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An understanding of world cultures and an ability to speak languages other than one's own are hallmarks of today's college graduate and of a successful career person. Language study at PLU is a serious academic enterprise. While gaining proficiency in a language, students develop critical, aesthetic, and creative sensibilities necessary for global citizenship, and appreciation of their own language and culture. 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.
Language students are strongly encouraged to participate in the numerous study abroad courses offered during the January term as well as fall and spring semesters. For further information, see the International Programs section of this catalog.
Faculty: M. Jensen, Chair; Berguson, R. Brown, Holmgren, Lacabe, Lightner, Manfredi, Martinez-Carbajo, E. Nelson, Newcomb, Predmore, Snee, Sosulski, Toven, T. Williams, Williams-Ginsberg, Yaden; assisted by Ariessohn, Curtis, Davidson, J. Li, and 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, Cross-Cultural Perspectives - C: All language courses numbered 201 and above (two semesters) and all first-year courses of a foreign language not previously studied (two semesters), as well as Chinese 371, French 341, and Languages 272 meet this requirement.
Perspectives in Diversity, Alternative Perspectives - A: Spanish 341 and Sign 101 and 102 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, 4 of which must be taken either in the senior year or upon return from a study abroad program. Minors must complete at least 8 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 conduct research at selected Web sites, as well as to work as assistants in the center, gaining computer expertise while accelerating their language skills.
Placement in Language Classes: Students are encouraged to obtain as much high school preparation in languages as possible. To determine appropriate course placement at PLU, all students with previous experience in a language take the placement examination, administered during first-year student registration, orientation week, and throughout the year by special arrangement. Students qualifying for advanced placement may be allowed to waive certain major or minor requirements.
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. I II (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 Languages 445 (Methodologies) for certification. See the School of Education section of this catalog for certification requirements and the Bachelor of Arts in Education requirements.
Minor in English as a Second Language: In cooperation with the School of Education, the department offers a minor in English as a Second Language. Prospective teachers as well as students who may teach English abroad, through Fulbright Awards or service opportunities, are strongly encouraged to pursue this opportunity. The two required departmental courses are Languages 445 (Methodologies) and Languages 446 (Theories of Language Acquisition). See the School of Education section for a full description of the minor.
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
Literature
271 Literature and Society in Modern Europe - LT
Reading and discussion of works in English translation by authors
like Flaubert, Ibsen, and Th. 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)
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)
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. II (4)
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)
470 Curriculum, Materials and Instruction for Teaching English as a Second Language
Application of language teaching methodology to various instructional situations. (Crosslisted with EDUC 470.) (4)
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)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
598 Non-thesis Research Project (1-4)
The major in classics is described in this catalog under Classics.
231 Masterpieces of European Literature - LT
Representative works of classical, medieval, and early Renaissance literature. (Crosslisted with ENGL 231.) I (4)
250 Classical Mythology - LT
A study of mythology originating in the texts of such Greek and
Roman authors as Homer, Hesiod, Virgil, and Ovid. All readings are in
English, but students with other language abilities are encouraged to
use them. (4)
321 Greek Civilization - S1
The political, social, and cultural history of Ancient Greece from
the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic period. Special attention to the
literature, art, and intellectual history of the Greeks. (Crosslisted
with HIST 321.) (4)
322 Roman Civilization - S1
The history of Rome from the foundation of the city to CE 395, the
death of Theodosius the Great. Emphasis on Rome's expansion over the
Mediterranean and on its constitutional history. Attention to the rise
of Christianity within a Greco-Roman context. (Crosslisted with HIST
322.) (4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)
Minor in Greek: 20 semester hours, which may include 101-102.
101, 102 Elementary Greek
Basic skills in reading classical, koine, and patristic Greek. I II (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Greek
Review of basic grammar, reading in selected classical and New Testament authors. I II (4, 4)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)
Minor in Latin: 20 semester hours, which may include 101-102.
