Courses

Conversation and fundamental grammatical structures are introduced through communicative exercises and practice in reading and writing, speaking and listening. Cultural context emphasized.

Prerequisites: FRN 101, placement or consent of the instructor for FRN 102. FRN 101 Fall Term; FRN 102 Spring Term.

Practical conversation, review of grammar through oral practice, use of films and other materials. Development of the skills of speaking and listening and the ability to communicate effectively while traveling in French-speaking countries. Intensive review of grammar.

Prerequisite: FRN 102, placement or consent of the instructor for FRN 201; FRN 201, placement or consent of the instructor for FRN 202. FRN 201 Fall Term; FRN 202 Spring Term.

A faculty led travel course. This course is an exploration into the complexities and contradictions of Parisian arts and culture and its subsequent influence on Western civilization through experiential learning including historical sites, cultural artifacts and the fine arts. Taught in English. Students who wish to receive credit for the French major or minor must register for FRN 315 and complete all coursework in French. January Term only.

FRN 215: No prerequisites. FRN 315: Prerequisite of FRN 301 or equivalent.

Emphasis on improving oral and written expression of accurate, idiomatic French. Focus on improving communication skills through the enrichment of vocabulary, the reading of contemporary poetry and prose, and the use of videos, films and magazines.

Prerequisite: FRN 202, placement or consent of the instructor.

Final review of grammar. Writing of one- to two-page compositions about topics of French culture and literature. Development of vocabulary and syntax necessary for sustained conversation in French.

Prerequisite: FRN 301, placement or consent of the instructor.

Presents the lexical, syntactical and stylistic features typical for business French. Reading and discussion of business articles and correspondence. Study of cultural aspects of business communication. Areas covered include banking, advertising, import-export, insurance, computers and travel.

Prerequisite: FRN 302 or consent of instructor.

A historical survey of French civilization in which literature, history, geography, arts, science and political institutions are studied. Provides a framework in which to understand literature as well as contemporary events. Development of reading skills and emphasis on the cultural, sociological and aesthetic implications of the texts. Taught in French.

Prerequisite: FRN 302 or consent of the instructor.

Selected readings in French and/or Francophone literature written between the Middle Ages and 1800. The focus of the course, which varies, will be defined in terms of a genre or theme. Individual works will be studied within their social, political, historical and aesthetic contexts. Sample topics: 17th-Century Theater, Love Across the Centuries, Revolutionary Literature. Taught in French. Can be repeated once for credit with different focus.

Prerequisite: FRN 302 or consent of instructor.

Selected readings in French and/or Francophone literature written after 1800. The focus of the course, which varies, will be defined in terms of a genre or theme. Individual works will be studied within their social, political, historical and aesthetic contexts. Sample topics: Paris in 19th- and 20th-century French literature, the Francophone novel, 20th-century French and Francophone theater. Taught in French. Can be repeated once for credit with different focus.

Prerequisite: FRN 302 or consent of instructor.

A seminar providing the opportunity for intensive study of an author, a movement or another discipline. Some past topics have included film and literature and advanced business French. Repetition for credit with different topics.

Prerequisite: FRN 302.

A course for French majors who wish to pursue an intensive program of reading on an individual basis. Students must gain approval of department chair and instructor through a clear proposal of a unique project that cannot be realized in a traditional setting.

See WL 495.

A faculty lead travel course. As a multicultural Francophone experience, the focus of the course is the cultural history of Martinican society, from its origins as a French slave colony to its current socio-economic and identity struggles within the French nation. Through experiential learning, students will explore such topics as the use of Creole and French in Martinique, colonial history, the intersection between the Caribbean sugar industry and the Atlantic slave trade, folklore, music and popular traditions, environmental issues and the socioeconomic and cultural relationship between Martinique and Metropolitan France. Taught in English. January Term only. No prerequisites.

Introduction to German. Focus is on communicative competency, i.e., learning to understand and speak German. Study of German culture. Most learning of the language is done through drill sections, lab sessions, interviews and role-playing.

Prerequisite: GRM 101 or equivalent for GRM 102. GRM 101 Fall Term; GRM 102 Spring Term.

Continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Use of films, slides and tapes to develop skills and learn more about German culture. Readings about German life. Includes a comprehensive review of grammar.

Prerequisite: GRM 102 for GRM 201, GRM 201 for GRM 202. GRM 201 Fall Term; GRM 202 Spring Term.

Primary emphasis on improving listening, speaking and writing skills. Use of readings covering many different aspects of contemporary German life and culture. Short compositions and grammar review.

Prerequisite: GRM 202 or equivalent. Fall Term.

Final review of grammar. Writing of one-to two-page compositions about topics of German culture and literature. Development of vocabulary and syntax necessary for sustained conversation in German.

Prerequisite: GRM 301 or equivalent. Spring Term.

Presents the lexical, syntactical and stylistic features typical for business German. Reading and discussion of recent business articles and correspondence. Study of cultural aspects of business communication. Topics include banking, advertising, import-export, travel and industrial relations. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GRM 301 or consent of instructor.

A historical survey of the history, literature, geography, arts and political institutions of the German-speaking countries. Background for an understanding of contemporary German culture and of the literary traditions of the German-speaking peoples. Required of all German majors. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GRM 301 or equivalent.

Selected readings in German literature written before 1900. Individual works will be studied within their social, political, historical and aesthetic contexts. The focus of the topics course will vary. Sample topics: The Novella 1700–1900; Literature and German History: Reformation to 1900; Literature and Philosophy; Literature in the context of music and the graphic arts. Taught in German. Can be repeated once for credit with different focus.

Prerequisite: GRM 301 or equivalent.

Selected readings in German language literature written between 1900 and the present. Individual works will be studied within their social, political, historical and aesthetic contexts. The focus of the course will vary. Sample topics: Viennese literature and culture 1890–1914; literature in Berlin 1910–1945; literature and silent film in the Weimar era; Expressionism in drama, art and architecture; literary responses to the Third Reich (exile, Holocaust, Nazi aesthetics); literature and cultural trends after 1945; contemporary cinema and literature. Taught in German. Can be repeated once for credit with different focus.

Prerequisite: GRM 301 or equivalent.

A seminar providing opportunity for intensive study of an author, a period of German literature or another discipline. In addition to the readings, emphasis is on oral skills. Some past topics have included: history of the Third Reich, the Novelle, advanced business German and contemporary German culture. Can be repeated for credit with different topics.

Prerequisite: GRM 301 or equivalent.

For German majors who wish to pursue an intensive program of reading on an individual basis. Students must gain approval of department chair and instructor through a clear proposal of a unique project that cannot be realized in a traditional setting.

See WL 495.

Conversation and fundamental grammatical structures are introduced through communicative exercise in reading, writing, speaking and listening. JPN 101 focuses on developing students’ reading and writing skills in katakana. Hiragana is introduced in JPN 102. The linguistic components are tied to theme-based units, which explore the cultural aspects of everyday living in Japan. Students further research these topics and utilize the learned structures by analyzing and discussing their favorite anime.

JPN 101 is a prerequisite for JPN 102.

Essentials of Spanish grammar and syntax, extensive oral practice and cultural introduction to Spain and Spanish America. Five to 10 hours of work in language lab is required.

Prerequisite: SPN 101 or equivalent for SPN 102. SPN 101 Fall Term; SPN 102 Spring Term.

Continued development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Significant exposure to various cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through film, music, art, mass media and student presentations.

Prerequisite: SPN 102 for SPN 201; SPN 201 for SPN 202. SPN 201 Fall Term; SPN 202 Spring Term.

Primary emphasis on an advanced grammar review as well as the improvement of reading and writing skills through the use of one- to two-page compositions about varied topics. Students will consult Spanish periodicals and audio-visual materials covering many aspects of contemporary life.

Prerequisite: SPN 202 or equivalent. Fall Term.

Practice in listening and speaking skills as well as the development of vocabulary and syntax necessary for sustained conversation in Spanish. Includes 12 hours of service-learning in the Spanish-speaking community with appropriate preparation and reflection in class.

