Allegheny College: Modern and Classical Languages Catalogue

Professors Ensberg, Dantán, DeMeritt, Dodge, Hernández, Herrera de La Muela, Herrman, Reeck, Richter, Riess, N. Smith, Wolfe, R.Wu

Foreign language study is widely recognized as both a practical and intellectually stimulating way for students to broaden their knowledge of the world around us, as well as to build a strong foundation of skills in oral and written communication. By exploring other cultures through literature and other media, and by engaging with speakers of other languages, Allegheny students are able to prepare themselves for careers in the increasing global marketplace or for advanced studies in literature or language.

The department offers majors and minors in French, German, and Spanish and minors in Chinese Studies and Classical Studies. Placement level for those with previous study is based upon achievement tests or examinations administered at the time of entry. Other languages are available through the Center for Language and Culture (see below).

The department favors an integrated approach to language learning at the advanced level. While historical, political and cultural information become increasingly important, structural and grammatical components remain crucial to achieve a high proficiency in the language.

Among courses involving the sequential buildup of language skills, credit cannot be earned in a less advanced course after successful completion of one at a higher level without the permission of the Department.

Students learning a foreign language are urged to spend a semester or preferably a year abroad. The College sponsors several distinct study-abroad programs which are open to all qualified Allegheny students. (See “Off-Campus Study/Study Abroad.”) Allegheny’s financial aid may be used to support study in the following: Allegheny in Cologne; the Querétaro, Mexico Program; the Seville Program; the Tübingen Exchange Program, a year or semester of study at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest in Angers; the Quito, Ecuador Internship; the Boston University internship program in Paris; and the internship program in Dakar, Senegal. Students not enrolling in the College-sponsored programs may, with the approval of the department and the Director of International Programs and Services, join other programs. Study abroad may exempt students from enrollment in certain required courses for the major on campus.

Proficiency in a foreign language is an integral part of the International Studies Program. Courses listed under a specific language are taught in that language.

Chinese

See also the Chinese Studies minor listed in the “Interdisciplinary Minors” section.

An introduction to both the spoken and written Chinese language. Students learn basic Chinese characters, structural patterns, reading strategies, and basic elements of Chinese culture. Three class meetings; two practice periods a week. Credit: four semester hours.

A continuation of the introduction to both the spoken and written Chinese language. Students learn additional Chinese characters and structural patterns. Students begin to practice reading for comprehension, develop basic writing skills, and receive an additional introduction to Chinese culture. Three class meetings; two practice periods a week. Credit: four semester hours. Prerequisites: Chinese 110 or permission of instructor.

Continued acquisition and practice of both the spoken and written Chinese language. Students acquire additional Chinese characters and learn more complex structural patterns in order to improve reading and writing skills. Students begin to read selected authentic texts in Chinese to gain a better understanding of Chinese language and culture. Three class meetings; two practice periods a week. Credit: four semester hours. Prerequisites: Chinese 120 or permission of instructor.

An examination of Chinese films and written texts. Students develop reading and writing skills as well as the cultural knowledge needed for successful study abroad. Three class meetings. Credit: four semester hours. Prerequisites: Chinese 215 or permission of instructor.

An introduction to a representative selection of Chinese cinema since the mid 1980s from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Students explore different genres of Chinese movies, learn to interpret typical Chinese cinematic language, appreciate Chinese literary and aesthetic standards, and observe China’s march towards modernity and the accompanying shifts in value and belief systems. One screening and two class meetings. Credits: Two credits.

Continued acquisition and practice of the Chinese language through the study of Chinese cinema. Students explore different genres of Chinese movies, learn to interpret typical Chinese cinematic language, appreciate Chinese literary and aesthetic standards, and observe China’s march towards modernity and the accompanying shifts in value and belief systems. Through viewing films, answering questions, reading online commentaries, and writing film reviews, students improve their language skills in Chinese. One class meeting. Credits: Two credits. Prerequisite: Chinese 225; Co-requisite: Chinese 325.

A general survey of Chinese literature from the pre-Qin period to the modern era. Students read Chinese literary works in translation from different periods, study representative genres, learn to appreciate Chinese literary conventions, and gain an understanding of Chinese philosophical ideas and ways of thinking. Two class meetings. Credits: Two credits.

