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  MODERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES DEPARTMENT

Modern Languages and Literatures Department

Division of Humanities

Professor Sonia Riquelme, PhD, Chair–Spanish

Associate Professor Glenda Warren Carl, PhD (French, Latin), Chair–Chinese, French, German

Professor Suzanne Chamier, PhD (French)

Associate Professor Erika Berroth, PhD (German)

Assistant Professor Laura Senio Blair, PhD (Spanish)

Assistant Professor William Christensen, PhD (Spanish, Language Learning Center)

Assistant Professor Gabriela Díaz de Gallegos, PhD (Spanish)

Assistant Professor Aaron Prevots, PhD (French)

Assistant Professor Carl Robertson, PhD (Chinese)

Assistant Professor David Tabb Stewart, PhD (Hebrew–Department of Religion and Philosophy)

Visiting Instructor Abigail Dings, MA (Spanish)

Visiting Instructor Theodore Jobe, MA (Spanish)

Visiting Instructor Erika Zettl, MA (Spanish)

Assistant Professor Cherie Mitschke, PhD (French) (part-time)

Instructor Magdalena Borja Babbitt, MS (Spanish) (part-time)

Instructor Joseph O’Neil, MA (German) (part-time)

Southwestern University offers major and minor programs in French, German, and Spanish and a minor program in Chinese. The French, German, and Spanish majors require a minimum of 30 semester hours, of which at least 18 must be upper level. The minor in the above languages requires a minimum of 18 semester hours, of which at least 12 must be upper level.

Courses taught in all the modern languages at Southwestern University integrate reading, writing, speaking, listening, and cultural understanding. Students of all modern languages undertake the shared tasks of oral work coupled with listening comprehension and reading in the context of culture. The shared pedagogy for language acquisition thus goes hand-in-hand with the cultural immersion. This linguistic and cultural fluency also reinforces the common goal of all modern languages of facilitating study abroad. Some of the host countries associated with study abroad for the modern languages taught at Southwestern are: France, Germany, Mexico, Spain, and China. Depending on the student’s chosen language and the level of fluency in that language, a student may choose from diverse programs in a number of countries.

Students are prepared for a variety of academic, business, and professional careers. Special attention is given to the central importance of modern language study in this age of global awareness and economic interdependence. As we become increasingly international in outlook and are faced with the need to intensify our efforts to communicate and interact with other cultures, language majors find themselves in a strong position to make significant contributions in a variety of fields. Furthermore the study of modern languages provides a solid liberal arts foundation for any professional career.

Majors are advised to pursue language courses until their proficiency assures successful work in the literary field. They are expected to acquire a general knowledge of the literature and civilization of the chosen language. All language majors are strongly urged to include plans for study abroad either during their junior year or through summer courses offered or approved by Southwestern University.

Students planning to do graduate work in languages are advised to have a strong background in analysis and interpretation of literature. Those planning to certify as language teachers must have a thorough background in the structure of the target language.

The capstone experience for majors consists of either a seminar or a study project stemming from a semester abroad or from an upper level course taken during the senior year. The program is intended to cover broad aspects of the discipline and culminates in an oral presentation.

All entering students are to take a placement exam, to be administered during fall orientation in order to establish actual placement. Please note that credit hours are not granted for placement. Students may also pursue a language other than that studied in high school, beginning at the 014 level, regardless of placement in their high school language. Because language study is sequential, students are required to take the basic courses in order (014, 024, 113, and 123) and to earn a grade of C- or better in each course of the sequence. These courses may not be taken concurrently.

International students born abroad may satisfy the bachelor’s degree foreign language requirement with a score of at least 570 (paper) or 230 (computer) on the TOEFL exam.

Students who major or minor in French, German, or Spanish, and who have placed out of the foreign language requirement as entering first-year students, may take a departmental exam for credit. Students may earn up to six semester hours of lower level credit upon successful completion of the exam, the course credit corresponding to 113-123. Credit will be awarded upon completion of all other major or minor requirements. Child Study and Language Development majors who have placed out of the language requirement and intend to certify in a language may also take this exam (see “Credit By Examination”).

The Language Learning Center at Southwestern offers students wide-band access to the latest in multimedia courseware within the Center’s subnetwork and to native language materials from all over the globe. Students engage in a wide variety of language related activities in the Center. These include accessing web-based digital lab manuals for introductory language courses, writing papers, developing multimedia presentations for culture classes, and accessing print, audio and video media through Internet, cable and satellite connections. Functioning as a vehicle for the delivery of local instructional materials and as a portal onto a vast world of native language and cultural content, the Center is an invaluable resource for students of language, culture and international affairs.

Other Languages (FLN)

21-144, 154 OTHER LANGUAGES. Studies of languages other than those offered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures on a regular basis. Credit may only be earned with special, prior approval of the Department and may not otherwise be used to fulfill the University language requirement.

21-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
21-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
21-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
21-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY.

Chinese (CHI)

Chinese 22-313 and 22-323 are required for students who minor in Chinese. Chinese 22-363 may apply towards the upper-level minor requirement.

