Romance and Classical Languages Requirements
Placement in language courses is determined by high school language experience. College credit will be granted on the basis of a score of four or better on the CEEB Advanced Placement Examinations in a second language. A score of 630 or higher on the reading test in any foreign language offered by SAT II (currently French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin and Spanish) will fulfill the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
The student who prefers an orientation toward language and linguistic study rather than an emphasis on literary history and analysis should refer to the descriptions under Foreign Languages and Linguistics.
"Retro" credits: Students whose high school or other background permits them to enroll in a language course above 111 will, after completing the course with a grade of B or above, receive credit for previous courses in the sequence. The maximum credit granted retroactively shall be 12 credits for any one language; credit may be earned for more than one language. Credits will not carry a grade but will count toward the degree.
Study Abroad: See Off-Campus
Study for information on Ripon affiliated programs in Paris, Montpellier, Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, Costa Rica and Córdoba, Argentina.
Communicating Plus: Romance and Classical Languages. Current events in the United States and abroad heighten questions and concerns about international understanding and about the capability of the United States to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries. As a bridge toward enhancing our students’ understanding of themselves as world citizens, our department seeks to anchor its modern language and literature courses within different Francophone, Spanish and Hispanic cultural perspectives. Students majoring in French or Spanish thus develop skills in the four Communicating Plus skills areas - written communication, oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving - embedded within cultural contexts from the earliest levels of language study. Studying a foreign language deals with all
aspects of communication and with the analysis of culture and civilization. Foreign language students are expected to acquire skills through a variety of activities - from rote memorization to autonomous production of dialogues, skits and plays to the writing of creative and analytical papers. At the fifth- and sixth-semester levels and beyond, students study literature, history and culture using authentic documents (written, visual and audio) in the target language. Learning a foreign language thus provides students with opportunities to think and communicate differently. Studying and analyzing how language functions from linguistic and cultural points of view necessarily enhances students’ communication and thinking skills in their native language. We encourage our students to consider their foreign language major or minor as complementary to a second major in another area.
Requirements for a major in French: Thirty-two credits in course work beyond French 222 including French 315 and 320; Linguistics 332; and at least three of the French courses 300, 310, 314, 322, 323, 324, 327, 328, 329, 332, 416, 420, 431, 440, 441, 480, 541 and 542, one of which must be taken during the senior year. All majors are required to study in a Francophone country for a semester in an approved program; they should consult with their adviser before departure about possible courses of study. Courses taken abroad may count toward the French major. Students who take 314 and who also take the 12-credit “Cours Pratiques Intensifs de Langue et Grammaire Françaises” in Paris may apply nine of those 12 credits toward their major.
Those seeking teacher certification must complete 32 credits in course work beyond French 211 including French 315 and 320, and Linguistics 332. An approved study abroad program is required. French 402 also is required, but no credit is given toward the major.
Requirements for a minor in French: Twenty credits beyond 211 including 315 and 320. Though not required, at least one semester abroad in France is strongly recommended. Up to 10 credits of approved course work completed in France may be applied toward the French minor.
Those seeking teacher certification must complete 20 credits in course work beyond French 211 including French 315 and 320, and Linguistics 332. An approved study abroad program is required. French 402 also is required, but no credit is given toward the major.
Requirements for a major in Spanish: Thirty-two credits in course work beyond Spanish 222 including Spanish 315 and 320; Linguistics 332; and at least two courses from the following offerings: 321, 322, 331 or 332; and at least three from the following: 300, 309, 310, 314, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 480, 541 and 542. Courses taken abroad may fulfill part or all of this requirement. Majors are required to take a course at the 400 level their senior year. Students primarily interested in the linguistic aspects of Spanish, such as its history, phonology and dialectology, should consult a professor from the Spanish program for information on appropriate courses offered in the Ripon Academic Year Abroad (RAYA) in Madrid, the Toledo program, the CC-CS program in Seville or Cuba, or the ACM Costa Rica program (designed primarily for science majors). All majors are required to study abroad for at least a semester in an approved program. Majors should consider taking courses in Art History, History, Politics and Government, Anthropology and Latin American Studies.
