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Courses Offered in World Languages and Cultures

Ready to take a class? Use the class search to find an upcoming class offered in World Languages and Cultures. Subjects in World Languages and Cultures include: ARA, FLT, FRE, GER, ITL, SPN, CHI, LAT, WLC, FYWL. These are followed by a course number.

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FRE 101: ELEMENTARY FRENCH I

An introductory course in French for students with no background in the language. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with a focus on communicative proficiency at the novice level. This is an introduction to the cultural diversity of the French-speaking world and an exploration of different cultural perspectives. This course is not open to native speakers, heritage speakers, or to students who have completed more than one year of high school study in the language. To determine proper placement follow the Language Placement Guidelines on the university's site. Three lecture hours per week.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

FRE 102: ELEMENTARY FRENCH II

Continuation of FRE101. An introductory course in French with further development in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and understanding cultural differences. This course is designed for students with minimal prior study in French (2 years of high school or 1 semester of college study). Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: FRE101 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

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. Students will explore various cultures in the French-speaking world. 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.
Prerequisite: FRE102 or FRE151 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

FRE 202: INTERMEDIATE FRENCH II

Continuation of FRE201.The principle aim of this course and its continuation is to solidify and expand upon the French language skills acquired in FRE101-102. Basic grammar is reviewed while new grammatical material is introduced. Students will explore various cultures in the French-speaking world. 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 Language Resource Center. Not open to students who have taken FRE202A.
Prerequisite: FRE201 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

FRE 360: CONTEMPORARY FRANCE

The French way of life. Social, cultural, intellectual and artistic currents in present-day France are analyzed and discussed. Conducted in French. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: FRE202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

FRE 380: TOPICS IN FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE LITERATURE

This course features in-depth study of a particular topic in French and/or Francophone literature, which may include the study of a particular genre, theme or literary period. The course topic, selected by the professor, will emphasize the analysis of literary texts and may include a focus on stylistics, cultural themes and/or historical context. Conducted in French. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: FRE 202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

FRE 400: FRENCH TRANSLATION SEMINAR

In this course, students will learn strategies for effective translation (English/French, French/English) and practice these skills using a variety of source materials. Emphasis will be placed on developing awareness of the relationship between language and culture. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: FRE 202 or higher, or equivalent proficiency in French as determined by the chairperson of the World Languages and Cultures department.

3.00 credits

FRE 501: SENIOR SEMINAR THESIS

Students will write a thesis based on original research in the field of French or Francophone studies. Progress will be assessed at weekly group discussions. Students will be guided in research methods, in the process of writing and revising a thesis, and in writing for public presentation and presentations skills. Required of all World Language & Cultures majors in the French concentration.
Prerequisites: Six French courses numbered 300-500, or permission of the Department Chairperson.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

FYWL 100: FIRST YEAR SEMINAR (WORLD LANGUAGES & CULTURES)

This course will introduce students to the experience of academic exploration that is at the heart of a liberal arts education. Through study of one or more compelling questions or topics in a small seminar setting, students will practice creative and critical thinking and will learn to express themselves effectively and appropriately in a college setting. They will develop relationships and practices that allow them to effectively utilize college resources and become members of a community of learners. The specific topic of the seminar will be developed by individual faculty and will be announced in advance. First year seminars are required for first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 15 credits. Not open to students who have received credit for IDS 189 or another first year seminar course.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: First Year Seminar

ITL 101: ELEMENTARY ITALIAN I

An introductory course in Italian for students with no background in the language. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with a focus on communicative proficiency at the novice level. This is an introduction to the cultural diversity of the Italian-speaking world and an exploration of different cultural perspectives. This course is not open to native speakers, heritage speakers, or to students who have completed more than one year of high school study in the language. To determine proper placement follow the Language Placement Guidelines on the university's site. Three hours of class work per week,

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

ITL 102: ELEMENTARY ITALIAN II

Continuation of ITL101. An introductory course in Italian with further development in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and understanding cultural differences. This course is designed for students with minimal prior study in Italian (2 years of high school or 1 semester of college study). Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: ITL101 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

ITL 201: INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN I

The principal aim of this course and its continuation is to solidify and expand upon the skills acquired in ITL101-102. Basic grammar is reviewed while new grammatical material is introduced. Students will explore various aspects of Italian culture. In addition, some literary texts are used. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center.
Prerequisite: ITL102 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

