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Foreign Language Programs

Foreign Language Programs

Arabic
French
German
Italian
Linguistics
Russian
American Sign Language

Professors: Katherine M. Faull (Chair), Susan L. Fischer, Angèle Kingué, Peter Morris-Keitel (Director, German studies program)

Associate Professors: Philippe Dubois, Elaine Hopkins, Renee K. Gosson, James E. Lavine (Coordinator, linguistics program), Madhu Malik, Helen G. Morris-Keitel, Slava I. Yastremski  (Director, Russian studies program)

Assistant Professors: Ghayda Ali (visiting), Nathalie Dupont, Gundolf Graml (visiting), Bernhard Kuhn (Coordinator, Italian studies program), Ludmila S. Lavine, Stéphanie Perrais (visiting), Allison Stedman, John E. Westbrook (Director, French and Francophone studies program)

The department offers courses in five modern languages, in American sign language, and in linguistics. Language courses are regularly offered in Arabic, French, German, Italian, Russian, and on occasion in other Slavic languages.

Coursework in all the programs is designed to promote a level of language proficiency and cultural understanding that will enable students to be active participants in a shrinking multicultural world. Each program’s curriculum features a sequence of courses focusing on the development of language skills, at the lower level, followed by a transition to upper-level courses that focus on the appreciation and critical analysis of a wide variety of literary and cultural works. As the Goals 2000 document of the National Standards in Foreign Language Education states: "Knowing another language system, another culture, and communication strategies, enables students to access new information and knowledge, develop insight into their own language and culture, and participate in multilingual communities and a global society."

Students are strongly encouraged to continue or begin the study of the language(s)/culture(s) of their choice as early in their undergraduate career as possible. Doing so will ensure the possibility of completing a major or minor in the language and will open the door to many stimulating study abroad programs. Many students find that the study of other languages and cultures provides a good background for work in other disciplines. In addition, by working to an advanced level of language proficiency and cultural awareness, students may improve their chances for a Fulbright or other international fellowships after graduation.

Placement: French and German: First-year students with prior instruction or background in French and/or German should take the on-line placement examination before arriving at Bucknell regardless of whether they have taken the AP exam or the SAT II. Information on accessing this exam is included in the first-year student registration materials. Any questions regarding placement should be directed to the program directors.

Italian and Russian: First-year students with prior instruction or background in Italian or Russian should contact the program coordinator (Italian) or the program director (Russian) to consult about the appropriate placement level.

World Literature (in English): ; EAST 211 Premodern Japanese Literature in Translation; EAST 212 Modern Japanese Literature in Translation; EAST 213 Traditional Chinese Literature in Translation; RUSS 211 Chekhov: Drama in Prose; RUSS 250 19th-century Russian Literature in Translation; RUSS 255 Twentieth-century Liteature in Translation; RUSS 325 Dostoevsky and Tolstoy: Literary Philosophy; SPAN 250 Hispanic Literature in Translation. For descriptions, see the respective programs of the department of foreign language programs and of East Asian studies.

Arabic (ARBC)

101. Beginning Arabic (I or II; 3, 0)
Beginning language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Elementary grammar. Introduction to Arabic culture.

102. Beginning Arabic II (I or II; 3, 1)
Continuation of Arabic language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite: ARBC 101 or equivalent.

103. Intermediate Arabic I (II; 3, 1)
A continuation and review of basic grammar, emphasizing all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: ARBC 102 or equivalent.

104. Intermediate Arabic II (II; 3, 0)
Review of basic grammar with an emphasis on all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: ARBC 103 or equivalent.

150. Women in Islam and Middle East (I or II; 3, 0)
This coures introduces the female figures in the Quran, examines the present status and roles of women in Islam and the Middle East.

301. Advanced Topics in Arabic (I or II; R) Half to full course.
Advanced Arabic independent study under the direction and supervision of an instructor. Topics to be selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

Department of Foreign Language Program courses (DFLP)

210. Inventing Modern Europe (I; 3, 0)
Important events in history, politics, economics, the arts and sciences which have contributed to the formation of Modern Europe and the process of integration and unification.

French and Francophone Studies Program (FREN)

French and Francophone studies start with the acquisition of the linguistic and cultural skills needed to communicate in spoken and written French. As the students’ skills advance, French courses increasingly emphasize humanistic study of the literatures and civilizations of France and other French-speaking countries around the world. French and Francophone studies, especially when they include study abroad, offer direct access to the perspectives and attitudes of a closely related, yet distinctly different culture. This knowledge and experience help students to gain greater awareness of themselves and their own culture and to acquire the cross-cultural skills so valuable in our diverse and shrinking world.

