Course Descriptions
Course Listing
Chinese
CI 11-12 Basic Chinese
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
CI 101-102 Intermediate Chinese
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Chinese language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as to read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
French
FR 11-12 Basic French
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
FR 49-50 Basic French Review
This two-semester sequence is intended for students who have studied French for one or two years in secondary school but who are not prepared to take FR 101-102. Students build their communicative competency in the four skills, review and apply grammar to real-life situations, use tutorial and/or technological assistance extensively. Final oral proficiency of at least Novice High on the ACTFL/ETS scale is expected. Students who complete FR 49-50 must then take FR 101-102 in order to satisfy the core language requirement. Students must obtain written permission from the instructor or the Departmental chair in order to enroll in this class.
3 credits
FR 101-102 Intermediate French
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the French language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as to read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
3 credits
FR 121-122 Continuing French
This course presents a general view of the literatures of France. This course prepares students to continue the study of French on the advanced level. Review of essential points of grammar; vocabulary building; regular practice in speaking and writing. A wide variety of material (literary and cultural texts, articles from the press, films, documents) serves as the basis for class work and discussion, and provides an introduction to contemporary French culture.
3 credits
FR 221 Grammar and Composition
This course is intended to improve proficiency in the written language. Students will build vocabulary and improve their grammar through readings and exercises designed to prepare them for weekly compositions. These compositions will expose students to a variety of genres ranging from the scholarly to the creative. Following peer review and suggestions from the instructor, compositions will be rewritten and incorporated into a final portfolio project.
3 credits
FR 222 French Conversation and Phonetics
The goal of this course is to develop and improve the student's conversational ability. This is accomplished through class discussion which involves a variety of current topics. Increasing of vocabulary is stressed; the phonetic alphabet is introduced for the improvement of pronunciation.
3 credits
FR 251-252 Culture and Civilization of France and Francophone World
In the first semester, an examination of France and the French people in a social and historical context. In the second semester, as examination of the countries and regions which comprise the Francophone world. Discussion of a wide range of topics. Frequent oral and written reports.
3 credits
FR 267 French Commercial Culture
In this course, the student studies commercial French and the cultural aspects of France directly or indirectly related to it. Emphasis is placed on commercial vocabulary and business situations. Extensive use of authentic documents and material. Regular practice in speaking and writing.
3 credits
FR 271 La Presse Contemporaine
Reading and discussion of articles from representative magazines and newspapers in French; considerable use of television news broadcasts and documentary films. Many aspects of modern French life are examined: politics, education, religion, the economy, the arts, science, etc. Frequent oral and written reports.
3 credits
FR/EN 291 Black Bodies, White Bodies: The Angst Over Race
This team-taught course explores the complexities surrounding the concept of cultural identities as reflected in the literatures and visual texts of some anglophone and francophone postcolonial nations from Africa and the Caribbean. Using a combination of fictional and theoretical works, this course examines how some contemporary writers from England's and France's ex-colonies envision and negotiate their cultural identities vis-a-vis the hegemony of their old masters, and the west in general. By using heuristics such as memory, nation-hood, tradition, modernity, border identity, sexuality, religion, and spirituality, this course explicates the angst over black bodies and white bodies This course may be taken to fulfill three credits toward the major or minor in French.
3 credits
FR 301-302 Survey of Literature in French
This course presents a general view of the literatures of France and the Francophone world. Emphasis placed on the more important writers and major literary movements and themes.
3 credits
FR 305 French and Francophone Women Writers
This course will explore post-Revolution philosophical, fictional and autobiographical works of French and Francophone women within the context of France's historical, political and cultural development to the present. Discussion conducted in French. Emphasis on student participation through oral and written reports.
3 credits
FR 311 17th Century Classical Theatre
This course is devoted to an examination of the plays of Corneille, Moliere, and Racine. Stress is placed on both the revelation of 17th century classical principles and the modern relevance of the plays.
3 credits
FR 321 18th Century Literature
Readings and discussion of works by Voltaire, Marivaux, Diderot, Rousseau, Beaumarchais, and others. Frequent papers required; emphasis on class discussion and student participation.
