Associate Professors: Richard Signes, Michael Wong-Russell

Assistant Professor: Emilce Cordeiro

Instructor: Eliani Benaion

The Modern Languages major is unique in the Massachusetts State College system. A student majoring in Modern Languages will select one of four (4) concentrations: Spanish, French, World Languages, or International Management. The department also offers beginning courses in German and Portuguese.

Incoming students who have completed more than one (1) year of foreign language study at the high school level are encouraged to take a placement examination (see dates below). The recommended course levels for those who did not take a placement examination are: Elementary I for students with up to two years of high school study, or three years of high school language taken some years ago or with below average grades; Elementary II for students with three years of recent high school study with grades that are average or above; Intermediate I for those with three years of high school study with above average grades, or four years with grades of average or below; Intermediate II or Advanced for students with four years of recent high school study with above average grades.

General Education Goal 3

There are several ways to meet general education goal 3, which corresponds to one semester of college foreign language study. Students may take one semester of a college-level foreign language or pass the placement test with a score of 50 or above. Alternatively, students may request a waiver from the Chair of Modern Languages if their high school academic language is other than English (usually applied to international students), or if they studied a single language for four years or reached level 4 in high school. A successful placement score or a waiver of goal 3 does not reduce the number of courses students must take to fulfill the 12-course general education requirement.

The French and Spanish placement examinations will be given on September 1, 2004 at 10:30 am; September 8, 2004 at 1:30 pm, January 19, 2005 at 1:30 pm; and March 30, 2005 at 1:30 pm.

Study abroad programs in France and Spain are available to all students, whether they major in Modern Languages or not. Programs in other countries may be selected subject to department approval (program descriptions are available in the chair’s office). The Department encourages all Modern Language majors to study abroad. Note that the concentration in French is completed through a study abroad program (or approved off-campus courses).

*Students with a minor in Secondary Education must select 61.350 Romance Linguistics as the core requirement course.

61.330 Business Spanish

61.331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I

61.332 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation II

61.439 Intensive Analysis of Spanish Grammar

61.462 Spanish Intonation and Diction

61.463 Seminar in Spanish (language topic)

61.330 Business Spanish

61.333 Spanish Culture and Civilization

61.334 Spanish American Culture and Civilization

61.431 Contemporary Trends in Spain

61.432 Contemporary Trends in Spanish-American Thought

61.463 Seminar in Spanish (culture topic)

61.320 Introduction to the Analysis of Hispanic Texts

61.335 Major Hispanic Writers I

61.336 Major Hispanic Writers II

61.343 The Latin American Short Story: Love, Death, and Humor

61.433 Nineteenth-Century Spanish Literature

61.435 The Boom in Latin American Literature

61.436 Cervantes

61.437 Spanish Theater and Poetry of the Twentieth Century

61.463 Seminar in Spanish (literature topic)

To fulfill the twelve-course concentration, students may select from the above courses and from the following:

61.110 The Languages of the World

61.350 Romance Linguistics

61.491 Independent Study in Spanish

61.495 Internship or Practicum in Modern Languages

61.300 Business French

61.301 Advanced French Composition and Conversation I

61.302 Advanced French Composition and Conversation II

61.452 French Intonation and Diction

61.453 Seminar in French (language topic)

61.300 Business French

61.303 French Culture and Civilization

61.305 Contemporary Trends in the French-Speaking World

61.453 Seminar in French (culture topic)

61.306 Major French Writers I

61.307 Major French Writers II

61.401 The Age of Classicism

61.402 The Age of Enlightenment

61.403 Nineteenth-Century French Literature

To fulfill the twelve-course concentration, students may select from the above courses and from the following:

61.110 The Languages of the World

61.350 Romance Linguistics

61.490 Independent Study in French

61.495 Internship or Practicum in Modern Languages

The concentration requirements include the following:

Primary language: Six (6) courses at the 300 level or above.

Secondary language: Six (6) courses with a minimum of three (3) courses at the 300 level or above.

The core course may count towards either the primary language or the secondary language requirements.

One-language option: Ten (10) courses in one language at the 300 level or above.

Two-language option: Six (6) courses in a primary language at the 300 level or above and four (4) courses in a secondary language, three (3) at the 300 level or above.

12.101 Principles of Macroeconomics

12.102 Principles of Microeconomics

12.120 Introduction to Financial Accounting

12.410 International Trade

12.411 International Finance

12.430 Managerial Finance I

plus two (2) electives from the following:

12.215 Legal Environment of Business

12.271 Marketing Principles

12.272 Management Principles

12.320 Money and Banking

12.435 Managerial Economics

A semester study or internship abroad is strongly recommended. See course description for 61.496 Internship in International Management.