French is the most widespread international language after English, and proficiency in French is a valuable asset for students seeking a career in a wide variety of fields including advertising, business, banking, publishing, teaching in a secondary school, translating, interpreting, foreign service, and tourism. The major also prepares students to go on to graduate school in literature, linguistics, civilization, or foreign language pedagogy. In addition, French is a useful, at times essential, language in disciplines such as art history, music, or philosophy.

The French major is best seen as a progression of linguistic-cultural study organized in four stages. One hundred-level courses focus on language proficiency in cultural context. Two hundred-level courses consolidate language skills while beginning a more systematic study of French literatures and civilizations. A year or semester in France provides direct experience in the French culture. Three hundred-level courses focus on specific topics in literature, civilization, and cultural studies.

The major in French consists of a minimum of eight courses at the FREN 104 level or above, excluding FREN 201, 202, 301, and 302. These must include FREN 150, FREN 230, FREN 231, FREN 270 or 271, and three courses at the 300 level.

Residence abroad is the best way to gain proficiency in the language and knowledge of the culture. Bucknell’s own study abroad program, Bucknell en France, located in Tours, can accommodate students at all proficiency levels. Internships can be arranged for advanced students.

All majors who meet the requirements set by the Honors Council and wish to earn honors in French are encouraged to do so. Students interested in writing an Honors Thesis should contact a French faculty member early in the second semester of their junior year to discuss the process and to define a topic.

Students wishing to teach French at the secondary level should consult with the French program and the department of education as soon as possible in order to discuss the sequence of courses needed for certification.

The minor in French consists of five courses taught in French at the FREN 103 level and beyond, excluding FREN 201, 202, 262, 301, and 302.

101. Discovering French (Elementary level I) (I; 4, 0)
Beginning language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; elementary grammar; and introduction to French civilization.

102. Exploring French (Elementary level II) (I and II; 4, 0)
Continuation of language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; grammar; readings in literature and civilization. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or one year of secondary school French.

103. Building Proficiency in French (Intermediate level I) (I and II; 4, 0)
A review of basic grammar emphasizing all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: FREN 102 or equivalent (three years of secondary school French).

104. Communicating in Context (Intermediate level II) (I and II; 4, 0)
Continuing review of basic grammar emphasizing all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: FREN 103 or four years of secondary school French.

150. ĽEcriture Fantastique (I and II; 3, 0)
Application of major linguistic functions and acquisition of skills essential for 200-level courses through a series of contextualized writing assignments. Prerequisite: FREN 104 or five years of secondary school French.

201 and 202. Intermediate French Conversation I and II (I and II; 2, 0) Half courses.
Not open to students who have studied in France or other French-speaking countries. Concentration on development of speaking skill. Conducted entirely in French by native speaker. Intended for students enrolled in 200-level courses. Prerequisite: FREN 104 or equivalent. (Cannot be applied toward the French major or minor.)

230. French Literature I (I; 3, 0)
Introduction to French literature from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution. Provides an introduction to literary history and to methods of critical reading. A comprehensive survey. Prerequisite: FREN 150

231. French Literature II (II; 3, 0)
Introduction to history of French literature of the 19th and 20th centuries and to methods of critical reading. In French. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

235. The French Speaking World (I or II; 3, 0)
Culture and literature of different areas of the French-speaking world. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

236. Topics in Francophone Literature and Culture (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Study of the literature, language, geography, history, music, and film of a particular Francophone region (French Caribbean, Quebec, West Africa, Maghreb, etc.) for the entire semester. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

255. Introduction to French Cinema (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to French cinema from a cultural and historical perspective. Students will familiarize themselves with major cinematic movements and with methods of critical reading. The course also includes discussions of the relationships between film, literature, and other visual arts. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

270. La France actuelle (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to contemporary France from historical, sociological, anthropological, and symbolic perspectives. The study of French attitudes, lifestyles, conceptions of society, social and political structures, and of France and French in a post-colonial context. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

271. La France artistique (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to French music, literature, and fine arts from the Middle Ages to the present. Focus on selected artists, writers, and musiciansfrom each period. Provides a comprehensive survey. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

275. French Economy and Business Culture (II; 3, 2)
In-depth study of the language, culture, politics, and economic climate of business in France. Preparation for further study of management and internships in France.

295. Topics in French Studies (I or II; 3, 0)
Topics vary but permit study of one or several subjects in French literature, culture, and civilization. Prerequisite: FREN 150 and permission of the instructor.

