Courses - Modern Languages and Literatures
Deaf Studies
Deaf Studies 109 — Introduction to Deaf Studies
Fall
American Sign Language is the second most widely used language in the U.S. It is similar to other spoken languages in many ways (has its own structure, grammar, etc.) but is a visual language. Another distinguishing diff erence is the perception that many individuals have of the use of this language and of the people who communicate with sign. Th e issues relating to deafness, deaf people and Deaf community are addressed from a cultural, linguistic, and minority perspective rather than a medical view. Readings, discussions and personal accounts shared by members from the community address the opposing views- the medical perception and the cultural/linguistic view. Is deafness something to be “fixed” or is it something to be celebrated? This course takes advantage of alternative ways at looking at members in our society who might be “different.” Attention is given to understanding various methods that are appropriate for studying the cultural differences between the Deaf world and the Hearing world and how this parallels with other ethnic and cultural groups. The students are challenged to learn and think about how this majority view (of hearing people) influences opinions, decisions, and policies for Deaf people. This type of learning raises the students’ awareness to significant issues involving other minority groups of cross-cultural analysis and hopefully provides a motivation for them not only to understand their own cultural identity and beliefs, but also to want to infl uence the future in a more positive and just way. Introduction to Deaf Studies is open to all students with priority given to those students enrolled in the Deaf Studies certifi cate program. Students enrolled in the Deaf Studies Certifi cate program can take this course prior to taking an ASL class or concurrently with any of the first four semesters of ASL. One unit.
Deaf Studies 101 — Elementary American Sign Language 1
Fall
Introduces students to the basic expressive and receptive skills in ASL, including conversation strategies, spatial referencing and facial expressions. Questions, commands, and simple sentences are covered, leading to basic conversational skills in ASL. Awareness of Deaf culture is included. Attendance in ASL lab practicum is required in addition to the class time. One and one-quarter units.
Deaf Studies 102 — Elementary American Sign Language 2
Spring
Continues to develop the basics of the ASL language and the building of both expressive and receptive vocabulary. Further develops the communicative competencies in the language focusing on skills including use of classifiers, temporal sequencing, spatial agreement and object identifi cation through description. Study of Deaf culture is continued. Attendance in ASL lab practicum is required in addition to the class time. One and one-quarter units.
Deaf Studies 201 — Intermediate American Sign Language 1
Fall
A continuation of the Elementary ASL level. Focus is on increasing the students’ vocabulary in ASL and use of the correct grammatical structure of the language. Further exposure to more sophisticated dialogue is presented. Improving competency in both visual and receptive ASL skills in social situations and increased understanding of Deaf culture is better understood through increased interaction with members of the Deaf community. In addition to the class time, students are required to participate in a Community-Based Learning partnership program where ASL is used. CBL sites include options such as tutoring Deaf adults in computers, teaching Deaf children and adults swimming, teaching deaf children to play hockey, working with deaf senior citizens, visiting with deaf-blind individuals and ASL story telling in the community. For most assignments, students are evaluated using the target language, either in videotape format or in-class presentations using ASL. One unit.
Deaf Studies 202 — Intermediate American Sign Language 2
Spring
A continuation of the Intermediate ASL 1, but with more depth in the discussion of the principles of ASL. Emphasizes receptive and expressive skills in the areas of grammatical structure, vocabulary, fi nger spelling, numbers, and non-manual markers. In addition to the class time, students are required to continue their participation in a Community Based Learning partnership program where ASL is used. Th e CBL sites are continued from the DFST 201 fall section. For most assignments, students are evaluated using the target
language, either in videotape format or in class presentations using ASL. One unit.
Deaf Studies 203 — Deaf Literature
Alternate years
Examines how culture and language intersect in 20th-century ASL literature. Explores the origins of deaf literature, its relationship with written literature, especially its eff ect on the development of aesthetic expression for ASL literature. Considers works about deafness and works written by deaf authors and the various attitudes toward deafness revealed in these works. Emphasis placed on historical background, meaning of the content, discussion of grammatical features and styles revealed in the study of selected videotapes. Taught primarily in ASL. One unit.
Deaf Studies 299 — Special Topics
Annually
A special topics course off ered on alternate semesters and will include related areas in literature, linguistics, culture or visual communication. Topics vary with each off ering and can be used for completion of the Deaf Studies Certifi cate. Examples include “Visual Gestural Communication,” “Bi-Lingual and Bi-Cultural Education for Deaf Children” and “Special Education and Deaf Children.” One unit.
Deaf Studies 300 — The Deaf Community: Language & Culture
Alternate years
Provides students with a positive perspective on Deaf people who use American Sign Language and their cultural identity. Th is course is based on a cultural perspective as an alternative to the pathological model and explores the historical evolution of the Deaf Community in terms of language, self-image, culture and arts. Taught in ASL. One unit.
Deaf Studies 301 — American Sign Language: Comp and Con Fall With the goal of increased fl uency and comfort, topics revolve around sharing information about our environment
and us. Students continue to learn conversational strategies. All lab work, social events, videotapes, learning stimulating activities (in and outside of class) and assignments are intended to develop advanced competency in receptive and expressive use of ASL. In addition to the class time, students are required to participate in a Community-Based Learning partnership program where ASL is used. Students will be involved with a unique “signed history” project that is done in collaboration with the Worcester Women‘s History Project: Oral History Project. Using ASL as a means of communication, students will conduct a series of interviews with deaf individuals in the community. Students are evaluated using the target language in videotape format, in-class presentations and at public forum presentations using ASL. One unit.
Deaf Studies 350 — Experience in the Deaf Community: Internship Seminar
Spring
Offers students a unique learning experience, a concurrent full immersion internship opportunity for the semester with concurrent weekly seminar. Students integrate the hands-on experience of their internship sites with related readings, classroom discussions, student presentations of specifi c topics and personal interviews with deaf individuals from the specifi c internship sites. Students sign a formal presentation about their refl ections of internship experience at an open forum to the Holy Cross and Worcester community.
