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ARBC 110: Beginning Arabic I
Students will learn to read, write and understand Modern Standard Literary Arabic, and to use the language in basic conversation, including exchanging courtesies, meeting people, asking questions and providing information. No prerequisite. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: ISLM 110
ARBC 112: Beginning Arabic II
Students will continue to learn to read, write and speak basic Modern Standard Literary Arabic in a variety of cultural situations. Prerequisite: ARBC 110 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: ISLM 112
ARBC 210: Intermediate Arabic
Students will advance their knowledge of reading, writing and speaking basic Modern Literary Arabic as well as their understanding of the use of language in cultural context. Prerequisite: ARBC 112 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ISLM 210
ARBC 212: Advanced Intermediate Arabic
Students will continue to advance their knowledge of reading, writing and speaking basic Modern Literary Arabic as well as their understanding of the use of language in cultural context. Prerequisite: ARBC 210 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ISLM 212
ARBC 222: Introduction to Arab Cultures
This course introduces students to the wealth of literary, artistic and musical cultures in the Arabic- speaking world. Students will learn to describe, contextualize, and analyze representative cultural texts from literature (e.g., poem folk tale) fine arts (e.g., Painting, comics) and popular culture (e.g., popular music, films) and to evaluate how they reinforce, question or subvert nominative construction of gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality and nationalism specific to but not limited to the Arab world. Taught in English. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ISLM 222, LCTR 222
CHIN 108: Spoken Chinese for Travelers
This course is a foundational course in oral proficiency that employs a new method designed to have students quickly speaking and comprehending Mandarin Chinese. This course introduces Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, the pinyin transcription system, and modern colloquial Chinese. The emphasis is only on oral proficiency. The Chinese writing system is not required in this course. Overall, Chinese for Travelers is designed for students who seek to advance rapidly in Chinese as well as prepare for upper-level language study. Particularly for those who aspire to travel abroad, the class offers basic and practical language-survival skills. Of course, the class is also geared to pique your interest in a beautiful land, culture, and people. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: ASIA 108
CHIN 109: Chinese in the Business World
The course is designed for students and working professionals who have no prior knowledge of Chinese, and are interested in conducting business in China. The objective of this course is to build a solid foundation of basic Chinese in the business context, with a focus on speaking and listening. Topics in the course cover basic daily corporate interactions and business-related social exchanges such as meeting people, introducing companies, making inquiries and appointments, visiting companies, introducing products, initiating dining invitations, etc. This course will also help you gain a better understanding of Chinese business culture, and assist you in overcoming the problems in cross-cultural communication from a comparative perspective. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 109
CHIN 110: Beginning Chinese I
(Beginning Chinese Language I, in Cultural Context) This course is for students with no previous knowledge of Chinese. Students will learn the rudiments of both spoken and written Chinese (Mandarin) in cultural context. The course exposes students to aspects of traditional Chinese culture via experiential learning; it integrates language learning with cultural experiences which may include the practice of Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting and Kungfu, singing Peking opera, learning the traditional Chinese game of Go and immersive excursions to Chicago's Chinatown. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 110
CHIN 112: Beginning Chinese II
(Beginning Chinese Language II, in Cultural Context) This course is the continuation of CHIN 110. Students will advance their elementary knowledge of modern spoken and written Mandarin Chinese through building vocabulary and enhancing communication in cultural context. The course exposes students to aspects of modern Chinese culture, by integrating language learning with the study of contemporary cultural forms. These may include Chinese reality TV shows, film, pop music, popular literature, and other forms of mass media. Prerequisite: CHIN 110 or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 112
CHIN 113: Basic Spoken Chinese
(Basic Spoken Chinese: An Introduction to Speaking and Listening for Beginners.). Basic Spoken Chinese is a beginning-level course in oral proficiency that employs a new method designed to have students quickly speaking and comprehending Mandarin Chinese. This course introduces Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, the pinyin transcription system, and modern colloquial Chinese. The emphasis is only on oral proficiency. Learning the Chinese writing system is not required in this course. This course is designed for students who seek to advance rapidly in spoken Chinese. It is designed to prepare students for study abroad or to enhance their interest in China. CHIN 113 may not be taken concurrently or subsequently to CHIN110 or CHIN112. CHIN 210 may be taken after CHIN 113. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: ASIA 114
CHIN 210: Intermediate Chinese
This course will continue the fundamentals of Chinese conversation begun in the first-year series, Chinese 110 and 112, and continue work on reading and writing the language. Extensive oral practice and conversation exercises are stressed. Classes will be supplemented with laboratory exercises and written work. Prerequisite: CHIN 112 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 210
CHIN 212: Advanced Intermediate Chinese
This is the second course in intermediate Chinese. It focuses on further developments of the four language skills to support sustained oral and written performance at the intermediate level to prepare students for third year Chinese study. The focus will be on oral expression with expanding vocabulary, enhancing understanding of grammar, and introducing more complex structures and texts. Prerequisite: CHIN 210 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 212
CHIN 230: East Asian Lit in Translation
(East Asian Literature in Translation taught in English). This course is an introduction to traditional East Asian literature with the primary focus on China, Japan and Korea. It will concentrate on several themes, topics, authors and representative works of traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean literature; emphasis on critical reading. This course will provide the students an opportunity to enjoy the most well known poems, novels and short stories produced by the prominent authors of the genres. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 230, LCTR 230
CHIN 232: Chinese Cinema in English
This course provides a historical, critical, and theoretical survey of Chinese cinema, broadly defined to include films from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. We will look at the specific political, social, economic, technological and aesthetic factors that have influenced the shape and character of Chinese cinema over the last century. We will discuss a range of works by internationally directors, including Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Stephen Chow, Ang Lee, etc. As this course serves as a general introduction to Chinese film, it is intended for students who have little or no knowledge of China. All films screened for the course have English subtitles, so no knowledge of the Chinese language is required. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 232, CINE 232, LCTR 232
CHIN 251: Intro to Chinese Literature in Engl
(Introduction to Chinese Literature in English) This course will introduce students to Chinese literature through representative works of philosophy, poetry, folklore and modern short stories. The goal of this course is twofold: to grant students glimpses into the rich repertoire of Chinese literature and hence insights into the fundamental humanistic traditions of China; and to develop a set of skills of literary analysis. No knowledge of Chinese language or prior coursework on Chinese culture is required. Taught in English. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 251, LCTR 251
CHIN 260: Intro to Chinese Culture in English
This course will explore elements of Contemporary Chinese culture and themes related to living, studying or working in China, as seen in films, videos, internet sources, and selected fiction and non-fiction texts. Topics covered include China's diverse geography, peoples and cuisine, doing business in China, the societal role of Chinese medicine, festivals and weddings, interpreting folk and contemporary art forms, current trends and themes in popular culture. This course will be taught in English. No prerequisite. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 260, LCTR 260
CHIN 270: Chinese Values, Medicine and Health
(Traditional Chinese Values, Medicine and Health in English.) Taught in English. As the U.S. grows more diverse, issues of culture and cultural competence have become more important to health care students. Traditional Chinese philosophies and religions strongly influence the Chinese way of living and thinking about health and health care. This course is an introduction to the basic beliefs, values, philosophies, and religions of the Chinese people. It explores how Confucius, Daoism, and Buddhism influence Chinese people’s concept of health, especially mental health. This course also provides an overview of the basic traditional Chinese medicine theories, herbal treatments, and Chinese food therapy. It discusses how the Chinese medical tradition merged with the western medical tradition and the role and value of traditional Chinese medicine in the current Chinese health care system. This course is intended for students considering Pre-Health or the Health Professions Program (HPP), or for any students interested in learning about Chinese traditional values. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 270