Those seeking teacher certification must complete 32 credits in course work beyond Spanish 211 including Spanish 315 and 320, and Linguistics 332. An approved study abroad program is required. Spanish 402 also is required, but no credit is given toward the major.
Requirements for a minor in Spanish: Twenty credits beyond 211 including 315 and 320. At least one semester of study in a Spanish-speaking country is highly recommended. Students who choose to study abroad may substitute 10 credits of approved course work for classes above 320.
Those seeking teacher certification must complete 20 credits in course work beyond Spanish 211 including Spanish 315 and 320, and Linguistics 332. An approved study abroad program is required. Spanish 402 also is required, but no credit is given toward the major.
Requirements for a minor in Latin: Twenty credits in course work distributed as follows. Twelve hours in Latin language and literature including Latin 212 and eight additional hours above the intermediate level; History 214 or Linguistics 332; and Classics 220, 250 or 260. Students whose secondary school Latin qualifies them for placement in Latin 320 as a first college course must, in consultation with the department chair, select another four-credit course complementary to the Latin minor as a substitute for Latin 212.
Requirements for a minor in Classical Studies: Twenty-two credits in course work distributed as follows: History 214 or 281; four credits of Greek or Latin at the 112 or high level; one course selected from Anthropology 214, Communication 326, Fine Arts 171, Theatre 231, Religion 121 or 122, Linguistics 332; two courses in Classical Studies; and two credits of Classical Studies 430 for a synoptic writing project.
Students who desire a major centered upon the classical languages or the ancient world may define such a course of study according to their needs and interests under the college’s option for self-designed majors described on page 26.
The Foreign Languages Major is intended for the student who prefers an orientation
toward language and linguistic study rather than literary history and analysis. Comprising the study of three languages of the student’s choosing, it is described on page 102.
Classical Studies Courses
Classical Studies courses require no prior study of Latin or Greek, and all primary texts are read in English translation.
Dual-numbered courses offer qualified students an opportunity for study of the course topic in greater depth and breadth. In selecting the higher-level course, a student will follow the basic syllabus but will enlarge it with supplementary readings leading to occasional essays and class presentations. The higher-level option is recommended for students who already have had courses in Latin, Greek or Classical Studies, and especially for those students undertaking a major or minor in the field.
110/310. Foundations of the Western World (Lowry)
Four credits. A chronological study of the art, literature, religion and statecraft of the civilizations that formed Western culture and values: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Israel, Greece and Rome. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
120/320. Classical Antiquities and Classical Cultures (Lowry)
Four credits. The significance of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Ancient Israel, Greece and Rome will be approached through monuments, architecture, art and artifacts. To the extent possible, items in the Ripon College Collection of Classical Antiquities (“Clark Collection”) will serve as questions whose answers will draw the student into the life and heritage of the classical past. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
220/420. Mythology (Lowry)
Four credits. An introduction to the principal myths of the Greeks and Romans, approaches to their interpretation and their influence on the art and literature of the Western world. Some treatment of myths from the Ancient Near East for comparative purposes.
250/450. Rome’s Rise to World Power (Lowry)
Four credits. A survey of the history, literature, art and architecture of Rome from the beginnings to the second century C.E. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
260. Etymology (Lowry)
Four credits. A study of Greek and Latin elements in the English language designed to improve students’ abilities to comprehend derivatives from the classical languages in bioscientific writings and traditional literature.
300. Departmental Studies in the Classics (Lowry)
One to four credits. Offered on demand. Special subjects in classical studies not covered by regular courses. Topics have included: Roman Coins and Roman Emperors; Classical Epic. This course may be repeated for credit when topics change. Some topics may count toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
430. Variable Topic Seminar (Lowry)
Two to four credits. Offered on demand. Thorough study of a topic in classical studies with a substantial amount of independent writing and research.
540. Independent Study (Lowry)
Two to four credits. Supervised research on topics in classical studies. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of the department chair.
