World Languages

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The study of world languages prepares the conscientious student for graduate school, teaching, international business, the travel industry, social work, foreign missions, and work in volunteer agencies such as the Peace Corps and Doctors without Borders. Language students are encouraged to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities available. A language major or minor is also a valuable complement to other majors such as Political Science, Business, Art, English, History, and Theatre. A major and minor is offered in Spanish, and minors are offered in Asian Studies and Classics. Language students may also wish to consider a major in Language and International Studies (LIS). Majors, minors, and general education students reach different levels of proficiency; however, in accordance with guidelines from the Common European Framework (CEF), and more specifically with the national guidelines (5Cs) from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), all world language students at Georgetown College will:

  • Communicate in languages other than English;
  • Gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, including their art, film, literature, history, music, etc.;
  • Connect with other disciplines;
  • Make comparisons to other languages and develop insights into the nature of language and culture;
  • Participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world. For the description of the Classics minor, please see Classics.

For the description of the Classics minor, please see Classics.

For the description of the French minor, please see French.

For the description of the Spanish major and minor, please see Spanish.

Majors and Minors

Classes

CLA170 : Introductory Topics in Classical Literature

Selected readings from Greek and/or Roman literature, offered at the introductory level, with emphasis both on developing the skills of literary interpretation and on introducing students to Classical literature and the discipline of Classics. The course is open to all students, and can be counted toward the Classics minor. Topics will include, but not be limited to, “Ancient Epic: Heroes of Greece and Rome” and “Introduction to Classical Mythology.”

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: LIT

Semester Offered

Spring

CLA316 : Ancient Drama

Selected readings in Greek and Roman tragedy and comedy (in English translation), combining literary study with attention to stagecraft and cultural context.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: LIT

CLA318 : Ancient Epic

Selected readings in Greek and Roman epic poetry (in English translation). Readings may include, but are not limited to, Homer’s Iliad, Homer’s Odyssey, and Vergil’s Aeneid.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: LIT

CLA370 : Topics in Classical Literature

Selected readings in Greek and Roman literature (in English translation). Topics will include, but not be limited to, “From Lyric to Satire: Greek and Roman Poetry,” and “Women and Gender in Antiquity.”

Credit Hour(s)

3

CLA378 : Tutorial Topics

Special topics in classics; use of one-on-one tutorial method of instruction adapted from humanities courses at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

FRE101 : Elementary French I

An introduction to the four language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading French. In addition, students become familiar with aspects of the culture of the French-speaking countries. Intended for students who are new to the language or who have less than two years of high school French.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall

FRE102 : Elementary French II

Development of the four language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading French. In addition, students become familiar with aspects of the culture of the French-speaking countries.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

FRE115 : Intensive Elementary French

Intensive review of the fundamentals of French designed for students who have already developed a basic command of the language but are not fully prepared for FRE102. Communicative skills will be emphasized through the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and culture. ACTFL level of Novice-High.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

FRE201 : Intermediate French

A course designed to bring students up to the required proficiency level at Georgetown College. ACTFL level Intermediate-Mid.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

FRE115, FRE102, or by instructor placement.

Semester Offered

Fall

FRE230 : Intermediate French II Through Film

Continued development of listening and speaking skills. Increased emphasis on reading and writing skills and with concomitant study of more complex grammatical structures. Discussions of Francophone cultures and social issues presented in films. ACTFL level Intermediate- High.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

FRE201 or equivalent.

Semester Offered

Fall

FRE301 : Francophone Cultures

This course will focus on the development of reading strategies. Through an exploration of a variety of modern and historical texts students will review complex grammar, build vocabulary, study complex sentence structure, and examine cultural questions pertaining to various parts of the francophone world.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

FRE230 or FRE235

FRE308 : French Civilization

A study of the major influences on and expressions of French civilization in the different periods through the examination of works of art, key figures, social institutions, and political, intellectual, literary, and artistic movements. Readings explore the historical and cultural complexities of France and the Francophone countries.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

FRE230 or FRE235

FRE312 : La Francophonie

In this journey to the Francophone world, students will explore various cultural issues, historical events, and literary texts to better understand the contemporary concerns of the French-speaking world. Key concepts in post-colonial studies will also be introduced.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

FRE230 or FRE235

FRE321 : Introduction to French Literature

An examination of a selection of outstanding literary works. Writing skills will also be developed through practice of the explication method of analyzing texts.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

FRE230 or FRE301

GER101 : Elementary German I

An introduction to the four language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading German. In addition, students become familiar with aspects of the culture of the German-speaking countries. Intended for students who are new to the language or who have less than two years of high school German.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall

GER102 : Elementary German II

Development of the four language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading German. In addition, students become familiar with aspects of the culture of the German-speaking countries.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

GER201 : Intermediate German

This course is the third of a three-semester sequence designed to bring students to the proficiency level of the Georgetown College Foundations and Core requirement. Students enhance their abilities in the four language skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading through review, “recycling,” and further study of structures, vocabulary, and contemporary culture. One-hour lab per week is required.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

GER102 or by instructor placement.