CHIN 312: Chinese Oral & Written Proficiency
This course is a continuation of Chinese 212. The focus will be on oral and written expression in cultural context, expanding vocabulary and enhancing understanding of Chinese grammar. Chinese idiomatic expressions and various aspects of Chinese culture will also be explored throughout the course. Prerequisite: CHIN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: ASIA 312
CHIN 313: Chinese for Busn, Law, & Int'l Rel
(Chinese for Business, Law, and International Relations). The course grounds students in real-world applications of political, economic, business/marketing, and law/public policy concepts and terminology within the context of the Chinese language. The goal of this course is to develop students' Chinese language proficiency in communicative political, business, and law contexts while being aware of Chinese socio-cultural dynamics. It includes a concurrent emphasis on business terminology, conducting business negotiations, comprehension of business and law-oriented publications such as newspapers and magazines, active engagement in discussions on current events, and the analysis of prevailing economic and legal trends in contemporary China. Particularly recommended for students who are thinking of careers in economics, business, politics, law, and international relations. Prerequisite: CHIN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: ASIA 313
FREN 110: Beginning French I
French 110 is designed to develop the student's ability to aurally comprehend, speak, read, and write basic controlled patterns of the French language. No prerequisite. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
FREN 112: Beginning French II
French 112 is a continuation of 110 and culminates in readings, class discussions, and free composition to provide facility with the spoken and written language and insight into its structure. Prerequisite for French 112: placement recommendation or a grade of C or better in French 110. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
FREN 210: Interm French I: Cultural Emphasis
(Intermediate French I: Cultural Emphasis.) This course offers a systematic review of all the basic elements of French grammar, implemented with culture-based readings and exercises. The objective is to prepare students for more sophisticated courses in language, literature, and culture. Prerequisite: French 112 or placement exam recommendation. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
FREN 212: Interm French II: Literary Emphasis
(Intermediate French II: Literary Emphasis.) This course presents advanced French grammar topics and enhances vocabulary acquisition with emphasis on effective communication. In addition to discussing the socio-historical context of several francophone societies, students begin critical reading and thematic oral discussion of a short novel in French for increased cultural understanding. Contextualized writing assignments also prepare students for success in more advanced coursework and study abroad. Prerequisite: French 210 or placement recommendation. (This course satisfies Humanities and Speaking Intensive.)
FREN 228: Oh Là Là: Stereotypes, Media, Mktg
(Oh Là Là: French Stereotypes, Media, & Marketing.) This course offers an exploration of French culture and of the differences between French and American work practices. Popular media examples such as "Emily in Paris" often rely on clichés to convey this cultural gap: this course prepares students to interact with the French culture beyond these stereotypes by providing a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities in the business arena and beyond. In addition to this cultural contextualization, students will learn business and commercial French vocabulary and apply their knowledge in practical professional exercises in business creation, job interviewing and advertising in French. Particularly recommended for students thinking of careers in business, economics, politics, or international relations. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
FREN 230: French Literature and Cinema
(The Art of Adapting: French Literature and Cinema) This course, taught in English, compares French literary works, both historical and contemporary, and their cinematic adaptations. The course addresses whether the author's literary style is reflected in or displaced by the cinematic style of the film directors studied. Students pay attention to the translation across genres (literature to film), across language and culture (example of American remakes), and across history (a historical period depicted in a modern cinematic era). This course is discussion-based and acquaints students with cinematic terms used to interpret the genre. All readings, discussions, and assignments will be in English with an option for French majors to complete reading and writing in French. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: CINE 230, LCTR 233
FREN 250: Writing with Style: Grammar, Syntax
Students study francophone texts written in a variety of styles (descriptive, narrative, analytical, journalistic, etc.), and compose their own texts in these styles, while reviewing points of grammar and syntax associated with common writing errors. Writing assignments focus on clarity of structure, useful transitions, verbal agreement and sequencing of events. Particular attention is given to making appropriate word choices within a variety of cultural and linguistic contexts, and enhancing vocabulary for successful general academic writing. Students also have the opportunity to acquire terminology used in a particular area of career or personal interest (e.g. science, medicine, business, politics, literature, tourism, the environment, psychology, sociology, film, art, music, etc.). Course recommended in preparation for 300-level coursework. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Writing Intensive.)
FREN 255: Visions of the Future
This course offers oral and written work for students who have already reached an intermediate level of competency in oral and written expression. Based on short science fiction stories, this course focuses on a variety of subjects such as globalization's effects, social inequalities, climate change, and technology. FREN255 is a speaking-intensive course; students therefore engage in a diverse range of speaking activities, from debates, storytelling, podcast recording, to formal and informal presentations. Students also improve their reading and analytical skills, as well as their writing competency. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Speaking Intensive.)
FREN 259: Immigration in France 1945 to Today
This course will trace France's immigration history from the mid-twentieth century to the present. It will mainly offer an investigation of Muslim immigration and integration in the post-1945 period. Along the way, we will also consider the broader context of immigration (i.e., of national, ethnic, and religious groups other than Muslims to France), the formation and evolution of concepts of French national identity, and the history of French citizenship policy. This course represents a postcolonial approach to the history of France, at the nexus of colonial, immigration, and urban histories. These histories will be studied with a focus on the social, economic, political, and cultural stakes raised by immigration, and the course will consider how some in France have reacted against certain groups of immigrants as antithetical to "Frenchness". No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 259, LCTR 259
FREN 265: French Feminism
(Feminist Voices of the Francophone World.) This course, taught in English, introduces French feminist literature and theory. Students read foundational texts from writers such as Olympe de Gouges, Simone de Beauvoir, Benoîte Groult, and Monique Wittig, along with contemporary French and Francophone Feminist/Queer authors. While all literary texts were originally written in French, the theoretical component may include essays by non-Francophone authors. Moreover, the course also discusses the particularities of French feminism, its controversies (such as the reaction to the "me too" movement,) and how it differs from Anglo-American feminism. All readings, discussions, and assignments will be in English with an option for French majors to complete reading and writing in French. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: GSWS 265
FREN 270: Translation & Creative Writing
This course aims to develop the student's written fluency in French, through the synergy of using two complementary approaches to writing, ie. exercises in translation (primarily French-English) and creative writing exercises in French. The course literature, written by various francophone authors, will include narratives, poems, letters, dramatic scenes, and news articles. Translation of these varied literary genres will hone the student's use of grammar and syntax, as well as understanding of stylistic and literary devices in cultural context. Creative exercises will be linked to literary and stylistic elements of texts studied, and framed in one or more cultural contexts. Original writing will also be inspired by the use of visual media (e.g. film, images), for a variety of short writing assignments to include poetry, prose and dramatic dialogue. The students' oral expression in French will be enhanced by analytic discussion of the readings and visuals, short interpretation exercises (the oral equivalent of translation), presentation and discussion of original creative material. An original text will be chosen for submission to Collage literary magazine. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Creative & Performing Arts.)