ITL 202: INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN II

Continuation of ITL201. The principal aim of this course and its continuation is to solidify and expand upon the skills acquired in ITL101-ITL102. Basic grammar is reviewed while new grammatical material is introduced. Students will explore various aspects of Italian culture. In addition, some literary texts are studied. Three hours of class work per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center.
Prerequisite: ITL201 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

ITL 303: ITALIAN CONVERSATION

In this course, students will develop spoken proficiency in Italian. Students will practice listening skills with films, documentaries, songs, radio, television programs or other audiovisual materials. These materials will also generate discussion topics for class and help students to expand their vocabulary. Through dialogs and role-playing, students will practice speaking in a variety of situations encountered in day-to-day living. Three lecture hours per week, supplemented by listening activities in the Language Resource Center. Conducted entirely in Italian.
Prerequisite: ITL202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

ITL 400: ITALIAN TRANSLATION SEMINAR

In this course, students will learn strategies for effective translation (English/Italian, Italian/English) and practice these skills using a variety of source materials. Emphasis will be placed on developing proficiency in the craft of translation and on awareness of the relationship between language and culture.
Prerequisite: ITL202 or higher or equivalent proficiency in Italian as determined by the chairperson of the World Languages and Cultures department.

3.00 credits

SPN 101: ELEMENTARY SPANISH I

An introductory course in Spanish for students with no background in the language. Beginning skills are developed in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing with a focus on communicative proficiency at the novice level. This is an introduction to the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world and an exploration of different cultural perspectives. This course is not open to native speakers, heritage speakers, or to students who have completed more than one year of high school study in the language. To determine proper placement follow the Language Placement Guidelines on the university's site. Three lecture hours per week.

3.00 credits

SPN 102: ELEMENTARY SPANISH II

Continuation of SPN 101. An introductory course in Spanish with further development in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and understanding cultural differences. This course is designed for students with minimal prior study in XXX (2 years of high school or 1 semester of college study). Three lecture hours per week.

3.00 credits

SPN 201: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I

Continuation of SPN102. The last of the major Spanish grammatical material is introduced and skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture are consolidated and expanded. Students will explore various aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and read some literary and cultural texts. Conducted in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center. To determine proper placement, see the guidelines in the catalog or on Department web site.
Prerequisite: SPN102 or SPN151 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

SPN 202: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II

The principal aim of this course is to solidify and expand upon the skills acquired in SPN101 through 201. Basic grammar is reviewed, some literary texts are studied, and skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing and culture are consolidated and expanded. Conducted in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week, supplemented by one hour of assigned work in the Language Resource Center. To determine proper placement, see the guidelines in the catalog or on Department website.
Prerequisite: SPN201 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

SPN 250: SPANISH FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

This course provides conversational Spanish tools for professionals in the medical fields who already have a foundation in Spanish. It provides linguistic knowledge and practice in the medical field and to effectively communicate with Spanish speakers about health matters, including specialized medical vocabulary and expressions, as well as matters of cultural competence about health care and medical issues for Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. Pre-requisites: SPN 202 (4 semesters of college Spanish), 3 years of high-school Spanish, or permission from department chairperson.

3.00 credits

SPN 350: ADVANCED SPANISH GRAMMAR

A study of the finer points of standard Spanish grammar. Three hours of class work per week. Elective for Spanish Minors. Typically offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: SPN202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

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 class work per week. Typically offered each spring. Elective for Elementary Education. Native speakers of Spanish should not take this course without permission from the chairperson. Prerequisite: SPN202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

SPN 353: READINGS FROM THE HISPANIC WORLD

This course explores the techniques of critical reading while furthering understanding of the various Hispanic cultures. 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 experience. Conducted entirely in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SPN202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

SPN 354: SPANISH COMPOSITION THROUGH FILM

Various aspects of Hispanic culture, as depicted in selected Spanish language films, generate topics for composition in Spanish. Writing proficiency attained at the intermediate level is further developed with a variety of writing assignments and reflection on the writing process, while cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world is broadened. Conducted entirely in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: SPN202 or the equivalent and W-I course.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Communication-Level II

SPN 375: TOPICS IN THE STUDY OF LATIN AMERICA AND SPAIN

This course features in-depth study of cultural topics in Latin America or Spanish studies, which may include the study of literature and/or cultures of the Latin American world and their diaspora, and/or Spain, Portugal and Africa. The course topics will emphasize the analysis of authentic cultural texts, such as film, music, art, news, magazine articles, websites or literature. Conducted in Spanish. Repeatable for credit three times.
Prerequsite: SPN202 or equivalent.

