Academic Requirements
Students can major in French, German, or Spanish by completing at least eight courses above the college Intermediate Level. Four courses beyond Intermediate complete the minor in any of these languages. Japanese courses are available through the Intermediate Level, with the possibility of further study by arrangement or abroad. Students interested in Greek and Latin can earn a major or minor through the Interdisciplinary Studies rubric
Students are also able to earn a major in French Studies, German Studies, or Hispanic Studies by combining courses in the language with appropriate work in other departments such as Business, Political Science, and Art. Finally, an elementary education emphasis is available in French, German, and Spanish by completing the courses listed for the minor.
FRENCH
French Major
Students who major in French complete a minimum of eight courses in French beyond Intermediate French II (FRE-225), though either French Literature in Translation (FRE-145,-146,-148) or France Today (FRE-158) may be taken as one of the eight. Study abroad is encouraged. By enrolling in a program approved by the College and the department, a student may earn up to three credits toward a major. One French literature course must be taken in the senior year.
Students selecting French as a second teaching field should complete a minimum of four French courses numbered 315 or above. Any advanced courses taken for the second teaching field should include French Composition and Conversation (FRE-315).
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the French major.
French Minor
The minor in French consists of four courses beyond Intermediate French II (FRE-225), though either French Literature in Translation (FRE-145,-146,-148) or France Today (FRE-158) may be taken as one of the four.
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the French minor.
Elementary Education Emphasis in French
The elementary education emphasis in French requires completion of the courses listed for the minor.
French Studies Major
The French Studies major requires: 1) successful completion of either four French courses numbered 315 or above (i.e., a minor), though France Today (FRE-158) is recommended as a substitute for one of the four), or four courses taught in French at any level and a departmentally approved term-long study abroad experience; and 2) successful completion of a departmentally approved list of five courses proposed by the student which exhibits both internal coherence and relevance to the course work in French. Typically, application to the department for the approval of the interdisciplinary elected courses is to be made no later than the Spring Term of the junior year.
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the French Studies major.
Courses in French
FRE-108 Images of Foreign Culture
See also GER-108, SPA-108, JPN-106, CLA-108
A course dealing with the picture of human activity and values given in foreign short stories, novels, films, and other works of art, as well as in historical documents and the like. It celebrates and explores the special character of a national or ethnic identity with reference to either the French-speaking world, Spain and/or Latin America, Germany, Asia, or the worlds of Greek and Roman antiquity. The specific topic and reading list vary from year to year and are selected by the instructor. Taught in English.
FRE-115,-125 Elementary French I and II
Designed for students with no previous knowledge of French. In the first term, emphasis is placed on oral practice and exposure to aspects of contemporary French culture. Activities in class are designed to develop the student’s proficiency in understanding, speaking, writing, and reading the French language. In the second term, these skills are developed further in the context of class discussion and short compositions. Note: FRE-115 is not open to students with one or more full years of French in secondary school without consent of instructor in consultation with the student’s advisor.
FRE-145 French Literature in Translation
Reading, in translation, of a selection of works by major French authors. Content varies from term to term. In most cases selections center on a theme, a time period, or a genre. Contact the instructor for specific information about course content. Students preparing a French major or minor must write a paper in French. Taught in English.
FRE-146 French Literature in Translation: Non-Western Perspectives
Same as French Literature in Translation (FRE-145) except selected works focus on non-Western perspectives.
FRE-148 French Literature in Translation: Diverse Western Perspectives
Same as French Literature in Translation (FRE-145) except selected works focus on diverse Western perspectives.
FRE-158 France Today
An interdisciplinary survey of topics and issues central to an understanding of contemporary France: social, cultural, political, and economic. The format of this course may include films and speakers. Taught in English.
FRE-215,-225 Intermediate French I and II
Reading and discussion of intermediate-level French texts, with review of key grammatical structures and oral practice. Prerequisite: Elementary French II (FRE-125) or consent of instructor.
