Academics

Manchester University Academic Catalog 2015-2016

Modern Languages

Chair Janina P. Traxler, Juan Jesús Payán Martin, Shane L. Thomson, Carlos A. Yañez

The Department of Modern Languages prepares student to (a) communicate effectively in the target language, (b) read and analyze literature from across time and around the world, and (c) understand and appreciate the culture of countries in which the target language is spoken. Students in our majors and minors undertake graduate study or employment in a variety of fields that include linguistics, law, teaching, medicine, and business. Many of our graduates have received prestigious awards such as the Fulbright and Rotary fellowships.

The Modern Languages Department offers the following majors and minors:

French: major and minor

German: minor

Spanish: major and minor

TESOL: minor

Students who major in a modern language generally spend at least one semester living and studying abroad, usually in the sophomore or junior year. All language majors must complete a senior comprehensive evaluation, to verify they have attained (a) advanced-low or better written and oral proficiency according to ACTFL standards, and (b) substantial knowledge of the relevant literatures and cultures. Majors must also take the senior capstone seminar that focuses on research skills, literary analysis and the culture, history, and politics of a specific time period.

Language Placement Information
Students who have completed two or more years of a language in high school must (1) take the department’s placement examination during the new student orientation period, or (2) submit scores from a national standardized test such as the Educational Testing Service’s Advanced Placement (AP) or the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination. The student will then be placed at the appropriate level. Students who place into the intermediate level of a language will not receive credit for the elementary level.

Students can receive credit for the intermediate level (six semester hours)

  1. by completing the 201/202 sequence at Manchester University,
  2. by placing into the advanced level (300) of a language and receiving a grade of C or higher in this coursework,
  3. by passing a proficiency examination with a grade of B or higher, in addition to the language placement test, or
  4. by forwarding Advanced Placement scores to Manchester University. Students who receive a score of 4 on the AP test will receive nine semester hours of credit for intermediate and advanced language courses; scores of 5 will be awarded twelve semester hours for intermediate and advanced courses.

FRENCH
Baccalaureate Degree (Bachelor of Arts only)
Major in French, 36 hours: FREN 201, 202; MODL 485; nine hours selected from FREN 301, 302, 305, 325, electives in French culture and civilization approved by the Department of Modern Languages; FREN 315, one 400-level course in French literature; twelve hours of electives in French language, culture and civilization, and French literature. These courses must be listed in the Catalog or must be approved by the Department of Modern Languages.

Minor in French, 24 hours: FREN 201, 202; nine hours selected from FREN 301, 302, 305, 325, electives in French culture and civilization approved by the Department of Modern Languages; FREN 315; six hours in electives in advanced French language, culture and civilization, French literature. These courses must be listed in the Catalog or must be approved by the Department of Modern Languages.

Requirements for teaching majors and minors are available in the Office of Teacher Education.

Manchester University students of French are encouraged to study for a semester or a year in France, preferably during their junior year. Students with two years of college French or the equivalent proficiency are eligible. Manchester University grants credit for satisfactory work done abroad through accredited programs. Study abroad is expected for those wishing to complete a major in French. Interested students should discuss the possibility of foreign study with the academic advisor as soon as possible.

Courses FREN

110 INSIDE FRANCE - 3 hours
Introduction to the history, culture and daily life of France. Background reading, slide presentations and lectures will give students a basic sense of the major periods of French history, the outstanding intellectual and artistic movements which shape formal French culture, and the distinctive features of French daily life. Much of the time in France will be devoted to activities that illustrate, extend and synthesize the background material. Assignments designed to develop understanding of daily life will require some elementary French. Prerequisite: FREN 111. January. C-3GC.

111, 112 ELEMENTARY FRENCH I, II - 6 hours
An introduction to French, with emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Conversation, graded reading selections, and simple composition are supplemented by language laboratory practice. Class is conducted in French as much as possible. Fall (111). Spring (112). C-3GC.

201, 202 INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I, II - 6 hours
A comprehensive review of basic structures, study of reading selections in literature and culture, guided conversation practice, composition, and language laboratory work. Class is conducted primarily in French. Prerequisite: FREN 112 or placement via examination in French. Fall (201). Spring (202). C-3GC.