French Courses
111. Elementary French I (Clemente)
Four credits. Elements of grammar, composition, oral communication and reading within cultural frameworks. Conducted in French. Because the 111-112 sequence is a yearlong course, it is highly inadvisable to continue into the 112 level without having received a C- or better in 111 or permission of the instructor.
112. Elementary French II (Clemente)
Four credits. Continued introduction to elements of grammar, composition, oral communication and reading within cultural frameworks. Topics/vocabulary depend upon textbook adopted. This course begins where French 111 finishes in the fall. Conducted in French. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
211. French Via Film and Texts (Poncelet)
Four credits. Extensive work in grammar, conversation and composition while studying aspects of contemporary French life. Prerequisite: French 112 or permission of the instructor. It is highly inadvisable to continue into this level without having received a C- or better in the previous semester. Completes the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
222. Le monde francophone (Poncelet)
Four credits. Special emphasis on building reading skills and expanding vocabulary for better written and oral communication. Cultural units include multi-ethnicity and multi-culturalism, and the Francophone world. Completes the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisite: French 211 or permission of the instructor.
300. Departmental Studies in French (Staff)
One to four credits. Offered on demand. Special subjects in French not covered by regular courses. Topics have included: 20th Century French Theatre; French and Francophone Film; Francophone Women Through Film, Literature and Art. This course may be repeated for credit when topics change. Some topics may count toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisite: French 222 or consent of the instructor.
310. Research Project in Guadeloupe (Clemente)
Two or three credits. A Maymester course. Offered as funding permits. Student research projects conducted in Guadeloupe. Formal instruction in French and excursions throughout the island included. Students are housed with families in the Sainte-Anne area. Students will meet during spring semester in Ripon for an introduction to the island through literature, discussion, lectures, slide presentations and research on the Internet. Students will define a specific photo-essay project to conduct during a two-week stay in Guadeloupe. Projects will vary according to a student’s background and interest. Possible projects include a study of advertising, tourism, flora, women’s roles, the political and economic relationship between the island and France. Students will keep a journal and complete their project reports for submission upon return to the United States. Prerequisite: A solid knowledge of French (beyond the 222 level) or permission of instructor.
314. Mises au Point Grammaticales (Clemente)
Four credits. Intensive review of major concepts and structures of the French language, and introduction to French and Francophone authors through literary excerpts. This course is designed for students who have a strong background in the French language and who wish to improve their speaking and writing skills through expanded grammar studies in conjunction with the study of literature and of contemporary French culture. Emphasis on student oral presentations. Prerequisite: French 222 or the equivalent.
315. French Theatre Workshop (Poncelet)
Four credits. Introduction to the basics of acting through dramatic readings in French, exercises in speech and corporal expression, and written analyses of the works studied. Final project is the preparation and performance of a French play. Prerequisite: French 222 or recommendation of the instructor.
317. French Theatre Workshop (Poncelet)
One or two credits. Same as French 315 but designed for the student who wants to repeat the theatre experience. Prerequisite: French 315 or recommendation of the instructor.
320. Introduction to Literary Analysis (Poncelet)
Four credits. Introduction to literature and advanced training in written and spoken French. An emphasis on reading and literary analysis of texts from different genre that may include: poetry, short story, novel, theatre, film. Special emphasis is placed on critical writing skills. Readings, discussions, written work and examinations in French. Prerequisite: French 315 or the consent of the instructor.
322. Business French (Clemente/Poncelet)
Four credits. Covers general economic concepts as they relate to the modern business world. Students learn current commercial vocabulary regarding money, publicity, office and telephone etiquette, buying and selling, customs and the stock market, and then apply these concepts to a simulated business in a Francophone country. Prerequisite: French 320 or consent of the instructor.
323. Literature and Louis XIV (Clemente)
Four credits. Selected readings from the literature of the 17th century with attention to the representation and critique of the cultural and political milieu in which the works were written. Emphasis on the theater of Corneille, Molière and Racine. All readings, discussion and written work in French. Prerequisite: French 320 or the equivalent.
324. La Mise en Question (Staff)
Four credits. Introduction to the thought and literature of 18th-century France. Emphasis will be placed on social and political criticism as well as on the evolving narrative structure as it reflects the revolutionary mood in France prior to 1789. All readings, discussion and written work in French. Prerequisite: French 320 or the equivalent.