22-014, 024 BEGINNING CHINESE I & II. A two-semester introductory course presenting the pronunciation system, fundamental grammatical structures, characters, basic vocabulary and emphasis on student participation. Includes computer-based materials.
22-113, 123 CHINESE III & IV. A two-semester course emphasizing interactive skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), authentic materials and topics concerning contemporary society. Prerequisite: Completion of Chinese 22-024 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
22-313CHINESE FICTION: READING & CONVERSATION. Conversation and reading course making use of texts and topics from modern and ancient works of Chinese fiction that engage literary methods and social questions raised in the texts. Discussion and composition in Chinese. Prerequisite: Chinese 22-123 or equivalent.
22-323CHINESE POETRY AND WRITING. Study of Chinese poetry from antiquity to modern verse as a means of acquiring cultural and linguistic ability. Discussion and composition on related topics, in Chinese. Weekly discussion and practice on writing of characters. Prerequisite: Chinese 22-123 or equivalent.
22-363TOPICS IN CHINESE CULTURE, LITERATURE & FILM. Taught in English. May be repeated with change in topic.

22-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
22-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
22-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
22-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.

French (FRE)

French 11-313, 333, 353, 933 and two upper-level courses are required for all students who major in French. French 11-313 and 353 and two upper-level courses are required for students who minor in French.

Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society, recognizes outstanding scholarship in French and literature. The honorary society also seeks to increase the knowledge and understanding of the French-speaking world and of diverse francophone cultures. Eligibility requirements for regular membership in Pi Delta Phi include at least one upper-level French course, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in French, and a class rank in the top 35 percent after three semesters of university study.

All courses are taught in French.

11-014, 024 FRENCH I & II. A two-semester course. A creative approach to the study of the language, emphasizing student participation and self-expression.
11-113FRENCH III. Reading, writing, and conversation. Prerequisite: Completion of French 11-024 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
11-123FRENCH IV. A continuation of French III. Prerequisite: Completion of French 11-113 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
11-132, 142 FRENCH CONVERSATION I & II. Prerequisite: French 11-014 or permission of instructor.
11-212ADVANCED FRENCH CONVERSATION. Prerequisite: FRE11-123 or the equivalent.
11-313READING FRENCH: LITERATURE AND FILM. A course introducing the critical appreciation of poetry, drama, and fiction in French. Prerequisite: French 11-123 or the equivalent.
11-333ORAL AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION. Intensive work in grammar, composition, and conversation based on selected readings. Prerequisite: French 11-123 or the equivalent.
†11-353FRENCH CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION. Content may change to emphasize aspects of French/Francophone culture and civilization from any period. Prerequisite: French 11-123 or the equivalent. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
†11-453WOMEN WRITERS IN FRENCH. A study of significant works by women writers in French. Consideration is given to the cultural contexts in which these writers worked and the cultural forces that shaped their writing. Selections will vary from year to year but will include texts from France and the Francophone world. Prerequisite: French 11-313, 11-333, or 11-353. Also Feminist Studies 04-453. (POK-Aesthetic Experience: Lecture)
11-503STUDIES IN FRENCH LITERATURE I. Study of texts selected from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment. Prerequisite: French 11-313, 333, or 353.
11-513STUDIES IN FRENCH LITERATURE II. Study of texts selected from the Enlightenment to the present. Prerequisite: French 11-313, 333, or 353.
11-603TOPICS IN LITERATURE. Concentration on single authors, movements or themes with the specific topic for that semester listed in the course schedule. Offerings include Literature & Culture of the Antilles, Writing Place(s): Litterature & lieux; Paris in Literature & Film. May be repeated with change in topic. Prerequisite: French 11-313, 333, or 353.
11-613STUDIES IN GENRE. Intensive study of a single genre with the specific topic for that semester listed in the course schedule. May be repeated with a change in content. Prerequisite: French 11-313, 333, or 353.

11-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
11-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
11-443 INTERMEDIATE TUTORIAL.
11-903 ADVANCED TUTORIAL.
11-933 SEMINAR. Fulfills the requirement for a capstone experience.
11-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
11-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change in content.
11-983 HONORS. By invitation only.

German (GER)

German 12-333, 343, 353, and 513 are required for students who major in German, and German 12-333 and 343 are required of students who minor in German.

All courses are taught in German.