101, 102 Elementary Latin
Basic skills in reading Latin; an introduction to Roman literature and culture. I II (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Latin
Review of basic grammar; selected readings from Latin authors. I II a/y (4, 4)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)
101, 102 Elementary Chinese
Introduction to Mandarin Chinese. Basic skills in listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Laboratory practice required. I II (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Chinese
Develops further the ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese,
using culturally authentic material. Laboratory practice required.
Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent. I II (4, 4)
301, 302 Composition and Conversation
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: 202 . I (4)
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)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
Major in French: A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond 101- 102, including 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 101-102 and including 201-202, 301, and two additional upper-division courses.
101, 102 Elementary French
Essentials of pronunciation, intonation, and structure; basic skills
in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Lab attendance required.
I II (4, 4)
141 French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique
Offered on the campus of the Université des Antilles et de la Guyane
in Martinque, includes daily intensive language study, a homestay,
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: 101 or permission of instructor. (4)
201, 202 Intermediate French
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. I II (4, 4)
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)
241 French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique
See 141. May be counted towards French major or minor. Prerequisite: 201 or permission of instructor. (4)
301, 302 Composition and Conversation
Advanced grammar, stylistics, composition, and conversation within
the historical context of Francophone culture, history, and literature.
Prerequisite: 202. I II (4, 4)
321 Civilization and Culture
Development of French society from early times to the present, as
portrayed in art, music, politics, and literature, within their
socio-historical context. Prerequisite: 202. (4)
341 French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique
See 141. May be counted towards French major or minor. Prerequisite: 301 or permission of instructor. (4)
421, 422 Masterpieces of French Literature - 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: 302. I II a/y
(4, 4)
431, 432 20th-Century French Literature - LT
Social and aesthetic importance of selected 20th-century writers
from France and other francophone countries. May include Gide, Camus,
Sartre, Beckett, Aimée Césaire, Miriama Bâ, Ousmane Sembene.
Prerequisite: 352. I II a/y (4, 4)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)
Major in German: A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond 101-102, including 201-202, 301-302, 321-322, 499, and two 400-level courses
Minor in German: 20 semester hours, excluding 101-102 and including 201-202, 301, and two additional upper-division courses.
101,102 Elementary German
Basic skills of oral and written communication in classroom and
laboratory practice. Use of materials reflecting contemporary German
life. I II (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate German
Continued practice in oral and written communication in class-room
and laboratory. Use of materials which reflect contemporary life as
well as the German cultural heritage. I II (4, 4)
301, 302 Composition and Conversation
Intensive review of grammar with emphasis on idiomatic usage; use of
contemporary authors as models of style. Conversation on topics of
student interest. Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent. I II (4, 4)
321 German Civilization to 1750
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: 202. I a/y (4)
322 German Civilization Since 1750
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: 202. II a/y (4)
401 Advanced Composition and Conversation
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:
302. (4)
421 German Literature From the Enlightenment to Realism - 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: 352. I a/y (4)
422 20th-Century German Literature - 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: 302. II a/y (4)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)
Major in Norwegian: A minimum of 34 semester hours, including 101-102, 201-202, 301-302, and Scandinavian 421 or 422.
Minor in Norwegian: 20 semester hours, which may include 101-102.
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. I II
(4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Norwegian
Develops a command of the language while further acquainting
students with the Norwegian cultural heritage. Reading selections
introduce Norwegian folklore and daily life. I II (4, 4)
301 Conversation and Composition
Increases student ability for self-expression, both orally and in
writing. Contemporary materials are selected as models of style and
usage. Prerequisite: 202. I (4)
302 Advanced Conversation and Composition
Emphasizes the finer points of structure, style, and good taste. Prerequisite: 301. II (4)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)
Major in Scandinavian Area Studies: 40 semester hours: A cross- disciplinary approach to the study of Scandinavia. See also the section of this catalog on Scandinavian Area Studies.