327. Poetry (Poncelet)
Four credits. Introduction to the reading and analysis of selected works of French poets from the Middle Ages to the present. Emphasis on close analytical reading. Prerequisite: French 320 or the equivalent.
328. Genre Studies: The Novel (Clemente)
Four credits. Significant developments in the novel form from its roots in the medieval roman courtois through and including the 20th-century nouveau roman. Emphasis on textual explication and literary analysis. Lectures and student presentations. Prerequisite: French 320 or the equivalent.
329. Contemporary French Issues (Poncelet)
Four credits. Examines and debates social, cultural and political issues in contemporary France and the Francophone world. Students pursue research in the media (magazines, newspaper articles, TV news, Internet) and select issues they wish to study more in-depth through oral presentations and written work.
332. French and Francophone Film (Poncelet)
Three or four credits. Introduction to the specificity of films produced in France and in the French-speaking world, mainly Francophone Africa and the Caribbean. Films from different time periods will be examined from various perspectives: narrative differences in films from Europe, Africa and North America; the role of the film industry; the challenges of adapting literature to cinema; the importance of cinema in the building of a cultural and/or national identity, chiefly in post-colonial Africa; how films address social and political problems and reflect the structure and values of a particular society. May be taught in English. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
402. The Teaching of Modern Languages (Clemente)
Two to four credits. Offered 2009 and alternate years. An exploration of the most recent theories about foreign language methodology and acquisition with practical applications for use in the classroom. This course is designed for prospective teachers of French, German or Spanish and does not count toward the major. Lectures, readings and demonstration teaching. Same as Spanish 402 and German 402. Taught in English.
416. Le Lecteur et le Texte (Poncelet)
Four credits. Examination of the interaction between the reader and the text. Through the study of selected literary works, this course explores how the structure of a work engages the reader in the active process of interpreting and of reconstructing the text. Prerequisite: Course above French 320 or permission of the instructor.
420. French Literary Studies (Staff)
Four credits. Intensive study of various topics in French literature. The course may be repeated for credit when the title and content change. Possible titles: Novel and Film, L’Ecriture Féminine, Autobiography, Surrealism, Literature and the Visual Arts. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
431. Medieval French Literature (Clemente)
Four credits. Introduction to the earliest literature written in Old French across the 12th century, from its beginnings with the epic, La Chanson de Roland, to courtly love and early precursors of the
modern novel. All readings in modern French. Prerequisite: Course above 320 or permission of the instructor.
440, 441. Francophone Literature (Clemente/Poncelet)
Four credits each semester. An introduction to French literature outside of France: Quebec, the Caribbean, and North and West Africa, and French-speaking regions in the United States. Female and male novelists and poets; folk tales; cultural and historical background with particular emphasis on post-colonialism. Prerequisite: Course above French 320 or permission of the instructor.
480. Love and Death in Medieval Europe (Clemente/Fuerch)
Four credits. Focuses on the themes of love and death in medieval French and Spanish literatures. Lectures and discussions will center on the historical, cultural and political background of Occidental Europe from 711 to 1499. The controversial origins of the theme of courtly love as manifested in the early Mozarabic and Provençal lyric will form half the course; attitudes toward death as depicted in epic poetry the other half. Masterpieces such as the Poem of the Cid, the Song of Roland, Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart and The Celestina will be read. Texts in English translation. Lectures in English. Prerequisite: Literature course beyond the 320 level in French or Spanish, or consent of the instructor.
541, 542. Independent Study (Staff)
One to four credits each semester. Supervised research in special topics, authors and periods in French literature. The course may not be used as a substitute for any course in French literature or civilization offered by the department. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, at least 12 credits of junior or senior French courses and consent of the department chair.
551,552. Internship (Clemente/Poncelet)
Two to four credits each semester. Supervised field work through our Community Action Program, area school districts or internships abroad, and including project reports in written and oral presentational formats. Students should be prepared for active participation in their projects and must demonstrate, prior to the project, an ability to work autonomously, critically and objectively. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor and of the department chair.
