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2006-07 PLU Catalog

Languages and Literatures

Faculty Fields of Study
Languages Scandinavian Area Studies



CLASSICAL LANGUAGES: Classics Greek Latin




MODERN LANGUAGES:
Chinese French German






Norwegian Spanish






253.535.7678

www.plu.edu/~lang

In-depth understanding of world cultures and an ability to speak languages other than one's own are increasing demand in today's competitive workplace. These skills are viewed as essential to successful leadership and full participation in the integrated yet culturally diverse world of the twenty-first century. The study of languages and literatures at PLU is a serious academic enterprise as well as an exciting and dynamic cross-cultural adventure. While advancing their proficiency in a language, students develop critical and aesthetic sensibilities in addition to highly sought after cross-cultural skills and experience. Additionally, students develop an enhanced appreciation of their own language and cultural history. All students of languages are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the numerous study abroad courses offered during the January term as well as fall and springsemester programs. For further information, see the Global Education Opportunities section in this catalog or visit the Wang Center for International Program's Study Away Catalog.

The department offers a wide range of courses, not only in languages at all levels, but also in cultures, literatures, and linguistics, both in the original language and in English translation. Instruction is also given in American Sign Language through the Department of Communication and Theatre.

Faculty: T. Williams, Chair; C. Berguson, R. Brown, E. Davidson, Holmgren (on leave 2006-7), M. Jensen, K. Christensen, A. Lange, M. Ferrer-Lightner, P. Manfredi, P. Martinez-Carbajo, E. Nelson, C. Palerm, J. Predmore, R. Snee, T. Storfjell, S. Taylor, B. Yaden; assisted by P. Blaine, J. Li, and P. Loucas.

Courses that Meet Core I Requirements


Literature Requirement – LT

All departmental literature courses, offered both in the original language and in English translation, meet this requirement.

Perspectives on Diversity

All language courses numbered 201 and above including CHIN 371, FREN 341 and LANG 272 meet this requirement. All first-year (100-level) foreign language courses (excluding American Sign Language) not previously studied also meet this requirement.


SPAN 341 will meet this requirement.

Bachelor of Arts Majors and Minors


The department offers majors in Chinese Studies, Classics, French, German, Norwegian, Scandinavian Area Studies, and Spanish. Minors are offered in Chinese, Chinese Studies, French, German, Greek, Latin, Norwegian, and Spanish.

All majors must complete a Capstone: Senior Project within the department. Majors must complete at least 12 semester hours in residence at PLU, four of which must be taken either in the senior year or upon return from a study abroad program.

Minors must complete at least eight hours in residence.

Specific requirements (and variations from the above) for specific majors and minors are listed below.

Language Resource Center

The language curriculum at all levels features use of PLU's state-of-the-art multimedia Language Resource Center, located in the Mortvedt Library. Advanced students have the opportunity to work as assistants in the center, gaining computer expertise while accelerating their language skills.

Placement in Language Classes

Students planning to continue the study of French, German or Spanish must take a language placement test in their language of interest prior to registering for courses at PLU. The placement test can be taken online at http://www.plu.edu/~lrc/placement.html or in person at the Language Resource Center on the 3rd floor of Mortvedt Library. The test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and issues prompt feedback on placement recommendation. Students should follow the placement recommendation they receive.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students with scores of 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination in areas represented in the Department of Languages and Literatures can receive four additional semester hours upon completion of the course (with a grade of C or better) into which they place through PLU's placement examination. Advance placement credit is not awarded for 100-level courses.

Senior Project

Students majoring in a foreign language enroll in 499 concurrently with another upper-level course in the major. The instructor of the latter course normally supervises the student's senior project: a research paper, internship, or other approved project. The student presents a summary of the completed assignment at an open departmental forum. (2)

Prospective Teachers

Students preparing to teach in a junior or senior high school may earn either a Bachelor of Arts degree in French, German, Norwegian, or Spanish along with certification from the School of Education, or a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree with a teaching major or minor in French, German, Norwegian, or Spanish. Secondary teaching minors are also available in Chinese and Latin. Elementary teaching majors are available in all of the above languages. All students are required to take LANG 445 (Methodologies) and LANG 446 (Theories) for certification. See the School of Education section of this catalog for certification requirements and the Bachelor of Arts in Education requirements.

