequisite: Students must complete MLSP 131 or have the corresponding placement test score or have prior approval of instructor in order to enroll in MLSP 132.
MLSP 231 Intermediate Spanish I (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
An intermediate Spanish course in which students are trained to become independently functional in the Spanish language and knowledgeable about Hispanic cultures and thought. Discussions are in Spanish and based on cultural materials. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.
Prerequisite: MLSP 132 Elementary Spanish I or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.
MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II (Gen. Ed. Goal 3)
A continuation of Intermediate Spanish I. Students gain further training in order to become independently functional in the Spanish language and knowledgeable about Hispanic cultures and thought. Discussions are in Spanish and based on cultural materials. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.
Prerequisite: MLSP 231 Intermediate Spanish I or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.
MLSP 320 Introduction to the Analysis of Hispanic Texts
An intermediate step between language-oriented courses and those dealing more exclusively with literature. In this course, students develop techniques for reading and interpreting Hispanic literary texts, including fictional narrative, drama, and lyric poetry. The course focuses on the consolidation of reading skills with an emphasis on acquisition of critical vocabulary and approaches to contemporary works from Spain and Latin America. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II or permission of instructor.
MLSP 330 Business Spanish
Practical study of the various types of Spanish written communication involving the world of business, with the acquisition of its specialized vocabulary and translations from Spanish to English and English to Spanish. The influence of cultural values on the business world in Hispanic countries is studied.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation I
A continuation in the development of spoken and written language, including a review of pronunciation and grammar. Attention is given to the finer points of grammar. Compositions and class
discussions are based on Hispanic themes and on topics of contemporary interest.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II, equivalent placement test score, or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation II
A further development of spoken and written language, including a review of pronunciation and grammar. Attention is given to the finer points of grammar. Compositions and class discussions are based on Hispanic themes and on topics of contemporary interest.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II, equivalent placement test score, or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 333 Spanish Culture and Civilization
A survey of Spanish civilization from prehistoric times to the present, covering the major episodes in Spanish history and the predominant cultural currents and artistic developments. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation II, or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 334 Spanish American Culture and Civilization
A survey of Spanish-American civilizations, studied chronologically from the pre-Columbian Maya, Aztec and Inca civilizations to the twentieth century, with emphasis on the Spanish conquest, the colonial period and the wars of independence. The predominant cultural currents and artistic developments are studied. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation II, or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 335 Major Hispanic Writers I
An historical and literary survey of peninsular and Latin American texts, focusing on works written during the evolution of the Spanish language in the Middle Ages through the colonial chronicles of the seventeenth century. Instruction and discussions are in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation II, or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 336 Major Hispanic Writers II
An historical and literary survey of Spanish language texts of eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth-century Spain and Latin America. Focus is on the literary periods of romanticism, realism/naturalism, and modernism. Instruction and discussions are in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation II, or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 343 The Latin American Short Story: Love, Death, and Humor
An analytical study of selected Latin American short stories of the 19th and 20th centuries, with attention to the evolution of their forms and ideas within specific historical and social contexts. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II or permission of instructor.
MLSP 345 Tales of Mystery from Latin American
A close reading and analysis of selected Latin American mystery stories of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This course is designed for students to build vocabulary and gain practice in written expression. Readings and discussions are in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II or equivalent; or prior approval of instructor.
MLSP 362 Spanish Intonation and Diction
A review of phonetics and intense practice in the correct speech patterns of the foreign language. Training in aural comprehension, memorizations and dramatizations, prepared or impromptu reports or debates, are some of the class activities.
Prerequisite: MLSP 232 Intermediate Spanish II.
MLSP 431 Contemporary Trends in Spain
An advanced course designed to introduce students to philosophical and cultural concepts held in contemporary Spain. To this end, readings from both literary and non-literary sources are utilized with frequent reports, both oral and written, required in order to encourage the student to relate theory to practice.