3 credits
FR 337 Novel of the 19th Century
This course treats the important novelists of the 19th century: Balzac, Stendhal, Flaubert, Zola, and others. Frequent critical papers required.
3 credits
FR 346 Modern French Theatre
An examination of works by important modern dramatists: Cocteau, Giraudoux, Anouilh, Sartre, Beckett, Ionesco, and others. Frequent oral reports and critical papers required.
3 credits
FR 347 Modern French Novel
Reading and discussion of important modern novelists: Mauriac, Malraux, Sartre, Camus, and others. Frequent oral reports and critical papers required.
3 credits
FR 366-367 Film and Literature in French
This course examines the relationship between film and literature. In the first semester, consideration of authors from France: Maupassant, Camus, Duras, Prévert, and others. In the second semester, consideration of authors from francophone regions (Quebec, the Caribbean, Africa, etc.) The film version of each work is screened and serves as the basis for class discussion. Frequent oral and written reports.
3 credits
FR 377-378 Internship
The internship program is meant to give students first-hand experience in the fields of translation, interpretation, cataloguing, public relations, advertising, teaching, etc. in the language of their specialization. The work done shall be supervised by members of the Department who agree to guide the students in their endeavor. An evaluation of the student's work by the institution where he/she is doing the internship can also be required by the faculty supervisor. The student's work should demand no less than a full day per week, or its equivalent.
3 credits
FR 381-382 Coordinating Seminar
Readings and studies in a specialized area of French, under the direction of a staff member. Designed to fill the special needs of specific students; given at the discretion of the Department Chair. Hours by arrangement.
3 credits
GM 11-12 Basic German
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
GM 101-102 Intermediate German
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the German language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as to read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
3 credits
GM 121-122 Continuing German
The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the major works of literature. Emphasis will be placed on the literary and cultural significance of the texts. A primary goal will be to increase the students' reading ability through intensive analysis. Three classes each week for 2 semesters.
3 credits
GM 221 Stylistics and Composition
This course is intended to assure proficiency in the written language. Model passages from the great writers studied, analyzed, and imitated with a view toward developing the student's own accurate and precise style.
3 credits
GM 222 German Conversation
This course is intended to assure fluent and accurate use of the spoken language. Correct pronunciation reviewed and drilled through phonetic transcriptions and the imitation of recorded artists. Prerequisite: GM 121-122 or its equivalent. Required for German majors.
3 credits
GM 251-252 German Civilization and Culture
The main currents of German civilization are presented by means of lectures and student participation in written and oral reports. The geography, history, literature, and fine arts of Germany are scanned and studied as a basis for class discussions.
3 credits
GM 301-302 Survey of German Literature
An overview of works and literary movements from the Middle Ages to the present. This course provides students with the fundamentals of literary analysis in the genres of poetry, drama, novellas, novels, short stories, and film. The focus of the course is on the last four centuries. Frequent oral and written reports.
3 credits
GM 321 18th Century German Literature
The development of German literature from the Sturm und Drang movement, through the classic period of Goethe and Schiller, Henrich von Kleist, analysis of the Romantic literary theory (Eichendorff, Novalis, Hoffmann).
3 credits
GM 331 19th Century German Literature
German prose and drama between 1830 and the turn of the century. Junges Deutschland, Biedermaier, Poetic Realism, and Naturalism. Selected works of Buchner, Stifter, Keller, Meyer, Hebbel, Fontane, and Hauptmann.
3 credits
GM 341 20th Century German Literature
A critical study of the intellectual ferment and aesthetic revaluation around the turn of the century concluding with the National Socialism. Readings and analysis of the most important writers of this time. Wedekind, Kaiser, Kafka, Rilke, Thomas Mann, Hofmannsthal, Musil, Broch, Brecht.
GM 377-378 Internship
The internship program is meant to give students first-hand experience in the fields of translation, interpretation, cataloguing, public relations, advertising, teaching, etc. in the language of their specialization. The work done shall be supervised by members of the Department who agree to guide the students in their endeavor. An evaluation of the student's work by the institution where he/she is doing the internship can also be required by the faculty supervisor. The student's work should demand no less than a day per week, or its equivalent.