Internship sites include working with Deaf and Hard of hearing people at independent livings centers, religious settings, school settings, agencies serving deaf-blind individuals, elder deaf adults, and medical settings. One unit.
Chinese
Chinese 101, 102 — Elementary Chinese 1, 2
Annually
An introduction to spoken Mandarin and written Chinese. Providing a foundation in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and communication skills, and an introduction to the Chinese cultural world view and the way that it informs human behavior. Five class hours weekly. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Chinese 103 — Introduction to Chinese Culture
Alternate years
An introduction to the history, geography, literature, and social issues of China through readings, fi lms, music, poetry, and web-based resources. Taught in English. Th ree class hours weekly. One unit.
Chinese 201, 202 — Intermediate Chinese 1, 2
Annually
Continued focus on the development of oral and written communication skills and on the strengthening of cultural competency in Chinese through the use of written texts and multimedia resources. Five class hours weekly. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Chinese 255 — Chinese Culture Through the Camera’s Eye
Alternate years
An exploration of Chinese culture through 20th- and 21st-century Chinese cinema. Taught in English. One unit.
Chinese 301, 302 — Third-Year Chinese 1, 2
Annually
Continued focus on the development of oral and written communication skills and cultural competency through the use of traditional Chinese readings and multimedia resources. Five class hours weekly. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Chinese 199, 299, 399 — Topics
Annually
Offerings in Chinese Literature One unit.
Chinese 401, 402 — Fourth-Year Chinese 1, 2
Annually
Continued development of oral and written communication skills and cultural competency through the use of readings, videos, and other multimedia resources. One unit each semester.
Chinese 409, 410 — Introduction to Literary Chinese 1, 2 Every third year An introduction to the classical literary language of China. One unit each semester.
French
French 101, 102 — Elementary French 1, 2
Annually
Designed for students with no previous study of French for acquisition of a basic speaking, reading, and writing knowledge of French as well as for an introduction to the cultures of the French-speaking world. Five class hours weekly. One and one-quarter units each semester. French 201, 202 — Intermediate French 1, 2 Annually
A review of the fundamentals of the language supplemented by reading of literary and cultural material and by practice in oral expression. For students who have completed French 102. Four class hours weekly. One unit each semester.
French 232 — Moulin Rouge: Intersections of Art & Popular Culture
Every third year
An interdisciplinary exploration of Paris at the turn-of-the-century. Th e myth of France’s “La Belle Époque” often portrays Paris in terms of the capital of a pleasure-seeking-and-driven consumer society. By examining the avant-garde and the modernist art of the period, the course investigates the role of art and of the artist in society. It also aims to be the occasion for an appreciative look at the immense and profound artistic creativity that distinguishes the time and place of this belle époque. Works by Apollinaire, Baudelaire, Colette,
Jarry, Rimbaud, Rostand, (Henri) Rousseau, Toulouse-Lautrec, Zola. Conducted in English. Does not count for French major or minor credit. One unit.
French 301 — Composition and Conversation
Fall, spring
Designed for gaining profi ciency in oral and written French. Emphasis on developing correctness and fluency in everyday situations. Regular methods of instruction include dictation, phonetic transcriptions, discussions, debates, compositions and lab exercises. Required for French majors and recommended for first year students with advanced placement. Prerequisite: French 202 or the equivalent. Four class hours weekly. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 302 — Approaches to Reading and Writing
Every third year
Aims to familiarize students with methods for the critical analysis of a variety of texts. Also further develops students’ oral and written skills. Prerequisite: French 301. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 311 — French Life & Letters: Middle Ages to 1800
Every third year
An overview of French life and letters from the Middle Ages to 1800. Focus is on literature, but other types of cultural material are included to provide insights into the cultural, historical, and ideological contexts. Prerequisite: French 301. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 312 — French Life & Letters: the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries
Every third year
An overview of French life and letters from 1800 to the present. Focus is on literature, but other types of cultural material are included to provide insights into the cultural, historical, and ideological contexts. Prerequisite: French 301. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 399 — Special Topics
Fall, spring
Designed to give students the tools to read and write critically in the target (foreign) language. A thematic topic is the focus of the course, and a variety of texts representative of all major genres (poetry, play, short story, novel) are examined. Writing exercises include le plan, le rŽsumŽ, le compte rendu, le commentaire, l’analyse, la dissertation, l’exposŽ. Prerequisite: French 301. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 401 — Advanced French
Every third year
Designed for students who seek to reach an advanced level of proficiency in French. The four skills are stressed. Particular emphasis on exercises that illustrate language as a system. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 402 — Translation
Every third year
Through the translation of selected passages, seeks to teach students to write with precision and clarity in both French and English. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300 level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 403 — Syntax
Every third year
An appreciation of the structure of the French sentence through two types of analyses: analyse grammatical and analyse logique. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 404 — Performing (in) French
Every third year
Aims to deveop oral skills: pronunciation, effective public speaking strategies, and lyrical as well as dramatic interpretation. Student performances consist of the recitation of literary texts. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 413 — Seminar: French Poetry
Every third year
A critical study of French prosody and poetic practice with an analysis of poetical works drawn from Villon to the present. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 421 — French Literature from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance
Every third year
A critical study of the major works and authors of the Middle Ages (including La Chanson de Roland, Chrétien de Troyes, Le Roman de Renart, La Farce de Maître Pathelin, Villon), and the major poets and prose writers of the Renaissance (including Rabelais, Du Bellay, Ronsard, Montaigne). Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 425 — From Realism to Impressionism and Symbolism
Every third year
By focusing on French literary and artistic developments of the second half of the 19th century, this course examines the paradoxical link between the attempt to express or represent reality and the emergence of a symbolist and even an abstract aesthetics. Works by Baudelaire, Bizet, Cézanne, Debussy, Degas, Flaubert, Jarry, Manet, Monet, Maupassant, Rimbaud, Rodin, Toulouse-Lautrec, Verlaine, and others, are discussed. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 427 — 20th-Century Novel
Every third year
The major trends and theories by prominent 20th-century novelists are considered. Selected works by authors such as Gide, Proust, Mauriac, Sartre, Colette, Camus, Breton, De Beauvoir, Beckett, Bernanos, Giono, Vian, Queneau, Perec, Pagnol, Tournier, Robbe-Grillet, Sarraute, Duras, Hyvrard, Modiano, Sollers, Lainé, Wittig, Roche, Yourcenar, Leduc, Ernaux, Angot, Germain and others. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 431 — Contemporary France
Every third year
Focuses on current issues in contemporary France. Politics, society, the arts, domestic and international aff airs, education, the media, feminism, etc., are among the topics analyzed and discussed. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 441 — Francophone Cross-Culturalities & Creolizations
Every third year
A general introduction to the cultures outside France-in particular, those of America and Africa-that identify themselves as Francophone. Colonialism and post/neo-colonialism, the creation of new cultural identities and expressions from ethnic diversity, linguistic “variants” and marginalizations are among the topics analyzed and discussed. Prerequisite: A minimum or two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 451 — French Women Writers
Every third year
An examination of the works of major contemporary French women writers. Selected works by authors such as Colette, De Beauvoir, Yourcenar, Leduc, Duras, Ernaux, Wittig, Hyvrard, Chawaf, François, Susini, Cixous, Sallenave, Redonnet, Lenoir, Angot, Bernheim, Germain, Detambel, Lê, Bouraoui and others. Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 461 — Writing Madness in Africa
Every third year
The concept of madness varies from one culture to another. It may be seen as a mystical, spiritual, primitive or creative experience. Depending on the society, madness raises psychological, sociological, philosophical and political issues at the same time. A human being is supposed to be rational but madness is seen as the “other,” the universe of irrationality. Perception of madness in Africa may be very diff erent from that of the West. In the colonial context, African, the native is perceived as the “other,” the primitive, whereas the native
also looks at the occupant, the European as the “other,” a strange being. In modern African writing, madness may be represented from the confl ict between the world views that leads to such a cultural production.Prerequisite: A minimum of two French courses at the 300-level. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 499 — Special Topics
Fall, spring
A special course off ered either semester for the study of a literary genre, form, theme or problem. Under this heading, courses in fi lm and in African and Caribbean Literatures and Cultures are off ered regularly. Conducted in French. One unit.
French 491, 492 — Tutorial
Annually
Eligible students may elect one or both of these courses with the permission of the department chair. Tutorials are normally off ered only to students who have previously taken all other advanced courses offered in a given semester. One unit each semester.
German
German 101, 102 — Elementary German 1, 2
Annually
Designed for students with no previous study of German, aimed at the acquisition of a basic speaking, reading and writing knowledge. Five class hours weekly, including two hours of practicum. One and one-quarter units each semester.
German 201, 202 — Intermediate German 1, 2
Annually
A review of the fundamentals of the German language, supplemented by readings in literary and cultural texts as well as practice in oral and written expression. Prerequisite: German 102 or the equivalent. Five class hours weekly and laboratory practice. One and one quarter units each semester.
German 250 — Metropolis Berlin
Every third year
The city of Berlin represents a microcosm of change and growth in European society yet maintains a unique identity. Its development from a royal city to the capital of a united Germany will be examined through the lenses of literature, film, art, and architecture. In English. One unit.
German 251 — German Resistance to Hitler
Every third year
Explores the various forms of German resistance to Hitler during the Th ird Reich (1933-1945) and discusses the diffi culties such opposition faced in a totalitarian regime. Against the backdrop of the Hitler dictatorship the many forms of resistance in the Th ird Reich are discussed, ranging from a whispered joke to a full-fledged coup d’état in 1944 by the Stauff enberg circle. In English. One unit.
German 252 — From Weimar to Hitler: German Culture and Politics (1918-1945)
Eery third year
The turbulent 14 years of the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) and the 12 years of the Th ird Reich (1933-1945) are the focus. Th ough politically unstable, the Weimar Republic witnessed an unprecedented cultural flowering and the fi rst truly modern culture. Th e second part of the course deals with the Third Reich-a period of political repression, cultural regimentation, a destructive war and the Holocaust. In English. One unit.
German 253 — Nazi and Postwar German Cinema
Every third year
Films produced during the Th ird Reich played a crucial role in the mass culture of that regime. Th e course examines selected fi lms made during that time as well as cinematic representations of the Hitler years during the postwar period to show how German fi lm makers tried to come to terms with the Nazi past of their country. In English. One unit.
German 301 — German Composition and Conversation
Fall
Designed for students wishing to acquire profi ciency in spoken and written German. Discussions of problems dealing with German culture and students’ interests. Weekly oral and written assignments with grammar review as necessary. Required for German majors and recommended for fi rst-year students with advanced placement. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. In German. One unit.