FRE-315, -325 French Composition and Conversation
A course emphasizing the skills of speaking and writing. Students do oral presentations and write weekly compositions in French. Much class discussion. This course is required of all students majoring or minoring in French. It is expected that this course is followed by Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) in the following term. Students may, however, opt to take this course for credit a second time, under the rubric of FRE-325, if they wish a second opportunity to concentrate on these two skills. Prerequisite: Intermediate French II (FRE-225) or consent of instructor.
FRE-335 Introduction to French Literature
A course preparing the student for the reading and analysis of literary texts in French. Using selections from the genres of poetry, narrative, and drama, students are introduced to the language and techniques of basic literary analysis. Prerequisite: French Composition and Conversation (FRE-315) or consent of instructor.
FRE-405 Masterpieces of French Fiction
Reading and discussion of novels and short fiction by French writers, with primary emphasis on works from the 17th and 19th centuries. Writers may include Mme. de La Fayette, Flaubert, Stendhal, Maupassant, and Zola. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-435 18th-Century French Literature
Examination of the main currents of 18th-century thought, from the rise of the Enlightenment period through the French Revolution. Readings include texts by Prevost, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Beaumarchais, Diderot, and Rousseau. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-455 20th-Century French Literature
A study of selected novels, poems, essays, short stories, and plays written between the turn of the century and the present. In addition, each student does a project on a contemporary novel. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-465 French Civilization
An overview of major artistic and cultural developments in the civilization of France from early times to the present with an emphasis on painting, architecture, music, and philosophy in the context of their historical and social settings. Lecture, films, and discussions are included. Taught in French. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-475 French Drama
Reading and discussion of major French or Francophone plays from various historical periods. Some films may be included. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-485 French Poetry
Overview of poetry movements from various historical periods and close readings of specific poems. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-495 Topics in French Literature
Literature course centering on a theme, region, time period, or genre of literature. May include Francophone literature. Approach and content varies from term to term as determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-845, -855 Directed Reading
For students wishing to investigate a particular aspect of French literature unavailable through the regular sequence of courses offered. Periodic conferences and papers are required. May be taken for credit more than once. Prerequisite: Introduction to French Literature (FRE-335) or consent of instructor.
FRE-8_5 Independent Study
Independent investigation of a selected project in French under the direction of a faculty member of the department. Prerequisite: consent of department.
FRE-895 Internship in French
Exploration of a career area related to French. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. S/U basis only. Application and supervision through the Director of Internships. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for a major in French. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of department.
GERMAN
German Major
The German major offers the opportunity to perfect one’s skills in spoken and written German and to study a range of vital issues in Central European culture and how those issues relate to us. It prepares the student for graduate or professional study in several disciplines or for work in an international context. Students who major in German complete a minimum of eight German courses numbered 315 or above. Students are urged to substitute study abroad in a program approved by the college and the department for up to three of these courses. One German literature course must be taken in the senior year.
Students selecting German as a second teaching field should complete a minimum of four German courses numbered 315 or above. Any advanced courses taken for the second teaching field should include German Composition and Conversation (GER-315).
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the German major.
German Minor
The minor in German consists of four courses numbered GER-315 or above.
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the German minor.
Elementary Education Emphasis in German
The elementary education emphasis in German requires completion of the courses listed for the minor.
German Studies Major
Synthesizing work across such disciplines as language, literature, history, political science, art, philosophy and religion, the German Studies major requires: 1) successful completion of either four German courses numbered 315 or above (i.e., a minor) or four courses taught in German at any level and a departmentally approved term-long study abroad experience; and 2) successful completion of a departmentally approved list of five courses proposed by the student which exhibit both internal coherence and relevance to the course work in German. Typically, application to the department for the approval of the interdisciplinary elected courses is to be made no later than the spring term of the junior year.
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the German Studies major.
Courses in German
GER-108 Images of Foreign Culture
See FRE-108, p. 79
GER-115 Elementary German I
Beginning German speaking, reading, and writing.
GER-125 Elementary German II
Continuing study of German speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: Elementary German I (GER- 115) or consent of instructor.
GER-148 German Literature in Translation
Reading, in translation, of a selection of works by German authors, from the brothers Grimm to Kafka to contemporary writers. Taught in English.