English as a Second Language


The School of Education and the Department of Languages and Literatures have partnered with the Washington Academy of Languages to offer a summer program leading to a certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. This eight-week intensive summer institute is offered late June through early August. Prospective teachers can complete additional requirements to obtain an ESL Endorsement. For more information, please contact lang@plu.edu or 253-535-8330.

Fields of Study


Courses in the Department of Languages and Literatures are offered in the following general fields in addition to elementary, intermediate, and advanced language:

CULTURAL HISTORY


A. In English

CLAS 250: Classical Mythology
CLAS 321: Greek Civilization
CLAS 322: Roman Civilization
SCAN 150: Introduction to Scandinavia
SCAN 321: Topics in Scandinavian Culture and Society
SCAN 322: Scandinavia and World Issues
SCAN 327: The Vikings
SPAN 341: The Latino Experiences in the U.S.

B. In Respective Language

FREN 321: French Civilization and Culture
GERM 321: German Civilization to 1750
GERM 322:German Civilization Since 1750
SPAN 321: Civilization and Culture of Spain
SPAN 322: Latin American Civilization and Culture

LITERATURE

A. In English

CHIN 372: Chinese Literature in Translation
CHIN 231: Masterpieces of European Literature
CLAS 250: Classical Mythology
FREN 221: French Literature and Film of the Americas
LANG 271: Literature and Society in Modern Europe
LANG 272: Literature and Social Change in Latin America
SCAN 241: Scandinavian Folklore
SCAN 341: Topics in Scandinavian Literature
SCAN 422: 19th & 20th Century Scandinavian Literature

B. In Respective Language

FREN 421, 422: Masterpieces of French Literature
FREN 431, 432: 20th Century French Literature
GERM 421: German Literature from the Enlightenment to Realism
GERM 422: 20th Century German Literature
SPAN 325: Introduction to Hispanic Literacy Studies
SPAN 421: Masterpieces of Spanish Literature
SPAN 422: 20th Century Literature of Spain
SPAN 423: Special Topics in Spanish Literature and Culture
SPAN 431: Latin American Literature, 1492-1888
SPAN 432: 20th Century Latin American Literature
SPAN 433: Special Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture

Course Offerings - Languages (LANG)


LANG 271: Literature and Society in Modern Europe - LT

Reading and discussion of works in English translation by authors like Flaubert, Ibsen, and Thomas Mann often enriched through selected film adaptations. Emphasis on social themes, including life in industrial society, the changing status of women, and class conflict. (4)

LANG 272: Literature and Social Change in Latin America – C, LT

Readings in English translation of fiction from modern Latin America. Discussions focus on social and historical change and on literary themes and forms in works by authors such as Carlos Fuentes and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. (4)

LANG 445: Methods for Teaching Foreign Languages and English as a Second Language

Theories and related techniques for teaching languages K-16 within their cultural context, including direct methods, content-based instruction, proficiency orientations, and the integration of technologies. Attention given to variations in approach for those teaching English as a second language. No prerequisites. Required for teacher certification in a language and for minor in English as a Second Language. Strongly recommended for elementary major in a language. (Cross-listed with EDUC 445.) (4)

LANG 446: Theories of Language Acquisition

Principles of language acquisition with specific classroom applications. Special attention given to the needs of different language groups in acquiring English. Comparison of sound systems and structures of languages ESL teachers are most likely to encounter. Required for minor in English as a Second Language. (4)

LANG 470: Curriculum, Materials and Instruction for Teaching English as a Second Language

Application of language teaching methodology to various instructional situations. (Cross-listed with EDUC 470.) (4) LANG 475: Practicum in Teaching English as a Second Language Extended experience and participation in an assigned ESL setting. Prerequisite: LANG/EDUC 445 (Concurrent with LANG/EDUC 470). (1)

LANG 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

LANG 492: Independent Studies (1–4)

LANG 598: Non-thesis Research Project (1–4)

Classics and Classical Languages

Major: 40 semester hours

Go to the Classics section of this catalog to view course offerings in Classics.

Minor in Greek: 20 semester hours, which may include GREK 101–102.

