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Modern Language Studies (MLS, FRN, GERM, SPAN)
Professor: Kingery
Associate Professor: Cagle
Assistant Professors: Mesa Morales, Stafford (Chair), Varona
Lecturer: Rintelman
Instructors: Murphy, Ribitsch
The study of modern languages and literatures offers opportunities to explore broadly the varieties of human experience and thought. It contributes both to personal and to international understanding by providing competence in a modern language and a critical acquaintance with the literature and culture of foreign peoples. A major can serve as a gateway to careers in business, education, government, journalism, publishing, social agencies, translating, and writing. It prepares for graduate work in literature or linguistics and the international fields of area studies, business, health, law, and politics.
Major Fields of Study
French & Francophone Studies, German, and Spanish are offered as major fields of study. The major consists of at least 36 credits of courses numbered 111 and above. See French & Francophone Studies, German, and Spanish sections below for specific requirements for each major. Students who intend to pursue graduate study in a modern language should take additional 300- and 400-level courses. The department encourages students to consider allied courses from related fields, a second major, or an interdisciplinary major such as International Studies.
MLS Core Language Major Requirements
All French & Francophone Studies, German, and Spanish majors must study abroad in a French-, German-, or Spanish-speaking country for a period of twelve continuous weeks, successfully completing at least 8 credits in the studied language.
Students not pursuing teacher certification can opt out of the study abroad requirement by completing one of the following three options:
(1) Major or minor in a second language.
(2) Take 3 courses from the list below, with courses from at least two prefixes.
| ANTH 103 |
Cultural Anthropology |
| ANTH 230 |
Anthropology of Latin America |
| ANTH 334 |
Economic Anthropology |
| ARHI 223 |
Introduction to Art History II |
| ARHI 331 |
Recent Developments in Art |
| ARHI 339 |
Gender and Sexuality in Art |
| ARHI 342 |
Art and Politics in Latin America |
| HIST 217 |
20th Century Europe |
| HIST 221 |
Latin America |
| MUS 335 |
History of Western Music I |
| MUS 336 |
History of Western Music II |
| PSCI 140 |
Comparative Politics and Geography |
| PSCI 242 |
Human Rights |
| PSCI 245 |
Latin American Politics |
(3) Complete 36 credits in the major at the 111 level or above, including study abroad in a French-, German-, or Spanish-speaking country for at least 8 continuous weeks, successfully completing at least 8 credits in the studied language, plus complete two courses listed under option 2.
Study Abroad Programs
Lycoming has program partners in various programs throughout the world, and students may also study abroad through non-affiliate programs. Students who intend to study abroad should visit the Study Abroad office in the Center for Enhanced Academic Experiences as early as possible and begin planning with their major advisor by the first week of the semester prior to departure. To qualify, students must have sophomore standing or higher, overall and major GPAs of 2.50, and positive recommendations from faculty in the major.
Teacher Certification
Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education listing.
Modern Language Studies (MLS)
338
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AND PEDAGOGY
Explores contemporary theories and practices of second language acquisition. Emphasis placed on the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century. Students write classroom observations, create and teach mini-lessons, conduct research, and devise a unit plan. Designed for future teachers of one or more languages and normally taken in the junior year. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Taught in English. Does not count toward majors in French & Francophone Studies, German, or Spanish.
449
JUNIOR-SENIOR COLLOQUIUM
This colloquium offers French & Francophone Studies, German, and Spanish majors the opportunity to meet regularly with peers, professors, and invited guest speakers to discuss linguistic, literary, cultural, and pedagogical topics. Each student is required to deliver at least one oral presentation of approximately 20 minutes in a language other than English in their second semester. A letter grade is assigned in a semester when a student gives a presentation. Otherwise the grade is Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: junior standing. The department recommends that, when possible, students take one semester of 449 during their junior year and another semester during their senior year. Taught in English. The Colloquium will meet a minimum of 6 times during the semester. Non-credit course.
FRENCH & FRANCOPHONE STUDIES (FRN)
Major Requirements
The major consists of 40 credits in French & Francophone Studies, although up to 12 credits of placement or other exemption may reduce the total major credits. The following courses must be taken or exempted: FRN 101, 102, 111, 112, 221 or 223, and 225. Regardless of placement, students are required to complete 16 additional credits at the 300-level or above; of these, at least 8 credits must be at the 400-level.