FREN 280: Parlez-vous poésie? Rondeau to Rap
(Parlez-vous poésie? Rondeau to Rap.) This course examines poetic forms and themes in their cultural context, taken from France and the French-speaking world. A variety of fixed forms like the rondeau and the sonnet, as well as the fable, free verse, prose poems, visual poetry, rap and song lyrics are explored, as well as any existing musical adaptations of these texts. Students improve French pronunciation by studying rhyme, rhythm and intonation. French grammar and syntax are reviewed through the chosen poems, as well as language register for formal and informal expression. Students expand their vocabulary in French through language games and imitate poetic styles by creating original poetic texts in French. Selected texts are submitted to Collage Magazine for publication consideration (with optional audio recitation or musical adaptation). Prerequisite: FREN212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Creative & Performing Arts.)
cross listed: MUSC 281
FREN 325: Fairy Tales, Fantastique, & Fantasy
In this course, students explore French and Francophone literature through the lenses of the supernatural. Course materials include Medieval and Classical fairy tales, XIXth century Nouvelles fantastiques, Francophone short stories, and contemporary fantasy. This course prepares students for serious reading and analysis of literary texts in French. It is an introduction to the concepts of literary criticism and explication de texte and familiarizes students with the vocabulary of literary analysis. All readings, discussions, and assignments are in French. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Writing Intensive.)
FREN 326: Chanson et société
This course will examine popular music from the French-speaking world, and consider song as a reflection of social, political and cultural movements. Coursework will include listening to and viewing performances, and reading historical and critical texts on popular song. Examples will be drawn from French, Canadian and Francophone African song repertoires of various eras, and may also include music from other French-speaking territories. Students will learn terminology in French used to describe and analyze music. No previous musical experience necessary. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: MUSC 302
FREN 328: Contemporary France
This course will address current subjects of debate in France and study how France has changed (politically and socially) since its major period of decolonization in the 1950s-60s. Particular attention will be given to France's efforts to integrate immigrants, and specific issues related to French residents of Muslim heritage. Through the reading and discussion of literature and critical essays, as well as viewing current films and internet/satellite news broadcasts, students will gain greater understanding of France's changing identity. Oral and written competence will be enhanced by discussion, debate, presentation, and writing short papers in French. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ISLM 328
FREN 330: The French-Speaking World
This course familiarizes students with the history, politics and contemporary culture of various areas of the French-speaking world (such as in Canada, the Caribbean, North and West Africa, the Middle East and Western Europe). Topics vary, and may include discussion of immigration, women's issues, political conflict, changing social and national identity. The course draws from literature, film, music, critical materials and contemporary news sources. Prerequisite: French 212 or equivalent. FREN 330 and 430 meet concurrently. For 400-level credit, additional coursework is required. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: FREN 430
FREN 338: Cinéma Français
This interdisciplinary course provides an overview of French cinematic history, with an emphasis on how French films and movements represent various social and political concerns of their time period. Film will be studied as an art form and cultural text to be interpreted, and films by major directors will illustrate key cinematic concepts and themes. Readings will address the socio-political context, from French film beginnings to the complexity of post-colonial French identity and cultural globalization depicted in contemporary French and Francophone films. This course is discussion-based,with occasional lectures, is taught in French, and will acquaint students with cinematic terms used to interpret the genre. Prerequisite: FREN212 or equivalent. Not open to students who have completed FREN 333: French Culture Through Film in English. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CINE 338
FREN 380: Utopia to Science Fiction
(Utopia to Science Fiction in French.) This course examines utopias and French science fiction, known as "littérature d'anticipation." Course materials include literary texts, films and graphic novels, to build connections through focused study of multiple genres in French. Through analysis of chosen texts and films, students develop critical thinking on topics related to racial difference, social and gender roles, ecological issues and scientific ethics. The course aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding, as well as hone analytical skills. Assignments encourage writing in various registers, to include film reviews, blog entries, short papers, a presentation, a précis, and a research paper. Prerequisite: FREN212 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. FREN 380 and 480 meet concurrently. For 400-level credit, additional coursework is required. (This course satisfies Humanities and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: FREN 480
FREN 385: Art of Storytelling
In this course, students will engage in the critical examination of story-telling, or the craft of constructing narrative within a cultural context. Students analyze and discuss course texts and understand elements of story construction through the study of selected francophone narratives, principally prose forms such as the novel, short story, dialogue and essay, but also select examples from film, narrative poetry and song. Students also translate and creatively transform existing narratives in order to examine issues of style and to create and present an original story to the class, based on models studied during the semester. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. FREN 385 and 485 meet concurrently. Students taking this course at the 400 level for senior seminar credit for the French major complete an extra essay on the mid-term, a longer presentation and final research project, in consultation with the instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
FREN 390: Internship
On-site training in spoken and written French at businesses or other organizations in Paris, France, or in Chicago. Students have been assigned to such organizations as the French government tourist office, the Alliance Française, the Services Culturels Français in Chicago, and the Québec Government Office in Chicago. . (This course satisfies Experiential Learning.)
FREN 425: Fairy Tales, Fantastique, & Fantasy
In this course, students explore French and Francophone literature through the lenses of the supernatural. Course materials include Medieval and Classical fairy tales, XIXth century Nouvelles fantastiques, Francophone short stories, and contemporary fantasy. This course prepares students for serious reading and analysis of literary texts in French. It is an introduction to the concepts of literary criticism and explication de texte and familiarizes students with the vocabulary of literary analysis. All readings, discussions, and assignments are in French. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities and Writing Intensive.)
FREN 430: The French-Speaking World
This course familiarizes students with the history, politics and contemporary culture of various areas of the French-speaking world (such as in Canada, the Caribbean, North and West Africa, the Middle East and Western Europe). Topics vary, and may include discussion of immigration, women's issues, political conflict, changing social and national identity. The course draws from literature, film, music, critical materials and contemporary news sources. Prerequisite: French 212 or equivalent. FREN 430 and 330 meet concurrently. For 400-level credit, additional coursework is required. (This course satisfies Senior Studies and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: FREN 330
FREN 480: Utopia to Science Fiction
(Utopia to Science Fiction in French.) This course examines utopias and French science fiction, known as "littérature d'anticipation." Course materials include literary texts, films and graphic novels, to build connections through focused study of multiple genres in French. Through analysis of chosen texts and films, students develop critical thinking on topics related to racial difference, social and gender roles, ecological issues and scientific ethics. The course aims to enhance students' linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding, as well as hone analytical skills. Assignments encourage writing in various registers, to include film reviews, blog entries, short papers, a presentation, a précis, and a research paper. Prerequisite: FREN212 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. FREN 380 and 480 meet concurrently. For 400-level credit, additional coursework is required. (This course satisfies Humanities and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: FREN 380
FREN 485: Art of Storytelling
In this course, students will engage in the critical examination of story-telling, or the craft of constructing narrative within a cultural context. Students analyze and discuss course texts and understand elements of story construction through the study of selected francophone narratives, principally prose forms such as the novel, short story, dialogue and essay, but also select examples from film, narrative poetry and song. Students also translate and creatively transform existing narratives in order to examine issues of style and to create and present an original story to the class, based on models studied during the semester. Prerequisite: FREN 212 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. FREN 485 and 385 meet concurrently. Students taking this course at the 400 level for senior seminar credit for the French major complete an extra essay on the mid-term, a longer presentation and final research project, in consultation with the instructor.
