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Course Descriptions

CONTENTS
Course listings (on this page): - Spanish - Spanish Graduate - French - German - Italian - Arabic	Related pages: - SSC Catalogs & Schedules - Upcoming courses - Degrees and programs - Spanish major - MAT-Spanish - Licensure - French program - Italian program - Arabic program

After each course description you can see how often you can expect to see that course offered. For more information on schedules you can go to these pages:

Catalogs and schedules page: current and next term's courses
Upcoming courses page: Planning years in advance

SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES

NOTE: These are all the courses that are offered on a regular basis. Other courses shown in the College Catalog are offered sporadically.

SPN 101 Elementary Spanish I

An introductory course in Spanish. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center.

Course Objectives:

To interact orally through both directed dialogue and open-ended speech in a variety of real-life contexts related to chapter material.
To discuss chapter and related cultural information and integrate it in the communicative context.
To reinforce learned material through chapter and class exercises that focus on the chapter material.
To complete and correct textbook activities to master chapter vocabulary and grammar.
To complete one hour per week of guided lab activities to strengthen listening and reading comprehension and writing skills related to chapter material.

Offered every semester (typically 4-5 sections in the fall, 2 in the spring), day and evening and Summer I

SPN 102 Elementary Spanish II

Continuation of SPN 101. An introductory course in Spanish. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking reading, writing and culture. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center.
Prerequisite: SPN 101 or equivalent.

Course Objectives:

To interact orally through both directed dialogue and open-ended speech in a variety of real-life contexts related to chapter material.
To discuss chapter and related cultural information and integrate it in the communicative context.
To reinforce learned material through chapter and class exercises that focus on the chapter material.
To complete and correct textbook activities to master chapter vocabulary and grammar.
To complete one hour per week of guided lab activities to strengthen listening and reading comprehension and writing skills related to chapter material.

Offered every semester (typically 2 sections in the fall, 3-4 in the spring), day and evening and Summer II

SPN 201 Intermediate Spanish I

The principal aim of this course and its continuation is to solidify and expand upon skills acquired in SPN 101-102. Basic grammar is reviewed while new grammatical material is introduced. In addition, some literary texts are studied. Students taking this course should continue in 202 or it�s equivalent (SPN 212, 220, 222). Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center. Not open to students who have taken SPN 201A.
Prerequisite: SPN 102 or SPN 151 or equivalent.

Course Objectives:

To interact orally through both directed dialogue and open-ended speech in a variety of real-life contexts related to chapter material.
To discuss chapter and related cultural information and integrate it in the communicative context.
To reinforce learned material through chapter and class exercises that focus on the chapter material.
To complete and correct textbook activities to master chapter vocabulary and grammar.
To complete one hour per week of guided lab activities to strengthen listening and reading comprehension and writing skills related to chapter material.

Offered every semester (typically 3 sections in the fall, 1 in the spring), day and evening and Summer I

SPN 202 Intermediate Spanish II

Three hours of classwork and one of individual practice in the language laboratory per week. Conducted mainly in Spanish.
Designed for students who have successfully completed SPN 201 or its equivalent. This course expands the review of fundamentals of grammar and encourages the development of a large active vocabulary. Students are to achieve an intermediate communicative competence as well as develop an awareness of the range of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world. The course combines written and oral/aural practice of Spanish through oral reports, compositions, class discussions and debates on assigned topics, articles, short literary works and films. Conducted mainly in Spanish.

