Course Catalogs

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2013-2014 Course Catalog
Catalog
2013-2014

Department/Program:

Modern Languages

The department introduces students to the complexities of other cultures through the study of another language. Learning a foreign language fosters the ability to cope with the unfamiliar, both linguistically and culturally, and to value diversity and understand interdependence. The study of modern foreign languages prepares students to deal empathetically with people of other cultures and backgrounds, both within our country and abroad. 

The department stresses proficiency-oriented teaching methodologies that are supported by appropriate technologies. The proficiency orientation stresses contextual and practical use of language; therefore the language is used in the classroom as much as possible. Modern language study at Nebraska Wesleyan University offers students the opportunity to enhance their personal and professional opportunities regardless of their majors and future career goals.

Majors

The department offers majors in French, German, and Spanish. To complete a major, one must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours including 1 credit hour for a senior project. The minimum 31 hours must include 25 hours beyond Stage IV (102) and at least one 3-credit literature course. Twelve of these hours must be earned in a semester abroad in the language of their major. The department also requires an exit interview of its graduates.

Up to 9 hours of retroactive credit (advanced credit) is available for 101, 102, and 201 upon the completion of the appropriate higher-level course with a grade of “B” (3.00) or better. Students will qualify for placement at advanced levels through testing results and/or other criteria that the department determines relevant. In no case may one complete a major with fewer than 12 credit hours earned in residence within the department.

Students majoring in French, German, or Spanish are required to incorporate a study abroad experience of one semester (12+ credit hours) in the language of their major. For information on the many available exchange programs and financial aid and scholarship options, students should talk with the Director of International Education and visit the library of study abroad resources. Following study abroad, a major needs to complete one additional 3 hour upper-level course in residence at Nebraska Wesleyan, plus the 1 hour senior comprehensive.

Majors preparing to teach a modern language should consult the education department.

**In the exceptional circumstance of a student who has already declared a first major in another department with the intent of earning a B.S. degree, a student may submit a petition to the Department of Modern Languages seeking permission to declare a second major in language for a B.S. degree.

Minors

A minor in French, German, or Spanish requires at least 15 hours above Stage II in a single language, including both 201 and 202 in that language. For students studying language abroad, a minor requires at least one upper-level course in the language in residence at NWU. In no case may one earn a minor with fewer than 4 hours at Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Up to 9 hours of retroactive credit (advanced credit) is available for 101, 102, and 201 upon the completion of the appropriate higher-level course with a grade of “B” (3.00) or better. Students will qualify for placement at advanced levels through testing results and/or other criteria that the department determines relevant.

 

Courses

An introductory course on Mandarin Chinese designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture with emphasis on practical communication.

Continuation of CHIN 001 Mandarin Chinese: Stage I.

An introduction to the French language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on practical communication.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Continuation of FRNCH 001 French: Stage I.

Prerequisite(s): FRNCH 001 French: Stage I or equivalent.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses for students who have not reached the intermediate level. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

French 101/102 are a two-part sequence of intermediate-level French, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level courses, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French. Prerequisite: French Stage 2 (FRNCH 002) or equivalent.

French 101/102 are a two-part sequence of intermediate-level French, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level courses, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French. Prerequisite: French Stage 2 (FRNCH 002) or equivalent.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide intermediate-level study of subject matter in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

A study with practical exercises of the sound system of French. Includes readings, oral interpretations, and recorded laboratory exercises. (Not open to native speakers of French.)

Prerequisite(s): Two years of French or permission of the department.

A course dealing with the literature, culture, and contributions of France to civilization, with emphasis on contemporary culture, history, and life in France. (Not open to native speakers of French.)

 

French 206 is an advanced French course with an emphasis on short fiction and poetry of the ninetheenth century. The course serves to introduce students to the principal writers and literary movements of the nineteenth century from Romanticism to Symbolism. Students will develop literary analysis skills while imporving their written and oral French skills. (Not open to native speakers of French.) Prerequisite(s): French 102 or permission of the department.

An introduction to the prose, drama, and poetry of modern France. (Not open to native speakers of French.)

Prerequisite(s): FRNCH-202 or permission of the department.

An introduction to French business language and practices, emphasizing vocabulary and cultural awareness. (Not open to native speakers of French.)