301 and 302. Advanced French Conversation I and II (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
Advanced conversation for students who have studied in France or other French-speaking countries. Conducted entirely in French by native speaker. May not be taken by native speakers of French. (Cannot be applied toward the French major or minor.)

322. Medieval and Renaissance Studies (I or II; 3, 0)
Examination of the literature of the medieval and Renaissance periods emphasizing the analysis of themes, ideas, and styles as well as cultural and historical contexts. Prerequisite: FREN 230 or permission of the instructor..

324. Seventeenth-century Studies (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Topics deal with aspects of Louis XIV’s classical aesthetic. Examination and analysis of its literary, artistic, and cultural manifestations, its socio-political and philosophical underpinnings, and its counter-culture: the salon tradition. Prerequisite: FREN 230 or permission of the instructor.

325. Eighteenth-century Studies (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Topics vary, but deal with aspects of the literary, artistic, and intellectual manifestations of the decline of the Ancien Regime and the liberation of thought initiated by the pre- Revolutionary philosophes. Prerequisite: FREN 230 or permission of the instructor.

326. Nineteenth-century Studies (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Topics vary from year to year, but will inevitably focus on the interaction of Romantic imagination and Realist observation that characterizes the 19th century in France. Prerequisite: FREN 231 or permission of the instructor.

327. Twentieth-century Studies (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Topics will vary from year to year. The course could focus on a period, a genre, a group of major writers, or a theme. Emphasis is on discussion and writing. Prerequisite: FREN 231 or permission of the instructor.

330. Topics in Literature (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Advanced study of themes or topics in French and/or Francophone literature. Prerequisites: FREN 230, 231 or permission of the instructor.

335. Literature and Culture of Quebec (AI or II; 3, 0)
Study of the literature, film, politics, and society of Quebec. Prerequisite: FREN 230, 231, 235, 236, 270, or 271.

336. Francophone Africa (AI or AII; 3, 0)
Study of literature, film, politics, and society of Francophone Africa. Prerequisite: FREN 230, 231, 235, 236, 270, or 271.

370. Topics in Civilization (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Advanced study in themes, topics, or periods in French history or civilization. Prerequisite: FREN 270 or permission of the instructor.

371. Topics in the Arts (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Advanced study in themes, topics, or periods of French art history. Prerequisite: FREN 271 or permission of the instructor.

390. Independent Study (I and II; R) Half to full course.
Subject to be selected by student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

395. Seminar in French Studies (I and II; R; 3, 0)
Topics vary but permit detailed study of any one of innumerable subjects in French literature and civilization. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

Courses Offered at the Bucknell en France program in Tours

215. Advanced Intermediate French I (I or II) Half to full course
Intensive French language study during the student’s first month in Tours. Offered only in Tours, required of all students their first semester there. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

216. Advanced Intermediate French II (I and II) Half to full course
Guided practice for the improvement of written and spoken French at the advanced intermediate level, and preparation for the DELF French proficiency exam. Offered only in Tours, required of all students their first semester there. Prerequisite: FREN 215.

217. Advanced French I (II)
Intensive French language study during first month of second semester in Tours. Offered only in Tours. Prerequisite: FREN 215.

218. Advanced French II (II; 3, 0) Half to full course
Guided practice for the improvement of written and spoken French at the advanced intermediate level, and preparation for DELF French Exam. Offered only in Tours. Prerequisite: FREN 216.

219. Le Français juridique (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to the vocabulary and concepts of French law. Offered only in Tours. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

261. Traduction (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to translation. Offered only in Tours. Prerequisite: FREN 150.

276. Tours Artistique (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
The many faces of Tours as reflected in the arts. Offered only in Tours.

277. La France au quotidien (II; 1, 1) Half course.
Introduction to the history and literary scene of the Touraine region. Offered only in Tours. Prerequisites: For second semester Bucknell en France students staying for a full year in Tours and who have taken FREN 275.

290. Independent Study (I or II; 3, 0)
Independent study in French for students enrolled in the Bucknell en France program. Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and enrollment in the Bucknell en France program.

Course offered occasionally: 262 Intercultural Communication

German Studies Program (GRMN)

German studies provides an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the study of German language, the analysis of artifacts of German culture – literature, art, music, film, etc. – and the use of German for special purposes, for example, in a business setting.