FREN 490: Internship
On-site training in spoken and written French at businesses or other organizations in Paris, France, or in Chicago. Students have been assigned to such organizations as the French government tourist office, The Alliance Française, and the Services Culturels Français in Chicago. . (This course satisfies Experiential Learning.)
FREN 494: Senior Thesis
The thesis allows students to do in-depth research and to develop an original thesis on a topic in French literature, literatures of the French-speaking world, French civilization, or linguistics. (Offered as required.)
JAPN 110: Beginning Japanese I
An introduction to the form of spoken Japanese along with Japanese customs and culture.Most of the fundamental structures are covered in Japanese 110 and 112, together with writing practice in the hiragana and the katakana syllabaries. 112 is a continuation of 110. Lab work is an integral part of the sequence. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: ASIA 111
JAPN 112: Beginning Japanese II
An introduction to the form of spoken Japanese along with Japanese customs and culture. Most of the fundamental structures are covered in Japanese 110 and 112, together with writing practice in the hiragana and the katakana syllabaries and some basic kanji. 112 is a continuation of 110. Lab work is an integral part of the sequence. Prerequisite: Japanese 110 or equivalent. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: ASIA 113
JAPN 210: Interm Japanese in Cultural Context
(Intermediate Japanese in Cultural Context.) This course continues the fundamentals of Japanese conversation begun in the first-year series, Japanese 110 and 112, and continues work on reading and writing the language. Extensive oral practice and conversation exercises are stressed. Classes are supplemented with audio materials and exercises and daily written work using hiragana, katakana, and kanji. This course also familiarizes students with Japanese society, customs, and culture. Students will make a researched presentation concerning a specific topic of interest related to Japanese culture, customs, society, politics, or the economy. Prerequisite: Japanese 112 or consent of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 211
JAPN 212: Adv Interm Japanese, Cultural Cont
(Advanced Intermediate Japanese in Cultural Context.) This course continues the fundamentals of Japanese language began in Japanese 110, 112, and 210. Extensive practice in oral expression and increasingly stronger emphasis on reading and writing using hiragana, katakana, and kanji are stressed. Reading and speaking are supplemented with an extensive use of audio materials and exercises. There are daily assignments and occasional presentations. This course also familiarizes students with Japanese society, customs and culture. Students will make a researched presentation concerning a specific topic of interest related to Japanese culture, customs, society, politics, or the economy. Prerequisite: Japanese 210 or consent of the instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ASIA 219
LING 110: Introduction to Linguistics
This is a general introduction to language and linguistics. This course offers a broad overview of subfields of linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. It also introduces the cultural, psychological, and social aspects of language and language use. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
LING 201: Linguistics and Literature
A consideration of the major linguistic theories and their implications and relations to literary criticism. Special emphasis on applications to literary criticism of transformational grammar, stratificational grammar, and tagmemics. Discussion and critical appraisal of the value of such approaches to literary analysis. Taught in English. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: LCTR 201
LING 223: Brazilian Music, Language, Culture
This introductory course is designed to develop the student's ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write basic controlled patterns of the Portuguese language. Brazilian music is used as an important tool to reinforce aural and written language acquisition as well as to provide specific cultural context through the examination of historical, social, and political elements of the music. The course draws from comparative linguistics to enhance student learning by making explicit connections between Portuguese and other Romance languages (French, Spanish). No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: PORT 223, MUSC 223, LNAM 223
LING 300: Language Learning, Teaching, and AI
(Language Learning, Teaching, and AI Collaboration) This course offers a comprehensive exploration of language as a system, encompassing research findings on language learning and teaching, along with insights into the collaborative integration of AI in the classroom. Students investigate the subfields of linguistics, such as phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, discourse and pragmatics, language acquisition, second-language research methods, and language pedagogy. This course is about how to use language acquisition research and generalizations derived from it to inform teaching practices and materials design. Those considering teaching in the future can reflect on how to apply both the emerging and ongoing developments, research, and trends, such as translanguaging pedagogy, TPR storytelling pedagogy in the field to classroom instruction. Furthermore, the course explores the intersection of education and artificial intelligence, fostering discussions on the role of AI in language learning with attention to questions of bias and equitable learning opportunity. While this course is particularly designed for students interested in investigating the most effective methods for language instruction, it is also geared to raise awareness of how languages are both taught and ascertained. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Technology Intensive.)
cross listed: EDUC 300
LCTR 200: Collage Magazine
LCTR 200 is a practicum designed to provide an opportunity for students with some knowledge of any language other than English to learn about the design and production of Collage Magazine, while earning course credit. Collage Magazine represents cultural and linguistic diversity within the Lake Forest College community. The 0.25 credit course is graded on a Pass-Fail basis and requires enrolled students to complete forty (40) hours of work as Executive Board members contributing to the editing, production, and promotion of Collage, Lake Forest College's literary journal in the languages since 1969. The course is overseen by the faculty advisor to Collage, who will arrange for grade/credit assignments in consultation with the chair of the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. May be repeated; up to one full credit may be counted toward Lake Forest College graduation. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Experiential Learning and Creative & Performing Arts.)