12-014, 024GERMAN I & II. A two-semester course, including essentials of grammar, directed development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
12-133, 233GERMAN UNIVERSITY AND CULTURAL LIFE I & II. A May-term study abroad course offered each year at the Universität Osnabrück, Germany. Prerequisite: German 12-024 for 12-133, 12-123 for 12-233.
12-113GERMAN III. This course includes grammar review and reading of modern German texts. Emphasis is on developing speaking, reading, and writing skills. Prerequisite: Completion of German 12-024 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
12-123GERMAN IV. A continuation of German III. Prerequisite: Completion of German 12-113 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
12-212INTERMEDIATE GERMAN CONVERSATION. May be repeated, but credit is given only once.
12-222ADVANCED GERMAN CONVERSATION. A continuation of 12-212. May be repeated, but credit is given only once.
12-313LITERARY GENRES. A course introducing the critical appreciation of poetry, drama, and fiction in German. Open to all who have appropriate competency in German.
12-333, 343ADVANCED GERMAN: ORAL AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION I & II.
Intensive work in grammar, composition, and conversation based on selected readings.
†12-353GERMAN CIVILIZATION. Overview of culture up to the 20th century. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
†12-453GERMAN CIVILIZATION: THE 20TH CENTURY. An advanced course on Germany. Topics may change to emphasize “Reunification” or “Germany’s Role in the New Europe.” (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
12-503STUDIES IN GERMAN LITERATURE I. Middle Ages to the 18th century. Prerequisite: German 12-353.
12-513STUDIES IN GERMAN LITERATURE II. The 18th century to the present. Prerequisite: German 12-353.

12-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
12-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
12-903 ADVANCED TUTORIAL.
12-933 SEMINAR. Fulfills the requirement for a capstone experience.
12-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
12-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with change of content.
12-983 HONORS. By invitation only.

Spanish (SPA)

Spanish 15-333, 343, 413 or 423 and 933 are required for students who major in Spanish. In addition, Spanish majors must complete six hours of upper-level literature. Spanish 15-333 and 343 are required for students wishing to minor in Spanish.

Sigma Delta Pi, National Spanish Honor Society, recognizes achievements in the study of Spanish, as well as Hispanic culture and civilization. The eligibility requirements entail a strong interest in Spanish culture and civilization, and registration in literature courses in Spanish with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above in Spanish and of 2.9 or above in all other courses.

All courses are taught in Spanish.

15-014, 024 SPANISH I & II. A two-semester course. Introduction to the language, with emphasis on understanding, speaking, and reading. Use of interactive, computer-based materials is a regular part of the class work.
15-113SPANISH III. Continued practice in the oral-aural skills, with increasing emphasis on reading and writing. Studies and grammar review supplemented with readings and computer-based materials, including the use of the internet. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-024 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
15-123SPANISH IV. A continuation of Spanish III. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-113 or equivalent with a grade of C- or better.
15-132SPANISH CONVERSATION. Discussion of topics in Spanish. This course is offered in the fall.
15-212 ADVANCED SPANISH CONVERSATION. Discussions of relevant cultural and social issues in Spanish, with increased emphasis on sophistication of expression during the second semester. Can be taken concurrently with Spanish 15-123.
15-213INTERMEDIATE ORAL AND WRITTEN EXPRESSION. A course designed to further develop students’ spoken and written Spanish. Readings, compositions, and class discussions emphasize more difficult points of grammar and new idiomatic expressions. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-123 or permission of the instructor.
15-233LITERATURE, FILM AND PERFORMANCE IN SPANISH. A course studying theatre, film, and poetry reading in performance, with the content varying from year to year.
15-333COMPOSITION IN CULTURAL CONTEXT. A third-year course designed to enhance students’ reading, writing, and speaking skills. Course materials include short literary texts and other written, recorded, and visual materials. Prerequisite: SPA 15-123 or permission of instructor.
†15-343VISIONS AND REPRESENTATIONS OF THE HISPANIC WORLD. Exploration of Peninsular Spanish and Latin American cultures incorporating a variety of materials and approaches, such as geography, history, architecture, literature, music, art, and religion. Involves use of internet resources. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-123 or permission of instructor. (POK-American and Western Cultural Heritage)
15-413SURVEY OF PENINSULAR LITERATURE (PRE-20TH CENTURY). Interpretation and analysis of pre-20th century representative texts from Spain, emphasizing Medieval and Golden Age literature. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-333 or permission of the instructor.
15-423SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE (PRE-20TH CENTURY). Interpretation and analysis of pre-20th century representative texts from Spanish America, focusing on both the Colonial and Post-Colonial periods. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-333 or permission of the instructor.
15-513CONTEMPORARY LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE. Interpretation and analysis of Twentieth Century representative texts from Latin America. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-333 or permission of the instructor.
15-523CONTEMPORARY PENINSULAR LITERATURE. Major figures and literary movements of the Twentieth Century in Spain will be studied. Prerequisite: Spanish 15-333 or permission of the instructor.
15-623TOPICS IN HISPANIC LITERATURE. Interpretation and analysis of selected works by Spanish and/or Latin American authors. Contents may vary. Course may be repeated when content varies. Prerequisites: Spanish 15-333, 15-413 or 423 or permission of the instructor.
15-933RESEARCH SEMINAR. Fulfills the requirement for a capstone experience in Spanish. Prerequisites: 15-333, 15-413 or 15-423 and one upper-level literature class.

15-001, 002, 003, 004 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
15-301, 302, 303, 304 SELECTED TOPICS. May be repeated with change in topic.
15-933 SEMINAR. Fulfills the requirement for a capstone experience.
15-941, 942, 943, 944 ACADEMIC INTERNSHIP.
15-951, 952, 953, 954 INDEPENDENT STUDY. May be repeated with changed content.
15-983 HONORS. By invitation only.