Coursework in the discipline combines the achievement of greater language proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening with a basic knowledge of German culture and methods of critical interpretation. There have been major thinkers in almost every field from physics to philosophy, economics, or psychology who were German-speakers, and today, Germany contributes significantly to political, cultural, and economic developments in Europe. German studies also furthers critical thinking skills while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

The German studies program has as its goal that all majors achieve an intermediate-high to advanced-low proficiency in the areas of linguistic and cultural knowledge. This means that German majors can communicate not only about daily needs but that they also can understand and articulate positions on social, literary, or cultural topics with a reasonable amount of linguistic accuracy. This is to say that as students progress through the major they learn various theoretical approaches to the interpretation of cultural artifacts and must, therefore, keep working on their German language skills in order to acquire the vocabulary and syntax necessary to express more complicated ideas and concepts. In general, students’ "passive" skills, reading and listening, are further developed than their active skills, speaking and writing, when finishing the major. Additional aspects inherent to this goal include increasing students’ understanding of the way in which cultural artifacts, literature, film, theater, music, art, advertising, etc., are embedded in a historical context which determines gender, class, and race relations within the target culture(s). Simultaneously, comparisons and contrasts are made in regard to the learners’ own cultural background(s) in order to foster cross-cultural understanding.

A major in German may provide the basis for graduate work within the field. Moreover, German is considered a useful second language in many disciplines in the humanities, such as philosophy or art history. In combination with other majors, such as economics, international relations or management, a German major can prepare one for a career in international business or law or in the foreign service.

The major in German consists of the equivalent of seven full-credit courses at the GRMN 204 level and above. Four of these courses must meet specific requirements: Conversation and Composition (GRMN 204 or its equivalent), one course dealing with German cultural issues (GRMN 270, 272, 273 or its equivalent), a course focusing on German literary studies (GRMN 230 or its equivalent), and at least two courses at Bucknell at the 300 or Capstone level, only one of which may be independent study. GRMN 201-202 (Strategies in Speaking German) and GRMN 310 (German for Reading Knowledge)  are not applicable to the major in German.

German majors are strongly urged to participate in a study abroad program approved by Bucknell’s German studies program. The benefits of such a total immersion experience in attaining linguistic and cultural proficiency cannot be overemphasized. Many abroad programs also offer internship experiences. Students interested in study abroad should consult the faculty of the German studies program at the earliest possible date.

All majors who meet the requirements set by the Honors Council and wish to earn honors in German are encouraged to do so. Students interested in writing an Honors Thesis should contact a German faculty member early in the second semester of their junior year to discuss the process and to define a topic.

German majors and minors should supplement their study of German with work in other languages, European history, art history, music, philosophy, or work in European political science and economics.

Students planning to teach German at the secondary level should consult with the German studies program and Bucknell’s department of education as soon as possible.

The  minor in German consists of the equivalent of five full-credit courses at the GRMN 101 level or above. There are no other specific course requirements for the minor. Students interested in minoring in German should consult a German studies program faculty member for the appropriate sequencing of courses. GRMN 201-202 (Strategies in Speaking German) and GRMN 310 (German for Reading Knowledge) do count towards the minor. German minors also are strongly encouraged to participate in an approved study abroad program.

The College of Engineering has approved a German minor that consists of the equivalent of five full-credit courses at the GRMN 103 level or above. A required course for this minor is GRMN 225 German for Engineers and Natural Scientists. Students interested in this minor should consult Professor Helen Morris-Keitel for the appropriate sequencing of courses. GRMN 201-202 (Strategies in Speaking German) and GRMN 310 (Reading for German Knowledge) do count toward the minor.

101. Exploring Your World – elementary level I (I; 4, 0)
Beginning language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; elementary grammar, and introduction to German culture.

102. Everyday Life in Germany – elementary level II (II; 4, 0)
Continuation of language skills. Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; grammar; reading in culture and literature. Prerequisite: GRMN 101 or equivalent.

101A. Intensive Elementary German (II; 4, 2) One and a half course.
Intensive practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing German. Introduction to everyday German culture. Successful completion meets the prerequisite for GRMN 103.

103. Building Proficiency in German – intermediate level I (I; 4, 0)
A continuation and review of basic grammar, emphasizing all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: GRMN 102 or equivalent.

104. Communicating in Context – intermediate level II (II; 4, 0)
Review of basic grammar, emphasizing all four language skills and culture. Prerequisite: GRMN 103 or equivalent.

127 and 128. Intermediate German, Part A and Part B (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
Together these courses will provide students with the skills covered in the one-semester course GRMN 103. Prerequisite: GRMN 102 or equivalent.

201 and 202. Strategies in Speaking German (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
Concentration on development of speaking skills. Conducted in German by native speaker. Intended for students enrolled in 200- and 300-level courses. Prerequisite: GRMN 103 or equivalent.