LCTR 201: Linguistics and Literature
A consideration of the major linguistic theories and their implications and relations to literary criticism. Special emphasis on applications to literary criticism of transformational grammar, stratificational grammar, and tagmemics. Discussion and critical appraisal of the value of such approaches to literary analysis. Taught in English. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
cross listed: LING 201
LCTR 222: Introduction to Arab Cultures
This course introduces students to the wealth of literary, artistic and musical cultures in the Arabic- speaking world. Students will learn to describe, contextualize, and analyze representative cultural texts from literature (e.g., poem folk tale) fine arts (e.g., Painting, comics) and popular culture (e.g., popular music, films) and to evaluate how they reinforce, question or subvert nominative construction of gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality and nationalism specific to but not limited to the Arab world. Taught in English. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: ARBC 222, ISLM 222
LCTR 224: A.I., Robots, and Gender
(Decoding the Feminine: 'Artificial' Intelligence, Robots, and Gender) With recent A.I. progress (artificial intelligence or machine learning) and technological advancements, the gap between reality and fiction has shrunk significantly; yet, from Villiers de l’Isle-Adam’s Future Eve (1886) to Alex Garland’s Ex Machina (2014), A.I and robots have long been represented in literature and films as women. Does science fiction only dream of female A.I. and robots? Why? This course analyzes how global literature and cinema have imagined the future of technology and the intersectionality of A.I., robots, and gender. Adopting a feminist and posthumanist approach, students examine how A.I. and technology are reshaping what it means to be human, and discuss social, political, and ethical considerations in both reality and fiction. Even if originally published in other languages, all texts and films will be available in English or with English subtitles. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: GSWS 224
LCTR 230: East Asian Lit in Translation
(East Asian Literature in Translation taught in English). This course is an introduction to traditional East Asian literature with the primary focus on China, Japan and Korea. It will concentrate on several themes, topics, authors and representative works of traditional Chinese, Japanese and Korean literature; emphasis on critical reading. This course will provide the students an opportunity to enjoy the most well known poems, novels and short stories produced by the prominent authors of the genres. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 230, ASIA 230
LCTR 232: Chinese Cinema in English
This course provides a historical, critical, and theoretical survey of Chinese cinema, broadly defined to include films from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. We will look at the specific political, social, economic, technological and aesthetic factors that have influenced the shape and character of Chinese cinema over the last century. We will discuss a range of works by internationally directors, including Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Stephen Chow, Ang Lee, etc. As this course serves as a general introduction to Chinese film, it is intended for students who have little or no knowledge of China. All films screened for the course have English subtitles, so no knowledge of the Chinese language is required. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 232, ASIA 232, CINE 232
LCTR 233: French Literature and Cinema
(The Art of Adapting: French Literature and Cinema) This course, taught in English, compares French literary works, both historical and contemporary, and their cinematic adaptations. The course addresses whether the author's literary style is reflected in or displaced by the cinematic style of the film directors studied. Students pay attention to the translation across genres (literature to film), across language and culture (example of American remakes), and across history (a historical period depicted in a modern cinematic era). This course is discussion-based and acquaints students with cinematic terms used to interpret the genre. All readings, discussions, and assignments will be in English with an option for French majors to complete reading and writing in French. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: FREN 230, CINE 230
LCTR 236: Latin American Film in English
Taught in English. An interdisciplinary study of Latin American film, from multiple perspectives: artistic, historical, political, and socio-economic. This course will highlight the artistic achievements of Latin American filmmakers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. We will use selected readings from original works for films that are based on fiction. A number of films have been Academy Award nominees or winners. Further readings will include a history of Latin American cinema, movie reviews, and interviews with directors. The course will scrutinize the links among cultural phenomena, socio-political events, and the art of filmmaking. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: SPAN 236, LNAM 236, CINE 236
LCTR 237: The Latin American World in English
Taught in English. A study of native peoples of the American Indian civilizations from multiple perspectives: historical, political, sociological, and literary. Course materials include readings and lectures on a wide variety of topics, discussions, films, videos, slides, and music. Students with a knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese may work with bilingual materials. May count toward the Spanish major. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: SPAN 337, LNAM 302
LCTR 251: Intro to Chinese Literature in Engl
(Introduction to Chinese Literature in English) This course will introduce students to Chinese literature through representative works of philosophy, poetry, folklore and modern short stories. The goal of this course is twofold: to grant students glimpses into the rich repertoire of Chinese literature and hence insights into the fundamental humanistic traditions of China; and to develop a set of skills of literary analysis. No knowledge of Chinese language or prior coursework on Chinese culture is required. Taught in English. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 251, ASIA 251
LCTR 259: Immigration in France 1945 to Today
This course will trace France's immigration history from the mid-twentieth century to the present. It will mainly offer an investigation of Muslim immigration and integration in the post-1945 period. Along the way, we will also consider the broader context of immigration (i.e., of national, ethnic, and religious groups other than Muslims to France), the formation and evolution of concepts of French national identity, and the history of French citizenship policy. This course represents a postcolonial approach to the history of France, at the nexus of colonial, immigration, and urban histories. These histories will be studied with a focus on the social, economic, political, and cultural stakes raised by immigration, and the course will consider how some in France have reacted against certain groups of immigrants as antithetical to "Frenchness". No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: HIST 259, FREN 259
LCTR 260: Intro to Chinese Culture in English
This course will explore elements of Contemporary Chinese culture and themes related to living, studying or working in China, as seen in films, videos, internet sources, and selected fiction and non-fiction texts. Topics covered include China's diverse geography, peoples and cuisine, doing business in China, the societal role of Chinese medicine, festivals and weddings, interpreting folk and contemporary art forms, current trends and themes in popular culture. This course will be taught in English. No prerequisite. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CHIN 260, ASIA 260
LCTR 261: Don Quijote & Imperl Spain in Trans
(Don Quijote and Imperial Spain in Translation.) This course will study Cervantes's comic masterpiece in English translation. Focus will be on Cervantes's art, on analytical perspectives, and on historical background. Comparisons will be made with reinterpretations of Don Quijote, such as films and drawings. No prerequisites.
cross listed: SPAN 361
LCTR 350: Contemp Latin Amer Lit in English
(Contemporary Latin American Literature in English.) During the twentieth century, the narrative fiction of Latin America exploded onto the international literary scene. This course focuses on the precursors of the so-called 'boom' writers (Jorge Luis Borges, Graciliano Ramos) and the boom's major writers (Julio Cortazar, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juan Rulfo, Carlos Fuentes, Jorge Amado), as well as its more recent figures (Isabel Allende, Clarice Lispector, Laura Esquivel, Manuel Puig), who take us into the twenty-first century. The course includes film adaptations of Latin American fiction. Special consideration is given to the aesthetic and historical contexts of these authors and their works. Students with a knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese may work with bilingual materials if they so choose. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: SPAN 350, LNAM 350
PORT 223: Brazilian Music, Language, Culture
This introductory course is designed to develop the student's ability to comprehend, speak, read, and write basic controlled patterns of the Portuguese language. Brazilian music is used as an important tool to reinforce aural and written language acquisition as well as to provide specific cultural context through the examination of historical, social, and political elements of the music. The course draws from comparative linguistics to enhance student learning by making explicit connections between Portuguese and other Romance languages (French, Spanish). No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LING 223, MUSC 223, LNAM 223
SPAN 109: Introductory Business Spanish
This introductory course has been designed for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish but with interest in the Hispanic business world. This course focuses on initiating and responding to a variety of real-world business situations, such as meeting people, introducing companies, products, or making inquiries. Along with acquiring a solid foundation of basic Spanish used in the business world, students are exposed to the culture of selected Spanish-speaking countries. The course supports rapid progress in Spanish and aims to prepare students for intermediate-level language study. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Speaking Intensive.)