Prerequisite(s): FRNCH-202 or permission of the department.

Reading, discussion, and analysis of selected texts from across the Francophone literary tradition. Areas of focus are one or more of the following regions: Africa, the Caribbean, or Canada. May be repeated if region is different.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide advanced study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students. (Not open to native speakers of French.)

Prerequisite(s): FRNCH-202 or permission of the department.

Independent Study

An introduction to the German language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on practical communication.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Continuation of GERMN 001 German: Stage I.

Prerequisite(s): GERMN 001 German: Stage I or equivalent.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses for students who have not reached the intermediate level. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

German 101/102 are a two-part sequence of intermediate-level German, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level courses, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in German. Prerequisite: German Stage 2 (GERMN 002) or equivalent.

German 101/102 are a two part sequence of intermediate-level German, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level course, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in German. Prerequisite: German Stage 2 (GERMN 002) or equivalent.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide intermediate-level study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

Special Projects

An introduction to culture and daily life in contemporary Germany providing an overview of language, customs, social interaction, the arts, history, politics, the economy, and Germany's role in the European Union. Students should gain insight into how these factors affect the lives of Germans today. (Not open to native speakers of German.)

Prerequisite(s): GERMN-202 or permission of the department.

Emphasis is on short fiction and poetry. (Not open to native speakers of German.)

Prerequisite(s): GERMN-202 or permission of the department.

An introduction to prose, drama, and poetry of Germany, Austria and Switzerland since 1900. (Not open to native speakers of German.)

Prerequisite(s): GERMN 102 German: Stage IV or permission of the department.

An introduction to German business language and practices, emphasizing vocabulary and cultural awareness. (Not open to native speakers of German.)

Prerequisite(s): GERMN-202 or permission of the department.

This course is designed to introduce students to current topics of the German language media. The scope of topics will vary by semester, but will include politics, social issues, culture, the economy, history as it informs the current situation, immigration, and environmental issues. Original language texts from German-language print and online newspapers and magazines, as well as radio and TV broadcasts, will serve as the primary texts and basis for class discussion and projects. Students will also have an opportunity to compare and contrast German coverage of some global and local events with news coverage in the U.S. (Not open to native speakers of German.)

Prerequisite(s): GERMN-202 or permission of the department.

This advanced-level German skill enhancement course uses as its context the study of post- unification German society and culture in all its diversity as reflected through films produced since 1990. Topics may include: coming to terms with history, fascism, the Holocaust, generational issues, identity, immigrant experiences, politics, reunification, social and cultural traditions and terrorism. Required course readings in advance of each film provide context and the necessary vocabulary/terms to discuss the film in depth afterward. Topics and films may vary by semester. The class will be conducted entirely in German. Prerequisite: German 202 or permission of the instructor.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide advanced study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students. (Not open to native speakers of German.)

Prerequisite(s): GERMN-202 or permission of the department chair.

An introduction to the Japanese language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on practical communication.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Continuation of JAPAN 001 Japanese: Stage I.

Prerequisite(s): JAPAN 001 Japanese: Stage I.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

JAPAN 101 Japanese: Stage III is the first in a two-part sequence of intermediate-level Japanese, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level courses, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Japanese.

Prerequisite(s): JAPAN 002 Japanese: Stage II.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Continuation of JAPAN 101 Japanese: Stage III.

Prerequisite(s): JAPAN 101 Japanese: Stage III.

(Normally offered each spring semester.)

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide intermediate-level study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide advanced study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

Prerequisite(s): JAPAN 102 Japanese: Stage IV.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide lower-level study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

Readings, written composition, and discussion of a selection of significant European writers from the Renaissance to modern times.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide intermediate level study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

This course is designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that are unique to language-learning abroad, to engage students in meaningful activities while abroad, to maintain a connection with students while abroad, and to foster continued development of skills and knowledge following the study abroad period. Students will be introduced to specific strategies in language and culture learning in the target culture to help students achieve an experience in the host culture that is meaningful and productive. Prerequisite: Permission of Department.

An opportunity for a student to engage in advanced, supervised, individual field, lab, or library research. Independent study may not duplicate courses described in the catalog.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department.