GER-158 Germany Today
An interdisciplinary survey of topics and issues central to an understanding of contemporary Germany: social, cultural, and political. Films and speakers are included in the format of this course. Taught in English.
GER-168 Holocaust and Memory
An investigation of the European Holocaust through films, novels, short stories, nonfiction memoirs, monuments, museums, and class visitors. Taught in English.
GER-215 Intermediate German
Reading and discussion of intermediate-level German texts, review of structures and syntax with written and oral practice. Prerequisite: Elementary German II (GER-125) or consent of instructor.
GER-315 German Composition and Conversation
A culture-based course that emphasizes speaking, writing, and review of grammar, with class presentations, peer-feedback on compositions, and guest speakers. Prerequisite: Intermediate German (GER-215) or consent of instructor.
GER-315 German Composition and Conversation
Where students begin when they've had several years of high-school German, this is a fun, multifaceted culture course built around the web. Students go on web-quests each day to sites in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Each week we're reviewing grammar and practicing a different sort of writing based on the topics of the week's web adventures. In German.
GER-325 Texts in Social Context
This is an introduction to literature and film that gets students thinking about how stories intersect with people's lives. We read most short fiction, most of it fairly recent, and ask what it can tell us about the choices people make in their lives. Grammar review too. After this you're ready for the upper-level curriculum. In German.
GER-405 Technology and Modernity
A love letter to a typewriter. A story about a train wreck. Cyborgs. The nuclear threat. This course looks at a particular preoccupation of modern literature: how people relate to the machines they make. In every case the literature of the mechanical world tells us something fascinating about the world of people. In German.
GER-435 The Child as Citizen
This is a children's literature course with a twist. Here we look at childhood as an object of memory and as an imagined construct. We read everything from Struwwelpeter's and Max and Moritz's naughty 19th-century brats to a funny memoir set in post-World-War-II Austria to investigate how authors use childhood to model inappropriate and appropriate behavior in a community. In German.
GER-445 Race, Class, and Gender
Despite its image in beer ads, Germany can be a remarkably multicultural place, with thriving immigrant cultures originally from Turkey, Bosnia, Vietnam, many African countries. Through essays, films, fiction, and memoirs, this course takes aim on these subcultures as well as on divisions of gender and social class. In German.
GER-455 Deutsch-Amerika
A high point of this course is a very funny novel in the form of letters from an Iowa immigrant farmer written home to his former teacher in Germany. With Mark Twain-wit the farmer acutely observes his new life. Originally thought to be pure fiction, it turns out that at least some of actually happened and not far from Cedar Rapids. We take a trip to the cemetery where "characters" from the "novel" are actually buried. In German.
GER-465 Ghosts and Madness
More than just fun to read about, ghosts are a serious topic in German history. Two hundred years ago the literature of supernatural occurrences--ghost sightings, magic, alchemy, interspecies communication--encoded a whole world view with real-world political battle lines. We crack the code in this class and get a great historical introduction to the literature of the late-18th and early-19th centuries. In German.
GER-475 Nation and Narration
In this course we look at the changing national self-invention of a country that didn't exist as a political unit until the end of the 19th century. We begin with the 18th-century rediscovery and reinvention of the Germans of Caesar's time, read efforts to create a nation based on culture, learn about National Socialist nationalism, and end up with the retreat to the countryside in postwar film and literature. In German.
GER-485 Topics in German Literature
Centers on a theme, time period, or genre of German literature. Approach and contexts vary from term to term and are determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: Texts in Social Context (GER-325) or consent of instructor.
GER-8_5 Independent Study
For outstanding senior majors in German. Independent investigation of a selected project in German under the direction of a faculty member of the department. Prerequisite: consent of department.
GER-845, -855 Directed Reading
For students wishing to pursue independent investigation of some special phase of German literature and for majors in other fields who wish to study works of German authorities on their subject. Prerequisite: Intermediate German (GER-215) or consent of instructor.
GER-895 Internship in German
Exploration of a career related to German. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. S/U basis only. Application and supervision through the Director of Internships. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for a major in German. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of department.