Course Offerings - Greek (GREK)


GREK 101, 102: Elementary Greek

Basic skills in reading classical, koine, and patristic Greek. (4, 4)

GREK 201, 202: Intermediate Greek – C

Review of basic grammar, reading in selected classical and New Testament authors. (4, 4)

GREK 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

GREK 492: Independent Studies (1–4)

  • Latin – LATN

Minor in Latin: 20 semester hours, which may include LATN 101–102

Course Offerings - Latin (LATN)


LATN 101, 102: Elementary Latin

Basic skills in reading Latin; an introduction to Roman literature and culture. (4, 4)

LATN 201, 202: Intermediate Latin – C

Review of basic grammar; selected readings from Latin authors. (4, 4)

LATN 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

LATN 492: Independent Studies (1–4)


Modern Languages

  • Chinese – CHIN

Minor in Chinese - 20 semester hours which may include CHIN 101-102.
The major and minor in Chinese Studies are described in this catalog under Chinese Studies.

Course Offerings - Chinese (CHIN)



CHIN 101, 102: Elementary Chinese

Introduction to Mandarin Chinese. Basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Laboratory practice required. (4, 4)

CHIN 201, 202: Intermediate Chinese – C

Develops further the ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese, using culturally authentic material. Laboratory practice required. Prerequisite: CHIN 102 or equivalent. (4, 4)

CHIN 301, 302: Composition and Conversation – C

Review of grammar with emphasis on idiomatic usage; reading of contemporary authors as models of style; and conversation on topics of student interest. Conducted in Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN 202. (4)

CHIN 371: Chinese Literature in Translation – C, LT

An introduction to the most important works and writers of Chinese literary traditions, from early times to the modern period. Poetry, prose, drama, and fiction included. Film presentations supplement the required readings. No knowledge of Chinese required. (4)

CHIN 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

CHIN 492: Independent Studies (1–4)

  • French – FREN

Major in French - A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond FREN 101-102, including FREN 201-202, 301-302, 321, 499 and three 400-level courses, one of which must be completed in the senior year.

Minor in French: 20 semester hours, excluding FREN 101–102 and including FREN 201–202, 301, and two additional upper-division courses.

Course Offerings - French (FREN) 


FREN 101, 102: Elementary French

Essentials of pronunciation, intonation, and structure; basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Lab attendance required. (4, 4)

FREN 141: French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique

Offered on the campus of the Universitι des Antilles et de la Guyane in Martinque, includes daily intensive language study, a home stay, excursions and activities related to the history and culture of the French West Indies, meetings with writers and political figures, and a fieldwork project. May not be counted towards French major or minor. Prerequisite: FREN 101 or permission of instructor. (4)

FREN 201, 202: Intermediate French – C

Review of basic grammar, development of vocabulary and emphasis on spontaneous, oral expression. Reading selections which reflect the cultural heritage and society of the Francophone world. Lab attendance required. (4, 4)

FREN 221: French Literature and Film of the Americas – C, LT

Through literature and film, a study of the experience of migration, integration, conflict, and ethnicity in the Americas from a Francophone perspective. To include today's geographical areas of Quebec, Nova Scotia, United States, Haiti, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Special attention given to issues of gender, color, historical heritage, language, and economic status of French and Creole speakers in the Caribbean and North America. Class conducted in English. All literature translated into English; films with English subtitles. (4)

FREN 241: French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique

See FREN 141. May be counted towards French major or minor. Prerequisite: FREN 201 or permission of instructor. (4)

FREN 301, 302: Composition and Conversation – C

Advanced grammar, stylistics, composition, and conversation within the historical context of Francophone culture, history, and literature. Prerequisite: FREN 202. (4, 4)

FREN 321: Civilization and Culture – C

Development of French society from early times to the present, as portrayed in art, music, politics, and literature, within their socio-historical context. Prerequisite: FREN 202. (4)

FREN 341:  French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique – C

See FREN 141. May be counted towards French major or minor. Prerequisite: FREN 301 or permission of instructor. (4)

FREN 421, 422:  Masterpieces of French Literature – C, LT

Social and aesthetic importance of works representative of major periods from the Middle Ages through the nineteenth century. May include Christine de Pizan, Rabelais, Montaigne, Moliere, Pascal, Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, and Baudelaire. Prerequisite: FREN 302. (4, 4)