German 303 — German Culture: 1750-1890
Every third year
An introduction to outstanding examples of German thought, art, and cultural developments in the 18th and 19th centuries. Important German cultural figures such as Frederick the Great, Goethe, Beethoven, Nietzsche and Marx are discussed. Readings, lectures, and discussions in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 304 — German Culture: The 20th Century
Every third year
An introduction to political and cultural developments in Germany in the 20th century. Aspects of the Weimar Republic, the Th ird Reich, East and West Germany, and the United Germany are studied. Readings, lectures, and discussions in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 401 — Goethe and Schiller
Every third year
Analysis of representative works of Lessing, Goethe, Schiller and their contemporaries within the context of the German Enlightenment and German Idealism and their major philosophical, aesthetic and moral concerns. Readings and discussions in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 402 — German Romanticism
Every third year
A study of selected Romantic writings against the background of related developments in the arts and in philosophy. Analysis of works by Tieck, Novalis, Brentano, Eichendorff , Hölderlin, E.T.A. Hoff mann and others. Readings and discussions in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 403 — 19th-Century German Literature
Every third year
A study of German literature in the age of burgeoning industrialism and materialism, extending from the late romanticism through the era of realism. Works of representative authors such as Heine, Büchner, Grillparzer, Droste-Hülshoff , Stifter, Keller, Meyer and Fontane. Readings and discussions in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 404 — Modern German Theater
Every third year
Analysis of the major movements and playwrights of modern German theater studied against their historical and ideological background. Readings of works by Hauptmann, Kaiser, Schnitzler, Hofmannsthal, Brecht, Frisch, Dürrenmatt, Weiss and others. Readings and discussion in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 405 — Kafka, Hesse, Mann and Th eir Contemporaries
Every third year
Introduction to the most signifi cant masters of German prose in the fi rst half of the 20th century. Works of representative writers such as Hauptmann, Schnitzler, Mann, Kafka, Hesse, Brecht. Readings and discussions in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 406 — Contemporary German Literature
Every third year
A study of the literature written in German after World War II refl ecting experiences of life as seen by representative authors of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic, Switzerland, Austria and the newly unifi ed Germany. Selected works by Borchert, Grass, Böll, Frisch, Christa Wolf, Dürrenmatt, Plenzdorf, Handke and Biermann. Prerequisite: German 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
German 461, 462 — Special Topics in German Literature and Culture
Every third year
Intensive study of a special aspect of German literature such as themes, genres or movements. Topics announced in the preceding semester. Given in German or English according to staff decision. Recent topics: Brecht and the Political Th eater, European Romanticism, Existentialism in German Literature. One unit each semester.
German 491, 492 — Third-Year Tutorial
Annually
Eligible third-year students may elect German 491, 492 with permission of department chair and instructor. Topics to be determined by instructor. Recent topics: Modern German drama, East German Literature. One unit each semester.
German 493, 494 — Fourth-Year Tutorial
Annually
Eligible fourth-year students concentrating in German may elect German 493, 494 with permission of department chair and instructor. Recent topics: Bertolt Brecht, The literature of the Third Reich, East German Fiction, Th omas Mann, the “Wall” in East and West German Literature, Th eodor Fontane. Topics to be determined by instructor. One unit each semester.
Italian
Italian 101, 102 — Elementary Italian 1, 2
Annually
Designed for students with little or no knowledge of Italian language, this course provides an overview of basic Italian grammar with an emphasis on oral and written communication, listening comprehension, and reading. Five class hours weekly and laboratory practice. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Italian 201, 202 — Intermediate Italian 1, 2
Annually
Provides a review of Italian grammar with an emphasis on oral and written communication. Students also read and discuss Italian literature and cultural material. Four class hours weekly and laboratory practice. Prerequisite: Italian 102 or equivalent. One unit each semester.
Italian 253 — Italian Women Writers
Every third year
Focuses on 20th-century works of Italian women writers such as Sibilla Aleramo, Grazia Deledda, Anna Banti, Natalia Ginzburg, and Dacia Maraini, among others. Topics include the history of women in Italy, Italian feminism, the representation of women in Italian literature, and literary genre. Conducted in English. One unit.
Italian 255 — Italian Cinema
Every third year
Studies the major trends in Italian cinema from the post-war Neorealist period to the present day. Films by directors such as Fellini, De Sica, Visconti, the Taviani brothers, WertmŸller, and Scola, among others, will be viewed and discussed. Conducted in English. One unit.
Italian 257 — 19th Century Italian Novel
Every third year
Focuses on the “birth” of the Italian novel and the principal Italian novels and novelists of the nineteenth century, including Alessandro Manzoni, Giovanni Verga, and Gabriele D’Annunzio. Th e major artistic movements of the century—Romanticism, Realism, and Decadentism—are defi ned and discussed in relation to the novels in question. Conducted in English. One unit.
Italian 260 — Dante
Alternate years
Examines the life and work of Dante Alighieri with a focus on his masterpiece, La Divina Commedia, which will be read in its entirety. A portrait of the political, social, cultural, and religious climate in which Dante wrote will be provided. Conducted in English with discussion group in Italian One unit.
Italian 299, 399 — Special Topics
Alternate years
A special course off ered either semester for the study of a literary or cultural theme, movement or problem. One unit.
Italian 301 — Italian Composition and Conversation
Fall
Offers students intensive oral and written practice in Italian language through an exploration of Italian culture. Authentic materials such as literary texts, newspaper and magazine articles, and video are utilized as a basis for class discussion and written compositions. Grammar is reviewed in context. Prerequisite: Italian 202 or equivalent. One unit.
Italian 320 —Survey of Modern Literature
Alternate years
Traces the principal literary movements of the Italian (and European) tradition from the 17th – 20th century. Works by Giambattista Marino, Carlo Goldoni, Alessandro Manzoni, Giovanni Verga, Luigi Pirandello, and Italo Calvino, among others, will be studied. Discussion of Italian history and literary genre will provide a context for the readings. Conducted in Italian. Prerequisite: Italian 301 or equivalent. One unit.
Italian 411 — Italian Renaissance Literature
Every third year
Representative works of the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries are studied in the context of Renaissance culture and history. Selected works by Petrarch, Boccaccio, Machiavelli, Leon Battista Alberti, Poliziano, and Castiglione. Conducted in Italian. Prerequisite: Italian 301 or equivalent. One unit.