JAPANESE
Courses in Japanese
JPN-106 Images of Foreign Culture
(see also FRE-108, p. 75)
JPN-155 Elementary Japanese I
Beginning Japanese phonology, structure, and vocabulary. Study of hiragana and katakana syllabaries with introduction of some kanji.
JPN-165 Elementary Japanese II
Continuing study of Japanese phonology, structure and vocabulary. Study of hiragana and katakana syllabaries with introduction of some kanji. Prerequisite: Elementary Japanese I (JPN-155) or consent of instructor.
JPN-215 Intermediate Japanese I
Reading and discussion of selected Japanese texts, with continued work on grammatical structures. Increased emphasis on kanji. Prerequisite: Elementary Japanese II (JPN-165) or consent of instructor.
JPN-225 Intermediate Japanese II
Reading and discussion of selected Japanese texts, with continued work on grammatical structures. Increased emphasis on kanji. Prerequisite: Intermediate Japanese I (JPN-215) or consent of instructor.
JPN-305 Topics in the Japanese Language
SPANISH
Spanish Major
Students who major in Spanish complete a minimum of eight courses in Spanish beyond Intermediate Spanish II (SPA-225), though Spanish Literature in Translation (SPA-148) may be taken as one of the eight. Elementary Spanish I (SPA-115), Elementary Spanish II (SPA-125) and Spanish Review and Preparation (SPA-135) are not counted toward the Spanish major, but are regarded rather as skill courses preliminary to undertaking the major. Spanish students are urged to substitute study abroad in a program approved by the College and the department for up to three of these courses. One Hispanic literature course (SPA-336 or above) must be taken in the senior year.
Students selecting Spanish as a second teaching field should complete a minimum of four Spanish courses numbered 315 or above. Any advanced courses taken for the second teaching field should include Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315).
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the Spanish major.
Spanish Minor
The minor in Spanish requires the completion of four courses beyond Intermediate Spanish II (SPA-225), though with the consent of department, Spanish Literature in Translation (SPA-148) may be taken as one of the four. Elementary Spanish I (SPA-115), Elementary Spanish II (SPA-125) and Spanish Review and Preparation (SPA-135) are not counted toward the Spanish minor.
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the Spanish minor.
Elementary Education Emphasis in Spanish
The elementary education emphasis in Spanish requires completion of the courses listed for the minor.
Spanish Studies Major
The Spanish Studies major requires: 1) successful completion of four courses beyond Intermediate Spanish II (SPA-225), with Hispanic Life and Culture (SPA-336,-338) recommended as one of the four; and 2) successful completion of a departmentally approved list of five courses proposed by the student which exhibits both internal coherence and relevance to the course work in Spanish. Typically, application to the department for the approval of the interdisciplinary elected courses is to be made no later than the Spring Term of the junior year.
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the Spanish Studies major.
Courses in Spanish
SPA-108 Images of Foreign Culture
See FRE-108, p. 79
SPA-115,-125 Elementary Spanish I and II
Designed for students with no previous knowledge of Spanish. In the first term, emphasis is placed on oral practice and exposure to varied aspects of Hispanic culture. Assignments and activities are designed to develop the student’s proficiency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing the Spanish language. In the second term these skills are developed further, in the context of class discussion and short reading and writing assignments.
SPA-135 Spanish Review and Preparation
Designed to prepare students who have had some limited experience in Spanish to enter SPA-215 the following term. Strong students with one year of secondary school Spanish should enter this course. This class is also appropriate for students with two years of secondary school Spanish or for those for whom some time has elapsed since their earlier study of Spanish. This course provides review and elementary college-level preparation in Spanish grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing.
SPA-148 Spanish Literature in Translation
Reading, in translation, of a selection of works by major Hispanic authors. Content varies from term to term. In most cases selections center on a theme, a time period, or a genre. Contact the instructor for specific information about course content. Students preparing a Spanish major or minor must write a paper in Spanish. Taught in English.
SPA-215,-225 Intermediate Spanish I and II
Continuation of Elementary Spanish, with emphasis on oral practice and a review of grammatical structures. Prerequisite: Elementary Spanish II (SPA-125) or Spanish Review and Preparation (SPA-135) or consent of instructor.