3.00 credits

SPN 382: LATINX IMMIGRATION: CONTEXT AND REPRESENTATION

This course is designed to introduce students to the impact of Latinx groups in the US and their struggles. A variety of narratives on immigration experiences are studied through testimonies, documentaries and films to showcase the origin of racial conflicts and inequality. Class discussions and writing assignments will deal with historical and cultural experiences of Latinx minority groups. This course will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week.
Pre-requisite: SPN351 or SPN353, or proficiency in Spanish above the intermediate level with permission of the Department's Chairperson.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Diversity, Power Dyn, Soc Just

SPN 385: COMMUNITY PLACEMENTS

Students will engage in 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 with opportunities in the Spanish-speaking community involving family, group and individual contact. Students will be supervised on-site and have periodic meetings with Spanish faculty to assess and evaluate performance and progress.
Prerequisite: SPN350 or SPN351 or SPN353 or SPN354, and proficiency appropriate to the placement.

3.00 credits

SPN 401: INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH LITERATURE I

A exploration of Peninsular Spanish literature revealing essential aspects of Spain’s value system (faith, reason, passion, society, art, etc.) and their effect on literary expression. The readings exemplify various genres (poetry, essay, novel, drama, short story) and are representative of major periods from the pre-medieval through the Golden Age. Conducted in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SPN350 or SPN351 or SPN353 or SPN354 or permission of the Department Chairperson.

3.00 credits

SPN 405: THE SPANISH-SPEAKING WORLD THROUGH FILM

A selection of films will be used as a source of meaningful cultural information to understand history, politics and social problems in the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis will be placed on the themes of memory, immigration, exile, identity and oppression. Readings, lectures, script writing and discussions in Spanish will complement the films. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: SPN350 or SPN351 or SPN353 or SPN354 or permission of the Department Chairperson.

3.00 credits

SPN 415A: THE CULTURES OF SPAIN

An examination of the historical, political, intellectual, and cultural factors which have molded the Spanish people. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. Three lectures hours per week. Elective for Spanish minors. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: SPN350 or SPN351 or SPN353 or SPN354 or permission of the Department Chairperson.

3.00 credits

SPN 416: LATIN AMERICAN CULTURES

This course examines the historical, political and cultural aspects of the cultures of the Hispanic-American world from ancient indigenous civilizations to the present day. It explores the interaction between Spain and its colonies, and study the United States and Hispanic-America, looking at the impact of racism and oppression on its cultures. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. Three lecture hours per week. Elective for Spanish minors. Offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: SPN350 or SPN351 or SPN353 or SPN354 or permission of the Department Chairperson.

3.00 credits

SPN 450: SPANISH TRANSLATION

Development of the basic techniques needed for translation and interpretation. Considerable practice given to both translating 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. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisite: Any course in the SPN300 or 400 series, or equivalent proficiency in Spanish as determined by the World Languages and Cultures Department.

3.00 credits

SPN 501: SENIOR SEMINAR WITH THESIS

Students will write a thesis pertaining to their chosen concentration. Progress will be assessed at weekly group discussions,which meet once per week. Students will be guided in research methods, in the process of writing and revising a thesis, and in writing for public presentation and presentation skills. Required of all World Language & Cultures majors in any of the Spanish concentrations.
Prerequisites: Three Spanish courses at the 400 level or permission of the Department Chairperson.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: Written Commun-Level III

SPN 705: SEMINAR IN LATIN AMERICAN AND US LATINO LITERATURES

A study of Latin American and US Latino literatures through representative works by key literary figures from the pre-Colombian period to the present. Chosen texts exemplify the epistolary genre, the novel, the short story, drama, poetry, and the testimonio, and represent the most important literary movements and/or currents in the region. This writing intensive seminar attempts to place texts within a historical and theoretical perspective. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Upper intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish.