204. German Conversation and Composition (I; 3, 0)
Intensive practice in speaking and writing German. Prerequisites: GRMN 103, 127 and 128, 104, or equivalent.

220. The German Economic System (II; 3, 0)
Introduction to the concepts and vocabulary of the German economic system. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

221. Doing Business in Germany (I; 3, 0)
Development of skills necessary to function in the German business world. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

225. German for Engineers and Natural Scientists (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to concepts and vocabulary pertinent to these disciplines as well as discussion of the "culture" of engineering and science in German-speaking countries. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

230. Introduction to German Literature (II; 3, 0)
Examination of the major literary genres with an emphasis on developing a critical approach to the reading of texts. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

231. Reading German Literature (AI; R; 3, 0)
Intended to sharpen the critical skills developed in GRMN 230 and provide students with more in-depth knowledge of a particular genre. Prerequisite: GRMN 204.

240. Reflections of Science and Technology in German Culture (I or II; 3, 0)
An overview of German cultural responses to technological and scientific progress from the early 1800's to the present. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

261. Nazi Culture (I; 3, 0)
A study of Nazi attitudes towards the arts, science, education, mass media, work, morality, sex, war, and religion. In English. Crosslisted as UNIV 261.

270. The Bourgeois Era: 19th-century Germany (AI; 3, 0)
An overview of German society from Romanticism to World War I from a cultural-historical perspective. In English.

272. Modern German Culture (I; 3, 0)
An overview of cultural, social, economic, and political issues in the German-speaking world since 1945. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

273. Beyond the Wall: GDR Culture (I; 3, 0)
Exploration of the cultural world of the "other" Germany beyond the Berlin Wall. Literature, film, music. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

295. Topics in German Studies (II; R; 3, 0)
Study of topics in German culture or literature at an intermediate level. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

296. Advanced German Composition (II; R; 3, 0)
Concentration on the writing of analytic German. Advanced level. Prerequisite: GRMN 204 or equivalent.

310. German for Reading Knowledge (I or II; 3, 0)
Students will learn grammatical structures and vocabulary necessary to read German-language  texts in their disciplines. In English. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

322. Leitmotifs in 19th-century German Culture (I or II; 3, 0)
Examination of how German-speaking writers, artists, and composers use a specific form and/or address a specific issue at various points throughout the 19th century. Prerequisite: GRMN 230 or equivalent.

325. Enlightenment and Early Romantic Literature 1750-1815 (I or II; 3, 0)
Analysis and interpretation of major literary and intellectual works. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 230 or equivalent.

328. The Cold War in Germany (I; 3, 0)
Analysis of Cold War politics and literature in East and West Germany, 1945 to 1990 and beyond. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 230 or equivalent.

329. Weimar Republic to the Present-day Literature 1918 – Present (I or II; 3, 0)
Analysis and interpretation of major literary and intellectual works. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 230 or equivalent.

390. Independent Projects in German Studies (I and II; R)
Directed reading for selected seniors and juniors. May serve as honors course. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

392. Advanced Seminar in Selected Literary Topics (I or II; R; 3, 0)
The course will deal with selected topics in German literature on an advanced level. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 230 or equivalent.

393. Advanced Seminar in Selected Cultural Topics (AI and AII; R; 3, 0)
The course will deal with selected topics in German culture on an advanced level. In German. Prerequisite: GRMN 270 or GRMN 272 or GRMN 273 or equivalent.

Hebrew (HEBR)

101. Beginning Modern Hebrew (I; 3, 1)
Introduction to modern Hebrew. Practice in speaking reading and writing; elementary grammar and introduction to Israeli culture.

Italian Studies Program (ITAL)

Italian Studies Minor

Coordinator: Bernhard Kuhn

The Italian studies minor includes the acquisition of the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to communicate on a basic level as well as content courses in Italian or  English on various aspects of Italian culture including, but not limited to, art, music, literature, film, history, political science, and economics. The minor is intended to offer students access to a culture vital to the development of the fine arts in the Western world and to add a new dimension to discussions about a rapidly changing Europe.

Residence abroad is the best way to gain proficiency in the language and knowledge of the culture. A semester abroad in Italy is strongly recommended and a variety of opportunities are available to students through the Office of International Education. Students wishing to study in Italy are encouraged to contact the coordinator of the Italian studies minor as early as possible in order to discuss the various options.