Course Objectives:

interact orally through both directed dialogue and open-ended speech in a variety of real-life contexts related to chapter material.
use Spanish grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions needed to function at an intermediate level
choose language that is culturally appropriate for a variety of conversational situations
identify Spanish-speaking countries, regions and territories around the world and discuss their culture, history, social groups, and political institutions
analyze literary and cultural texts from these Spanish-speaking countries

Offered every semester (typically 1 section in the fall, 1-2 in the spring), day and evening and Summer II. REMEMBER that SPN212, offered in the Spring, is EQUIVALENT to SPN202

SPN 203 The Spanish Speaking World I: Spain
3 cr. DI An interdisciplinary introduction to the peoples and cultures of Spain. The course provides a panoramic overview of Hispanic culture in Spain through the study of a variety of cultural texts that include movies, music, newspaper and magazine articles, literary texts, and the Internet. Three hours of class work per week. Taught in English.
Special Conditions: In some cases, but not typically, the SPN 203 and SPN 204 course sequence may count toward completion of the Bachelor of Arts Foreign Language Requirement, by permission of the Department Chairperson only. See Competency-Based Skills Requirements for rules governing this option. A Division I Elective for all other students.

Course Objectives:

To develop and demonstrate through class discussion, projects and community interaction, a knowledge and an understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, with particular emphasis on Spain;
To illustrate and examine areas of comparison and contrast between Spanish culture and one's own and to demonstrate these in class discussion, individual and group presentations and various written and oral projects.
To identify key historical figures and cultural products of Spain and to describe their contribution to the cultural history of the region and the world.

Offered usually every fall and usually during summer institute

SPN 204 The Spanish Speaking World II: Spanish America
3 cr. DI An interdisciplinary introduction to the peoples and cultures of Latin America. The course pays special attention to the contrasts and similarities between the countries that comprise this vast and complex region through the study of a variety of cultural texts that include films, music, newspaper and magazine articles, literary texts, and the Internet. Three hours of class work per week. Class conducted in English with readings in English. See SPN 203 for special conditions.

Course Objectives:

To develop and demonstrate through class discussions and written and oral projects knowledge of the diversity and richness of Latin American history and culture.
To illustrate and examine areas of comparison and contrast between Latin American culture and US culture.
To recognize the historical, political, intellectual and cultural specificity of the Latin American region while taking into account the contrasts and similarities between the countries that comprise the region.
To identify key historical figures and cultural products in Latin America and to describe their contribution to the cultural history of the region and the world through class presentations, continued class participation in the seminar format, guided exercises of textual analysis, quizzes, exams, and analytical essays.

Offered usually every spring

SPN 212 Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera

NOTE: THIS COURSE IS EQUIVALENT TO 202. (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) Issued by the Ministry of Education of Spain, the DELE offers official recognition of various levels of mastery of the Spanish language. This course is built on learning experiences specifically targeted at the DELE examination.

Course Objectives:

Complete and correct textbook activities to continue grammar expansion and acquire a greater degree of accuracy, consistency, and sophistication.
Interact orally through both directed dialogue and open-ended speech in a variety of real-life contexts.
Complete one hour per week of guided lab activities to strengthen listening and reading comprehension and effective writing skills.
Expand word power through focused vocabulary exercises and techniques that encourage to guess meaning in context.
Discuss and analyze short stories and films orally and in writing to deepen their understanding of Hispanic cultures
Complete at least four complete sample DELE tests to become familiar with the format, type of questioning and level required at the actual examination.

Offered usually every spring (1-2 sections)

SPN 220 Spanish for Native Speakers

EQUIVALENT TO 202A. This course focuses on the grammatical and lexical study needed by students who have already acquired a high level of oral proficiency in a native, non-academic environment.
The main goals of the course are the improvement of written Spanish and a better understanding of Spanish grammar through specific activities designed to integrate native speaker needs. The course also explores the similarities and differences of the range of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world.

Offered rarely, due to low demand.

SPN 222 Spanish for Travel and Tourism

LEVEL EQUIVALENT TO SPN202 and SPN212. Authentic materials and situations in the worlds of business and hospitality will form the basis for this course. Students will gain insight into cultural and linguistic customs, as well as increase mastery over the language competencies specific to each environment. Areas such as banking, trade, commerce, and hotel and restaurant management will be presented. Students will have ample opportunity to develop proficiency in both written and verbal communication. Three lecture hours per week. Future development of courses at the Intermediate Spanish level will include: Medicine and Health, Social Work, Law and Law Enforcement.