3 credits
GM 381-382 Coordinating Seminar
Readings and studies in a specialized area of German, under the direction of a staff member, designed to fill the special needs of specific students, at the discretion of the Department Chair. Hours by arrangement.
3 credits
Hebrew
HE 11-12 Basic Hebrew
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
HE 101-102 Intermediate Hebrew
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Hebrew language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as to read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
3 credits
Italian
IT 11-12 Basic Italian
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
IT 101-102 Intermediate Italian
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Italian language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
3 credits
IT 121-122 Continuing Italian
This class is for students who have completed IT 101-102 and wish to perfect their general conversational, grammatical, and literary skills. Selected poetry and essays from classical Italian literature and modern masters. We will also study Italy's rich cultural heritage; we will use Italian newspapers and magazines, films; we will consider daily events, tourism, commercial development, political parties, etc.
3 credits
IT 223 Composition and Oral Expression
This course aims to improve proficiency in both written and oral expression in Italian. Students will develop advanced writing and speaking skills, while concentrating not only on grammar, but also on style and appropriateness. Weekly compositions based primarily on the genres studied in class (short story, theater, memoir) allow students the opportunity to identify and correct grammar mistakes. Students will present speeches in class and conduct situational dramas (job interviews, television reporting, courtroom trials) in the target language. Various films and culture artifacts (comic strips, proverbs, and music) familiarize students with idiomatic Italian, with special attention given to building vocabulary. Prerequisite: Italian 121 or equivalent.
3 credits
IT 253 Contemporary Italian Culture
This course will examine aspects of contemporary Italian culture in the arts, film, music, media, and literature. We will analyze the debates that inform the political, social, and cultural dimensions of Italian society today. Readings include magazine and newspaper articles, print advertisements, novels, short stories, and comic books. We will view television news reports, soap operas commercials, and movies and listen to various types of contemporary Italian music. The prerequisite for this course, which is conducted in Italian, is Italian 121-122 or the equivalent.
3 credits
IT 271 Italian Cinema
This course is a survey of Italian films as textual, cultural, and historical artifacts. We will analyze movements such as neorealism, commedia all'italiana, the spaghetti western, and new Italian cinema through the works of selected directors. This course follows a chronology from the silent period to present day, with special emphasis on the "golden ages" of Italian cinema, neorealism of the post-war neorealist period, the comedy of manners of the 1960's, and the new Italian cinema of the 1980's and 1990's. We will analyze the works of Rossellini, De Sica, Fellini, Visconti, Germi, Antonioni, Wertmüller, Leone, Pasolini, Moretti, Benigni and others. This course will be conducted in English.
3 credits
IT 293 The Italian American Experience: An Interdisciplinary Perspective
This course will analyze the concept of nationality and national identity in literature, film, and critical essays by and about Italian-Americans. We will also discuss the concept of ethnicity together with the phenomenon of emigration, and the difference in roles for men and women in this subgroup of American society. The success of Italian-Americans in various sectors of society reveals the vitality and determination of this particular ethnic group in the face of prejudice and economic hardship. In addition to examining the contributions of Italians who left their native land for a new beginning, we will discuss the perception and reality of America as Promised Land in the Italian-American community. All readings and discussions are in English.
3 credits
IT 355 The Novella
A study of the most successful genre in Italian literature, the novella or short story, as it evolved from Medieval time through the Renaissance to present day. Selections from Boccaccio, Basile, Bandello, Verga, Pirandello, Deledda, Morante, Moravia, Calvino, and others. Conducted in Italian.
3 credits
Japanese
JA 11-12 Basic Japanese
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
JA 101-102 Intermediate Japanese
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Japanese language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
Russian
RU 11-12 Basic Russian
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
RU 101-102 Intermediate Russian
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Russian language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
RU 121-122 Continuing Russian
This course is intended for students who want to continue their study of Russian beyond RU 101-102. It will include review of grammar, vocabulary building, and regular practice in speaking and writing. Extensive use will be made of films, magazines, newspapers, television news and material in the Culpeper Language Resource Center.