The minor in Secondary Education leads to Initial Licensure for Teachers of Foreign Languages Grades 5-12. The Department requires that prior to student teaching, the students must have taken all of the education courses, 61.350 Romance Linguistics, and nine (9) of the advanced language courses required for the major.

For both academic and practical reasons, Modern Language majors with a concentration in Spanish or in French are encouraged to achieve proficiency in a second foreign language.

1. General Education Requirements (11 courses)

Core Requirement (one course):

61.350 Romance Linguistics

Concentration in one of the following (11 courses):

42.200 Psychology of Development (Gen. Ed. Goal 9)

14.200 Education in American Society with Field Study I

14.318 Professional Preparation and Field Study II: Methods, Special Education, and Technology for Modern Languages, Grades 5-12 (Credit - two courses).

14.421 Student Teaching Practicum and Seminar I: Modern Languages Grades 5-12 (Credit - two courses).

14.422 Student Teaching Practicum and Seminar II: Modern Languages Grades 5- 12 (Credit - two courses).

For further information on teacher education, see page 98.

A minimum of five (5) Spanish courses is required for the minor.

A minimum of five (5) French courses is required for the minor.

MINOR IN LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES (5 courses)

(see page 30)

A global perspective of the 5,000 or so languages spoken today. The course examines the fundamental structure of human language and the factors involved in language diversity. Major topics include: the internal organization of language, the genetic and structural relationships of the world’s major languages, myths and misconceptions about language, the writing systems of the world, linguistic trends in multilingual societies, the effect of mass communication on world linguistic geography. Related topics include bilingualism, literacy, language planning, and language policies, with an emphasis on non-Western European languages and cultures.

A survey of the emergence and the evolution of the Romance languages from their immediate parent, Vulgar Latin, and an analysis of their current structure. The course examines the internal and external causes that brought about the various changes in pronunciation, word inflection, and word order, and presents contemporary data from which to apply methods of linguistic analysis. The course also includes a component on language acquisition.

A semester of practical experience in an international business environment in this country or abroad, e.g., in a French or Spanish-speaking country. A written project is required. The students are advised and evaluated by members of the Modern Language and Economics departments. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors or second semester juniors and requires a 2.5 quality point average. Students may earn up to 2 course credits applicable to the language minor and/or International Management Concentration, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience. Credit will not be given for both 61.496 and 61.495.

Prerequisite: 12.272 Management Principles and approval of the department chairs.

61.101 Elementary French I (Gen.Ed. Goal 3)

An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Francophone culture. Note: Students with previous experience in the language are encouraged to take the placement test before enrolling in 61.101.

A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Francophone culture.

Prerequisite: Students must complete 61.101 or have the corresponding placement test score or prior approval of instructor in order to enroll in 61.102.

An intermediate French course in which students are trained to become independently functional in the French language and knowledgeable about Francophone culture and thought. Discussions, in French, are based on cultural readings, tapes, and films. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.

Prerequisite: 61.102 Elementary French II or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.

61.202 Intermediate French II (Gen.Ed. Goal 3)

A continuation of intermediate French I. Students gain further training in order to become independently functional in the French language and knowledgeable about Francophone culture and thought. Discussions, in French, are based on cultural readings, tapes, and films. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.

Prerequisite: 61.201 Intermediate French I or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.

Practical study of the various types of French written communication involving the world of business, "la langue commerciale’’, with the acquisition of its specialized vocabulary and translations from French to English and English to French. Facts concerning the French economy and the principal commercial and industrial exchanges throughout the Francophone world are studied.

Prerequisite: 61.201 Intermediate French I and 61.202 Intermediate French II or prior approval of the instructor.

Designed to improve verbal fluency, listening comprehension, and written composition, with special attention to the finer points of grammar and elements of style. Classroom activities and assignments include small group improvisations, oral and written reports, and discussions on topics of contemporary French culture. Conducted in French.

Prerequisite: 61.201 Intermediate French I and 61.202 Intermediate French II or prior approval of the instructor.

The development of France and her civilization as seen chronologically through selected writings, from her beginnings to modern times. The geography of the country is also reviewed. This course, required of French majors, is open to non-majors. All readings as well as a substantial part of media presentations are in French.

Prerequisite: 61.201 Intermediate French I and 61.202 Intermediate French II or prior approval of the instructor.