Course Objectives: Students participating in the course will:

interact orally and in writing about diverse topics related to daily life, travel and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world
review and use Spanish grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions needed to function at an intermediate level or higher
choose language that is culturally appropriate and needed to travel and interact with native speakers of Spanish in a variety of practical situations encountered while traveling
identify and discuss Spanish-speaking countries around the world
discuss and integrate into the communicative context the culture, history, social groups, and political institutions of Spanish-speaking countries
analyze cultural texts from these Spanish regions

It was offered Spring 2003. It will be offered again Fall 2007.

THE FOLLOWING POST-INTERMEDIATE, TRANSITIONAL LANGUAGE COURSES: 350, 351, 353, AND 354, ARE TYPICALLY OFFERED 1 EA. IN THE FALL AND 2 EA. IN THE SPRING, ON A ROTATIONAL BASIS.

SPN 350 Advanced Spanish Grammar

A study of the finer points of standard Spanish grammar. Three hours of classwork per week.
Lectures, discussion, and exercises designed to help students review and expand on the principal elements of standard Spanish grammar through grammatical analysis of literary and other texts in order to attain a higher level of sophistication in linguistic analysis. Conducted primarily in Spanish.

Offered about every 3 semesters.

SPN 351 Advanced Conversational Spanish

The aim of this course is to help the student develop greater fluency in the spoken language. Emphasis is placed on the vocabulary and idioms encountered in day-to-day living. Three hours of classwork per week.
This course promotes interaction as a way to achieve facility in language use. In pairs, small groups, and whole class activities, students simultaneously refine their ideas and their language proficiency. Students will achieve communicative competence as well as continue their exploration into the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Conducted entirely in Spanish.

Objectives: in this course the student will

Read short readings and watch short videos and films related to daily life and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and discuss them in class in Spanish
Interact orally in in writing (through a class mailing list or bulletin board) with fellow students in pairs and small groups, in Spanish, about diverse topics related to daily life and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world
Give oral presentations in Spanish about diverse topics related to daily life and the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and answer questions
Acquire new Spanish vocabulary and reinforce old vocabulary and grammar
Recognize, analyze and describe cultural differences among Hispanic cultures and between them and US culture

Offered about every 3 semesters.

SPN 353 Readings from the Hispanic World

This course explores the techniques of critical reading while furthering understanding of the various cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Essays and literary selections introduce students to the principles of textual analysis and serve as topics for class discussion, while providing insight into various aspects of the Hispanic and Latino experience. Conducted entirely in Spanish.

Course Objectives:

To develop and demonstrate, through class discussion, and written and oral projects, a knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, with particular emphasis on the written expression of such in literature and journalism;
To develop and demonstrate, through individual and group written and oral exercises, an increasingly advanced communicative competence in Spanish;
To learn and employ strategies for producing clear, level-appropriate, thoughtful writing in Spanish and to demonstrate such through class projects and exercises of an increasingly more advanced nature;
To learn and employ strategies for analyzing and appraising written expression in Spanish and to incorporate these techniques in written projects of advancing critical depth;
To write at least one creative piece in Spanish, as relevant to the genres studied (poetry, essay, editorial, etc.);
To write a 10-15 page reserach paper in Spanish on a topic or author studied in class.

Offered about every 3 semesters.

SPN 354 Composition Through Film

Various aspects of the Spanish and Latin American experience as portrayed through selected films. Students will engage in writing projects, each with a specific focus: narration (present and past), description, exposition, research. Writing proficiency attained at the intermediate level is further developed, while cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world is broadened. Conducted entirely in Spanish.

Course Objectives:

To watch, study and analyze different films in Spanish.
To actively discuss and judge artistic, political and cultural issues presented in the films.
To read materials related to the films.
To write four essays relevant to the class discussion with a specific focus: narration , description, exposition and research.
To evaluate stylistic and grammatical mistakes in their writing through ongoing editing.
To rewrite the essays to revise previous weaknesses.
To review and master key grammar points through systematic exercises.

Offered about every 3 semesters.