Greek Courses
111-112. Elementary Greek (Lowry)
Four credits each semester. Offered on demand. Development of a foundation for reading classical Greek. Greek 112 counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
211-212. Intermediate Greek (Lowry)
Four credits each semester. Offered on demand. Readings from Greek prose and poetry chosen for their literary merit and value in developing reading skills. Greek 211 completes the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisite: Greek 112.
320. Readings in Greek Literature (Lowry)
Four credits. Advanced readings organized by theme, author or genre. Repeatable when subtitle and content
change. Prerequisite: Greek 212.
430. Variable Topic Seminar (Lowry)
Four credits. Offered on demand. Thorough study of an author or genre with a substantial amount of independent study and research.
Latin Courses
111-112. Elementary Latin (Lowry)
Four credits each semester. Development of a foundation for reading classical Latin. Special attention is given to the Latin element in English vocabulary and to Latin grammar in relation to the structure of English. Latin 112 counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
211-212. Intermediate Latin (Lowry)
Four credits each semester. Systematic review of grammar; exercises in vocabulary development; readings from adapted and authentic Latin texts chosen for their insights into Latin literature and Roman civilization.
Latin 211 completes the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisite: Latin 112 or the equivalent.
320. Readings in Latin Literature (Lowry)
Four credits. Offered on demand. Advanced readings in a particular author or genre (epic, drama, history, philosophy). Repeatable
when subtitle and content change. Prerequisite: Latin 212, the equivalent in secondary school, or permission of the instructor.
430. Variable Topic Seminar (Lowry)
Four credits. Offered on demand. Thorough study of a period, author, genre or topic in linguistics with a substantial amount of independent writing and research.
540. Independent Study (Lowry)
Two to four credits each semester. Supervised research on topics from Latin literature. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of the department chair.
Portuguese Courses
301. Intensive Beginning Portuguese (Fuerch)
Four credits. Offered on demand. An intermediate level class for students fluent in another Romance language. Elements of grammar and pronunciation are stressed, with extensive work in conversation, reading and writing. Conducted in Portuguese. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor.
302. Intermediate Portuguese (Fuerch)
Three credits. Directed readings in Portuguese. Extensive use of literary and nonliterary texts. All classes conducted in Portuguese. Prerequisite: Portuguese 301.
Spanish Courses
110. Sex, Lies and Stereotypes Through Spanish Film (Fuerch)
Four credits. Conducted in English. This course emphasizes historical,
political, social and cultural contexts as revealed in contemporary
Spanish-speaking films (with English subtitles) produced by prominent
directors. The objective is to raise awareness of gender, socio-political
issues and historical aspects pertaining to Spanish and Latin American
identity and culture. Themes analyzed include immigrant issues, social
injustice and oppression, and gender stereotypes as portrayed in film.
No previous knowledge of Spanish language, history or culture is necessary. Same
as IDS 110. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
111. Elementary Spanish I (Staff)
Four credits. The elements of grammar, oral communication, pronunciation and reading. Emphasis on speaking. Conducted in Spanish. Since the 111-112 sequence is a yearlong course, it is highly inadvisable to continue into the 112 level without having received a C- or better in 111, or permission of the instructor.
112. Elementary Spanish II (Staff)
Four credits. The second half of Spanish 111-112 with continued introduction to elements of grammar, composition, oral communication and reading. Topics/vocabulary depend upon textbook adopted. This course begins where Spanish 111 finishes in the fall. Conducted in Spanish. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement.
211. Intermediate Spanish (Staff)
Four credits each semester. Extensive work in conversation, reading and writing; introduction to Hispanic literature, culture and civilization. Conducted in Spanish. It is highly inadvisable to continue into this level without having received a C- or better in the previous semester. Completes the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisites: Spanish 112 or permission of the instructor.
222. El mundo hispano (Staff)
Four credits. Emphasis on speaking and improving reading skills with grammar review and developing writing skills. Cultural units include the contemporary Hispanic world as well as global issues of strong human interest (women in society, human rights, cultural differences, etc.). Completes the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisite: Spanish 211 or permission of the instructor.