Italian 419 — 20th-Century Italian Novel
Every third year
Focuses on the novels, authors, and themes that defi ne 20th-century Italian literature. Works by Italo Svevo, Alberto Moravia, Elsa Morante, Grazia Deledda, Italo Calvino, and Cesare Pavese, among others, will be studied. Conducted in Italian. Prerequisite: Italian 301 or equivalent. One unit.
Italian 491, 492 — Third-Year Tutorial
Annually
Eligible third-year students may elect one or both of these courses only with the permission of the department chair. For students who have previously taken all other advanced courses off ered in a given semester. One unit.
Italian 493, 494 — Fourth-Year Tutorial
Annually
Eligible fourth-year students may elect one or both of these courses only with the permission of the department chair. For students who have previously taken all other advanced courses off ered in a given semester. One unit.
Russian
Russian 101, 102 — Elementary Russian 1, 2
Annually
Promotes active communicative skills along with the basics of Russian grammar. By course end, read, write, understand, and speak Russian in a broad range of everyday situations. Various aspects of Russian culture and life are introduced through the medium of language. Five class hours weekly and language lab practice. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Russian 201, 202 — Intermediate Russian 1, 2
Annually
Designed to activate students’ spoken Russian, a wide variety of in-class activities allow students to practice Russian needed for most everyday situations. Textbook and workbook are supplemented with audio and videotapes. Conducted in Russian. Prerequisite: Russian 102 or the equivalent. Five class hours weekly. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Russian 252, 253 — Russian Short Story 1, 2
Every third year
Offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the most outstanding Russian writers and to read their masterpieces in the genre of the short stories. Th e fi rst semester begins in the 18th century with Karamzin and continues through Chekhov. Th e second semester starts with Chekhov and brings students up to the present. Authors include Pushkin, Turgenev, Gogol, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Gorky, Babel and Zoshchenko. Conducted in English. One unit.
Russian 254 — Russian Drama
Every third year
A study of the major Russian playwrights (Fonvizin, Gogol, Griboedov, Tolstoy, Chekov, Gorky, Andreyev, Mayakovsky, Shvarts) of the 19th and 20th centuries. Emphasis is placed on auditory and visual nature of drama, by means of American, British and Russian fi lms, and students’ own exercise in acting (voluntary). Conducted in English. One unit.
Russian 255 — 19th-Century Russian Literature
Every third year
This course considers the “Rabbles, Rebels, and Martyrs”of Russia’s Golden Age of literature. During the 19th century, the Emancipation of the serfs, the Great Reforms, revolutionary activity and continued westernization changed Russian society dramatically. Perhaps it was these attempts at liberalization that produced the great works of Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. Read such classic works as The Bronze Horseman, Hero of Our Time, Th e Overcoat, Crime and Punishment and Anna Karenina. Conducted in English. One unit.
Russian 256 — 20th-Century Russian Literature
Every third year
A survey of the turbulent 20th century that took Russian literature from the exhilaration of pre-revolutionary years to the uncertainty of the glasnost era. Readings include the prose and poetry of Bely, Gorky, Blok, Babel, Zamyatin, Akhmatova, Chukovskaya, and Tolstaya. Conducted in English. One unit.
Russian 258 — Fire and Ice: Siberia in Fiction
Every third year
A consideration of Siberia as a native land, an adopted land, and a land of exile. Students start with Siberian folktales and the study of such native traditions as shamanism. Next, the course examines Siberia through Chekhov, Dostoevsky, and Shalamov as a land of both freedom and imprisonment. Finally, students read Rasputin, Astafi ev, and Shukshin, whose work is devoted to the preservation of Siberia as a natural world and a culture. Narrative and documentary fi lms complement the reading selections. Conducted in English.
One unit.
Russian 299, 399, 499 — Special Topics in Russian Literature
Annually
A special course off ered either semester on a single author or theme which have included: Russian Fairytale,Christianity in Russian literature, the world of Chekhov, Madness in Russian Literature, Russian Drama and the West, and Russian Culture Th rough Film. Conducted in English or Russian. One unit.
Russian 301 — Russian Composition and Conversation 1
Fall
Continued development of oral and written language skills and cultural competency through the use of Russian literature, film, songs, and art. Prerequisite: Russian 202 or the equivalent. Th ree class hours weekly include writing laboratory with native speaker. One unit.
Russian 303, 304 — Advanced Studies in Russian Culture 1, 2
Annually
Analysis of literary works and documentary materials with the aim of probing Russian cultural traditions, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. All discussions, readings and papers in Russian. Prerequisite: Russian 301 and permission of instructor. One unit each semester.
Russian 391, 392 — Third-Year Tutorial
Annually
With permission of Department Chair and instructor only. For third-year students who wish to pursue work not covered by one of the regularly offered courses. One unit.
Russian 402 — Parody and Satire in Russian Literature
Every third year
Examines the absurdity and injustice of the housing crisis of the 1920’s in the work of the major writers of early Soviet satire-Zoshchenko, Kataev, Bulgakov, and Averchenko. Themes include the meaning of home, how it reflects identity and how the new Soviet state will relate to past Russian culture. Conducted in Russian. One unit.
Russian 403 — 19th-Century Russian Poetry
Every third year
An introduction, a critical study, and readings in the major Russian poets of the 19th century. Among the poets studied are Pushkin, Lermontov, Tyutchev, Fet, and Nekrasov. Lectures, discussions, and readings in Russian. One unit.
Russian 404 — 20th-Century Russian Poetry
Every third year
A sequel to Russian 403, the course introduces one of the most revealing components of 20th-century Russian culture, while continuing to build on students’ language skills. Among the poets studied are Blok, Akhmatove, Mandelstam, Paternak, Tsvetaeva, Brodsky, and Yevteshenko. Lectures, discussions, and readings in Russian. One unit.