SPAN 111: Accelerated Spanish
Spanish 111 is an intensive course designed to develop the ability to speak, read, write and navigate communication situations in the target language. Basic vocabulary and grammar are integrated into cultural readings, class discussions, and short compositions to apply the spoken and written language and increase understanding of elements of Spanish-speaking cultures. This intensive course is designed for highly motivated students and replaces SPAN110 and 112. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
SPAN 210: Intermediate Spanish
This course provides a systematic review of the basic elements of Spanish grammar and enhance vocabulary acquisition with emphasis on effective communication. Culture-based readings, videos, and a variety of oral and written exercises address historical and social contexts. Increased linguistic fluency and cultural understanding prepare students for success in more advanced coursework and study abroad. Students should follow with SPAN 212 in spring to complete the year-long sequence. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
SPAN 212: Advanced Intermediate Spanish
Spanish 212 is an advanced course to continue developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities. Some of the course objectives include fostering classroom discussion, writing guided compositions, reviewing grammar topics, and building vocabulary beyond the elementary and intermediate levels. In addition to language studies, some aspects of Hispanic/Latino cultures are introduced through the reading of contemporary fiction as well as articles. Practice in reading contemporary fiction and expository prose, drama, and poetry to develop reading ease and accurate comprehension beyond the elementary and intermediate levels. Prerequisite: Spanish 210 or placement at the 212 level. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
SPAN 236: Latin American Film in English
Taught in English. An interdisciplinary study of Latin American film, from multiple perspectives: artistic, historical, political, and socio-economic. This course will highlight the artistic achievements of Latin American filmmakers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. We will use selected readings from original works for films that are based on fiction. A number of films have been Academy Award nominees or winners. Further readings will include a history of Latin American cinema, movie reviews, and interviews with directors. The course will scrutinize the links among cultural phenomena, socio-political events, and the art of filmmaking. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 236, CINE 236, LCTR 236
SPAN 237: Identity/Memory Spanish Film
(Identity and Memory in Contemporary Spanish Film.) Through the study of a selection of films and documentaries stretching from late Francoism through the Transición, until the 2008 economic crisis, this course provides a critical examination of the history and poetics of cinema in Spain, with particular attention to the relation between the representation of identity and the recovery of traumatic memory in contemporary culture. Regarding identity, this course addresses questions of national and regional identity (Spanish, Basque, and Catalan contexts), as well as the role of gender and sexual identity throughout late Francoism, the Transición, and democratic state. We also analyze how the directors problematize memory, especially traumatic memory, through their films. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: CINE 237, GSWS 237
SPAN 250: Grammar, Syntax, and Style
This course reviews grammar, orthography, syntax, and style through graded compositions, free compositions, grammar exercises, and translation. Students will study various types of expository writing to see the grammatical constructions in context and develop a wider vocabulary and a sense of style. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Writing Intensive.)
SPAN 255: Conversation and Composition
Intensive practice and free conversation and composition on a wide range of topics reflecting the needs and interests of the participants. Concentrated study of vocabulary, idioms, and selected grammar patterns and paradigms needed for oral proficiency. Activities include drills, discussions based on readings, debates, dialogues, and sketches. Supporting materials will be drawn from Latin American and Peninsular short stories, films, magazines, and newspapers. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. Not open to heritage speakers, except by permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Speaking Intensive.)
SPAN 260: Spanish for Heritage Speakers
This course is specifically oriented towards heritage speakers of the language - this is, those for whom Spanish is the predominant spoken language in the home. Students who enter this class will not necessarily have had a formal education in the language, but they must be native speakers of it. The course introduces, reiterates and fortifies the student's grammatical and compositional skills while refining his/her oral expression. The class is conducted exclusively in Spanish, and in addition to the requisite participation, there are a considerable number of writing, literary analysis and reinforcement assignments throughout the semester. The students also research the various dialects of Latin American, Peninsular as well as U.S. Spanish. (This course satisfies Domestic Pluralism and Speaking Intensive.)
SPAN 300: Intro Reading Literature Spanish
The purpose of this course is to prepare the student for serious reading and analysis of literary texts in Spanish. The course will be an introduction to the concepts of literary criticism and the vocabulary of literary analysis. The course will introduce students to various methodologies, including close reading of texts and sociological and psychological approaches. Texts will be chosen from the three major literary genres: poetry, prose fiction, and drama. It is strongly recommended that students take either Spanish 300 or 305 before going on to literature or culture courses in the 300-400 range. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
SPAN 303: Paisajes sonoros de América Latina
(Paisajes sonoros de América Latina: Música, política y poder.) This course considers Latin American music within a broad cultural, political, and historical framework. Latin American musical practices are explored by illustrating the different ways in which aesthetics and society are intersected through music. Our discussions will be framed by a range of concepts pertinent to Latin American contexts such as colonialism, diaspora, mestizaje, globalization, migration and community. This course will examine popular music from Latin America, and consider a song a reflection of socio-political, historical, and cultural movements. Coursework will include listening to and viewing performances and reading historical and critical texts on music and its relation to politics. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor.
cross listed: LNAM 303, MUSC 303
SPAN 305: The Civilization of Spain
This course is an introduction to the history, art, music, literature, and customs of Spain. Course conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: One higher 200-level Spanish course (ie. above SPAN 212) or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 305
SPAN 306: Intro Latin American Culture
This course will be taught in Spanish. It is designed to provide an introductory overview of Latin America's development focusing on its cultural manifestations through time. Films, music, and art will supplement readings for a better understanding of the cultural heterogeneity of Latin America, its past, and its present reality. Prerequisite: One higher 200-level Spanish course (ie. above SPAN 212) or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 306
SPAN 308: Contemporary Spain: Hist/Pol/Cultre
The course focuses on popular culture (music, film, theatre, news) in conjunction with a study of the events of the past which led to social and political change in Spain. Spain has been a democracy since 1977 and a member of the European Union since 1986 (the year in which the country voted to join NATO) and has created strong economic, social, and cultural ties with Latin America. Through a study of selected songs, films, plays, news articles and videos, students examine Spain's transition from an isolated dictatorship to a democratic nation. Although mostly reported as a success story, Spain continues to deal with the lingering effects of fascism today. We address current questions of social justice, immigration, economy, regional autonomy, and political struggle. Prerequisite: One higher 200-level Spanish course (i.e. above SPAN 212) or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
SPAN 310: Creative Writing
Intensive work in creative original compositions of prose, poetry, and drama. Analysis of style in selected Hispanic writers. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Creative & Performing Arts and Global Perspective.)
SPAN 314: Spanish Phonetics
This course introduces the fundamentals of phonetic and phonological theory and describes the Spanish sound system. It also includes extensive oral practice with the aim of improving pronunciation, fluency, and communicative skills. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities.)
SPAN 315: Introduction to Translation Studies
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of translation. Students will familiarize themselves with the different meanings of "translation," various approaches to the study of translated texts, methodologies used to translate across genres, and the relationship between translation and other disciplines, such as literature, politics, and cinema. A variety of technical, literary, and cultural texts from various national and linguistic traditions will provide opportunities to engage with translation theory through a comparative approach. Texts will be translated from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
SPAN 320: Spanish for Business, Law, Intl Rel
(Spanish for Business, Law, and International Relations) This course prepares students to understand and produce conversational and written Spanish for business, law, and international affairs. Students practice using specialized vocabulary and concepts associated with contractual and diplomatic negotiation, banking and business, and law and public policy. Cultural and historical topics for discussion may include the financial crash of the early 2000s in Argentina; the rise and fall of Brazil’s economy; foreign investment in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; Spain’s economic precarity after the 2008 financial crisis; trade, banking, and diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Latin America; marketing to Latino communities in the U.S. compared to different countries in Latin America; and human rights law and immigration policies in the U.S. This course balances intercultural knowledge with language tools, including vocabulary building, conversation practice, listening comprehension, and the acquisition of idioms necessary for intercultural communication and competence in Spanish-speaking contexts. Course materials include feature films, documentaries, and readings drawn from news sources. Particularly recommended for students who are considering careers in economics, business, politics, law, and international relations. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Speaking Intensive.)
cross listed: LNAM 320
SPAN 321: Business Spanish
This course prepares students to understand, follow and discuss common business operations in Spanish. It includes concurrent emphasis on business terminology, conversational practice, readings and discussions of business topics and acquisition of expressions and idioms necessary for doing business in Spain or Latin America. Particularly recommended for students who are thinking of careers in economics, business, politics, and international relations. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor.