The minor in Italian study consists of a minimum of five course credits. Elementary Italian language courses, ITAL 101 and 102 (or their equivalent), are required for the minor. The remaining three credits can be fulfilled according to the following options:

1. Those students spending a semester in Italy can count two of the courses taken there towards their minor (or three, if they spend a year), after consultation with and approval of the coordinator of the Italian studies minor.

2. Students also may choose courses from a list of courses taught at Bucknell whose content focuses on Italian language, culture, or history. Only one course in Latin or classics may count toward the minor.

• Italian courses offered by the department of foreign language programs when staffing allows: ITAL 103 Intermediate Italian I, ITAL 104 Intermediate Italian II, ITAL 201-202 Intermediate Italian Conversation (half course), ITAL 205 Discovering Italy, ITAL 250 Introduction to Italian Cinema, ITAL 295 Topics in Italian Studies, ITAL 390 Independent Study (half to full course).
  
• Courses offered by other programs/departments: ART 271 Italian Renaissance Art, ART 319/320 Special Studies in Art (when the topic is Italian art), ART 370 Kress Paintings Seminar, CLAS 132 Roman Civilization, CLAS 236 Age of Augustus, CLAS 243 Archaeology of Rome, HUMN 310 Dante and Milton, LATN 101 Introduction to Latin I, LATN 102 Introductory Latin II, MUSC 222 Baroque Music, MUSC 267 Topics in Music History (Puccini).

3. Students also may choose courses in which half the content is Italian, such as a course on Italian and Flemish Baroque art, or one on Verdi and Wagner. In such a case, a half-credit toward the minor would be granted (i.e., two such courses would equal one Italian credit). In this case, any choices that students make as to field of personal research (such as for a term paper) will of course focus on the Italian part of the course. No more than one credit towards the Italian studies minor can be accumulated in this manner.

• Such courses would include: ART 102 World Art II: Renaissance to Enlightenment, ART 319/320 Special Studies in Art (when half of the content is Italian), IREL 218 International Relations of Europe (with permission of instructor and of the director of the Italian studies program), MUSC 229 Opera and Ideas, POLS 223 European Politics (with permission of the instructor and the director of the Italian studies program).

For further information regarding the minor, contact Bernhard Kuhn, coordinator.

101. Elementary Italian I (I and II; 4, 0)
Beginning language skills, practice hearing, speaking, reading, and writing; elementary grammar; and introduction to Italian culture.

102. Elementary Italian II (I or II; 4, 0)
Continuation of language skills. Practice in hearing, speaking, reading and writing. Introduction to Italian culture. Prerequisite: ITAL 101 or equivalent.

103. Intermediate Italian I (I; 4, 0)
Review and expansion of language skills and cultural knowledge of Italy. Prerequisite: ITAL 102 or equivalent.

104. Intermediate Italian II: Italian Civilization (II; 4, 0)
Continuing review of grammar emphasizing all four skills. Focus on civilization. Prerequisite: ITAL 103 or equivalent.

201. Intermediate Italian Conversation I  (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
Concentration on development of speaking skills. Conducted in Italian by native speaker. Prerequisite: ITAL 103 or equivalent.

202. Intermediate Italian Conversation II  (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
Concentration on development of speaking skills. Conducted in Italian by native speaker. Prerequisite or corequisite: ITAL 104 or equivalent.

205. Discovering Italy (I; R: 3, 0)
Introduction to Italian culture. Intensive practice in speaking and writing Italian. Prerequisite: ITAL 104 or equivalent.

250. Introduction to Italian Cinema (II; 3, 0)
Survey of Italian cinema from the silent era to the present. Discussion of major Italian cinematic movements and genres within the context of history, politics, and culture. Prerequisite or corequisite: ITAL 104.

295. Topics in Italian Studies (II; 3, 0)
Study of topics in Italian culture, literature, and/or civilization at an intermediate level. Prerequisite: ITAL 101 or equivalent.

390. Independent Study (I or II; R) Half to full course.
Subject to be selected by student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

Linguistics Program (LING)

Coordinator: James E. Lavine

While there is no major in linguistics, a minor is available. The linguistics minor consists of five courses, four of which must be taken in linguistics. The fifth course can be satisfied by taking an additional course in linguistics or by taking one of the following courses offered by other departments: PSYC 204 Human Cognition, CSCI 208 Programming Language Design, ENGL 295 The History of the English Language, or HUMN 340 Introduction to Translation Studies.

Additionally, interdepartmental majors including linguistics and related disciplines are encouraged.

105. Linguistic Analysis: Sounds and Words (I or II; 3, 0)
One semester of a two-semester introduction to linguistics. Topics include: phonetics, phonology, word forms, language change, language acquisition. No prerequisite.