French

The Major

French majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in French at graduation. Only French courses taken at Allegheny or the Boston University program in Paris on a letter grade basis and only the most recent grade for repeated courses are included in the calculations. Only French 600 may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. Courses taken in an approved program abroad may count for the major and minor.
A major in French leads to the degree of Bachelor of Arts and requires the following:

1. A minimum of 42 semester credit hours in French;
2. French 110, 120, 215 may be required depending on initial placement;
3. French 225, as a prerequisite for all upper-level courses;
4. FS FRE 201, French 305, 315;
5. At least two of French 330, 335, 355, 365, 375;
6. At least one of French 405, 415, 425, 435;
7. French 580 required in senior year; and
8. French 600 and 610.

The Minor
Requires 20 semester credit hours in French, including FS FRE 201, French 225 and at least two 300-level courses. See also the French Studies Minor listed in the “Interdisciplinary Minors” section.

Study Abroad
Juniors are encouraged to study in a French-speaking country. Most students choose to study in the Allegheny-sponsored programs in Angers (semester or year-long exchange program with the Université Catholique de l’Ouest) or Paris (the Boston University semester internship program).

Speaking of France Today
An introduction to contemporary French culture and conversation. Topics relating to French institutions and cultural identity are analyzed and discussed. These may include political, economic, and educational institutions and values as well as the arts, media, the workplace, and family life. Intensive conversaton practice to improve fluency and build vocabulary focuses on a variety of readings, films, and television news programs chosen to increase understanding of French society today. Assignments include discussion, debate and oral presentations as well as written and oral tests. Recommended for students planning to study in France. One additional oral practice session per week and atendance at French Table. Prerequisite: French 215.

A course stressing the spoken language, basic structural patterns, reading for comprehension, and introduction to French culture. Three class meetings; one oral practice period a week

A course stressing the spoken language, basic structural patterns, reading for comprehension, and introduction to French culture. Three class meetings; one oral practice period a week. Prerequisite: French 110 or appropriate score on placement test.

A review of basic structural patterns to improve reading, writing, and speaking skills in French. One oral practice session per week. Prerequisite: French 120 or appropriate score on placement test.

An introduction to French literature designed to serve as a transition from language courses to more advanced courses. Study of texts from each genre presents students with a vocabulary and method with which to analyze texts. Particular attention is given to close readings and the explication de texte. Prerequisite: French 215 or permission of instructor.

A study of the phonetic structures of the French language with intensive exercises to improve pronunciation and aural comprehension. A variety of speaking, listening, and phonetic exercises are used as well as written assignments and tests. A major portion of the course is dedicated to preparing a public performance in French of a play, scenes from plays, poems, or songs. One additional oral practice session per week. Prerequisite: French 225 or permission of instructor.

A grammatical and structural study of the French language in both its written and spoken forms. A useful course for students who will be needing the language as a tool. Prerequisite: French 225.

An introduction to the literature written in French that comes from France’s former colonies and its social-historical context. Topics include: the era of African Independences, la négritude, the Algerian War for Independence, immigration to France, Beur literature. Emphasis is placed on the subversive nature of the literature studied and on how it inflects the French language, the French canon, and “Frenchness” itself. Materials are taken from the press, essays, novels, and films. Prerequisite: French 225 or permission of instructor.

A survey of literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including an examination of historical context and of the evolution of genres such as the epic, courtly romance, the farce, lyric poetry, humor and satire. Selected texts deal with themes related to love and conflict from the Crusades to the wars of religion in the sixteenth century. Readings include The Song of Roland and Arthurian legends as well as works by Rabelais and Montaigne. Prerequisite: French 225 or permission of instructor.

An introduction to French literary and artistic masterpieces of the 17th and 18th centuries. Representative texts including classical theater as well as works of the moralistes and the philosophes are examined within their historical context. Emphasis is placed on the representations of royal power, social convention, and challenges to state authority. Prerequisite: French 225 or permission of instructor.

An examination of the upheavals and reversals of the 19th and 20th centuries in France through an analysis of literary movements such as romanticism, realism, existentialism, and the Theater of the Absurd. The course focuses on cultural issues including the relationship of the individual to society, social and political revolution, and the role of the artist. Prerequisite: French 225 or permission of instructor.

Translating and translation theory addressing the complications, both linguistic and cultural, that arise in the translation process. Through study of several translated versions of the same text, students examine different theoretical approaches. Attention is given to the language, structures, and register of the original text and how they influence the translation. Students translate poetry, fiction, and essays. Prerequisite: French 330 or above, or permission of instructor.

An historical examination of the role of women in French literature. The course focuses both on portrayals of women in literature and on texts written by women. Specific topics and texts may vary and are selected from a variety of time periods and genres. The course also includes an introduction to feminist theory. Prerequisite: French 330 or above, or permission of instructor.