150 Introduction to Scandinavia
An overview of the Nordic countries, highlighting contributions in
art and music and the cultural life of Denmark, Finland, Iceland,
Norway, and Sweden. The roads to parliamentary demo-cracy and current
issues in the five nations are also outlined. (2)
250 Masterpieces of Scandinavian Literature - LT
A survey of major authors and works from the Scandinavian countries,
beginning with the prose and poetry of the Viking Age. All readings in
English translation. (4)
322 Scandinavia and World Politics
Beginning with a historical survey of Scandinavia's development from
poor, belligerent countries to modern welfare states, this course
studies the “Nordic Model” and its adaptation to recent challenges.
Discussions of foreign relations and of the European Union as well as
peace negotiations and aid to developing countries, with comparisons to
other countries. In English. a/y (4)
324 The Emigrants
The mass emigration from Scandinavia to North America; reasons for the exodus; life in the new homeland. In English. (2)
327 The Vikings - S1
The world of the Vikings; territorial expansion; interaction of the
Vikings with the rest of Europe. In English. (Crosslisted with HIST
327.) (4)
421 Ibsen and Strindberg - LT
The great dramatists of 19th-century Scandinavian literature—Henrik
Ibsen and August Strindberg—are studied against the backdrop of their
time and the work of other authors who contributed to the breakthrough
of modern forms and themes. Class conducted in English; readings in
translation for non-majors. a/y (4)
422 20th-Century Scandinavian Literature - LT
Recent trends in Scandinavian literature are illustrated by lead-ing
writers like Isak Dinesen, Tarjei Vesaas, and Par Lagerkvist. Emphasis
on prose fiction and poetry. Class conducted in English; readings in
translation for non-majors. a/y (4)
491 Independent Studies (1-4)
492 Independent Studies (1-4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR I II (2)
101, 102 Sign Language - A
An introduction to the structure of American Sign Language and to
the world of the hearing impaired. Basic signing skills and sign
language vocabulary; fingerspelling; the particular needs and problems
of deaf people. I II (4, 4)
Major in Spanish: A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond 201, including 202, 301, 321, 322, 325 and three 400-level courses. In addition, students must complete Languages 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 202, 301, 325, and two additional upper-division courses.
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
102. I, II (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Spanish
A continuation of elementary Spanish; reading selections which
reflect the Hispanic cultural heritage as well as contemporary
materials. Lab attendance required. I, II (4, 4)
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 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 homestay, 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 231 or 331 level is determined by the student's background and
experience in Spanish. Prerequisites: Spanish 102. J (4)
301 Advanced Grammar and Composition
Advanced grammar, stylistics, and composition; conversation based on
everyday situations, current events, and pertinent literary selections.
Prerequisite: 202. I (4)
321 Civilization and Culture of Spain
Development of Spanish society from early times to the present as
reflected in architecture, painting, and literature, within their
socio-historical context. Prerequisite: 301 (or concurrent enrollment).
I (4)
322 Latin American Civilization and Culture
Historic, artistic, literary, sociological, and geographic elements
shaping the development of the Latin American region. Prerequisite: 301
(or concurrent enrollment). II (4)
325 Introduction to Hispanic Literary Studies - 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:
301. II (4)
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)
401 Advanced Spanish Grammar
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: 301 (4)
421 Masterpieces of Spanish Literature - LT
A concentrated study of major writers and movements in Spanish literature from its origins to 1898. Prerequisite: 325. (4)
422 20th-Century Literature of Spain - LT
Drama, novel, essay, and poetry of Spain from the “Generation of 1898” to the present. Prerequisite: 325. (4)
423 Special Topics in Spanish Literature and Culture - 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: 325. (4)
431 Latin American Literature, 1492-1888 - LT
A study of representative genres from the colonial period to the end of the 19th century. Prerequisite: 325. (4)
432 20th-Century Latin American Literature - LT
Development of the literature of Mexico, Central and South America
from the Modernista movement (1888) to the present. Prerequisite: 325.
(4)
433 Special Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture - 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: 325. (4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project - SR (2)