FREN 431, 432: 20th-Century French Literature – C, LT

Social and aesthetic importance of selected 20th-century writers from France and other francophone countries. May include Gide, Camus, Sartre, Beckett, Aimιe Cιsaire, Miriama Bβ, Ousmane Sembene. Prerequisite: FREN 352. (4, 4)

FREN 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

FREN 492: Independent Studies (1–4)

FREN 499: Capstone: Senior Project – SR (2)

  • German – GERM

Major in German: A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond GERM 101–102, including GERM 201–202, 301–302, 321–322, 499, and two 400-level courses
Minor in German: 20 semester hours, excluding GERM 101–102 and including GERM 201–202, 301, and two additional upper-division courses.

Course Offerings - German (GERM)


GERM 101,102: Elementary German

Basic skills of oral and written communication in classroom and laboratory practice. Use of materials reflecting contemporary German life. (4, 4)

GERM 201, 202: Intermediate German – C

Continued practice in oral and written communication in classroom and laboratory. Use of materials which reflect contemporary life as well as the German cultural heritage. (4, 4)

GERM 301, 302: Composition and Conversation – C

Intensive review of grammar with emphasis on idiomatic usage; use of contemporary authors as models of style. Conversation on topics of student interest. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent. (4, 4)

GERM 321: German Civilization to 1750 – C

From the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment. A survey of German culture and its expression in creative works of art, music and literature, with particular emphasis on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Prerequisite: GERM 202. (4)

GERM 322: German Civilization Since 1750 – C

From the Enlightenment to the present. This survey covers representative works and trends in German politics, philosophy, literature, art and music, with emphasis on the Age of Goethe and Beethoven. Prerequisite: GERM 202. (4)

GERM 401: Advanced Composition and Conversation – C

Emphasis on idiomatic German using newspapers and other current sources for texts. Strongly recommended for students planning to obtain a credential to teach German in public secondary schools. Students should take this course in the junior or senior year. Prerequisite: GERM 302. (4)

GERM 421: German Literature From the Enlightenment to Realism – C, LT

Representative works of German literature from about 1750 to 1890, including Sturm and Drang, Classicism and Romanticism. Reading will include such authors as Goethe, Schiller, Buchner, and Keller. Prerequisite: GERM 302. (4)

GERM 422: 20th-Century German Literature – C, LT

Representative works from Naturalism to the present, including Expressionism and Socialist Realism. Works from both east and west, and will include such authors as Brecht, Kafka, Thomas Mann, Rilke, and Seghers. Prerequisite: GERM 302. (4)

GERM 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

GERM 492: Independent Studies (1–4)

GERM 499: Capstone: Senior Project – SR (2)

  • Norwegian – NORW


A minimum of 34 semester hours, including NORW 101–102, 201–202, 301–302, and SCAN 421 or 422.

Minor in Norwegian

20 semester hours, which may include NORW 101–102

Course Offerings - Norwegian (NORW)


NORW 101, 102: Elementary Norwegian

Introduces the students to the pleasure of speaking, reading, and writing a foreign language. These skills are developed through a conversational approach, using songs and other cultural materials. (4, 4)

NORW 201, 202: Intermediate Norwegian – C

Develops a command of the language while further acquainting students with the Norwegian cultural heritage. Reading selections introduce Norwegian folklore and daily life. (4, 4)

NORW 301: Conversation and Composition – C

Increases student ability for self-expression, both orally and in writing. Contemporary materials are selected as models of style and usage. Prerequisite: NORW 202. (4)

NORW 302: Advanced Conversation and Composition – C

Emphasizes the finer points of structure, style, and good taste. Prerequisite: NORW 301. (4)

NORW 491: Independent Studies (1–4)

NORW 492: Independent Studies (1–4)

NORW 499: Capstone: Senior Project – SR (2)

  • Scandinavian Area Studies – SCAN


Major in Scandinavian Area Studies

40 semester hours: A cross- disciplinary approach to the study of Scandinavia.


See the Scandinavian Area Studies to view course offerings.