An examination of significant literary texts written at important historical moments in the evolution of French society. Emphasis is placed on the role of literature in the development of intellectual history. Close reading and analysis focus on ways in which literature both reflects and influences political ideas. Topics and texts vary, and are drawn from both French and Francophone literature. Prerequisite: French 330 or above, or permission of instructor.

An historical study of dramatic literature from its origins in the Middle Ages to the present day. The course explores recurring themes such as power, love and deception using plays from a variety of playwrights, movements, and styles. The study of specific literary movements illustrates the evolution of practice and theory in French drama. Prerequisite: French 330 or above, or permission of instructor.

Preparation of a Senior Project proposal. A thesis statement, a short description of the project, and a bibliography have to be developed. Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis only. Credit: Two semester hours.

Completion and oral defense of the Senior Project. Prerequisite: French 600.

Seminar, including oral reports, discussions and an independent research paper.

A study of selected French and Francophone novels from across the centuries and their film adaptations, with specific reference to differences between the two art forms. Class discussions focus on methods of literary and cinematic analysis. Topics include: reading films and reading novels, styles, and genres. Students are required to attend several film screenings outside of class. No previous knowledge of film theory is required. Prerequisite: French 330 or above, or permission of instructor.

German

The Major

German majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in German at graduation. Only German courses taken at Allegheny and Cologne on a letter grade basis and only the most recent grade for repeated courses are included in the calculations. Only German 600 may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. Courses taken in an approved program abroad may count for the major and minor.

The major in German requires completion of a minimum of 42 semester credit hours. Students must take German 305 or 310, German 325, and two more courses on the German 300-level, at least one German 400-level course, German 580, and German 600 and 610.

The Minor
A minor in German requires completion of 20 semester credit hours in German, including at least eight credit hours on the 300-level. See also the German Studies Minor listed in the “Interdisciplinary Minors” section.

Study Abroad
Students who have completed German 120 and would like to pursue their study of German are encouraged to participate in the Allegheny in Cologne Semester program. The program offers courses in German language, culture and literature, as well as courses in other areas such as art history, political science, history and German literature in translation
Students in their junior year who have taken two years of college German or the equivalent may participate in the Tübingen Exchange Program. Students study directly at the University of Tübingen and may choose from a wide variety of academic courses.

International Economics and Business
Those students wishing to pursue a career in language with a focus on international economics or business should combine their study of a particular country and language with a background in economics. If students are majoring in German and minoring in economics, they should take German 305, 310, 325, and 360 as part of their requirements. Students may also select a double major in these two disciplines. In addition, students are encouraged to study abroad and to complete an internship either abroad or with a company engaged in international trade. For economics courses that complement a German major or minor, see the course of study described under International Managerial Economics in the Economics Department catalogue listing.

Seminar, including lectures, oral reports and discussion.

A course stressing the spoken language, elements of grammar, reading for comprehension, and introduction to German culture. Three class meetings; two oral practice periods per week.

A course stressing the spoken language, elements of grammar, reading for comprehension, and introduction to German culture. Three class meetings; two oral practice periods per week. Prerequisite: German 110 or appropriate score on language placement test.

A review of basic structural patterns and discussion of selected texts in literature and civilization. There is an emphasis on writing and speaking to improve communication skills in preparation for upper-level literature and culture courses. One oral practice session per week. Prerequisite: German 120.

An intensive review of basic structural patterns to improve German language skills, emphasizing oral communication. To provide the study of language in a cultural context, this course utilizes authentic German texts and a variety of field trip opportunities. Credit: Three semester hours. (Taught in Cologne, Germany.)

An intensive study of advanced aspects of the German language, emphasizing oral communication. Various types of exercises and compositions, in addition to field trips and excursions, are used to practice the language within the context of the life and culture of Germany today. Credit: Three semester hours. (Taught in Cologne, Germany.)

A transition from basic language courses to more advanced literary and cultural texts, emphasizing vocabulary acquisition, methods to read, summarize, and analyze texts, and develop writing and speaking skills.

An introduction to short literary texts in German by 20th-century authors and to the historical, political, and cultural background of the period. The course is designed to build vocabulary, increase reading skills and reinforce grammatical and communicative structures. (Taught in Cologne, Germany.)

An intensive review of all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the advanced level. Special emphasis is on selected grammar principles used in a contemporary cultural context. The course includes a variety of exercises with emphasis on composition. Prerequisite: German 280.

A rigorous review of all four language skills on an advanced level and in a literary context. Based on individual needs, the course addresses selected grammatical and stylistic problems and concentrates on the writing of expository prose as well as on the discussion of literary texts.