3 credits
Spanish
SP 11-12 Basic Spanish
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
4 credits
SP 101-102 Intermediate Spanish
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Spanish language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
3 credits
SP 121-122 Continuing Spanish
Analysis of artistic and socio-political motifs through discussion of literary selections as well as Spanish language newspapers and periodicals. Films and filmstrips will serve as catalysts to discussion of contemporary issues. Review of particularly troublesome points of syntax. Three classes each week for two semesters.
3 credits
SP 211 Career-Oriented Spanish
This course is for students who wish to continue their work in written and spoken Spanish to acquire a skill that would be an asset in numerous careers. Through papers and classroom discussion, emphasis is placed on learning vocabulary related to business, law, medicine, social work, etc. Not for major credit.
3 credits
SP 221 Spanish Composition
The objective of this course is to improve the student's proficiency in the written language. It provides opportunity for practice in accurate use of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
3 credits
SP 222 Spanish Conversation
The goal of this course is to develop and improve the student's conversational ability. This is accomplished through class discussion of a variety of contemporary topics. Opportunity is provided for practice in improvement in pronunciation, increasing vocabulary, and correct use of grammar.
3 credits
SP 225 Spanish Structure and Syntax
A study of the difference between Spanish and English, and of the major difficulties in Spanish which confront the native English speaker. Although the course is broad in scope, the work ranges from the basics of pronunciation, lexicology, and comparative structure to rules of current usage. Particular attention will be given to the subjunctive, the verbal system, ser and estar, and others.
3 credits
SP 245 Analysis and Interpretation of Hispanic Literature
The course provides students with the fundamentals of literary analysis in the genres of poetry, narrative, theater, and film. Use of materials from around the Hispanic world will present a broad historical-cultural context for further reading, and sharpen the skills of analysis, argumentation, speaking and writing. Focused on literary study whose critical terms derive from the structure of literature itself (plot, scene, shot, verse, etc.), the course concludes with a brief survey of contemporary theoretical approaches. Critical papers required. Prerequisite: SP 122 or permission of instructor.
3 credits
SP 251 Spanish Civilization and Culture
The main currents of Spanish civilization are presented by means of lectures and student participation in written and oral reports. The geography, history, literature, and fine arts of Spain are studied as a basis for class discussions.
3 credits
SP 253 Spanish American Civilization
This course presents a general view of Spanish-American civilization from Pre-Columbian times to the present. The culture, history, and fine arts of Spanish-America are studied through selected readings, slides, and films.
3 semester hours
SP 232 Translation from Written Spanish into English
The objective of this course is to learn how to translate from Spanish into correct, clear, and fluent English. Solid command of both languages is assumed. Practice will include translation of newspaper and magazine articles, commercial announcements, chapters from guide books, and literary selections. The range of materials is broad in order to provide students with exposure to different styles and levels of written Spanish. Numerous short papers and one long project required.
3 credits
SP 271 Hispanic Film
This course will examine and analyze film by Spanish and Latin American Directors (Bunuel, Saura, Littin, Sanjines, etc.). Films will first be studied as an independent genre using specific structural form as the means of analysis (close-up, soundtrack, frame, etc.). Students will then begin to formulate interpretations that move between the formal, technical composition of films, and the concrete socio-historic and cultural reality to which each film refers. Course activities include screening of films, discussion of articles that deal with literary theory and analysis of film, and writing short papers.
3 credits
SP 287 U.S. Latino/a Literature
An exploration of definitive works in a rapidly expanding body of bilingual literature which includes Chicano, mainland Puerto Rican, and Cuban American literature. Works such as Tomas Rivera's ... y no se lo tragû la tierra, Piri Thomas' Down These Mean Streets, and Dolores Prida's Botanica bring into clear focus themes of bicultural identity, the struggle for justice and equality, and the politics of language. Reading ability in Spanish is required. For major/minor credit in Spanish, all oral reports and papers must be completed in Spanish.
3 credist
SP 301 Love, Life, and Death in Spanish Literature
This course presents a thematic view of Spanish literature from its origins to the end of the 18th century. When possible, complete works will be analyzed and discussed in class.