  • Spanish – SPAN

Major in Spanish

A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond SPAN 201, including 202, 301, 321, 322, 325 and three 400-level courses. In addition, students must complete LANG 499. At least two 400-level courses—one focusing on Spain and another on Latin America—must be completed at PLU. One 400-level course must be completed in the senior year. Majors are strongly encouraged to pursue at least one semester of study in a Spanish-speaking country on a program approved by the Spanish faculty. Majors may not normally fulfill the requirements for the major through the election of 300-level courses during their senior year.

Minor in Spanish 
20 semester hours, including: SPAN 202, 301, 325, and two additional upper-division courses. 

Course Offerings - Spanish (SPAN)



SPAN 101, 102: Elementary Spanish

Essentials of pronunciation, intonation, and structure; basic skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Lab attendance required. Students with more than two years of high school Spanish must enroll in SPAN 102. (4, 4)

SPAN 201, 202: Intermediate Spanish – C

A continuation of elementary Spanish; reading selections which reflect the Hispanic cultural heritage as well as contemporary materials. Lab attendance required. (4, 4)

SPAN 231, 331: Intensive Spanish in Latin America – C

An intensive Spanish course offered in a Latin American country and geared to students at the intermediate (equivalent to SPAN 201 or 202) and advanced (equivalent to 301) language level. Course includes four and a half hours of class per day for a four-week period, a home stay, a service project, excursions, and guest lectures on a variety of topics related to the history and culture of the host country. Placement at the SPAN 231 or 331 levels is determined by the student's background and experience in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 102. (4)

SPAN 301: Advanced Grammar and Composition – C

Advanced grammar, stylistics, and composition; conversation based on everyday situations, current events, and pertinent literary selections. Prerequisite: SPAN 202. (4)

SPAN 321: Civilization and Culture of Spain – C

Development of Spanish society from early times to the present as reflected in architecture, painting, and literature, within their socio-historical context. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 (or concurrent enrollment). (4)

SPAN 322: Latin American Civilization and Culture – C

Historic, artistic, literary, sociological, and geographic elements shaping the development of the Latin American region. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 (or concurrent enrollment). (4)

SPAN 325: Introduction to Hispanic Literary Studies – C, LT

Acquaints students with techniques of literary analysis, as applied to examples of narrative, poetry, drama, and essay in the Spanish and Latin American literary traditions. Reading, writing, and speaking-intensive. Ongoing review of advanced grammar. Prerequisite: SPAN 301, 321, 322. (4)

SPAN 341: The Latino Experiences in the U.S. – A, LT

Exploration of the histories, experiences, and contributions of the Latino peoples in the United States as they appear in Latino literature and film. Course content is enriched through related service learning experience. Readings are in English. May count toward major, but not toward minor in Spanish. (4)

SPAN 401: Advanced Spanish Grammar – C

Study of Spanish at the most advanced level with an emphasis on syntactical differences between English and Spanish. Strongly recommended for those who plan to teach Spanish at the secondary level. Prerequisite: SPAN 301. (4)

SPAN 421: Masterpieces of Spanish Literature  – C, LT

A concentrated study of major writers and movements in Spanish literature from its origins to 1898. Prerequisite: SPAN 325. (4)

SPAN 422: 20th-Century Literature of Spain  – C, LT

Drama, novel, essay, and poetry of Spain from the “Generation of 1898” to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN 325. (4)

SPAN 423: Special Topics in Spanish Literature and Culture  – C, LT

An opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of a specific aspect or topic in Spanish literature, such as Spanish women writers or the relationship of film to other types of cultural production. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: SPAN 325. (4)

SPAN 431: Latin American Literature, 1492-1888  – C, LT

A study of representative genres from the colonial period to the end of the 19th century. Prerequisite: SPAN 325. (4)

SPAN 432: 20th-Century Latin American Literature  – C, LT

Development of the literature of Mexico, Central and South America from the Modernista movement (1888) to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN 325. (4)

SPAN 433: Special Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture  – C, LT

An opportunity to pursue an in-depth study of a specific aspect or topic in Latin American literature and culture, such as Latin American women writers, Latino narrative, or Latin American film and literature. May be repeated for credit with different topic. Prerequisite: SPAN 325. (4)

SPAN 499: Capstone: Senior Project – SR (2)