Russian 405 — Alexander Pushkin
Every third year
An extensive introduction to a cultural phenomenon unique in Russian and world literature. Pushkin initiated and promoted a range of literary genres: lyrical poems, narratives in verse, dramas, novels, short stories, fairy tales, political epigrams, love songs. Th ere is no fi eld of writing in which Pushkin did not leave models of highest achievement. Conducted in Russian. Prerequisite Russian 301 or the equivalent. One unit.
Russian 491, 492 — Fourth-Year Tutorial
Annually
With permission of department chair and instructor only. For fourth-year students who wish to pursue work not covered by one of the regularly off ered courses. One unit.
Spanish
Spanish 101, 102 — Elementary Spanish 1, 2
Fall, spring
An intensive introduction to all elements of the Spanish language. The development of linguistic competency aims to promote the understanding of human language as a vehicle for communication shaped by the cultural worldview of speakers in Spanish-speaking communities. Five class hours weekly, including two hours of practicum. One and one-quarter units each semester.
Spanish 103 — Intensive Elementary Spanish
Annually
An intensive review of all the topics covered in both Elementary Spanish 101 and 102. Five class hours weekly, including two hours of practicum. One and one-quarter units.
Spanish 105, 106 — Directed Independent Elementary Spanish 1, 2
Fall, spring
An alternative approach to Spanish 101, 102 which allows students to complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. Two class hours weekly and laboratory practice. One unit each semester.
Spanish 108 — Directed Independent Intensive Elementary
Fall, spring
An intensive review of all of the topics covered in both Elementary Spanish 101 and 102. Requires independent work with technology-based materials which help direct learning. Two class hours weekly and laboratory practice. One unit.
Spanish 201, 202 — Intermediate Spanish 1, 2
Fall, spring
An intensive grammar review, followed by oral practice, and readings in literature and culture. For students who have completed Spanish 102 or its equivalent. Four class hours weekly, including one hour of practicum. One unit each semester.
Spanish 215, 216 — Directed Independent Intermediate Spanish 1, 2
Fall, spring
An alternative approach to Spanish 201, 202 which allows students to complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. One class hour weekly and laboratory practice. One unit each semester.
Spanish 219 — Directed Independent Medical Spanish
Fall, spring
A course which integrates science-based vocabulary and health-related cultural issues into a post-intermediate language curriculum. Medical Spanish continues to provide grammar and vocabulary instruction while developing writing, reading, speaking and listening skills required for eff ective communication with Spanish speaking clients. One hour per week of practicum required. Prerequisite: Spanish 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 301 — Spanish Composition and Conversation
Fall, spring
A prerequisite to other 300- and 400-level courses taught in Spanish, this course provides intensive composition and conversation practice while solidifying the student’s command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Though the main focus is on speaking and writing, the course also emphasizes listening, reading and the development of a better understanding of the Hispanic world. Includes two one-hour Practicum sessions. Prerequisite: Spanish 202 or the equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 302 — Aspects of Spanish Culture
Annually
Devoted to the study of outstanding examples of Spanish thought, art, and historical developments. Readings, lectures, and discussions in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 301 or the equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 303 — Aspects of Spanish-American Culture
Annually
Devoted to the study of examples of Spanish-American culture from pre-Columbian times to the present, including the early civilizations, the colonial period, the struggles for independence, and the modern period and Hispanics in the U.S. Readings, lectures, and discussions in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 301 or the equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 305 — Introduction to Literary Genres
Fall, spring
Designed as an introduction to drama, poetry, and prose fi ction of 20th-century Spain and Spanish America, this course familiarizes students with literary analysis and further develops their oral and written skills. Recommended for students who have completed Composition and Conversation and a course in Hispanic culture. Advanced (Spanish) literature students should not enroll in this course. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 301 or the equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 310, 311 — Survey of Spanish Literature 1, 2
Alternate years
A survey of the literature of Spain from medieval times to the present, including the major writers of the Golden Age, of the romantic and realist periods, and of the Generation of 1898. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 301 and Spanish 305. One unit each semester.
Spanish 312, 313 — Survey of Spanish-American Literature 1, 2
Alternate years
A study of the literature of Spanish America from pre-Columbian times to the present, including the major writers of the Colonial period, and of the 19th and 20th centuries. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 301 and Spanish 305. One unit each semester.
Spanish 314 — Spanish for Business
Alternate years
This introductory course in business Spanish aims at expanding the student’s overall language proficiency through intensive practice in a variety of professional contexts (e.g. commercial transactions, travel arrangements,job interviews, imports, exports, and tax return preparation). Th e goal is not only to solidify the students’ command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary and to introduce them to some basic business terminology, but also to develop their pragmatic skills, their cross-cultural awareness, and their ability to interact successfully with native speakers in a variety of formal and professional settings. Prerequisites: Spanish 301 or its equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 315 — Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation
Fall, spring
This one-semester course provides practice in all the skills of advanced language through a wide variety of activities: the study of basic phonetics, in-depth review of diffi cult grammatical structures, conversations, readings, and discussions. Students are trained in analytical writing. Prerequisites: Spanish 301 or the equivalent. One hour per week of practicum required. One unit.
Spanish 316 — Advanced Spanish Grammar
Every third year
This one-semester course provides intensive review and practice of advanced grammar structures with emphasis on improving writing skills. Systematic grammar drills, translation and readings serve as a basis for analysis of syntactic and semantic structures of Spanish. Emphasizes strategies for all stages of the writing process, from generating and organizing ideas to rules of accentuation and punctuation. Prerequisite: Spanish 301 or the equivalent. One unit.
Spanish 317 — Composition for Bilingual Speakers
Every other year
Designed for bilingual students who speak Spanish at home but would like to improve their reading and writing skills. Focuses on Latino issues through discussion and commentary of the works of contemporary Latino writers and fi lm makers, with emphasis on using the language-reading and writing-rather than reviewing the grammar. Class is limited in size to enable students to receive individualized attention. One unit.