110. Linguistic Analysis: Sentences and Dialects (I or II; 3, 0)
One semester of a two-semester introduction to linguistics. Topics include: syntax, semantics, language variation, language and society.

210. Language and Race (AI or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to "non-standard" dialects of English with a primary focus on African American Vernacular English (AAVE or Ebonics). This course explores the linguistic and non-linguistic factors that give rise to language variation.

215. Syntax  (AI; 3, 0)
Contemporary generative theory of phrase structure and its relation to meaning. Focus on comparative syntax and its implications for Universal Grammar. Prerequisite: LING 110 or permission of the instructor.

216. Semantics (AI or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to the fundamental notions, arguments, and techniques of linguistic semantics. Focus on how meaning is structured and represented by the human mind. Prerequisite: LING 110 or permission of the instructor.

220. Historical Linguistics (AII; 3, 0)
An introduction to the study of language change and genetic linguistic relationships. Change in the building blocks of language (sounds, morphemes, words, sentence structure) is analyzed with the goal of extrapolating regular patterns. Prerequisite: LING 105 or permission of the instructor.

225. Language and the Brain (AI or II; 3, 0)
An examination of the physical basis for language. Topics include the nature of language as a cognitive faculty, language evolution, language acquisition, atypical language development in childhood, and acquired aphasia. Prerequisite: LING 105 or 110.

241. Teaching Foreign Language (II, 3, 0)
The objectives, materials, and methods of teaching foreign language skills. Prerequisites: LING 105 and a course in the structure of one foreign language.

295. Topics in Linguistics (I and II; R; 3, 0)
A specific linguistic topic, to be selected. Prerequisite: LING 105 or LING 110 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

390. Independent Study (I and II; R)
Subject to be selected by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

Russian Studies Program (RUSS)

Studying Russian, the fifth most widely spoken language in the world, becomes especially important at the present time when Russia is becoming an essential partner in global politics, economy, and issues of the environment. By developing students’ language skills and expanding their knowledge about Russian culture and society, the Russian studies program strives to make students active participants in the multicultural, global community. Since Russian is one of the less-frequently taught languages, a major in Russian can become a unique and decisive factor in students' future careers in law, business, journalism, international affairs, and public and government services. The faculty of the Russian studies program believes that even with a mastery of Russian grammar, real communication is still impossible unless students become familiar with Russian culture and society and the life experiences of Russians. For that reason the Russian studies program offers courses in literature, culture, folklore, and Russian society.

The major in Russian studies consists of eight courses: five languages courses beyond RUSS 103 and three courses on Russian literature/culture taught in English. The Russian program offers four levels of Russian language study, striving to bring students to the intermediate high/advanced low level according to the ACTFL scale. This means that after graduation students are able to function effectively in Russian.Students majoring in Russian are strongly urged to deepen their knowledge of the language and country by studying in an approved summer or semester program in Russia. Students also may accelerate their language learning through intensive summer language study at other American universities.

The program offers two different minors: a minor in Russian language requires five Russian language courses; and a minor in Russian area studies requires five courses in the program, two of which may be Russian language courses. For both minors at least one of the five courses, taught in either Russian or English, must have a strong literature/culture component. Courses which fulfill this requirement are: RUSS 125, RUSS 211, RUSS 222, RUSS 225, RUSS 250, RUSS 252, RUSS 253, RUSS 255, RUSS 301, RUSS 302, RUSS 311, RUSS 312, RUSS 325, RUSS 340.

101 and 102. Elementary Russian I and II (I and II; 5)
Intensive training in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending Russian. Fundamentals of grammar and popular culture. Prerequisite: RUSS 101 or equivalent is prerequisite for RUSS 102.

101A. Intensive Elementary Russian (I or II; 3, 2)
Intensive training in speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending Russian. Fundamentals of grammar and popular culture.

103 and 104. Intermediate Russian I and II (I and II; 3, 1)
Advanced points of grammar and review of grammar. Training in all language skills combined with the study of cultural texts. Prerequisite: RUSS 102 or equivalent for RUSS 103; RUSS 103 is the prerequisite for RUSS 104.

106. Elementary Conversation and Composition (II; 2, 0) Half course.
Development of oral skills in Russian. Intended for students enrolled in RUSS 101. Students may take only one half credit course per semester.

125. Topics in Russian Culture (I; R; 3, 0)
An examination of everyday life in Russia as a mirror of historical, ideological, sociological, and economic forces. In English.