Semester Offered

Fall

GER230 : Intermediate German II

This course is designed to help students solidify and develop their speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills through review and study of structures and an increased emphasis on vocabulary building. Through readings of authentic German “texts,” including a children’s book and feature films, students will gain an overview of the political and cultural history of twentieth-century Germany.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

GER201 or equivalent.

GRK201 : Intermediate Classical Greek

Development of Greek reading skills through grammar review and reading of selected authors; selections may include Homer, Herodotas, and/or other texts.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

REL102 (Beginning Greek II) or the equivalent.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

GRK202 : Intermediate Classical Greek Reading

Continued development of Greek reading skills through the study of selected Greek texts and their culture context; selections may include Euripides and Plato.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

GRK201, REL203 (Greek New Testament), or the equivalent.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

IBC319 : Foundations in Culture

This course introduces the student to the concept of culture and related theoretical questions, as well as to aspects of the European, Asian, and Hispanic cultures. May count toward Spanish major, Professional Spanish corollary major, International Business and Culture major, or Language and International Studies major.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

JPN202, FRE/GER/SPA230, or instructor’s permission.

JPN101 : Elementary Japanese I

Immediate introduction of hiragana, katakana, and kanji immerses students in an authentic linguistic environment, and use of communicative strategies in class and with the text encourages rapid acquisition of skill in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Lab required.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Corequisites

Lab required.

Semester Offered

Fall

JPN102 : Elementary Japanese II

Study of hiragana, katakana, and kanji immerses students in an authentic linguistic environment, and use of communicative strategies in class and with the text encourages rapid acquisition of skill in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Corequisites

Lab required.

Semester Offered

Spring

JPN201 : Intermediate Japanese I

Emphasis on development of basic skills acquired in Elementary Japanese and role-playing activities to develop student ability to travel and study in Japan. Students will also have the opportunity to give presentations in Japanese on topics of their own choosing.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Corequisites

Lab required.

Semester Offered

Fall

JPN202 : Intermediate Japanese II

Readings from Japanese newspapers and magazines and other authentic sources will be introduced, and activities will focus on using Japanese in a variety of “real life” situations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Corequisites

Lab required.

LAT101 : Elementary Latin I

First course in a two-semester sequence. Emphasis on grammar and reading with some attention to writing skills.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall

LAT102 : Elementary Latin II

Second course in a two-semester sequence. Emphasis on grammar and reading with attention to writing skills.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

LAT201 : Intermediate Latin

A course designed to bring students up to the required proficiency level at Georgetown College. Completion of grammar foundation; increase in reading skills using selected original Latin texts.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

LAT102 or by instructor placement.

Semester Offered

Fall

LAT202 : Intermediate Latin Reading

Continued development of Latin reading skills and study of Roman literary culture, focusing on selected ancient authors.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

LAT201or by instructor placement.

LAT370 : Advanced Topics in Latin

Selected readings of Latin literature in Latin. Advanced-level development of Latin reading skills and study of Roman literary culture, with course selections chosen by author, genre, or time period. Topics may include, but will not be limited to, Vergil’s Aeneid, Cicero, Roman Historians, Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and Augustine’s Confessions. May be repeated for credit.

Credit Hour(s)

3

SPA101 : Elementary Spanish I

Introduction to the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and Hispanic culture. Communicative skills will be emphasized. ACTFL level of Novice-Mid. 218 SPA101 credit will not be given to students who have completed two years or more (level II or higher) of high school Spanish.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

SPA102 : Elementary Spanish II

Development of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and students become familiar with aspects of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Communicative skills will be emphasized. ACTFL level of Novice-High for SPA102.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

SPA115 : Intensive Elementary Spanish

Intensive review of the fundamentals of Spanish designed for students who have already developed a basic command of the language but are not fully prepared for SPA102. Communicative skills will be emphasized through the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and study of culture. ACTFL level of Novice-High.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

SPA201 : Intermediate Spanish

Continued development of the four language skills, plus culture (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Communicative skills will be emphasized. ACTFL level of Intermediate-Mid.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA115, 102, or placement exam. ACTFL level of Intermediate-Low.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

SPA230 : Intensive Grammar/Conversation

Designed to improve proficiency in all four language skills with an emphasis on grammar or conversation. ACTFL level of Intermediate-High.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA201 or evidence of proficiency.

Semester Offered

Fall

SPA235 : Introduction to Hispanic Literature

Development of reading comprehension and introduction to literary criticism through the study and discussion of literary, historical, and cultural texts. ACFTL level of Intermediate-High.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA201 or evidence of proficiency.

