253.535.7678
www.plu.edu/~lang
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: T. Williams, Chair; Berguson, R. Brown, Holmgren, M. Jensen, Lacabe, Lightner, Manfredi, Martinez-Carbajo, E. Nelson, Newcomb, Predmore, Snee, Sosulski, Toven, Williams-Ginsberg, Yaden; assisted by Ariessohn, Curtis, Davidson, J. Li, and Loucas.
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), Chinese 371, French 341, and Languages 272 meet this requirement, as well as * all first-year courses of a foreign language not previously studied (two semesters).
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 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. (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 (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
598 Non-thesis Research Project (14)
A description of the Clasics Major as well as the course descriptions can be found in the Classics section.
231 Masterpieces of European Literature LT
250 Classical Mythology LT
321 Greek Civilization S1
322 Roman Civilization S1
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (2)
Minor in Greek: 20 semester hours, which may include 101102.
101, 102 Elementary Greek
Basic skills in reading classical, koine, and patristic Greek. (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Greek C
Review of basic grammar, reading in selected classical and New Testament authors. (4, 4)
491 Independent Studies (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (2)
Minor in Latin: 20 semester hours, which may include 101102.
101, 102 Elementary Latin
Basic skills in reading Latin; an introduction to Roman literature and culture. (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Latin C
Review of basic grammar; selected readings from Latin authors. (4, 4)
491 Independent Studies (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (2)
Minor in Chinese: 20 semester hours which may include 101102. The major and minor in Chinese Studies are described in this catalog under Chinese Studies.
101, 102 Elementary Chinese
Introduction to Mandarin Chinese. Basic skills in listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Laboratory practice required. (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate Chinese C
Develops further the ability to communicate in Mandarin Chinese,
using culturally authentic material. Laboratory practice required.
Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent. (4, 4)
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: 202. (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 (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
Major in French: A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond 101102, including 201202, 301302, 321, 499, and three 400-level courses, one of which must be completed in the senior year.
Minor in French: 20 semester hours, excluding 101102 and including 201202, 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.
(4, 4)
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 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 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)
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 C
Advanced grammar, stylistics, composition, and conversation within
the historical context of Francophone culture, history, and literature.
Prerequisite: 202. (4, 4)
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: 202. (4)
341 French Language and Caribbean Culture in Martinique C
See 141. May be counted towards French major or minor. Prerequisite: 301 or permission of instructor. (4)
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: 302. (4, 4)
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: 352. (4, 4)
491 Independent Studies (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (2)
Major in German: A minimum of 34 semester hours beyond 101102, including 201202, 301302, 321322, 499, and two 400-level courses
Minor in German: 20 semester hours, excluding 101102 and including 201202, 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. (4, 4)
201, 202 Intermediate German C
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. (4, 4)
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: 202 or equivalent. (4, 4)
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: 202. (4)
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: 202. (4)
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:
302. (4)
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: 352. (4)
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: 302. (4)
491 Independent Studies (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (2)
Major in Norwegian: A minimum of 34 semester hours, including 101102, 201202, 301302, and Scandinavian 421 or 422.
Minor in Norwegian: 20 semester hours, which may include 101102.
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)
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)
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: 202. (4)
302 Advanced Conversation and Composition C
Emphasizes the finer points of structure, style, and good taste. Prerequisite: 301. (4)
491 Independent Studies (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
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.
215 Introduction to Scandinavia LT
Introduction to the Nordic countries and cultures of Denmark, Finland,
Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Begins with a geographic and historical
overview to define Scandinavia in place and time. Cultural values, life
styles, and perspectives of modern Scandinavia will be explored both
through an introduction to the political, health, and educational
institutions, and through reading and discussing artistic expressions
in art, film, and literature. Short stories, dramas, poetry, and
several novels will offer insights into Scandinavians' perspectives on
nature and the environment, gender equality, cultural identity in
modern times, and their place in the large global community. The views
of new immigrants and the indigenous Sami people will also be included
in the exploration of Scandinavia's social, political, and cultural
life. (4)
241 Scandinavian Folklore
Through reading of folktales, ballads and legends, the course
critiques the role of folk narrative as an expression of identity and
world view in traditional and contemporary Scandinavian society.
Examples of folk performance in music and film supplement the readings.
Course conducted in English; readings in translation for non-majors.
a/y (4)
321 Topics in Scandinavian Culture and Society
This course concentrates on special topics such as the development
of the Welfare State, Scandinavia and the European Union, and the role
of migrations in the changing society. (4)
322 Scandinavia and World Issues
This course traces the involvement of the Scandinavian countries in
world organizations such as the United Nations and the roles the
countries have played in world politics. The focus will be on the
Nordic approach to democracy, aid to developing countries and peace
making, as well as initiatives, projects and activities in which
Scandinavians are currently involved around the world. (4)
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)
341 Topics in Scandinavian Literature LT
Selected literary works provide an in-depth study on topics such as the
indigenous Sami population, women authors, nature and environment, and
conflict and peace. Course conducted in English; readings in
translation for non-majors. a/y (4)
422 Scandinavian Literature in the 19th- and 20th Centuries LT
Representative works are studied within their social, historical and
literary contexts. Readings include drama, novels, short stories and
poetry. Course conducted in English; readings in translation for
non-majors. a/y (4)
491 Independent Studies (14)
492 Independent Studies (14)
495 Internships (24)
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (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. (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 coursesone focusing on Spain and another on Latin Americamust 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. (4, 4)
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)
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. (4)
301 Advanced Grammar and Composition C
Advanced grammar, stylistics, and composition; conversation based on
everyday situations, current events, and pertinent literary selections.
Prerequisite: 202 (4)
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: 301 (or concurrent enrollment).
(4)
322 Latin American Civilization and Culture C
Historic, artistic, literary, sociological, and geographic elements
shaping the development of the Latin American region. Prerequisite: 301
(or concurrent enrollment). (4)
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:
301. (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 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: 301. (4)
421 Masterpieces of Spanish Literature C, 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 C, 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 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: 325. (4)
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: 325. (4)
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: 325.
(4)
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: 325. (4)
499 Capstone: Senior Project SR (2)