300. Spanish Departmental Studies (Staff)
One to four credits. Offered on demand. Areas of Latin American and Peninsular studies not considered in regular courses. Course format may be tutorial. Prerequisite: Spanish 222 or consent of the instructor.
309. Spanish for Business (Staff)
Four credits. Offered on demand. Designed for students interested in studying Spanish in the context of activities related to business and finance. As emphasis is on specialized and technical vocabulary necessary to function in many areas of the business world, students are expected to have a solid working knowledge of Spanish grammar. Prerequisite: Spanish 320 is strongly advised or consent of the instructor.
310. Maymester in Spain (Fuerch)
Two to four variable credits. A multi-cultural historical explorations experience in Benicasim, Spain. This course will give students an intensive experience in Spanish contemporary culture, language immersion and an introduction to the study of Spain's tripartite historical legacy. Students will visit several historical and cultural sights within a day's journey from Benicasim in an area of Spain not heavily frequented by tourists. Destinations include Sagunto, Peñiscola, Morelia, Val d'Uxo, Castellón, Monte Cristina, Valencia and Barcelona. Students will read, study and learn about the history of the region prior to departure, will review and practice conversational skills, and will design an individual research project based on individual background and interest. Possible projects: a study of regional art, music, theater, dance, architecture, flora, linguistic variations, economic issues of the Huerta or a literary figure. Prerequisite: A minimum of three semesters of Spanish is required or consent of instructor.
314. Conversación avanzada (Staff)
Two to four credits. Offered on demand. Intensive advanced conversation designed to improve communication skills. Expands vocabulary, reviews grammar and strengthens conversational and speaking ability. Format will vary from role-playing, collective problem-solving, team debates, individual and group reports, talk or quiz shows, interviews and oral exams. Topics include technology and progress, human rights, personal relationships, diversity and prejudices, the arts, sports, employment and the economy, contemporary politics in the Spanish-speaking world, amongst others. Prerequisite: Spanish 320 is strongly advised or consent of the instructor.
315. Hispanic Theatre Workshop (Fuerch, Reed)
Four credits. Introduction to the basics of acting through dramatic readings in Spanish, exercises in speech and corporal expression, and written analyses of the works studied. Final project is the preparation and performance of a Hispanic play or short one-act plays. Required trip for performance. Prerequisite: Spanish 222 or recommendation of the instructor.
317. Hispanic Theatre Workshop (Fuerch, Reed)
One or two credits. Same as Spanish 315 but designed for the student who wants to repeat the theatre experience. Possibilities include: acting, student directing, stage managing, etc. Prerequisite: Spanish 315 or recommendation of the instructor.
320. Advanced Spanish: Composition (Staff)
Four credits. Intensive practice in reading and writing. Also development of vocabulary, perfection of advanced grammar and presentation of oral discussion topics in preparation for survey courses. Current topics from Peninsular and Latin American writings (short stories, selections from novels, journals, newspapers, etc.). Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 222 or the equivalent.
321-322. Voces Españolas (Fuerch/Reed)
Four credits. Survey of Spanish Peninsular Literature from the early jarchas (love poems of the 10th century) and epic poetry, the pre-modern period with emphasis on Golden Age literature to the 20th century. All genres are included. Class readings, discussions and assignments all are conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 320.
331-332. Voces Latinoamericanas I & II (Guevara-Geer)
Four credits. Literary history of Spanish-America from the Colonial period to 19th century, introduction to 20th-century Spanish-American modernismo and the writers of the “Boom” and “Post-Boom” eras. Class readings, discussions and assignments are conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 320.
402. The Teaching of Modern Languages (Clemente)
Two to four credits. Offered spring 2009 and alternate years. An exploration of the most recent theories about foreign language methodology and acquisition with practical applications for use in the classroom. This course is designed for prospective teachers of French, German or Spanish and does not count toward the major. Lectures, readings and demonstration teaching. Open to second-semester juniors and seniors. Same as French 402 and German 402. Taught in English. Prerequisite or corequisite: Education 344.