French & Francophone Studies majors must pass at least two semesters of MLS 449 and successfully complete at least 8 credits in French during at least 12 continuous weeks of study abroad in a French-speaking country (or complete one of the other three options listed under MLS Core Language Major Requirements).
Capstone Requirement
Majors are required to pass two semesters of MLS 449 (Junior-Senior Colloquium).
Diversity and Writing Courses
The following courses satisfy the Global Cultural Diversity Requirement: FRN 221, 225, 311, 315, 321, and 426. The following course satisfiess either the Domestic or Global Diversity Requirement: FRN 223. A list of courses that, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.
Minor Requirements
A minor consists of 28 credits in French & Francophone Studies, although up to 12 credits of placement or other exemption may reduce the total minor credits. The following courses must be taken or exempted: FRN 101, 102, 111, 112, 221 or 223, 225. Regardless of placement, students are required to complete at least 4 credits at the 300- or 400-level.
101
ELEMENTARY FRENCH I
Students acquire novice-level French proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course introduces students to the French language and Francophone cultures by focusing on real-world implications of language learning and the transferable skills it imparts. Learning French, a language of international relations and economic trade, prepares students to be better global citizens.
102
ELEMENTARY FRENCH II
Students continue to acquire novice-level French proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This course introduces students to the French language and Francophone cultures by focusing on real-world implications of language learning and the transferable skills it imparts. Learning French, a language of international relations and economic trade, prepares students to be better global citizens. Prerequisite: FRN 101 or equivalent.
111
INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I
Intensive review and development of intermediate proficiency in all language skills. This course introduces students to the French language and Francophone cultures by focusing on real-world implications of language learning and the transferable skills it imparts. Learning French, a language of international relations and economic trade, prepares students to be better global citizens. Prerequisite: FRN 102 or equivalent.
112
INTERMEDIATE FRENCH II
Continued review and development of intermediate proficiency in all language skills. This course introduces students to the French language and Francophone cultures by focusing on real-world implications of language learning and the transferable skills it imparts. Learning French, a language of international relations and economic trade, prepares students to be better global citizens. Prerequisite: FRN 111 or equivalent.
221
FRENCH CONVERSATION AND REVIEW
Helps students improve their mastery of the French language with specific focus on listening comprehension and oral production. Students develop real-world communication skills necessary for living and working in a francophone context. Prerequisite: FRN 112 or equivalent. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
223
FRENCH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS
Provides native speakers of French with the opportunity to improve strategic speaking, reading, and writing skills appropriate for academic and professional settings; to enhance understanding and appreciation of Francophone cultures and histories; and to evaluate the current status of French as a global language. Not open to students who have completed lower level French classes. Prerequisite: This course is limited to students placed therein by the Modern Language Studies Department. Fulfills either Domestic or Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
225
FRENCH COMPOSITION AND REVIEW
Helps students improve their mastery of the French language with specific focus on reading comprehension and written production. Students develop their written communication skills in a variety of genres such as descriptive, narrative, argumentative, and professional writing. Prerequisite: FRN 221 or 223. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
311
FRANCOPHONE CULTURES
Introduces students to the values, customs, and institutions of the francophone world in the context of the transnational geographic and historical forces affecting contemporary Europe, the Maghreb, SubSaharan Africa, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean. Students investigate the viability of a Francophone identity, given the plurality of identities found within the francophone community, through the analysis of francophone cinema. Prerequisite: FRN 225 or consent of instructor. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
315
INTRODUCTION TO FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE LITERATURES
Diverse readings draw from both French and Francophone literatures and represent significant literary movements from the Middle Ages to the present. Designed to acquaint the student with literary concepts and terms, genre study, and the basic skills of literary analysis. Prerequisite: FRN 225 or consent of instructor. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
321