An intensive individualized review of advanced principles of grammar and style combined with extensive writing of expository prose. Participation in cultural events is utilized to practice oral communication. Credit: Four semester hours. (Taught in Cologne, Germany.)

A comprehensive introduction to the historical, political, social, and intellectual background of German-speaking countries. Various types of compositions are used to practice language context. Special emphasis is placed on selected grammatical and linguistic concepts. Prerequisite: German 280.

A use of literary and cultural texts to enrich cultural knowledge, to increase vocabulary, reinforce grammatical and communicative structures, and to introduce methods of textual analysis. Based on the theater and film program offered in Cologne, several plays and films are selected. (Taught in Cologne, Germany.)

An introduction to texts from a variety of genres and different time periods. The course is designed to familiarize students with fictional literature and its critical evaluation. Emphasis is on modern developments (since 1750). May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: German 305.

An in-depth study of one area of German culture. Topics may include the position of women in society, the Holocaust, the connection of personal and national identity, the outsider in literature, the European Union. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: German 305.

A study of the craft of writing in German. Emphasis is on the creative use of German to develop vocabulary, improve individual style, and compose short prose texts. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit: Two semester hours. Course may be repeated for credit by majors.

In-depth study and discussion of texts within a theoretical framework. Emphasis is on the cultural, political, and historical context. The course examines a number of selected issues in literary theory. Individual research projects may be presented. Course may be repeated for credit by majors. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Preparation of a Senior Project proposal. A thesis statement, a short description of the project and a bibliography have to be developed. Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis only. Credit: Two semester hours.

Completion and oral defense of the Senior Project. Prerequisite: German 600.

Latin

See also the Classical Studies minor listed in the “Interdisciplinary Minors” section.

Because the authors or topics studied may change, students may take Latin 315, 345, 420 and 430 for a second time for credit, with permission of the instructor.

An introduction to the morphology, grammar and syntax of the Latin language.

A continuation of Latin 110 with emphasis on syntax and advanced points of grammar. Reading in Latin prose. Prerequisite: Latin 110.

Designed to consolidate students’ knowledge of grammar and to develop Latin reading skills. The course includes a comprehensive review of grammar and short readings of ancient prose and poetry of increasing length and complexity. Prerequisites: Latin 120 or placement exam.

Specialized study of specific works of Latin literature. Students read extensive selections of ancient literature in the original with the goal of increasing reading speed and comprehension. Special emphasis is placed on stylistic analysis and literary context. The specific texts change each year, and the course may be repeated. Authors studied may include: Caesar, Cicero, Livy, Lucretius, Ovid, Plautus, Tacitus, or Virgil. Prerequisites: Latin 215 or placement exam.

Spanish

The Major
Spanish majors are required to have a GPA of at least 2.0 in Spanish at graduation. Only Spanish courses taken at Allegheny on a letter grade basis and only the most recent grade for repeated courses are included in the calculations. Only Spanish 600 may be taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. Courses taken in an approved program abroad may count for the major and minor.

The major in Spanish requires completion of a minimum of 42 semester credit hours. Students must take Spanish 305 and 315, either Spanish 325 or 335, Spanish 355 or 365, at least one Spanish 400-level course, Spanish 580, and Spanish 600 and 610. In order to offer a well-balanced program, the Spanish major emphasizes three basic areas: language skills, literature, and civilization and culture. Some of the required courses for the major may be earned through participation in an approved program of study overseas.

The Minor
A minor in Spanish requires completion of 20 semester credit hours in Spanish, including at least eight credit hours on the 300-level. See also the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Minor listed in the “Interdisciplinary Minors” section.

Study Abroad
Students who major or minor in Spanish are encouraged to participate in the area studies program in Seville, Spain or the program in Querétaro, Mexico. Both programs offer courses in Spanish language, civilization and culture, literature, art history, politics and economics.

Designed for students interested in completing a major or minor in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on developing the writing and speaking skills necessary for the student’s successful participation in upper level courses. Special attention is paid to providing the tools for the critical analysis and study of Peninsular and Latin American literature, culture, and civilization. Special attention will also be paid to the student’s specific needs, according to their field of student. Prerequisite: Spanish 215.

A study of the practice of translation from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. Students translate and compare translations of different types of texts in order to better understand differences in language structure and cultural expression. Assignments include translating business letters, advertisements, essays, stories, and poetry, subtitling video, summarizing critical articles, and critiquing peers’ translations.

A course stressing the spoken language, basic structural patterns, reading for comprehension, and introduction to Spanish culture. Three class meetings; one oral practice period a week.