Conducted in French as a conversation class, an enhancement of the students’ command of colloquial French through discussions focusing on contemporary French and French-Canadian cultures and current events. As a point of departure for discussions, the course utilizes readings from a text on francophone cultures, current French newspapers and magazines, and records and tapes. Class activities include short exposes, debates and dialogues, and listening comprehension exercises. Non-majors are strongly encouraged to take this course to increase their fluency in French and their understanding of culture in the Francophone world.

Prerequisite: 61.301-2 Advanced French Composition and Conversation I and II or prior approval of the instructor.

An introduction to French literature from the Middle Ages through the seventeenth century. This course is conducted in French.

Prerequisite: 61.201 Intermediate French I, and 61.202 Intermediate French II or prior approval of the instructor.

An introduction to French literature from the eighteenth through the twentieth centuries. This course is conducted in French. Major French Writers I is not a prerequisite for the course.

Prerequisite: 61.202 Intermediate French II or prior approval of the instructor.

The eighteenth century in France; its thought and the forms in which the Enlightenment was expressed are studied through extensive readings in the major literary works of the period and through detailed analysis of selected passages. Students frequently report on their readings orally and in written essays to demonstrate their mastery of the foreign language as well as their understanding of its literature. Conducted in French.

Prerequisite: 61.306 Major French Writers I or prior approval of the instructor.

A review of phonetics and intense practice in the correct speech patterns of the foreign language. Training in aural comprehension, memorizations and dramatizations, prepared or impromptu reports or debates, are some of the class activities. A course usually restricted to juniors and seniors.

Prerequisite: 61.301-2 Advanced French Composition and Conversation I and II or prior approval of the instructor.

An in-depth investigation into a topic in the areas of literature, culture, linguistics or pedagogy, selected by the student under the guidance of a member of the Modern Languages Department. Regular meetings with the faculty advisor are arranged. A written report is required. Limited to juniors and seniors.

Prerequisite: Advanced knowledge of French literature and culture. This course is not meant to be a replacement for major required courses.

A supervised practical experience which complements the course work of the student in a field study setting. The experience requires individual consultations with the advisor, and a research project. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors in Modern Languages and requires a 2.5 quality point average. Offered on a quarter or full-semester basis, the internship counts as either one or two courses toward the major requirement, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience.

An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Hispanic cultures. Note: Students with previous experience in the language are encouraged to take the placement test before enrolling in 61.131.

A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Hispanic cultures.

Prerequisite: Students must complete 61.131 or have the corresponding placement test score or have prior approval of instructor in order to enroll in 61.132.

A continuation of Intermediate Spanish I. Students gain further training in order to become independently functional in the Spanish language and knowledgeable about Hispanic cultures and thought. Discussions are in Spanish and based on cultural materials. The course also includes a comprehensive grammar review.

Prerequisite: 61.231 Intermediate Spanish I or the equivalent placement test score or prior approval of instructor.

Practical study of the various types of Spanish written communication involving the world of business, with the acquisition of its specialized vocabulary and translations from Spanish to English and English to Spanish. The influence of cultural values on the business world in Hispanic countries is studied.

Prerequisite: 61.232 Intermediate Spanish II or prior approval of the instructor.

61.331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I

A continuation in the development of spoken and written language, including a review of pronunciation and grammar. Attention is given to the finer points of grammar. Compositions and class discussions are based on Hispanic themes and on topics of contemporary interest.

Prerequisite: 61.232 Intermediate Spanish II or equivalent placement test score, or prior approval of the instructor.

A continuation in the development of spoken and written language, including a review of pronunciation and grammar. Attention is given to the finer points of grammar. Compositions and class discussions are based on Hispanic themes and on topics of contemporary interest.

Prerequisite: 61.331 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I or equivalent placement test score, or prior approval of the instructor.

A survey of Spanish civilization from prehistoric times to the present, covering the major episodes in Spanish history and the predominant cultural currents and artistic developments. Conducted in Spanish.

A survey of Spanish-American civilizations, studied chronologically from the pre-Columbian Maya, Aztec and Inca civilizations to the twentieth century, with emphasis on the Spanish conquest, the colonial period and the wars of independence. The predominant cultural currents and artistic developments are studied. Conducted in Spanish.

61.335 Major Hispanic Writers I

An historical and literary survey of peninsular and Latin American texts, focusing on works written during the evolution of the Spanish language in the Middle Ages through the colonial chronicles of the seventeenth century. Instruction and discussions are in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.331-2 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I, II or prior approval of the instructor.

An historical and literary survey of Spanish language texts of eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth-century Spain and Latin America. Focus is on the literary periods of romanticism, realism/naturalism, and modernism. Instruction and discussions are in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.331-2 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I, II or prior approval of the instructor.