SPECIAL TOPICS IN FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Examination of significant cultural or literary topics concerning the French-speaking world. Possible topics include: Francophone short stories, French theatre, French-speaking women writers, French and Francophone poetry, Paris and the Avant-garde, Francophone cinema, Francophone Africa, In Search of Creoleness. Prerequisites: FRN 225 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
412
FRENCH LITERATURE OF THE 19TH CENTURY
The dimensions of the Romantic sensibility: Musset, Hugo, Madame de Staël, Vigny, Balzac, Stendhal, Sand; realism and naturalism in the novels of Flaubert and Zola; and the poetry of Baudelaire, Desbordes-Valmore, Rimbaud, Verlaine, and Mallarmé. Prerequisite: One French & Francophone Studies course at the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
418
ADVANCED LANGUAGE PRACTICE
Intensive practice for advanced students who wish to further improve their spoken and written French. Includes work in oral comprehension, pronunciation, composition, and textual analysis. Also includes an introduction to linguistics, including phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax. Prerequisites: Either two French & Francophone Studies courses at the 300 level, one at the 400 level, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
426
SPECIAL TOPICS IN FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Readings of important works and movements in French and/or Francophone literature and culture. Reading selections may focus on a particular genre or they may be a combination of drama, poetry, and prose. Cultural topics may be explored with an interdisciplinary approach. Possible topics include Medieval literature, the Baroque period, the epistolary novel, Romanticism, 20th century poetry, French cinema, children’s literature, surrealism and the avant-garde, the Francophone novel, French literature and art between the wars. Prerequisites: One French & Francophone Studies course at the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
427
FRENCH LITERATURE OF THE 20TH CENTURY
Explores the major movements of the 20th century, beginning with the poetry of the Surrealists, continuing with the Theatre of the Absurd, and culminating in the New Novel. Representative writers include Proust, Breton, Céline, Camus, Duras, Saurraute, and Le Clézio. Prerequisite: One French & Francophone Studies course at the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
470-479
INTERNSHIP
N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Examples of recent studies in French & Francophone Studies include translation, Existentialism, the classical period, enlightenment literature, and Saint-Exupery.
490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
German (GERM)
Major Requirements
The major consists of 40 credits in German, although up to 12 credits of placement or other exemption may reduce the total major credits. The following courses must be taken or exempted: GERM 101, 102, 111, 112, 221, and 225. Regardless of placement, students are required to complete 16 additional credits at the 300-level or above; of these, at least 8 credits must be at the 400-level.
German majors must pass at least two semesters of MLS 449 and successfully complete at least 8 credits in German during at least 12 continuous weeks of study abroad in a German-speaking country (or complete one of the other three options listed under MLS Core Language Major Requirements). All majors are encouraged to enroll in MUS 336 and THEA 335.
Capstone Requirement
Majors are required to pass two semesters of MLS 449 (Junior-Senior Colloquium).
Diversity and Writing Courses
The following courses satisfy the Global Cultural Diversity Requirement: GERM 221, 225, 311, 315, 321, and 426. A list of courses that, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.
Minor Requirements
A minor consists of 28 credits in German, although up to 12 credits of placement or other exemption may reduce the total minor credits. The following courses must be taken or exempted: GERM 101, 102, 111, 112, 221, 225. Regardless of placement, students are required to complete at least 4 credits at the 300- or 400-level.
101
ELEMENTARY GERMAN I
Students acquire novice-level German proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Examination of German cultural products encourages students to view diverse peoples as different yet interrelated.
102
ELEMENTARY GERMAN II
Students continue to acquire novice-level German proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Examination of German cultural products encourages students to view diverse peoples as different yet interrelated. Prerequisite: GERM 101 or equivalent.
111
INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I
Intensive review and development of intermediate proficiency in all language skills. Focus on the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Cultural and short literary readings are broader in scope and the study of German films is incorporated in the curriculum. Prerequisite: GERM 102 or equivalent.
112
INTERMEDIATE GERMAN II
Continued review and development of intermediate proficiency in all language skills. Focus on the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Cultural and short literary readings are broader in scope and the study of German films is incorporated in the curriculum. In addition a task-based component is featured in this course. Prerequisite: GERM 111 or equivalent.