3 credits
SP 303-304 Survey of Spanish-American Literature
Reading and critical analysis of the more important writers. Special emphasis on literary currents in Spanish America and their relationship to socio-historic and aesthetic reality.
3 credits
SP 311 Spanish Literature of Golden Age
A study of the more important writers of the 13th and 17th centuries. Special emphasis will be placed upon Cervantes, Lope de Vega and Calderon de la Barca.
3 credits
SP 331 19th Century Literature
Study and analysis of representative works of the Romantic and Realist movements. The emphasis will be on theatre and poetry or on novel, depending on students' needs.
3 credits
SP 341 20th Century Spanish Literature
A study of works and literary movements from the early part of the century (Generation of 98) to present times. Representative authors: Unamuno, Baroja, Valle-Inclan, García Lorca, Cela, Laforet, Delibes, Matute, etc.
3 credits
SP 343 Spanish American Drama
The course initiates the student in the process of critical thinking conducive to understanding and appreciating drama. Course procedure centers on student analysis and discussion of the definitive works of the 19th and 20th century in Spanish America. Selections will be taken from dramatists such as F. Sanchez, R. Usigli, R. Marques, Egon Wolff, G. Gambaro but may also include Chicano, testimonial, and collective theater. Critical papers and/or oral reports may be required.
3 credits
SP 347 Masters of the Spanish American Novel
Critical reading and discussion of key works in the novel genre with special emphasis given to the 20th century and authors as diverse as Azuela, Gallegos, Carpentier, Asturias, Garcia Marquez, Puig, Skarmeta. Consideration may also be given to current trends, popular culture, the testimonial novel, and others. Critical papers and/or oral reports may be required.
3 credits
SP 353 Spanish American Short Prose Fiction
The short story is arguably Spanish America's strongest and most favored form of narrative fiction. The course is designed to immerse the student in the narrative world with emphasis on the contemporary period in order to facilitate the comprehension of the peculiar nature of short fiction in American Spanish. To be included among others, are: E. Echeverria, R. Dario, H. Quiroga, Borges, and Cortazar. Attention will also be given to the Short Story of Fantasy, Microstories, and narrative experiments in popular culture. Critical papers and/or oral reports may be required.
3 credits
SP 355 Short Prose Fiction of Spain
This course traces the development of short prose fiction in Spain from the beginnings in the Middle Ages (El Conde Lucanor) to the Golden Age (Cervantes' Novelas ejemplares) and its full development in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
3 credits
SP 357 The Spanish Novel
A study of the novel of Spain from the time of Cervantes to the present day. Special attention given to the more important novelists and their best works.
3 credits
SP 359 Puerto Rican Literature and Culture
Study and explanation of distinctive elements of the language of Puerto Rico. Discussion of the fusion of indigenous, Hispanic, and Anglo-Saxon influence as manifested in the island's culture. Reading, study, and critical analysis of the more important writers of the contemporary period.
3 credits
SP 371 Images of Latin American Indians
This course will study the vision of Latin American Indians from the first letters of the "Discoverers" and Conquistadores (Colžn, Cortés, Bernal Díaz del Castillo), and missionaries (Bartolomé de las Casas) through relevant novels, short stories, and films of the 19th and 20th centuries. To understand post-Discovery vision of the Indians, this course will also study the major Pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica and the Andean region. Authors such as the following shall be included: Matto de Turner, Icaza, Arguedas, Castellanos, etc.
3 credits
SP 377-378 Internship
The internship program is meant to give students first-hand experience in the fields of translation, interpretation, cataloguing, public relations, advertising, teaching, etc. in the language of their specialization. The work done shall be supervised by members of the Department who agree to guide the students in their endeavor. An evaluation of the student's work by the institution where he/she is doing the internship can also be required by the faculty supervisor. The student's work should demand no less than a full day per week, or its equivalent.
3 credits
SP 381-382 Coordinating Seminar
Readings and studies in a specialized area of Spanish, under the direction of a staff member, designed to fill the special needs of specific students, at the discretion of the Department Chair. Hours by arrangement.
3 credits | 