Prerequisite: SPN 301 or SPN 307 or consent of the instructor.

The course combines two different disciplines—education, and Spanish language and literature. It aims to introduce students to the principal movements and representative authors in the field of children’s literature in the Hispanic world. While students study these texts, taking into consideration the socio-historical context, the literary style used, the themes present and other grammatical and lexical considerations, they study the theories of teaching reading to English Language Learners. Students learn teaching strategies for Spanishspeaking students and learn to adapt learning methods to teach those texts to Spanish-speaking (English Language Learners) or bilingual (English- and Spanish-speaking) students. This course is included in the reading minor requirements for students who plan to work in schools.

Prerequisite: SPN 301 or SPN 307 or consent of the instructor.

Practical application of lexical, syntactical and stylistic features to written and oral communication in the professional world. Study of cultural aspects of business communication and topics such as management, financial affairs, advertising, import export, insurance and technology. Designed and appropriate for business, medical and other advanced-level Spanish students.

Prerequisite: SPN 301 or SPN 307 or consent of the instructor.

Practical application of lexical, syntactical and stylistic features to written and oral communication in the professional world. Study of cultural aspects of the medical professions such as interaction with patients and vocabulary associated with common symptoms and insurance. Designed and appropriate for medical, business and other advanced-level Spanish students.

Prerequisite: SPN 301 or SPN 307 or consent of the instructor.

An introduction to academic Spanish and the notion of formal and informal register for heritage speakers who already possess advanced communicative skills in the language. Students will also survey the history, film and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. There is an emphasis on reading, writing and vocabulary building. Fall Term.

Continuation of SPN 307. Reviews grammatical conventions of academic Spanish at an advanced level. Students will continue to survey the history, film and literature of the Spanish speaking world. Increased emphasis on composition and reading.

Prerequisite: SPN 301 or SPN 307 or consent of the instructor. Spring Term.

An introduction to the critical reading and interpretation of Hispanic literature, principally from Spain and Latin America, through the study of narrative, poetry and drama. Readings, class discussion and reports are in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor. Fall Term.

A historical survey of the culture and civilization of Spain in which geography, ethnicity, art, music, literature and social and political institutions are studied. Provides a framework in which to understand contemporary events as well as literature. Readings, class discussion and reports are in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor. Fall Term.

A survey of representative major Spanish authors and their works from the Middle Ages to the present. Extensive readings, lectures, class discussions and reports in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor.

A faculty lead travel course. This course is a short-term study away trip to a Spanish-speaking location. Students take language and culture classes at a local school, and participate in excursions and cultural programming that allows them to learn about the history and culture of these locales. Taught in Spanish.

Over 1.5 million people in Chicago speak Spanish. This class studies the Chicago area as though it were a small Spanishspeaking nation, considering art, literature, media, community organizing, human rights, and citizenship. It includes trips to various neighborhoods where Spanish is prevalent, and meetings with local writers, artists, activists, and business people. Various guest speakers will also be invited to Elmhurst. All coursework is in Spanish,organized in modules on the aforementioned topics. Three reflection papers are required, as well as a final study of direct relevance to the professional interests of each individual student. This class is available to all students who place into the 300 level. Completion of Spanish 301 or 307 is recommended but not required.

A survey of the Spanish language from a sociolinguistic perspective. Covers concepts such as language vs. dialect, discourse analysis, bilingualism, languages in contact and the relationship between language and pedagogy. Readings, class discussion and reports are in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor.

A historical survey of the civilization and culture of Latin America in which geography, ethnicity, art, music, literature, and social and political institutions are studied. Provides a framework in which to understand contemporary events as well as literature. Readings, class discussion and reports are in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor. Spring Term.

A survey of representative major Latin American authors and their works from the pre-Columbian period to the present. Extensive readings, lectures, class discussions and reports in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor.

An introduction to the critical reading and interpretation of indigenous literature from Central and South America through the study of narrative, poetry and drama. This class considers the unique foundational mythology of indigenous groups and their distinct contemporary world views. All class work (readings, tests, class discussions and reports) is in Spanish.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or SPN 308 or consent of the instructor.