SPAN 322: Medical Spanish in a Global Context
This course prepares students to use Spanish in a variety of health care settings. Particular emphasis is given to the acquisition of essential medical vocabulary in Spanish, and to the speaking and comprehension proficiency needed to conduct interviews with Spanish-speaking patients. The course will focus on the successful and caring treatment of Latino/Hispanic patients with limited English (often recent immigrants), as well as on the cultural norms that exist around health and the body in Latin America, norms which medical professionals must understand in order to deal properly with Spanish-speaking patients. Particularly recommended for students who are thinking of careers in the area of health care, but appropriate for any student interested in expanding Spanish proficiency in this field. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
SPAN 323: Translation for the Professions
(Introduction to Translation for the Professions.) This course offers an introduction to translation in professional contexts. Students translate documents from diverse fields (including business, law, journalism, marketing, and medicine), improve critical reading and writing skills in Spanish and English, and practice consecutive interpreting. Translating and interpreting are grounded through an examination of the cultural context of the subject matter (historical, socio-political, etc.) in order to effectively render the message to a culturally-specific target audience. The course also touches on the non-linguistic skills essential to working as a professional translator, including (inter)cultural competence, building a CV, and collaborating with other language professionals. Though it is intended as an overview of the world of commercial translation, this course will be useful to any student interested in working professionally in bilingual or Spanish-speaking environments, and assignments will be tailored to fit students’ career interests. Prerequisites: SPAN 212 Advanced Intermediate Spanish or higher 200-level course, or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
SPAN 325: U.S. Latinx Literature and Culture
This course is taught in Spanish. It is designed to familiarize students with the cultural phenomena produced in the United States by the presence of two major Hispanic groups: Mexican Americans (20.6 million) and Puerto Ricans (3.4 million). The course will examine the historical, political, and cultural development of the Mexican American/Chicano and the Puerto Rican/Boricua Hispanic heritage. The main objective is to provide the students with an overall social and literary understanding and to recognize the cultural contribution made by these two important Hispanic groups. Topics such as neo-colonialism, popular culture, national identity, gender representation in art and literature, religious syncretism, and economic impact on the workforce will be explored. Literary texts by outstanding Chicano and Boricua authors will be included. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Domestic Pluralism.)
cross listed: LNAM 325
SPAN 330: Survey Peninsular Literature
A panoramic view of Spanish literature with special emphasis on distinctive features of significant literary movements and periods. Lectures on the history of literature. Readings and discussion on selections from representative literary texts. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
SPAN 333: Cine e Historia en América Latina
The course examines the ways that movies view historical events and periods, while at the same time shaping public perception of those events and periods in Latin America. Examples of topics are the Conquest of the Americas, the legacy of Peron, the Castro and post-Castro eras in Cuba, the Catholic Church in Mexico, dictatorship and democracy in Brazil and Chile, and narco-trafficking. The basic format will be discussion with occasional interactive lectures. Readings will include essays on cinema and history. Students will view films mostly in DVD format from several countries. Assignments will include short essays, oral presentations, and a midterm and a final exam. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (Counts toward the Spanish major and minor. ) (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 333, CINE 337
SPAN 334: Cine Español
An interdisciplinary study of Spanish film, from multiple perspectives: artistic, historical, political, and socio-economic. This course will highlight the artistic achievements of Spanish filmmakers from several periods, including Luis Buñuel, Carlos Saura, and Pedro Almodovar. Readings will include essays on film history, the language of cinema, movie reviews, and interviews with directors. The course will scrutinize the links among cultural phenomena, socio-political events, and the art of filmmaking. Films will be treated as complex aesthetic objects whose language does not merely photograph socio-historical reality but transfigures it. The course will also consider Spain in its broadest Iberian sense and will include films in Catalan, Galician, and Portuguese. Classes will be based mainly on discussion interspersed with occasional lectures. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 334, CINE 339
SPAN 335: Survey of Latin American Lit
(Survey of Latin American Literature) The development of Latin American letters from the nineteenth-century movements of independence to the contemporary period. Readings will include novels, short stories, poetry, plays, and essays. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: LNAM 335
SPAN 336: Crime Fiction
Latin American and Spanish authors have a rich history of crime and detective fiction that extends to the turn of the 20th century. In Latin America and Spain, crime fiction is referred to as novela negra and detective fiction is referred to as novela pol?aca. This course serves as an introduction to Latin America and Spanish crime and detective fiction, ranging from the early 20th-century novela negra to 21st-century narco-narratives. In particular, we compare crime and detective fiction to hard-boiled stories and their sub-genres, examine the genre's link to film, and investigate the works' socio-historical and political contexts such as globalization and immigration. Prerequisite: SPAN 250 or 255, or one 300-level course or placement exam recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 336
SPAN 337: The Latin American World in English
Taught in English. A study of native peoples of the American Indian civilizations from multiple perspectives: historical, political, sociological, and literary. Course materials include readings and lectures on a wide variety of topics, discussions, films, videos, slides, and music. Students with a knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese may work with bilingual materials. May count toward the Spanish major. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 302, LCTR 237
SPAN 338: Cine Latinoamericano
An interdisciplinary study of Latin American film, from multiple perspectives: artistic, historical, political, and socio-economic. This course will highlight the artistic achievements of Latin American filmmakers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. We will use selected readings from original works for films that are based on fiction. A number of films have been Academy Award nominees or winners. Further readings will include a history of Latin American cinema, movie reviews, and interviews with directors. The course will scrutinize the links among cultural phenomena, socio-political events, and the art of filmmaking. Films will be treated as complex aesthetic objects whose language does not merely photograph socio-historical reality but transfigures it. Classes will be based mainly on discussion interspersed with occasional lectures. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 338, CINE 341
SPAN 340: Feminist Voices in Spanish Lit/Cult
(Feminist Voices in Spanish Literature and Culture) This course introduces students to the works of prominent Spanish writers spanning from the 19th to 21st century, with a particular emphasis on the development of feminism within Spain. Students study an array of texts, both written and visual, to examine how women have interacted with the changing cultural and political landscapes of their respective times. The course explores a variety of topics including early feminism, women’s suffrage and the labor movement, repression under fascism and Franco, lesbian identity, and transfeminism. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or higher or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: GSWS 340
SPAN 350: Contemp Latin Amer Lit in English
(Contemporary Latin American Literature in English.) During the twentieth century, the narrative fiction of Latin America exploded onto the international literary scene. This course focuses on the precursors of the so-called 'boom' writers (Jorge Luis Borges, Graciliano Ramos) and the boom's major writers (Julio Cortazar, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juan Rulfo, Carlos Fuentes, Jorge Amado), as well as its more recent figures (Isabel Allende, Clarice Lispector, Laura Esquivel, Manuel Puig), who take us into the twenty-first century. The course includes film adaptations of Latin American fiction. Special consideration is given to the aesthetic and historical contexts of these authors and their works. Students with a knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese may work with bilingual materials if they so choose. No prerequisites. (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 350, LCTR 350
SPAN 355: Literary Translation Workshop
Robert Frost famously said that poetry is what is lost in translation. In this course, we prove him wrong. Students learn about the challenges of literary translation (both of prose and poetry) and through a hands-on workshop approach, acquire the necessary skills to navigate them. Some of the questions we consider include: How does one translate word play and humor? What is more important, meaning or form? How is the quality of a translation assessed? What gets translated and why? Students translate from Spanish into English and vice versa, and across different genres and registers. Students also learn about how the literary translation industry works and finish the semester with a translation ready to pitch to editors. Prerequisite: One translation course (SPAN 315 or 323), or an upper-level literature course, or by recommendation or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Creative & Performing Arts and Writing Intensive.)