201. Advanced Russian I (I; 3, 0)
Advanced notions of Russian grammar; review of intermediate grammar. Advanced reading, composition, and conversation. In Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 104 or equivalent.

204. Russian Conversation (I and II; R, 2) Half course.
Concentrated development of speaking skill. Conducted entirely in Russian by a native speaker. Intended for students enrolled in 200- and 300-level courses. This course cannot be taken more thatn twice.

205. Russian for Business (AII; 3, 0)
Designed for proficiency in business communication skills. Studies the grammar and lexicology of commercial offers, orders, contracts, complaints, shipping, and delivery. In Russian.

209. Russian Complementary Reading (I or II; R; 1, 0) Half course.
Russian sources read in conjunction with English language courses. Independent course of study established by instructor and student. Prerequisite: the equivalent of four semesters of Russian. This course cannot be taken more than twice.

211. Chekhov: Drama in Prose (AI; 3, 0)
Detailed analysis of Chekhov’s poetics of theater through close reading and discussion of his major plays. Application of his theater poetics to his prose writings for their adaptation for stage. In English.

222. Russian Through Theater (I or II; 3, 0)
Advanced study of Russian language, particularly phonetics and intonation patterns through reading, discussion, and performing plays. In Russian.

225. Russian Cinema (I; 3, 0)
Traces through viewing and detailed analysis of films the development of Russian cinematography; from the innovations of directors like Eisenstein, Pudovkin, to the poetic-metaphorical aesthetics of Tarkovsky, Abuladze. In English.

250. Nineteenth-century Russian Literature in Translation (AI; 3, 0)
Survey of 19th-century Russian literature. Existential modes of thought in Pushkin, Gogol, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, and their influence on Western European culture.  In English.

252. Russian Through Literature (I or II; 3, 0)
A study of Russian through literary works by contemporary Russian writers. In Russian.

253. Folklore and Ritual (I or II; 3, 0)
Survey of major approaches to folklore; sociological and psychological functions of folklore. Life cycle rituals and agrarian cycles. Slavic examples. In English. Crosslisted as ANTH 253.

255. Twentieth-century Russian Literature in Translation (II; 3, 0)
Survey of 20th-century Russian literature. Major trends in Russian literature of the Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary period. Examines the problems of political dissent. In English.

280. Topics in the Slavic Languages (I and II; R) Half to full course.
Study of a Slavic language other than Russian. Languages may include Ukrainian, Polish, Czech, and Serbo-Croatian. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

295. Topics in Russian Studies (AII; R; 3, 0)
Readings and discussion of special interest relevant to Russian studies. Topics selected by students in consultation with the instructor. In Russian.

301. Nineteenth-century Russian Culture and Civilization (IA; 3, 0)
Cultural and ideological developments from Kievan Russia to 19th-century Russia: art and artistic trends in the context of historical events and everyday life. Extensive use of slides and video materials. For advanced students of Russian. In Russian.

302. Twentieth-century Russian Culture and Civilization (IIA; 3, 0)
Cultural developments from Chekhov to the present – the arts of the Silver Age, Socialist, realism, and post-Stalinism in the context of socio-political changes in 20th-century Russia. Extensive use of slides and video materials. For advanced students. In Russian.

311. Readings in Russian Literature (I or II; 3, 0)
An advanced study of the Russian language through close reading and discussion of short works by major Russian writers. In Russian.

312. Russian Guitar Poetry (AII; 3, 0)
The rise of new genre during the post-Stalinist period as a social, political, and ethical commentary on the time, through the songs of Vysotsky, Okhudzava, Galich. In Russian.

325. Dostoevsky and Tolstoy: Literary Philosophy (II; 3, 0)
The course is intended to introduce students to major philosophical ideas of F. Dostoevsky and L. Tolstoy who have been considered not only the greatest Russian writers but also the most profound thinkers. In English.

340. Russian Through Film and Theater (I or II; 3, 0)
An advanced study of Russian through watching and analyzing films and taped theatrical productions. In Russian.

350. Advanced Topics in Russian (I or II; R, 3, 0)
Readings and discussion of special topics at an advanced level. Topics selected by instructor in consultation with students. Prerequisite: successful completion of 200-level course or equivalent.

390. Independent Study (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Advanced independent research under the supervision of an instructor. Subject to be selected by student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

393. Honors in Russian (I or II; R; 3, 0)

American Sign Language (SIGN)

101 and 102. Elementary American Sign Language I and II (I and II; 2, 0) Half course.
An introduction to American Sign Language. Training and practice in signing together with approaches to communicating with deaf people. SIGN 101 or equivalent is prerequisite for 102.