A faculty lead travel course. This course is a short-term study away trip during the month of June. Students participate in the pilgrimage to the city of Santiago de Compostela, situated in the region of Galicia in NW Spain. Following one of the existing routes, students walk approximately 350 kilometers while learning about the culture, history, religion and languages of the region.

A seminar providing opportunity for intensive study of an author, a period of Hispanic literature or culture, or another discipline. Topics have included Spanish Medieval and Golden Age Literature, Expressive Latino Culture, 20th-Century Latin American Novel and the Spanish Civil War and Mexican Revolution. Repetition for credit with different topics.

Prerequisite: SPN 302 or equivalent.

For Spanish majors who wish to pursue an intensive program of reading on an individual basis. Students must gain approval of department chair and instructor through a clear proposal of a unique project that cannot be realized in a traditional setting.

See WL 495.

An introduction to the literatures of the French-, German-, Italian- and Spanish-speaking countries, particularly as they reflect the literary and cultural traditions of these regions. Major focus varies according to the background of the faculty member involved. Taught in English. No prerequisite.

Study of the causes, development, and contemporary and current responses to the Holocaust. Reading of accounts of survivors and scholars struggling with the meaning of the Holocaust. Requires students to wrestle with the hows and whys of the Holocaust and their significance for their personal and social values. No prerequisite.

This course is a survey of Chinese visual art with focus on calligraphy. Through an introduction of the major artistic works, primarily calligraphy and painting, from the major Chinese historical periods, we aim to provide a broad framework on Chinese culture reflected in arts. Students will receive instruction and first-hand experience in producing Chinese calligraphy and develop an artistic appreciation of beautiful writing not limited to the Chinese tradition.

A historical survey of a national cinema of a country other than the United States, from its early beginnings to the present day. Study of representative films, directors, genres and movements, as well as the cultural contexts that gave rise to them.

Prerequisite: FRN, GRM or SPN 302, or permission of instructor.

A faculty led travel course. This course is an introduction to the history, cultures and religions of Morocco, as well as an exploration of issues in contemporary postcolonial studies. Topics may include globalization, neocolonialism, Europeanand African migration as well as well cultural identities, media and politics and gender and religion. Taught in English. January Term only. No prerequisite.

An introduction to the meaning and use of language in our society. Deals with theories of the origin of language, first- and second-language acquisition, the nature of bilingualism and biculturalism, the structural elements of language and everyday discourse, and the relationship between language and society. No prerequisite.

Topical cultural study of Africa, Latin America or Asia. Literature and feature films from and about selected countries. Students also study the arts, history and cultural anthropology of these countries. Goals: understanding and appreciation of traditions and current issues of non-Western cultures and their place in global society. No prerequisite.

A study of recent trends, materials and techniques, as well as a consideration of practical problems in the teaching of grammar, culture and literature. Includes lesson presentations to college classes and videotaping of them.

Prerequisites: SEC 300, SEC 310. Fall Term.

.50 credit

An intensive guided investigation of a unique research thesis in the area of literature, linguistics, second-language instruction and/or acquisition, cultural studies, gender studies or other interdisciplinary studies in the target language of the major. Students will work with instructor and a cohort of students, meeting throughout the semester to present preliminary research, bibliographies and reflective journal entries; make presentations; and complete multiple drafts of a major research project. Required of all majors during one of the final two terms of study.

.50 credit

This half-course is required of all multi-language majors and available to all students. It also fulfills the University’s requirement for experiential learning, which can also be fulfilled through similar experiences in other departments or study abroad.

Requirements include: five to eight hours of off-campus internship each week for a minimum of 10 weeks (totaling 50 to 80 hours for the term), a working bibliography, reflective essays and final project as approved by supervising professor.

.50 credit

This course gives Honors Program students the opportunity to design and implement a significant research project in the field of world languages, culminating in an appropriate public dissemination of research methods and findings. This research must build upon previous coursework taken within the major or minor, facilitating faculty supervision and guidance. Repeatable for credit. Permission of the faculty supervisor and the director of the Honors Program required prior to registration.