Spanish 318 — Phonetics and Phonology
Every third year
A practice course for improvement of pronunciation and introduction to phonetic transcription. Aimed at students with a desire to improve their pronunciation of Spanish, expand their knowledge of the various dialects of the language, and an interest in knowing how the sound system of Spanish works. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305. One unit.
Spanish 399 — Special Topics
Annually
Advanced courses in Hispanic linguistics, literature or culture. Topic varies with each separate offering. Literary off erings can be used by majors as the equivalent of one of the required 400 level literature courses. One unit.
Spanish 400 — Topics in Medieval Spanish Literature
Alternate years
Focuses on diff erent aspects of Medieval Spanish Literature. Topics previously off ered have included Medieval Heroes, Saints and Sinners, Th e Image of Women, Love in Medieval Spain, Death and Dying. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 310). One unit.
Spanish 401 — Topics in Golden Age Literature
Alternate years
Focuses on diff erent aspects of Spanish Golden Age Literature. Topics previously offered have included Golden Age Drama and its Staging, Spanish Golden Age Sentimental Fiction, The Evolution of Spanish Romance, and Renaissance and Baroque Poetry. Conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and one semester of survey (preferably Spanish 310). One unit.
Spanish 402 — Don Quixote
Alternate years
A close reading of Cervantes’ masterpiece in order to provide a coherent understanding of the author’s attitude toward life and art. Th rough an analysis of such elements as point of view, plot structure, characterization, interpolated novels and poems, language, and irony, the course defi nes Cervantes’ conception of narrative prose fiction and his role as the originator of the modern novel. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 310). One unit.
Spanish 403 — 19th-Century Spanish Literature
Alternate years
A study of the rise of romanticism and realism in Spain and their respective developments as literary movements in the Spanish peninsula. Course may include such authors as Larra, Bécquer, and Galdós, and such classics as Don Alvaro o la fuerza del destino and Don Juan Tenorio. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 311). One unit.
Spanish 404 — 20th-Century Spanish Narrative
Alternate years
A study of the major trends and writers of fi ction in Spain after the realist and naturalist eras. Through the writings of such prominent authors as Cela, Sender, and Matute, this course examines the formal and thematic characteristics of Spanish narrative before and after the Spanish Civil War. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 311). One unit.
Spanish 405 — Modern Spanish-American Narrative
Alternate years
Explores the response of several modern Spanish-American writers to the following questions: What is fiction? What are the roles of the author, the narrator, and the reader? Special attention is given to such outstanding novelists of the “Boom” as Rulfo, Cortázar, Cabrera Infante and García Márquez, and to the development of their works within the context of the modern novel. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 313). One unit.
Spanish 406 — Modern Spanish Drama
Alternate years
Focuses on the diff erent trends of 20th-century Peninsular theater: poetic theater, social, existential, and the theater of the absurd. Includes readings from such representative playwrights as Federico García Lorca, Antonio Buero Vallejo, Alfonso Sastre, Antonio Gala, and Fernando Arrabal. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 311). One unit.
Spanish 407 — Topics in Modern Spanish and Spanish-American Poetry
Annually
Examines various aspects of Spanish and Spanish-American poetry since Modernismo. Among these are: Rubén Darío and Modernismo; Antonio Machado; Hispanic vanguard poetry; the Grupo poético de 1927; Pablo Neruda; and Spanish-American social poetry. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 311 or 313). One unit.
Spanish 408 — Gabriel García Márquez
Alternate years
Provides a general introduction and overview of García Márquez’ writing career and analyzes some of his most notable novels. Learn to read works analytically to uncover the relationship between the aesthetic and historical dimensions of García Márquez’ literary universe. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 313). One unit.
Spanish 409 — Topics in Colonial Spanish-American Literature
Alternate years
An advanced course in 16th - 18th century Spanish-American literature. Readings emphasize the diversity of the colonial period, with in-depth analyses of works from several major genres. Discussion focuses on the signifi cance of these works from a contemporary perspective as well as on the historical and cultural distance that separates us from the world views contained therein. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 312). One unit.
Spanish 410 — Literature of Exile, Immigration, and Ethnicity
Alternate years
A study of the novels of Puerto Rican, Mexican-American, U.S. Dominican, and Cuban-American writers from 1970 to the present. Explores how the experience of biculturality and displacement is dramatized in the literature of these authors. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 313). One unit.
Spanish 411 — Latin American Literature of 19th Century
Alternate years
Examines the models for understanding the diff erent cultural formations in the emancipated ex-colonies of Spain. Focuses on periods of ideological change and artistic revolution from independence on, exploring the connections between ideology and representation of national models. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey. One unit.
Spanish 413 — Spanish in the US: A Sociolinguistic Perspective
Alternate years
This sociolinguistics course explores the presence, use and characteristics of Spanish in the US. Main topics include: an overview of U.S. Latino communities, the context of their presence here and their experience as an ethnolinguistic minority; bilingualism and language acquisition; ‘Spanglish’, borrowing, code-switching and other language-contact phenomena; language maintenance and loss; language policy and minority language rights; bilingual education; the Offi cial English movement; linguistic identity and ideology; and
the interaction between language, gender, race, social class and ethnicity. Includes an optional Community-Based Learning Project in the local Latino community. Prerequisites: 2 courses beyond Spanish 301 or its equivalent, or by permission of instructor. Taught in Spanish. One unit.