Semester Offered

Spring

SPA310 : Spanish Civilization and Culture

A study of the various aspects of Spanish culture such as the arts, music, leisure activities, geography, political structures, and the main events of Spanish history.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA312 : Hispanic American Civilization/Culture

A study of the various aspects of Spanish-American culture such as the arts, music, leisure activities, geography, political structures, and the main events of Hispanic American history.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

SPA314 : U.S. Latino Civilization/Culture

A study of Latino civilization in the United States and culture through literary, historical and cultural texts. Major issues and challenges to the Latino population will be addressed; in addition, students will learn of the contributions made by Latinos to U.S. culture.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

SPA316 : Spanish Film

A study of major Spanish films, directors, and actors; and their contributions to cinematic art. Within the framework of history, culture, and politics, the course develops a deeper understanding of Spanish cinematographic industry.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA318 : Latin American Film

A study of major Latin American films, directors, and actors; and their contributions to cinematic art. Within the framework of history, culture, and politics, the course develops a deeper understanding of Latin American Spanish-speaking countries.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

SPA320 : Survey of Spanish Literature

A study of prominent authors and works from the 12th through the 21st centuries.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: LIT

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

SPA322 : Survey of Hispanic American Literature

A study of prominent authors and works from the 15th through the 21st centuries.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Area of Inquiry

Humanities: LIT

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA324 : Spanish American Short Story

A study of the principal authors and representative examples of the Spanish-American short story.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA327 : Hispanic Film

A study of major Hispanic films, directors, and actors, and their contributions to cinematic art. Within the framework of history, culture, and politics, the course develops a deeper understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: SPA

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

SPA333 : Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

An introduction to the historical development of the Spanish language and five other areas of Hispanic linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and sociolinguistics.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

SPA353 : Introduction to Spanish Translation and Interpretation

An introduction to the theory and practice of translation and interpretation in its various forms. The course will present a comparative analysis of grammar structures, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions to emphasize the communicative aims of translation and interpretation, given considerations such as context and intended audience.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

SPA355 : Spanish for the Professions through Service Learning

A study and practice of Spanish as related to the world of business and/or other professional activities; specifically, the health care, law enforcement, education, business, welfare, and equine fields. The course includes a 220 Service Learning component where the skills learned in class will be applied in the community.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 and 235, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA357 : Business Spanish or Professional Communication in Spanish

A study of vocabulary and cultural practices in international business, the travel industry, and legal matters in Spanish-speaking countries. The course teaches practical skills in written and oral professional situations, through interviews, phone conversations, writing assignments and presentations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA 230, or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA359 : Medical Spanish

A study of vocabulary and cultural practices in the healthcare settings and exploration of health disparities affecting Hispanic people in the United States. The course teaches practical skills in written and oral health-related situations, through interviews, clinical simulated situations, writing assignments, and presentations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

SPA230 or permission from the instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA402 : Teaching of World Languages

Methods and materials for the teaching of world languages. Taught in English. SPA402 counts only for the Spanish Major Leading to Teacher Certification. It will not count towards the major or minor.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Any 300-level SPA course, or instructor’s permission.

SPA420 : Spanish Literature of the Golden Age

A study of prominent authors and/or writings from the XVI and XVII centuries in Spain, the golden age of Spanish literature, through current U.S. and Spanish pop culture.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Any 300-level SPA course, or instructor’s permission.

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

SPA431 : Caribbean Literature

A study of the history, culture, and experience of the Hispanic Caribbean by means of various artistic and literary genres. A series of concepts and techniques are used to augment the aesthetic appreciation, bibliographic knowledge, and cultural and linguistic command of the student. The course investigates the concept of “caribeñidad” within the framework of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, and its repercussions in the United States, Hispanic America, and Spain. This course satisfies a Cultural Awareness Flag (C) in the Foundations and Core Program.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

any 300-level SPA course or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SPA435 : Advanced Grammar

A study of advanced grammatical structures of the Spanish language. Emphasis will be placed on skills required to reach ACTFL Advanced level.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

any 300-level SPA course, or instructor’s permission.

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

SPA450 : Seminar

This senior seminar is designed for Spanish majors, International Business and Culture (IBC) majors, and Professional Corollary Spanish (CSPA) majors to reflect, integrate, and apply what they have learned and accomplished in the major. For the first half of the semester, students will complete a comprehensive review of material learned in the major while preparing a portfolio. The second half of the semester will be devoted to an individual final project. This seminar course, like all other courses in the major, will be conducted exclusively in Spanish, and all class assignments will require the student to demonstrate mastery in the major.  Students will present their final project to their classmates and in a public symposium. The final project will be the culmination of the student's semester-long work.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

SPA470 : Topics

Cervantes, Literature of the “Boom,” Hispanic Testimonial Literature, Spanish Post-War Literature, Novela de la Selva, or Spanish Modernity, 1700-1898.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Any 300-level SPA course, or instructor’s permission.

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

WLN460 : Internship

This course provides supervised practical experience in international business, media, education, government, or other fields. The course credits may count toward a language major with approval by the language coordinator.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Junior status, SPA/FRE/GER230 or LAT/GRK/JPN202.