SPA-315 Spanish Composition and Conversation
A course stressing the skills of speaking and writing. Some third-year grammar is studied, with an emphasis on the key problematic structures of the Spanish language. Students write frequent compositions, and class time concentrates on conversational activities.
SPA-325 Spanish Language and Literature
Continuation of Spanish Composition and Conversation, with an emphasis on speaking and writing. A wide range of short literary texts is also studied.
SPA-336 Hispanic Life and Culture: Latin America
An interdisciplinary overview of the culture and civilization of Latin America as portrayed in literature, art, architecture, and film. Particular attention is given to the way the past has created and shaped contemporary Hispanic culture in Latin America.
SPA-338 Hispanic Life and Culture: Europe
Same as Hispanic Life and Culture (SPA-336) except focus of the course is European culture and civilization as portrayed in literature, art, architecture, and film. Particular attention is given to the way the past has created and shaped Hispanic culture in Spain.
SPA-345 Introduction to Hispanic Literature
An introduction to the study of Peninsular and Spanish-American literary works, with an emphasis on basic critical concepts, terminology, and methods. A wide range of texts is studied, beginning with poems and short narratives, and ending with longer works. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325). (Offered alternate years)
SPA-346 Introduction to Hispanic Literature: Non-Western Perspectives
Same as Introduction to Hispanic Literature (SPA-345) except focus of the course is related to non-Western cultures.
SPA-416 Spanish American Short Story of Fantasy
An introduction to the modern literature of Spanish America. Readings include a wide range of short narratives with an emphasis on those of the past 50 years. Particular attention is given to the treatment of the supernatural in fiction and its relation to social context. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-426 Spanish American Short Fiction: Realism
An introduction to the modern literature of Spanish America. Readings include short stories and selected novels with an emphasis on those written after 1950. Particular attention is given to the presentation of social problems and issues in realistic fiction. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-435 Spanish Fiction of the 20th Century
An introduction to the modern literature of Spain. Readings include short stories and selected novels with an emphasis on those since the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). Particular attention is given to the effect of the Spanish Civil War on the literature of contemporary Spain. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-445 Masterpieces of Spanish Literature
A survey of the most famous literary works of Spain throughout its history. All works from early periods are read in modern Spanish, and in the case of large works, short segments are read. Texts include selections from Lazarillo de Tormes and Don Quixote, and representative works of Larra, Garcia Lorca, Cela, and others. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-455 Hispanic Drama
An introduction to Spanish theatre and the various techniques, themes, and images used to express, criticize, or romanticize Hispanic society and life. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-456 Hispanic Drama: Latin America
Same as Hispanic Drama (SPA-455) except focus of course is Latin American theatre.
SPA-465 Hispanic Poetry
An introduction to Spanish poetry and the various techniques and images used to portray Hispanic society and life in verse. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-466 Hispanic Poetry: Latin America
Same as Hispanic Poetry (SPA-465) except focus of course is Latin American poetry.
SPA-475,-485 Topics in Hispanic Literature
A course of narrowed focus that centers on a theme, region, time period, or genre of Hispanic literature. Approach and content varies from term to term as determined by the instructor. May be taken twice, provided the topics are substantially different. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-476,-486 Topics in Hispanic Literature: Latin America
Same as Topics in Hispanic Literature (SPA-475, -485) except the focus of the course is Latin American culture.
SPA-845,-855 Directed Reading
For students wishing to investigate a particular aspect of Spanish literature unavailable through the regular sequence of courses offered. Periodic conferences and papers are required. May be taken for credit more than once. Prerequisite: Spanish Composition and Conversation (SPA-315) or Spanish Language and Literature (SPA-325).
SPA-8_5 Independent Study
Independent investigation of a selected project in Spanish under the direction of a faculty member of the department. Prerequisite: consent of department.
SPA-895 Internship in Spanish
Exploration of a career area related to Spanish. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. S/U basis only. Application and supervision through the Director of Internships. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for a major or minor in Spanish. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of department.