An analytical study of selected Latin American short stories of the 19th and 20th centuries, with attention to the evolution of their forms and ideas within specific historical and social contexts. Classes are conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.232 Intermediate Spanish II or permission of instructor.

An advanced course designed to introduce the North-American student to philosophical and cultural concepts held in contemporary Spain. To this end, readings from both literary and non-literary sources are utilized with frequent reports, both oral and written, required in order to encourage the student to relate theory to practice.

Prerequisite: 61.331-2 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and II, 61.333 Spanish Culture and Civilization, or prior approval of the instructor.

An advanced course designed to introduce the North American student to philosophical concepts often held by the Latin American residing both within and outside the United States. Due to greater cultural contact with the United States, stress is placed on Puerto Rican, Cuban and Mexican views. While readings are assigned from literary and nonliterary sources, the thrust of the course is practical, with frequent reports, both oral and written. Conducted in Spanish. Readings in both English and Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.331-2 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and II, 61.334 Spanish-American Culture and Civilization, or prior approval of the instructor.

An overview of the main literary currents in nineteenth-century Spanish literature with special attention focused on certain selected and representative works taken from the main genres. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.335-6 Major Hispanic Writers I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

Selected readings in the literature of such noted Latin American authors as Borges, Donoso, Garcia Marquez, and Fuentes. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.335-6 Major Hispanic Writers I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

Readings and discussion of Cervantes’ works with special emphasis on his masterpiece, Don Quixote. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.335-6 Major Hispanic Writers I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

Study in the appreciation, analysis, and criticism of the main trends of Spanish theater and poetry of the twentieth century. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: 61.335-6 Major Hispanic Writers I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

An intensive review and analysis of the grammatical and syntactical patterns of the Spanish language designed for those students primarily interested in the structural aspects of foreign language study. This course, while not required of all Spanish majors, represents an intermediate level in grammatical analysis between 61.331-2 (Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and II) and 61.461 (Spanish Stylistics). Frequent compositions and grammatical exercises will be utilized.

Prerequisite: 61.331-2 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

Selected twentieth-century short stories and novellas from Argentina and Uruguay, which focus on the scientific and psychological construction of alternate realities, are studied in their relation to the poetics of the fantastic. Classes are conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisites: 61.335-6 Major Hispanic Writers I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

A review of phonetics and intense practice in the correct speech patterns of the foreign language. Training in aural comprehension, memorizations and dramatizations, prepared or impromptu reports or debates, are some of the class activities. Note: A course usually restricted to juniors and seniors.

Prerequisite: 61.331-2 Advanced Spanish Composition and Conversation I and II, or prior approval of the instructor.

An advanced seminar on a topic - literary, linguistic, or cultural - directly related to Spanish or the Spanish-speaking world. Topics vary from semester to semester. Students are required to prepare several oral and written presentations to the seminar as well as a final written term report. Throughout the seminar, the emphasis is placed on originality, creativity, and scholarship. Conducted in Spanish.

Prerequisite: Open to junior and senior Modern Language majors who have completed at least 6 courses at the 300 level or higher, and to others with permission of the instructor.

An in-depth investigation of a topic in the areas of literature, culture, linguistics or pedagogy, selected by the student under the guidance of a member of the Modern Languages Department. Regular meetings with the faculty advisor are to be arranged. A written report is required. Note: Limited to juniors and seniors.

Prerequisite: Advanced knowledge of Spanish literature and culture. This course is not meant to be a replacement for major required courses.

A supervised practical experience which complements the course work

of the student in a field study setting. The experience requires individual consultations with the advisor and a research project. Admission to the internship is limited to seniors from the Modern Language major and requires a 2.5 quality point average. Offered on a quarter or full-semester basis, the internship counts as either one or two courses toward the major requirement, according to the number of hours devoted to the field experience.

An introduction to language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Germanic cultures, both present and past, as illustrated in the works of Durer, Beethoven, Schubert, Th. Mann, Einstein, and Freud. Note: Students with previous experience in the language are encouraged to take the placement test before enrolling in 61.151.

A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Germanic cultures, both present and past.

Prerequisite: Students must complete 61.151 or have the corresponding placement test score or have prior approval of the instructor in order to enroll in 61.152.

An integration of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Brazilian and Portuguese cultures.

A continuation of the study of language and culture designed to provide beginners with basic functional language skills and an appreciation of Brazilian and Portuguese cultures.

Prerequisite: Students must either complete 61.141 or have the corresponding placement test score, or have prior approval of the instructor in order to enroll in this course.