301, 302 ADVANCED FRENCH I, II - 3 hours
Introduction to more complex linguistic structures and to French culture and civilization. Increased proficiency in oral and written communication is emphasized. Class is conducted exclusively in French. Prerequisite: FREN 202 or placement via examination. C-3GC

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305 ADVANCED COMPOSITION IN FRENCH (W) - 1 or 2 hours
Advanced instruction in the drafting and revising of expository and documented papers on topics in Francophone literature or culture. All writing will be done in French. Upon approval of the department chair, this course may be used to help satisfy the requirement in literature for the major or minor. May be repeated for a total of four semester hours. Prerequisite: One course beyond FREN 202.

315 INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH LITERATURE - 3 hours
Introduction to the critical study of literature. Readings will include selections from a variety of French authors. Increased proficiency in oral and written communication is emphasized. Prerequisite: FREN 202 or placement via examination. C-4LT.

325 GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT - 3 hours
An intensive language course that prepares students to identify and discuss global issues in the target language as informed individuals. Content and themes are drawn from multiple sources, including newspapers, magazines, journals, television, and Internet. This course is taught entirely in the target language. Prerequisite: one 300 or 400-level course in French.

 

401 FRENCH DRAMA (W) - 3 hours
Selected plays by French dramatists from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries, including works by such playwrights as Racine, Moliere, Marivaux, Beaumarchais, Hugo, Musset, Sartre, Ionesco and Beckett. Activities include lectures, class discussion, critical composition, and oral and written explication de texte. Prerequisite: FREN 301.

413 FRENCH FICTION (W) - 3 hours
Selected narrative verse, novels and short stories by French and/or Francophone authors from the Middle Ages to the present. Because the content changes from year to year, the course may be repeated once. Activities include lectures, class discussion, critical composition, and oral and written explication de texte. Prerequisite: FREN 301.

423 MODERN FRENCH POETRY (W) - 3 hours
Important French poets and poetic movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, including such writers as Hugo, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Mallarmé, Valéry, Apollinaire, Prévert, Ponge and selected Francophone poets. Activities include lectures, class discussion, versification and scansion, critical composition, and oral and written explication de texte. Prerequisite: FREN 301.

380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.

385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.

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GERMAN

Minor in German, 24 hours: GER 201, 202; MODL 485; nine hours selected from electives in German language and culture approved by the Department of Modern Languages; three hours of German literature; three hours in electives in advanced German language, culture and civilization, and German literature. These courses must be listed in the Catalog or must be approved by the Department of Modern Languages.

Manchester University students of German are encouraged to study for a semester or a year in Germany. Students with two years of college German or the equivalent proficiency are eligible. Manchester University grants credit for satisfactory work done abroad through accredited programs. Interested students should discuss the possibility of foreign study with the academic advisor as soon as possible.

Courses GER

111, 112 ELEMENTARY GERMAN I, II - 6 hours
An introduction to German, with emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Conversation, graded reading selections, and simple composition are supplemented by language laboratory practice. Class is conducted in German as much as possible. Fall, odd years (111). Spring, even years (112). C-3GC.

201, 202 INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I, II - 6 hours
A comprehensive review of basic structures, study of reading selections in literature and culture, guided conversation practice, composition, and language laboratory work. Class is conducted primarily in German. Prerequisite: GER 112 or placement via examination in German. Fall, even years (201). Spring, odd years (202). C-3GC.

301, 302 ADVANCED GERMAN I, II - 3 hours
Introduction to more complex linguistic structures and to German culture and civilization. Increased proficiency in oral and written communication is emphasized. Class is conducted exclusively in German. Prerequisite: GER 202 or placement via examination. Fall, even years (301). Spring, odd years (302).

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315 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY ANALYSIS - 3 hours
Introduction to the critical study of literature. Readings will include selections from a variety of German authors. Increased proficiency in oral and written communication is emphasized. Prerequisite: GER 202 or placement via examination.

380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.

385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.

SPANISH
Baccalaureate Degree (Bachelor of Arts only)
Major in Spanish, 36 hours: SPAN 201, 202; MODL 485; nine hours of courses selected from: SPAN 301, 302, electives in Spanish culture and civilization approved by the Department of Modern Languages; SPAN 315, one additional course in Spanish literature; six hours in culture or linguistics; six hours in electives in Spanish language, literature, and culture. These courses must be listed in the Catalog or must be approved by the Department of Modern Languages.