Prerequisite: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition & Conversation II, and one other 300- or 400-level Spanish course; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 432 Contemporary Trends in Spanish-American Thought
An advanced course designed to introduce students to philosophical concepts often held by the Latin American residing both within and outside the United States. Due to greater cultural contact with the United States, emphasis is placed on Puerto Rican, Cuban and Mexican views. While readings are assigned from literary and nonliterary sources, the thrust of the course is practical, with frequent reports, both oral and written. Conducted in Spanish. Readings in both English and Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and two other 300- or 400-level Spanish courses; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 433 Nineteenth Century Spanish Literature
An overview of the main literary currents in nineteenth-century Spanish literature with special attention focused on certain selected and representative works taken from the main genres. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and two other 300- or 400-level Spanish courses; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 435 The Boom in Latin American Literature
Selected readings in the literature of such noted Latin American authors as Borges, Donoso, Garcia Marquez, and Fuentes. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and two other 300- or 400-level Spanish courses; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 436 Cervantes
Readings and discussion of Cervantes’ works with special emphasis on his masterpiece, Don Quixote. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and two other 300- or 400-level Spanish courses; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 437 Spanish Theatre and Poetry of the Twentieth Century
A critical study of the main trends of Spanish theater and poetry of the twentieth century. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and two other 300- or 400-level Spanish courses; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 439 Intensive Analysis of Spanish Grammar
An intensive review and analysis of the grammatical and syntactical patterns of the Spanish language designed for those students primarily interested in the structural aspects of foreign language study. This course, while not required of all Spanish majors, represents an intermediate level in grammatical analysis between MLSP 331-2 (Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and II) and MLSP 461 (Spanish Stylistics). Frequent compositions and grammatical exercises will be utilized.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 443 Spanish American Film
A study of Latin American and Caribbean cinema. The focus is on films that represent cultural values and issues in contemporary Latin American societies. Students learn to recognize cinematographic styles and techniques, as well as the differences among the cultures that are studied. Particular attention is paid to the themes of ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and politics. When appropriate, corresponding literary texts will be examined. Film viewing, class discussion, related readings and assignments are in Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and one other 300- or 400-level Spanish course; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 445 Tales of the Fantastic from the Southern Cone
Selected twentieth-century short stories and novellas from Argentina and Uruguay, which focus on the scientific and psychological construction of alternate realities, are studied in their relation to the poetics of the fantastic. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisites: MLSP 331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or MLSP 332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II and one other 300- or 400-level Spanish course; or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 446 Testimonial Literature of the Dirty War
A study of the legacy of State Terrorism, in which works written by the survivors of the concentration camps in Argentina twenty years after the end of the Dirty War (1974-1983) constitute the primary focus of the coursework. Readings and course instruction are in Spanish.
Prerequisite: MLSP 332 Intermediate Spanish II or prior approval of the instructor.
MLSP 463 Seminar in Spanish
An advanced seminar on a topic - literary, linguistic, or cultural - directly related to Spanish or the Spanish-speaking world. Topics vary from semester to semester. Students are required to prepare several oral and written presentations to the seminar as well as a final written term report. Throughout the seminar, the emphasis is placed on originality, creativity, and scholarship. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Open to junior and senior Modern Language majors who have completed at least 6 courses at the 300 level or higher, and to others with permission of the instructor.
MLSP 490 Independent Study in Spanish
An in-depth investigation of a topic in the areas of literature, culture, linguistics or pedagogy, selected by the student under the guidance of a member of the Modern Languages Department. Regular meetings with the faculty advisor are to be arranged. A written report is required. Note: Limited to juniors and seniors.
Prerequisite: Advanced knowledge of Spanish literature and culture. This course is not meant to be a replacement for major required courses.
MLSP 495 Internship or Practicum in Modern Languages
A supervised practical experience which complements the course work of the student in a field study setting. The experience requires individual consultations with the advisor, and a research project. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors in Modern Languages and requires a 2.5 QPA. Offered on a quarter or full-semester basis, the internship counts as either one or two courses toward the major requirement, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience.
NEW POLICY REGARDING NATIVE SPEAKERS AND HERITAGE STUDENTS APPROVED 01/25/2013
Native speakers and heritage speakers of a foreign language, defined as those who have learned a language through family or life experience, cannot earn credit for elementary or intermediate courses in those language skills they already possess. Students who intentionally place themselves into an elementary or intermediate course for which their proficiency exceeds the level of the course, will be removed from the course and no credit given.
Heritage students with partial knowledge of the foreign language may be placed in an elementary or intermediate course at the discretion of the Chair of the Modern Languages Department, or be evaluated in order to be appropriately placed in an advanced course offered by the Department (Advanced Composition, Culture and Civilization, etc.)