Spanish 414 — Second Language Acquisition and Spanish
Alternate years
An introduction to the study of Second Language Acquisition (SLA), with a special focus on Spanish. Main topics include: fi rst vs. second language acquisition; age-related eff ects on language acquisition; the role of presumably innate vs. environmental factors; immersion vs. classroom learning; study abroad; theories of SLA and approaches to foreign language teaching; the role of input and output practice; ‘heritage’ speakers; profi ciency assessment; and the diff erent areas of second language development (e.g. literacy, oral fluency, and grammatical and pragmatic competence). Th e course also considers some specific aspects of the acquisition of Spanish as a second language, including vocabulary, pronunciation, pronouns and different grammatical contrasts (e.g. indicative vs. subjunctive, and preterit vs. imperfect), among others. Prerequisites: 2 courses beyond Spanish 301 or its equivalent, or by permission of instructor. Taught in Spanish. One unit.
Spanish 420 — Latin-American Film
Alternate years
Serves as an introduction to fi lm analysis, studies the development of the medium in Latin America, and explores issues of cultural diff erence through discussion of the cinematic portrayal of representative historical periods, fi gures, intellectual and political movements. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305. One unit.
Spanish 421 — 20th-Century Spain through Film
Alternate years
Studies some of the most relevant historical, political, and social issues in 20th-century Spain as depicted through film. Focuses on fi lms which portray Spain at its diff erent historical stages (pre-Franco era, Francoist Spain, transition era, and modern Spain). Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305. One unit.
Spanish 422 — Cultural History of Th e Spanish Language
Every third year
Provides a general overview of the Spanish language as the result of historical and cultural developments. Examines the main characteristics of the Spanish language and the diff erent varieties of Spanish that are spoken today. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey. One unit.
Spanish 461 — 19th- and 20th-Century Women Writers of Spain
Alternate years
Examines some of the outstanding women writers of the 19th and 20th centuries of Spanish literature. Explores the most prominent literary, social, cultural, and existential issues expressed in their works. These works are studied in the context of the major trends of European literature in the past two centuries. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 and a semester of survey (preferably Spanish 311). One unit.
Spanish 491, 492 — Third-Year Tutorial
Annually
Eligible third-year students may elect one or both of these courses only with the permission of the Department Chair. Tutorials are off ered only to students who have taken previously all other advanced courses offered in a given semester. One unit each semester.
Spanish 493, 494 — Fourth-Year Tutorial
Annually
Eligible fourth-year students may elect one or both of these courses only with the permission of the Department Chair. Tutorials are off ered only to students who have taken previously all other advanced courses off ered in a given semester. One unit each semester.
Studies in World Literatures
Studies in World Literatures 201 — Landmarks of Western Literature:the Ancient World to the Renaissance
Alternate years
An introduction to major works of Western literature, and to the mechanisms of the creation of a canon of Western literature. Included are texts ranging from the Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh, to the works of Cervantes and of Montaigne. One unit each semester.
Studies in World Literatures 202 — Landmarks of Western Literature:The Modern World
Alternate years
An introduction to major works of Western literature, and to the mechanisms of the creation of a canon of Western literature. Included are texts from the 17th century to the present. One unit each semester.
Studies in World Literatures 235 — Introduction to Postcolonial Discourses
Annually
Contacts between Europe and the rest of the world, between colonizers and colonized people engendered profound social, cultural, economical, political and psychological transformations. A comparative examination and discussion of major ideas put forward by intellectuals who adapt a “Th ird World” perspective: Said, Fanon, Achebe, Ngugi, Spivak, Brathwaite, Babha and many others. One unit.
Studies in World Literatures 241 — Francophone Cross-Culturalities & Creolizations
Every third year
A general introduction to the emergence of diverse francophone cultures in the world. The main focus is on North American, Caribbean, North African, and sub-Saharan cross-cultural encounters and creolizations. Topics considered include: colonialism, post colonialism, neocolonialism, diglossia, majority/minority confl icts, and the interplay of Western and indigenous traditions in the development or invention of “new” cultures. Authors to be read are: Chopin, Djebar, Fanon, Kerouac, Ousmane, Roy, Vallières, and Zobel. Films include: Black Robe, Chocolat, Battle of Algiers. One unit.
Studies in world Literatures 261 — Exile and Cultural Production in Africa and the Caribbean
Annually
Exile is a universal phenomenon. It is generally understood as voluntary or forced expatriation, displacement. Exile may also be understood as inadequacy and irrelevance to function in specific world as compared to the “exile” of Prospero to Caliban island. Th ey represent two extreme categories on the social spectrum: that of the natural ruler, and the naturally ruled. Explores “Caliban’s” inadequacy to adjust to his own postcolonial society after a long sojourn in the Prospero’s world. Most exiles end up writing books or producing films to “translate” their experiences. Th is course studies books and a few fi lms produced by exile African and Caribbean artists. One unit.
Studies in World Literatures 265 — Existentialism in Literature
Every third year
Studies Existentialism primarily as it is expressed in literary texts, but consideration is also given to its philosophical roots and evolution in Western Culture. Among authors read are Pascal, Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky, Unamuno, Gide, Mann, Kafka, Sartre, Camus, Updike, and Flannery O’Connor. One unit.
Studies in World Literatures 267 — (Post) Colonial Writing: African and the Caribbean Experience
Alternate years
Read texts, watch fi lms and discuss the vision proposed by artists from areas that entered modernity through imperialism. Problems such as dependency and appropriation of the other’s language and culture are addressed. Important concepts such as Negritude (Senghor, Cesaire); African Personality (Soyinka); Creoleness (Chamoiseau, Confi ant); colonial education; violence, nationalism and resistance; postcolonial culture, modernity and identity are discussed. One unit.
Studies in World Literatures 299 — Special Topics
Annually
Offered for the study of a particular literary genre, form, theme, etc. Topics announced in the preceding semester. One unit.
Studies in World Literatures 441 — Fourth-Year Capstone Project
Annually
An individual research project involving a comparative study of at least two distinct national literatures. Must be directed by one principal faculty advisor, but must include consultation with at least two STWL faculty. A lengthy fi nal paper and public presentation are expected. One unit.
* The courses and descriptions listed above are taken directly from the official College Catalog.