Supervised work on an approved project involving subject matter not included in any of the standard courses. Projects are normally developed individually but may be developed in organized groups. Students should designate the area of work and seek departmental approval in the semester prior to registration. When MLANG 296 Special Projects is taken to fulfill the senior comprehensive requirement, the exit interview process will be part of the course requirements.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department.

MLANG 297 Internship (1-8 hours)

The language internship is designed for those students who wish to pursue an experience using the target language outside the traditional classroom environment. It is the responsibility of the student to secure a situation with an appropriate sponsor. With the help of the appropriate faculty member, the student should design an internship according to departmental guidelines. A maximum of 2 hours may be applied toward the major. When the Internship is taken to fulfill the senior comprehensive requirement, the exit interview process will be part of the course requirements.

Pass/fail only.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of the department.

This course is a senior-level research and writing seminar that serves to provide instruction and guidance to Modern Language majors as they complete their culminating senior research project/internship experience, providing them practice in reflective, academic, and analytical writing and guidance in project planning. In this course students produce their chosen senior project, which may be an internship project, a research paper of approximately 20 pages, or a creative work supplemented with a critical essay. Students will evaluate existing literature relevant to their topics, develop annotated bibliographies, build background vocabulary in their target language, and carry out their final project. Small group collaboration and peer editing will be emphasized, with students working toward the development of critical reading skills and growing level of independence in their writing. Course will be taught in English.

An introduction to the Spanish language designed to develop skills in aural comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with emphasis on practical communication.

(Normally offered each fall semester.)

Continuation of SPAN 001 Spanish: Stage I.

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 001 Spanish: Stage I or placement into SPAN 002 Spanish: Stage II.

(Normally offered each semester.)

SPAN 005 Spanish: Spanish for Communication is designed to offer an opportunity for learners to develop very basic Spanish communication skills. The course will concentrate on developing pronunciation skills and vocabulary as well as providing a basic knowledge of Spanish grammar on which learners will be able to build future skills should they choose to do so. This course is designed for students who have not previously studied the language; students who have had limited previous contact with the language may enroll in the course only by permission of the instructor.

(This course meets general education requirement Area C1 for students in the Adult Undergraduate program only.)

This course is designed to offer an opportunity for health professionals to develop basic communication skills and will focus on the language structures and vocabulary most needed to use with their clients in the work place. This course is designed for students who have not previously studied the language; students who have had limited previous contact with the language may enroll in the course only by permission of the instructor.

(This course meets general education requirement Area C1 for students in the Adult Undergraduate program only.)

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses for students who have not reached the intermediate level. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students.

Spanish 101/102 are a two part sequence of intermediate-level Spanish, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level courses, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 2 (SPAN 002) or equivalent.

Spanish 101/102 are a two part sequence of intermediate-level Spanish, designed to build upon basic language concepts acquired in introductory-level courses, expand cultural knowledge, and increase confidence while enhancing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 2 (SPAN 002) or equivalent.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide intermediate level study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students. This course may be offered to meet a requirement for a major only by approval of the department chair.

Spanish 201 is a third-year course designed to provide guided practice in speaking Spanish. Class will be conducted entirely in Spanish. In this course we will build vocabulary and cultural understanding while we focus on the fundamental communicative skills necessary to natural, everyday conversation. Empahsis will be on realistic conversation and oral presentaiton of opinions and facts that closely resemble interaction required of studens living in a Spanish-speaking country or cultivating realationships with native Spanish speakers. Grammatical structures will be discussed as a support for oral communication. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 4 or equivalent, or permission of Department. May not be taken after semester of study abroad.

Spanish 202 is a third-year course designed to provide guided practice in writing Spanish in the context of a formal, academic setting. The course includes annotated readings and advanced language study (vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation) to provide the tools to master written Spanish. Writing "workships" provide the framework to be a successful writer and are based on a process approach to writing, involving, brainstorming, free-writing, models, organizing, drafting, and revising. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 4 or equivalent or permission of the department.

Spanish 203 is a third-year course designed to provide guided practice in Spanish reading. Students will read a variety of texts, including short stories, essays, poetry and media texts, and will be introduced to strategies for interpreting and analyzing those texts. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 4 or equivalent, or permission of Department.