THE FOLLOWING POST-INTERMEDIATE, SERVICE COURSES : 380 AND 385 ARE TYPICALLY OFFERED ONCE A YEAR.

SPN 380 Peer Tutoring

Students will learn and engage in distinct foreign language methodologies as appropriate to peer-tutoring activities. Weekly seminars, as well as a comprehensive methodology workshop will integrate foreign language teaching theory with practice. Responsibilities include private tutoring in the Foreign Languages Tutoring Center; designing tutorial activities; selecting, organizing and presenting material; evaluating student progress and diagnosing student needs and classroom management techniques. All activities are supervised by Foreign Language faculty. Three lecture hours per week.
Upper division students tutor lower division students. This process is supervised by a faculty member who meets regularly with tutors, providing guidelines, exchanging ideas and evaluating their work.

Offered typically every spring.

SPN 385 Community Placements

A program of on-campus and/or off-campus internships in Spanish. Local community agencies and institutions, such as NSCAP (North Shore Community Access Program) and the Girl Scouts, will provide students opportunities in the Spanish-speaking community involving family, group and individual contact. Students will be supervised on-site. Periodic meetings with Foreign Languages faculty to assess and evaluate performance and progress.
A variety of internships will be arranged with local and community agencies and institutions. Activities such as the following will result:
a) Salem State students tutor and mentor primary and secondary school students.
b) Salem State students are placed in social organizations (Big Brother, Big Sister, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.) having a significant Hispanic membership.
c) Salem State students work in hospitals or health related agencies, serving as interpreters for Spanish speaking patients and clients.
d) Salem State students are placed in job areas serving a large Spanish speaking clientele: law offices, insurance agencies, restaurants, hotels, automobile dealerships, real estate agencies, etc.

Offered typically every fall semester.

SPN 388A Methodology of Teaching Spanish (P-6) [for ELEMENTARY EDUCATION CONCENTRATION (P-6)
SPN 389 Methodology of Teaching Spanish (5-12) [for SECONDARY EDUCATION CONCENTRATION (5-12)]
This course is especially designed for those students who will become second language or foreign language teachers. Different methodologies will be practiced in class. New technologies and recent findings in the field of applied linguistics will be examined. Students will familiarize themselves with the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning as recommended by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Taught in English. Required of Spanish Majors in the Pedagogical Studies Concentration.

Offered typically every spring.

SPN 401 Introduction to Spanish Literature I

A systematic study of Spanish literature from its origins through the Golden Age. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. This course and SPN 402 will satisfy the one-year Literature Sequence distribution requirement. Three lecture hours per week.
Conducted entirely in Spanish.

Offered typically every other year in the fall (odd years).

SPN 402 Introduction to Spanish Literature II

Continuation of SPN 401. From the 18th century to the present. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. This course and SPN 402 will satisfy the one-year Literature Sequence distribution requirement. Three lecture hours per week.

Offered typically every other year in the spring (even years)

SPN 412 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics

An introduction to the scientific study of the Spanish language. The course briefly reviews the many dimensions of linguistic analysis, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, diachronic change, and sociolinguistics. The main part of this course is devoted to exploring the sounds and sound system of Spanish, including dialectal and stylistic variation in pronunciation as well as orthography. Practical exercises help students with their pronunciation and spelling. Spanish will be compared to other Romance languages which trace their origins to Latin, such as French, Italian and Portuguese. Conducted in Spanish, this course makes use of Web tools for discussion and exchange of information.

Offered typically every third semester.

SPN 415 Spanish Civilization and Culture

An examination of the historical, political, intellectual, and cultural factors which have molded the Spanish people. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish.

Offered typically every other year.

SPN 416 Hispano-American Civilization and Culture

Latin-American civilization exclusive of Brazil. A study of the ancient American civilizations and the Hispano-American countries to the present day. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish.

Offered typically every other year.

SPN 417 Hispano-American Literature I

The important literary movements in Spanish America from colonial days through independence. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week. This course and SPN 418 will satisfy the one-year Literature Sequence distribution requirement.