A course stressing the spoken language, basic structural patterns, reading for comprehension, and introduction to Spanish culture. Three class meetings; one oral practice period a week. Prerequisite: Spanish 110 or appropriate score on placement test.

A review of basic structural patterns of Spanish language that combines material from Spanish 110 and 120. Designed for students with previous experience with the language, this course allows students to build off their existing knowledge to increase reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Three class meetings; one oral practice period a week.

Review of grammar and reading of selected texts, with continued emphasis on oral practice and structural patterns. Three class meetings; two oral practice periods a week. Prerequisite: Spanish 120 or appropriate score on placement test.

Reading and discussion of selected texts by modern Spanish or Spanish American authors. Students develop reading, writing and speaking skills in preparation for upper level literature and culture courses with an introduction to literary analysis and continued emphasis on writing. Students who have completed FS SPA 201 will not receive credit for Spanish 225. Prerequisite: Spanish 215 or permission of the instructor.

Intensive discussion and writing on a variety of topical subjects in conjunction with readings of literary texts or periodicals. Includes exercises in phonetics. Designed to provide greater breadth and fluency in spoken and written Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 225.

A study of the structure of the Spanish language including advanced grammar, as well as some review. Special attention is given to development of writing skills. Prerequisite: Spanish 225.

Readings and discussions concerning principal currents of Spanish civilization and culture across the centuries. Recommended prior to study abroad in Spain. Prerequisite: Spanish 225.

A study of the historical evolution of Spanish America from pre-Columbian times to 1810, providing both a political and cultural perspective. Recommended prior to study in Latin America. Prerequisite: Spanish 225.

A study of the historical evolution of Spanish America from 1810 to the present, providing both a political and cultural perspective. Recommended prior to study in Latin America. Prerequisite: Spanish 225.

An examination of Spanish literary and cultural texts to enrich cultural knowledge, increase vocabulary, and reinforce grammatical and communicative structures, with an emphasis on the craft of cultural commentary. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 or 315.

An examination of Latin American literary and cultural texts to enrich cultural knowledge, increase vocabulary, and reinforce grammatical and communicative structures with an emphasis on the craft of cultural commentary. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 or 315.

An introduction to the most important Latin American short story writers in this century, such as Quiroga, Bosch, Borges, Cortazar and Rulfo. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 or 315.

A study of significant filmmakers, national cinematographies, periods and/or themes in Hispanic cinema. Topics vary according to instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 or 315.

An introduction to the literary, cultural, political and historical context that produced Spain’s Golden Age. Special emphasis is given to Cervantes’ Don Quixote and to the works of Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca and other important dramatists. The Baroque poetry of Luis de Góngora and Francisco de Quevedo as well as the work of María de Zayas are also studied. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish literature course.

Introduces students to the work of major Latin American women writers through a variety of feminist approaches to interpretation. Readings and discussions include work from the colonial period to the present. Prerequisite: Spanish 305 or 315 and one other 300-level course.

A critical introduction to the most outstanding authors and currents from the Generation of 1898 to the poets of the Generation of 1927 and to the postwar flourishing of the novel. Special emphasis is given to the present movement and to the important contribution of non-Castilian literatures (Basque, Catalan and Galician) to Spain’s cultural production. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish literature course.

Intensive study of modern Spanish American literature from the Modernist movement to the present. Selected readings and discussion. Prerequisite: One 300-level literature course.

An exploration of the adaptation of Latin American, Spanish, or Caribbbean texts brought to the screen. Students examine short stories, journalistic accounts, novels, and/or screenplays and their filmic counterparts as an inquiry into the nature of verbal and visual representation. Special thematic focus may be given to the importance of constructs of gender, class, or national identity in relation to the film or text’s specific context. Projects include book and film reviews, textual adaptation, or the shooting of a short film with digital cameras. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish literature, film or culture course.

A study of significant authors or themes in Hispanic literature or culture. This course is a seminar that involves readings and discussion and a final research project. Course topic varies from year to year. Annually, the course will include material that instructs students in the preparation of an independent research paper in Spanish. Prerequisite: One 400-level course or permission of the instructor.

Completion and oral defense of the Senior Project. Prerequisite: Spanish 600.

Center for Language and Culture (CLC)

The Center for Language and Culture program offers the opportunity for independent supervised language study. Depending on student enrollment and availability of resources, selected languages may include beginning level American Sign Language, Ancient Greek, Italian or Arabic. Students contemplating such study must submit an application to the CLC Director as early as possible but not later than the pre-registration period. Applications are available in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, 104 Ruter Hall.