A course that will introduce students to the culture and contemporary society of Spain with an overview of language and communication, history, religion, tradition and celebration, art and architecture, film, literature, and government.

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

Reading and discussion of selected Spanish literature. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

This advanced-level course is an introduction to the literature of Spanish-speaking South America and the unique perspectives of that continent as reflected in its literary tradition. Students will read essays, short stories, at least one novel as well as some media articles and poetry. In addition to assigned readings, each student will research and present an additional topic of interest that further explores topics related to the course. Class will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 224 or permisison of the department chair.

An introduction to Spanish and Latin American business language and practices, emphasizing vocabulary and cultural awareness. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

An examination of the theme of love in Hispanic literature from medieval times to the present, including works by the Arcipreste de Ita, Rojas, Ortega y Gasset, Hartzenbush, Tirso de Molina, Valera, Becquer, and Unamuno. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

This course provides a sequenced review of the grammar of the Spanish language, with an emphasis on areas of particular difficulty for persons whose first language is English. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 4 or equivalent, or permission of Department.

A study of Hispanic culture through the reading and discussion of selected literary works. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition.

A course designed to introduce students to contemporary literature written by Hispanic authors for the adolescent reader. Works selected will be representative of a variety of Spanish-speaking countries and will be targeted for readers between the ages of 10 and 18. Emphasis in the course will be on the social and cultural elements that affect the lives and beliefs of young people from Spanish-speaking countries, as reflected in contemporary literature. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

This course will introduce students to the culture and contemporary society of Mexico with an overview of the country's history, politics, art, festivals, religious celebrations, and cuisine. Students will read a recent novel and see a contemporary film in order to catch the full "flavor" of the vitality and richness of Mexican culture. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

This advanced-level course is an introduction to the culture of Spanish-speaking South America. Aspects of contemporary Spanish-speaking South America to be studied wil be political perspectives, economics, social and ethnic issues, art, music, film and contemporary society. In addition to assigned readings, each student will research and present an additional topic of interest that further explores the content and concepts studied during the course. Class will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 and 4 hours from SPAN 201, 203, 210, or 251, or permission of the department chair.

Spanish 251 is a third-year course designed to provide an introduction to the study and practice of the sounds of Spanish with an emphasis on practical exercises for improving students' pronunciation of Spanish. In it students will study the major phonetic characteristics of regional varieties of the Spanish of Spain and Latin America. Topics to be covered in the course include the articulatory system, trascription and phonetic alphabets, and the similarities and differences between the sounds and pronunciation patterns of Spanish and English. Prerequisite: Spanish Stage 4 or equivalent, or permission of Department.

This advanced-level course is a study of Spanish culture through film and the way in which film and the images presented in this medium reflect cultural themes. Topics such as war and violence, women's role in contemporary society, and a range of social issues will be covered. Students will acquire an overview of the development of the film industry in Spain. The class will be conducted entirely in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPAN 202 Spanish Composition and four hours from SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation, SPAN 203 Reading Strategies, SPAN 210 Spanish Advanced Grammar Review and SPAN 251 Introduction to Spanish Phonetics, or permission of the department chair.

This course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of the field of Spanish linguistics and give them the skills to apply those concepts to the study and analysis of the Spanish language. The course will include an overview of the basic fields of linguistic analysis, with particular emphasis on the areas of morphology, phonetics and syntax. Attention will also be devoted to dialectal varieties of Spanish, including the use of Spanish in the United States. Prerequisites: Spanish 201 and 202 or permission of Department.

This course is designed to examine Hispanic film as a reflection of the cultural and political context in which it is conceived and produced. Students will view, discuss, and write about 10-15 films from Latin America and Spain. The films assigned will be chosen for their cultural value and artistic merit. Students will watch films outside of class and discuss them in class. Although there will be a heavy emphasis on listening comprehension and speaking, research and writing assignments will be included. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.

A course designed to treat subject matter not covered in other departmental courses or to provide advanced study of subject matter introduced in other courses. The title, content, and credit hours will be determined by current mutual interests of faculty and students. (Not open to native speakers of Spanish.)

Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 Spanish Conversation and SPAN 202 Spanish Composition or permission of the department.