Offered typically every other year in the fall (even years).

SPN 418 Hispano-American Literature II

Continuation of SPN 417. Spanish American literature from modernism to the present. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week. This course and SPN 417 will satisfy the one-year Literature Sequence distribution requirement.

Offered typically every other year in the fall (odd years).

SPN 450 Spanish Translation and Interpretation Practicum

Development of the basic techniques needed for translation and interpretation. Considerable practice given to both translation into and from the native language (English/Spanish). Material will be taken from literary and non-literary genres and styles. Emphasis will be placed on command of appropriate professional lexicon and awareness of the relationship between language and culture.

Offered typically every 3rd semester.

SPN 480N Seminar in the Literatures of the Spanish Speaking World

Group discussions of selected literary and critical works. Topics chosen to promote in-depth understanding of aspects of Hispanic culture and literature too specialized to be included in the general overview.

Offered typically every other year.

SPN 490 Advanced Professional Spanish Across the Curriculum

An interdisciplinary round table discussion course. Students will research and present professional materials from Hispanic sources relevant to courses taken outside the Department.

Offered typically every other year.

SPN 495 Seminar in Linguistics

The Linguistics Seminar will cover various areas of language study not usually examined in lower level courses and will expand on topics covered in SPN 412.

Offered typically every other year or more.

SPN 500 Directed Study in Spanish

Students will write a research paper pertaining to their chosen areas of specialization. Progress will be assessed at weekly group discussions.

Offered as needed as per individual agreement between professor and student.

SPN 501 Senior Seminar with Thesis

Offered every spring.

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FRENCH LANGUAGE COURSES

FRE 101 Elementary French I

An introductory course in French. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center.

Offered every fall (day and evening), spring (day), and summer.

FRE 102 Elementary French II

Continuation of FRE 101. An introductory course in French. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center. Prerequisite: FRE 101 or equivalent.

Offered every fall (day), spring (day and evening), and summer.

FRE 151 Elementary French: Intensive Review 3 credits

An intensive one semester review of elementary French for students who have had at least two years of high school French but need preparation before enrolling for Intermediate French.

Offered sporadically (Summer 2007)

FRE 201 Intermediate French I

The principal aim of this course and its continuation is to solidify and expand upon the skills acquired in FRE101-102. Basic grammar is reviewed while new grammatical material is introduced. In addition, some literary texts are studied. Students taking this course should continue in FRE 202. Conducted mainly in French. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center. Prerequisite: FRE 102 or FRE 151 or equivalent.

Offered every fall (day and evening), spring (day), and summer.

FRE 202 Intermediate French II

Continuation of FRE 201. The principal aim of this course and its continuation is to solidify and expand upon the French language skills acquired in FRE 101-102. Basic grammar is reviewed while new grammatical material is introduced. In addition, some literary texts are studied. Conducted mainly in French. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center. Not open to students who have taken FRE 202A. Prerequisite: FRE 201 or equivalent.

Offered every fall (day), spring (day and evening), and summer.

FRE 203 French Culture I

The cultures of France and other French speaking countries. The course treats the civilization, language (linguistics), history, geography, literature, music, and art of the countries in question. Class conducted in English with readings in English. Three lecture hours per week. Special Conditions. In some cases, but not typically, the FRE 203 and FRE 204 course sequence may count toward completion of the bachelor of arts foreign language requirement, by permission of the department chairperson only. See Competency-Based Skills Requirements for rules governing this option. A Division I elective for all other students.

Offered sporadically. Taught in English. Does not count towards the minor.

FRE 204 French Culture II

Continuation of FRE 203. The cultures of France and other French speaking countries. The course treats the civilization, language (linguistics), history, geography, literature, music, and art of the countries in question. Class conducted in English with readings in English. Three lecture hours per week. See FRE 203 for special conditions.

Offered sporadically. Taught in English. Does not count towards the minor.

FRE 301 Advanced French Grammar

A study of the finer points of standard French grammar. Three hours of class work per week. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRE 202 or equivalent.