410. El cuento hispanoamericano (Guevara-Geer)
Four credits. Fosters the appreciation of a genre of major importance in Spanish America: the short story. We will study its history and consolidation as a literary genre in Spanish. While reading some masterly examples, we will elaborate a rough esthetics and poetics of the Spanish American
Short Story. After this course, each student will recognize many of the grand writers of Spanish America and - because their contributions have been so decisive - will be enabled to appreciate trends in world literature and world thought. Lectures in Spanish. Prerequisite: Literature course beyond the 320 level in Spanish.
420. El realismo mágico y otros realismos eccéntricos (Guevara-Geer)
Four credits. Examines some Spanish American reactions to realism, with special emphasis on so-called “magical realism.” Taking the realism of the 19th century as a point of departure, we study how its conventions have been stretched, adapted and undone in Spanish American literature
of the 20th century. We study related literary phenomena, like the mythic, the surreal and science fiction. Ours will be a critical approach to this phenomenon because the use and abuse of the term has lit heated debates among many readers, critics and writers. Is it a quaint nod in the direction of less reasonable cultures - or is it a viable mode of thought, an alternative to dominating conventions? Each student should leave the course with an appreciation for texts that advance other realisms, of their literary-cultural contexts and some ideas about how these conventions are, or are not, representative of Spanish America. Prerequisite: Literature course beyond the 320 level in Spanish.
430. Women in Spanish Medieval and Renaissance Literature (Fuerch)
Four credits. Major literary works of pre-modern Spain; social and historical background. Focus on premodern misogynist and feminist literature. Same as Women's and Gender Studies 430. Prerequisite: Spanish 334 or consent of the instructor.
440. Cervantes: Don Quixote (Fuerch)
Four credits. An intensive analysis of Cervantes' masterpiece from several critical perspectives. Seminar format. Conducted in Spanish. Counts toward the Global and Cultural Studies requirement. Prerequisite: Spanish 334 or consent of the instructor.
450. Variable Topic Seminar (Staff)
Four credits. Offered on demand. Thorough study of a period, writer or topic in criticism, literature or linguistics, with a substantial amount of independent writing and research. May be taken three times for credit as long as a different topic is selected. Prerequisite: Spanish 333-334 or consent of the instructor.
460. The Theme of Islam in Spanish Literature (Fuerch)
Four credits. Offered on demand. An intensive analysis of the seven centuries of Islamic presence in Spanish history as portrayed in diverse literary genres from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 334 or consent of the instructor.
470. Post-Franco, Post-Modern: the Literature of Democratic Spain (Reed)
Four credits. An examination of the literary production of Spain from the fall of the dictatorship (1975) to the present. Themes and genres studied include meta-fiction, feminism, post-modernity, generation ”x,” historical novels and mass culture. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 334 or consent of the instructor.
480. Love and Death in Medieval Europe (Clemente, Fuerch)
Four credits. Focuses on the themes of love and death in medieval French and Spanish literatures. Lectures and discussions will center on the historical, cultural and political background of Occidental Europe from 711 to 1499. The controversial origins of the theme of courtly love as manifested in the early Mozarabic and Provençal lyric will form half the course; attitudes toward death as depicted in epic poetry the other half. Masterpieces such as the "Poem of the Cid", the "Song of Roland", "Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart" and "The Celestina" will be read. Texts in English translation. Lectures in English. Prerequisite: Literature course beyond the 320 level in French or Spanish, or consent of instructor.
541, 542. Independent Study (Staff)
One to four credits each semester. Supervised research in special topics, authors and periods in Spanish and Spanish-American literature. The course may not be used as a substitute for any course in Spanish literature or civilization offered by the department. May be taken three times for credit as long as a different topic is selected. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, at least 12 credits of junior or senior Spanish courses, and consent of the department chair.
551, 552. Internship (Staff)
Two to eight credits. Supervised work off-campus in a Spanish-speaking country or with a Spanish-speaking U.S. agency or community, including an individually designed written research paper or report on the project as approved by the professor. Prerequisites:
Consent of the professor and/or chair of the department.
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