Minor in Spanish, 24 hours: SPAN 201, 202; nine hours of courses selected from SPAN 301, 302, or electives in Spanish culture and civilization approved by the Department of Modern Languages; three hours in Spanish literature; six hours in literature, linguistics, culture or civilization. These courses must be listed in the Catalog or must be approved by the Department of Modern Languages.

Requirements for teaching majors and minors are available in the Office of Teacher Education.

Manchester University students of Spanish are encouraged to study for a semester or a year in a Spanish-speaking country, preferably during their sophomore or junior year. Students with two years of college Spanish or the equivalent proficiency are eligible. Manchester University grants credit for satisfactory work done abroad through accredited programs. Study abroad is encouraged for those wishing to complete a major in Spanish. Interested students should discuss the possibility of foreign study with the academic advisor as soon as possible.

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Courses SPAN

111, 112 ELEMENTARY SPANISH I, II - 6 hours
An introduction to Spanish, with emphasis on listening and speaking skills. Conversation graded reading selections, and simple composition are supplemented by language laboratory practice. Class is conducted in Spanish as much as possible. Fall (111). Spring (112). C-3GC.

201, 202 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I, II - 6 hours
A comprehensive review of basic structures, study of reading selections in literature and culture, guided conversation practice, composition, and language laboratory work. Class is conducted primarily in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 or placement via examination in Spanish. Fall (201). Spring (202). C-3GC.

230 LIVING THE SPANISH LANGUAGE - 3 hours
This intensive course introduces students to a wider understanding of language, culture, and history in Spanish-speaking countries. All classes, excursions, talks, and other activities will be conducted in Spanish. Much of the time will be devoted to activities that help the students to understand, broaden, and value cultural manifestations and historical development. Credit for this course will apply toward the Spanish major or minor. Prerequisite: SPAN 201. January. C-3GC.

301 ADVANCED GRAMMAR, SPEAKING AND WRITING - 3 hours
Introduction to more complex linguistic structures, with particular emphasis on increased written proficiency. Students read and discuss various topics pertinent to the cultures and civilizations of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or placement via examination.

302 ADVANCED READING, SPEAKING AND WRITING - 3 hours
Emphasis on increased control of complex linguistics structures and mature vocabulary, and increased expertise in written and oral communication. Students will gain a familiarity with cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or placement.

315 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY ANALYSIS - 3 hours
Introduction to the critical study of literature. Readings will include selections from a variety of Spanish and Latin American authors. Increased proficiency in oral and written communication is emphasized. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 or 302. C-4LT.

321 HISORY AND LINGUISTICS OF SPANISH - 3 hours
A history of the Spanish language, its phonetics, phonology, morphology and syntax. The course also focuses on regional variations as well as the Spanish spoken in the United States. This class is taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 302.

 

325 GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT - 3 hours
An intensive language course that prepares students to identify and discuss global issues in the target language as informed individuals. Content and themes are drawn from multiple sources, including newspapers, magazines, journals, television, and Internet. This course is taught entirely in the target language. Prerequisite: SPAN 302.

 

333 INTENSIVE STUDIES IN SPANISH - 3 hours
A combination of research and onsite exposure to language and culture. The course is designed for students seeking Spanish credit for participating in an off-campus travel course. Enrollment in this course replaces the student’s enrollment in the non-language course. May be repeated for credit; a maximum of 3 hours may be used towards the Spanish major or minor. All work in done in Spanish. Prerequisite: permission of the travel course professor and permission of the Department of Modern Languages.

340 HISPANIC-AMERICAN CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION - 3 hours
This advanced course provides an in-depth consideration of colonial societies and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries in America. This course is taught entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 302.

 

403 SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE - 3 hours
A chronological study of the poetry, drama and fiction of Latin America from the Discovery (1492) to the boom of the 60s and 70s. Activities include lectures, oral reports, class discussions and a term paper. Prerequisite: SPAN 315.

413 SURVEY OF SPANISH LITERATURE - 3 hours
A chronological study of the poetry, drama and fiction of Spain from the Medieval Period (1140) to the post-war period (1970). Activities include lectures, oral reports, class discussions and a term paper. Prerequisite: SPAN 315.

380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.

385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.