221
GERMAN CONVERSATION AND REVIEW
Refinement and improvement in the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication with a view to increasing proficiency toward the advanced level. Conversations and writing focus on contemporary films, cultural readings, and literary texts. Phonetics, pronunciation, and in-depth grammar review. Prerequisite: GERM 112 or equivalent. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
225
GERMAN COMPOSITION AND REVIEW
Intensive reading and writing program based largely on current topics in the German-speaking countries, and on literature, film, music, art, and other cultural products. Literary texts include two novels. Strong emphasis placed on reading comprehension and the further development of writing skills toward the advanced level. Prerequisite: GERM 221. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
311
MODERN GERMANY
Designed to familiarize students with social and political structures and cultural attitudes in contemporary German, Austrian, and Swiss society. Material may include newspaper articles, interviews, films, and readings in history, religion, anthropology, and the arts. Some attention is paid to the changing education system, to the family, and to events and ideas that have shaped German-speaking cultures. Prerequisite: GERM 221 or consent of instructor. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
315
INTRODUCTION TO GERMAN-LANGUAGE LITERATURE
Diverse readings draw from German, Swiss, and Austrian literature and represent significant literary movements from the Middle Ages to the present. Designed to acquaint the student with literary concepts and terms, genre study, and the basic skills of literary analysis. Prerequisite: GERM 225 or consent of instructor. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
321
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Examination of significant cultural or literary topics concerning the German-speaking world. Possible topics include: the German Novelle, German theatre, the fairy tale, German poetry, German film, German art and culture. Prerequisite: GERM 225 or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
411
THE NOVELLE
The German Novelle as a genre relating to various literary periods. Prerequisite: One German course at the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
418
ADVANCED LANGUAGE PRACTICE
Intensive practice for advanced students who want to improve their spoken and written German. Includes work in oral comprehension, pronunciation, oral and written composition, translation, and the development of the language and its relationship to English. Also includes an introduction to linguistics, including phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax. Prerequisite: GERM 225 or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
426
SPECIAL TOPICS IN GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE
The study of important works and movements in German literature and culture. Reading selections may focus on a particular genre or they may be a combination of drama, poetry, and prose. Cultural topics may be explored with an interdisciplinary approach. Possible topics include: Medieval literature, Romanticism, Classicism, fairy tales, Goethe, East and West Germany, the Weimar Republic, the Uncanny, post-reunification literature and film. Prerequisite: One German course at the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
470-479
INTERNSHIP
N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Examples of recent studies in German include Classicism, Germanic Mythology, Hermann Hesse, the dramas of Frisch and DüDurrenmatt.
490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Spanish (SPAN)
Major Requirements
The major consists of 40 credits in Spanish, although up to 12 credits of placement or other exemption may reduce the total major credits. The following courses must be taken or exempted: SPAN 101, 102, 111, 112, 221 or 223, and 225. Regardless of placement, students are required to complete 16 additional credits at the 300-level or above; of these, at least 8 credits must be at the 400-level.
Spanish majors must pass at least two semesters of MLS 449 and successfully complete at least 8 credits in Spanish during at least 12 continuous weeks of study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country (or complete one of the other three options listed under MLS Core Language Major Requirements). Recommended course: HIST 221.
Capstone Requirement
Majors are required to pass two semesters of MLS 449 (Junior-Senior Colloquium).
Diversity and Writing Courses
The following courses satisfy the Global Cultural Diversity Requirement: SPAN 221, 225, 311, 315, 321, and 426. The following course satisfies either the Domestic or Global Diversity Requirement: SPAN 223. A list of courses that, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the Writing Requirement, can be found on the Registrar’s website and in the GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS section of the catalog.
Minor Requirements
A minor consists of 28 credits in Spanish, although up to 12 credits of placement or other exemption may reduce the total minor credits. The following courses must be taken or exempted: SPAN 101, 102, 111, 112, 221 or 223, 225. Regardless of placement, students are required to complete at least 4 credits at the 300- or 400-level.
101
ELEMENTARY SPANISH I
Students acquire novice-level Spanish proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Examination of Spanish and Latin American cultural products encourages students to view diverse peoples as different yet interrelated.
102
ELEMENTARY SPANISH II
Students continue to acquire novice-level Spanish proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Examination of Spanish and Latin American cultural products encourages students to view diverse peoples as different yet interrelated. Prerequisite: SPAN 101 or equivalent.
111
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
Intensive review and development of intermediate proficiency in all language skills. Focus on the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Cultural and short literary readings are broader in scope, and the study of Spanish and Latin American films is incorporated in the curriculum. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent.