3.00 credits

SPN 710: SEMINAR IN THE CULTURES OF SPAIN

This course will examine Spain's multicultural society from the prehistoric era to the post-Franco years. Authentic literary, historical, artistic and anthropological documents and audio-visual materials will guide students towards an awareness of Spain's past and present. The idea is to study recurrent themes in Spanish history and culture such as religion and class, regionalism, dictatorship and democracy, and the questioning and creation of a national identity. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Upper intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish.

3.00 credits

SPN 711: SEMINAR IN LATIN AMERICAN AND US LATINO CULTURES

Interdisciplinary and in-depth study of the socioeconomic, political and cultural formation we call Latin America including the US Latino communities. Using scholarly texts, interpretive essays, primary sources, and a variety of cultural artifacts (films, music, art objects, literary texts) we will explore the region's common cultural heritage against its striking cultural contrasts and internal tensions. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Upper intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish.

3.00 credits

SPN 750: INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH LINGUISTICS AND SOCIOLINGUISTICS

A linguistic and sociolinguistic introduction to Spanish for Spanish and bilingual teachers. The course examines several areas of the linguistic structure of Spanish, in particular the sound system and the vocabulary, as well as language variation in context and communication norms. The course reviews the history of the language and its different modern-day dialects and varieties. Finally, it looks at Spanish in its societal and political context, particularly as it applies to Hispanics in the US. In English and Spanish. Uses a newsgroup as online enhancement to classroom discussion.
Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Spanish is required.

3.00 credits

SPN 762: RESEARCH IN TEACHING SPANISH (5-12)

This course provides students with practical experience in the utilization of various resources to create, organize, and assess Spanish instruction at the fifth through twelfth grade level. Students will develop an action research project. Designed for those students seeking professional licensure and the graduate degrees, MAT in Spanish. Students must have completed the majority of professional level education courses in the program of studies.
Prerequisite: Students must have initial licensure in Spanish.

3.00 credits

SPN 900: MAT RESEARCH MONOGRAPH

Students will identify a research topic and develop it under the guidance of the instructor. The topic will be related to the teaching of the Spanish language or to the teaching of some aspect of Spanish-language literature, linguistics or Hispanic cultures. Regular group meetings will provide the student with the guidance and resources to complete the research project, as well as the benefit of peer support. Students must have completed all other courses in the MAT in Spanish. This course is conducted and written in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Advanced Low ACTFL proficiency level.

3.00 credits

WLC 120: PERSPECTIVES ON WORLD CULTURES

This course is an introduction to the cultural and ethnic diversity of our global community examining cultures outside the United States. Students will examine one or more global cultures and their worldviews, exploring the perceptions, practices and products of the culture(s) studied and acquiring an understanding of and sensitivity towards other cultural perspectives. Students will also compare and contrast the culture(s) studies with their own in order to challenge or deepen their understanding of their own worldviews and in order to prepare them to work in a globalized world. The course is in English and will have three lecture hours per week.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

WLC 190H: HONORS SEMINAR IN WORLD CULTURES

A variety of cultural artifacts, such as films, songs, literature, media, and/or works of art will be used to explore in depth the diverse historical, political and social forces that have shaped one or more world cultures outside the United States. Students will analyze and think critically about authentic materials and develop intercultural competency. The course will be taught in English and will have three lecture hours per week. This course is open to students in the Commonwealth Honors Program and other students by permission.

3.00 credits

This course fulfills these general education curriculum requirements: World Cultures

WLC 300: INTRODUCTION TO TRANSLATION

This course offers an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of translation. Students will learn the basic techniques needed for effective translation and will practice translating materials from a variety of fields and styles into and from the source and target languages. Translation theory and career options will also be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on command of appropriate professional lexicon and awareness of the relationship between language and culture. Prerequisite: FRE 201 or ITL 201 or SPN 201 or permission of the department chair.

3.00 credits

WLC 501: TRANSLATION STUDIES CAPSTONE PRACTICUM

Students will produce a comprehensive portfolio of translation work comprising multiple written projects. Course work and translation activities will focus on specialized areas of translation according to the student's area of interest and language pair. Possible specializations include literary, technical, commercial, legal, medical, or translation for new media. Students will combine an extensive class project with service work in translation for an appropriate community organization, such as a health center, government or non-governmental agency, legal affairs or court work, or a domestic or international corporation. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: Four translation certificate courses, including WLC300, two advanced grammar courses (one in English, one in the target language), and the translation practicum in the target language, with a grade of B- or better.

3.00 credits

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