TESOL

Minor in teaching English to speakers of other languages, 24 hours: ENG/MODL 350, 352, 354; ENG 310 or 311; six hours intermediate French, German or Spanish; one 300 or 400-level course in French, German or Spanish*; one course chosen from COMM 256; ENG 238, 310 or 311 (not used to meet above requirements);FREN 110; HIST 227; MODL 241 or 411; SOC 228; SPAN 230.

*International students will be exempt from the language courses if their native language is not English. Students who have completed one semester of study abroad may substitute (upon approval of the program coordinator) an appropriate course from their study abroad if their non-English academic experience is substantial.

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Courses MODL

201 EUROPEAN LITERATURE - 3 hours
Study and comparison of works of European literature within the framework of a period in literary history, of a literary genre, or of dominant themes and motifs. C-4LT.

225 LEGENDS REVISITED - 3 hours
Students will analyze works from classical and medieval legend (especially epic and romance) and will compare and contrast them with reworkings from later periods. Students will acquire basic information about the genres that convey legend and the historical contexts of specific legends; they will develop skills in literary analysis, especially techniques necessary to compare, contrast, and evaluate early occurrences of archetypes and themes along with their counterparts in literature of more recent date. Syllabus will include material from Greek and Roman mythology (Oedipus, the Trojan war, Aeneas and Dido) as well as medieval legend (El Cid, the Nibelungenlied, King Arthur, Charlemagne). All works taught in English. C-4LT.

231 PRE-HISPANIC MESOAMERICAN/ADEAN CULTURES - 3 hours
This course provides an introduction to the history of Pre-Columbian America. It will focus on the developmental stages, cultural achievements, cultural diversity and characteristics of the most salient Mesoamerican and the Andean civilizations, before the arrival of the Europeans. It will also focus on the cross-cultural interactions between indigenous and European populations. C-3GC.

241 US LATINO LITERATURE AND CULTURE - 3 hours
An investigation of US Latino culture through artistic texts. Students will read a variety of literary genres and explore the contributions of US Latinos to art, music, television, and film. Along the way, students will consider the particular challenges for this unique and diverse group of Americans and examine the stereotypes that exist about Latinos in US culture today. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. C-4LT.

350 TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES - 3 hours
Instruction and practice in the theory, techniques, and skills of teaching English to speakers of other languages, Observing ESL and foreign language classes, tutoring international students, diagnosing language acquisition problems, planning lessons and curricula, evaluating ESL texts, and doing related research. Fall. Prerequisite: ENG 310 or ENG 311 or a modern language course at the 300 level.

352 PRACTICUM IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES - 3 hours
Supervised experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Students will apply the theories and techniques of second-language acquisition which were covered in the prerequisite course. Practicum may be done anywhere in the world. Prerequisite: ENG 350.

354 SECOND-LANGUAGE ACQUISITION - 3 hours
Course explores how people learn language and what methodologies respond to different linguistic needs and learning styles. Topics include: theories of language learning, diagnosis of language learning problems, assessment techniques, pedagogies appropriate to second language acquisition, relationship of culture to language development. Prerequisite: intermediate proficiency in a second language.

375 PRACTICUM IN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE - 3-6 hours
This course allows students to gain practical experience related to their language studies while they are enrolled in off-campus language-related courses. A maximum of three hours may be used toward a departmental major or minor. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One 300-level language course.

411 INTRODUCTION TO LITERARY TRANSLATION - 3 hours
A seminar that serves as introduction to the history, theory, and practice of literary translation into English. Students will become familiar with various theories of translation and learn to implement them in their own translations. Students will produce a readable translation that reflects the language, meaning and purpose of the original. Students must have knowledge of literary analysis and the ability to read and write well in both the source and target languages. Prerequisites: A minimum of two courses (one in literature) at the 300-level or higher, in the source language.

475 PRACTICUM IN LANGUAGE PEDAGOGY - 3 hours
Students with advanced status (junior/senior) in language will gain practical experience in how to plan language curriculum, develop language activities, and evaluate learning in a university classroom setting. May not be repeated for credit.  Prerequisite: Major or minor in language, ENG/MODL 354.

485 SEMINAR (W) - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or topic. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry and exchange results through reports and discussions. Course is taught in English, but students complete written work in the language of their major. Prerequisite: senior standing.

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