SPAN 360: Peninsular Narrative
Reading, analysis, and discussion of selected narrative works of Peninsular Spanish authors; historical and aesthetic considerations of the texts will be stressed. The course is designed to impart to the student a sense of the development of Spanish prose fiction and of recurring and characteristic themes. The student will become acquainted with outstanding authors and works of the Golden Age and the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
SPAN 365: Latin American Narrative
The study of representative naturalist, neo-realist, and magic-realist writers. The student will read novels and short stories by outstanding writers such as Gallegos, Borges, Fuentes, Garcia Marquez, and Vargas Llosa. Prose works will be considered in a socio-historical context. Prerequisite: Spanish 212, 220, or placement exam. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: LNAM 365
SPAN 370: Hispanic Verse: Romances to Rap
(Hispanic Verse: From Romances to Rap) The aim of this course is to help students read and understand poetry in Spanish. By approaching the works of relevant Spanish and Latin American poets from different perspectives, students will become more familiar with poetry and the historical context in which the texts were written. Part of the course is dedicated to introducing the creative mood of literature and studying the relationship between music and poetry: from its traditional formats to the most contemporary ones, including musical forms. The class will read and discuss some of the best-known poems of Hispanic literature from the 16th Century to the present; students will also have the chance to unleash their imagination by writing their own creative pieces…or songs…after all, a well-known musician (isn't he a poet?) won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: LNAM 370
SPAN 375: Queer Iberia
(Queer Iberia: Activism, Identities, and Origins) This course explores the origins, development, and histories of LGBTQ+ identity, activism, rights, and culture within Spain. We explore queerness as it relates to identity—cultural and political—to contextualize the particularities of the LGBTQ+ community within Spain today as well as its origins and evolutions. Under the label “queer,” we examine a variety of voices that challenge and subvert normativity, i.e. gender non-conformity, sexual identities, and political activism. Students study an array of media ranging from film, graphic novels, visual art, queer theory, journalism, to performance. The objective of this course is to provide students with a critical understanding of queerness and queer theory as applied to Spanish cultural production. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course (This course satisfies Humanities and Global Perspective.)
cross listed: GSWS 375
SPAN 380: Cine, Literatura y Sociedad Amr Lat
(Cine, Literatura y Sociedad América Latina.) This course is an interdisciplinary study of Latin American societies, focusing on film and literature from multiple perspectives: artistic, historical, political, and socio-economic. The seminar will highlight the magisterial artistic achievements of Latin American novelists, short story writers, and playwrights and film adaptations of their works. It will scrutinize the links between socio-political events and artistic production. Seminar materials will include films, chapters from novels, short stories, plays, and readings on film, social issues, and politics. The basic format will be discussion with occasional interactive lectures. Assignments will include short essays, oral presentations, and a final exam. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 or 305 or 306 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Writing Intensive.)
cross listed: LNAM 380, CINE 380
SPAN 385: Migration & AI in Spain/Latin Amer
(Migrating Scenes: Artificial Intelligence, Imagination, and Migration in Spain and Latin America.) This course examines migration through cultural productions and new technologies to analyze how resilience, imagination, and human connection shape immigrants’ experiences, welfare, and futures. Course materials include graphic novels, film, theater, fiction/narrative, visual art, and memoir. Alongside these, students research current events and explore how Artificial Intelligence is impacting the experiences of migrants and policy debates about immigration. Key questions include: How is AI is being harnessed globally to analyze migration trends, make migratory projections, and develop infrastructure in immigrant-welcoming communities? How are immigrants using chatbots and other AI technologies to facilitate their migration and integration efforts? How can AI cultivate a more humane, ethical approach to migrants worldwide? The course is conducted in Spanish and is structured along a variety of migration trajectories connected to Spain and/or Latin America. Course goals include a comparative, critical understanding of migration as a dynamic, global experience of crisis, resilience, and cultural transformation whose future is deeply tied to AI technologies. Prerequisite: One higher 200-level Spanish course (above SPAN 212), placement exam recommendation, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective and Technology Intensive.)
cross listed: LNAM 385
SPAN 390: Internship
On-site training in spoken and written Spanish at businesses or other organizations abroad and in Chicago. (This course satisfies Experiential Learning.)
SPAN 400: Women's Voices in Latin America
An author, thinker, movement, or group of works studied in depth. All work in Spanish. This course will examine the role of women in Hispanic culture. Important figures such as La Malinche, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, and Eva Peron as well as the fiction, poetry, and films of Rosario Castellanos, Clarice Lispector, Gabriela Mistral, Isabel Allende, Rigoberta Menchu, Maria Luisa Bember, and Alicia Steimberg will be studied. Prerequisite: Two 300-level Spanish courses, including SPAN 300 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 400, GSWS 400
SPAN 425: Latin American Culture
A study of Latin American societies from multiple perspectives: historical, political, economic, and artistic. Course materials will include readings and lectures on a wide variety of topics, discussions, films, video, slides, and music. Prerequisite: Two 300-level Spanish courses, including SPAN 300 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
SPAN 480: Lit & History in Hispanic World
The seminar will examine the interrelationships of major literary works and key historical moments in the history of Spain and Latin America. Examples are Don Quijote and the Imperial Age, the stories of García Márquez and 'La Violencia' in Colombia, the fiction of Fuentes and the Mexican Revolution. May be taken by juniors for senior seminar credit; may be taken by sophomores, but not for senior seminar credit. Prerequisite: Two 300-level Spanish courses, including SPAN 300 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. (This course satisfies Global Perspective.)
cross listed: LNAM 480
SPAN 490: Internship
On-site training in spoken and written Spanish at businesses or other organizations in Santiago, Chile, and in Chicago. (This course satisfies Experiential Learning.)
SPAN 494: Senior Thesis
Given for students who wish to graduate with honors. The thesis allows students to do in-depth research and to develop an original thesis on a topic in Hispanic literature or civilization. (Offered as required.)