112
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II
Continued review and development of intermediate proficiency in all language skills. Focus on the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication. Cultural and short literary readings are broader in scope, and the study of Spanish and Latin American films is incorporated in the curriculum. In addition a task-based component is featured in this course. Prerequisite: SPAN 111 or equivalent.
221
SPANISH CONVERSATION AND REVIEW
Refinement and improvement in the development of interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication with a view to increasing proficiency toward the advanced level. Conversations and writing focus on contemporary cultural readings, literary texts, and film. Also includes an in-depth grammar review. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 or equivalent. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
223
SPANISH FOR HERITAGE SPEAKERS
Provides heritage speakers of Spanish with the opportunity to improve strategic speaking, reading, and writing skills; to master grammar points of particular concern to heritage speakers; and to enhance understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures, including language variation, customs, geography, history, and current events. Emphasis is placed on usage appropriate to academic and professional settings. Not open to students who have completed lower level Spanish classes. Prerequisite: This course is limited to students placed therein by the Modern Language Studies Department. Fulfills either Domestic or Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
225
SPANISH COMPOSITION AND REVIEW
Intensive reading and writing program based largely on current topics in Spanish-speaking countries, and on literature, film, music, art, and other cultural products. Literary texts include poetry, short fiction, and a novel. Strong emphasis placed on reading comprehension and the further development of writing skills toward the advanced level. Prerequisite: SPAN 221, or 223 with consent of instructor.Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
311
HISPANIC CULTURE
To introduce students to Spanish-speaking peoples, and their values, customs, and institutions, with reference to the geographic and historical forces governing present-day Spain and Latin America. Prerequisite: SPAN 225, 223 with consent of instructor, or a 300-level Spanish course. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
315
INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC LITERATURES
Diverse readings include both Spanish and Latin American literatures designed to acquaint the student with significant Hispanic authors and literary movements. Designed to acquaint the student with genre study, literary terms in Spanish, literary concepts and forms, as well as the basic skills of literary analysis. Fulfills the major requirement as either a course in the literature of Spain or in the literature of Latin America. Prerequisite: SPAN 223, 225 with consent of instructor, or a 300-level Spanish course. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
321
SPECIAL TOPICS IN HISPANIC LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Examination of significant cultural or literary topics concerning the Spanish-speaking world. Possible topics include Latin American short stories, Spanish theatre, Latin American women writers, Hispanic film, Hispanic art. Depending on topic, this course may fulfill the major requirement as either a course in the literature of Spain or in the literature of Latin America. Prerequisite: SPAN 223, 225 with consent of instructor, or a 300-level Spanish course. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement. Alternate years.
418
ADVANCED LANGUAGE PRACTICE
Intensive practice for advanced students who wish to improve their spoken and written Spanish. Includes work in oral comprehension, pronunciation, and oral and written composition. Also includes an introduction to linguistics, including phonology, morphology, semantics, and syntax. Prerequisite: Either two Spanish courses at the 300 level, one at the 400 level, or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
426
SPECIAL TOPICS IN HISPANIC LITERATURE AND CULTURE
Readings of important works in Spanish and/or Latin American literature. Reading selections may focus on a particular genre or they may be a combination of drama, poetry, and prose. Cultural topics may be explored with an interdisciplinary approach. Possible topics include Medieval literature, the Golden Age, Romanticism and Realism in Spain and Latin America, the Modernist movement in Latin America, 20th century poetry, Lorca and the avant-garde, the Latin American novel or short story, the literature of the Civil War and Franco Spain, the theme of honor in Spanish literature, dramatic revisions of Spanish history in modern Spanish theatre. Depending on topic, this course may fulfill the major requirement as either a course in the literature of Spain or in the literature of Latin America. Prerequisites: Either two Spanish courses at the 300 level, one at the 400 level, or consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of instructor when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.
435
LITERARY TRANSLATION
Students workshop the translation of a significant literary text and reflect upon and discuss both the theory and practice of translation. Emphasizes issues related to Spanish and English lexical, syntactical, and semantic differences as well as the various cultural issues involved in the act of literary translation. Prerequisite: One SSpanish course at the 300 or 400 level or consent of instructor. Alternate years.
470-479
INTERNSHIP
N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Recent studies include literary, linguistic, and cultural topics and themes such as urban problems as reflected in the modern novel.
490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS