Department of Modern Languages
Course Descriptions
CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSES (CHIN)
120 Elementary Chinese I
An introductory course in standard Chinese
(Mandarin) designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language. The
course introduces the fundamentals of
Chinese, including pronunciation, grammar,
and Chinese characters, emphasizing the four
basic language skills: listening, speaking,
reading and writing. By the end of the
120/121 sequence, students will have acquired
knowledge of basic grammar rules, the ability
to converse, read and write on simple topics
of student's daily life, and command over 500
Chinese compounds and over 300 characters.
Four hours of classroom instruction and one
hour of lab per week. One semester, 4 credits.
121 Elementary Chinese II
A continuation of Chinese 120 with
accelerated introduction of expressions,
grammar, and sentence patterns designed to
facilitate speaking, reading, and writing. Four
hours of classroom instruction and one hour of
lab per week. One semester, 4 credits.
160 Chinese for Business and Travel
This course is designed for students with no
or little knowledge of Chinese. This course introduces practical conversational Chinese
(Mandarin) for business and travel. It focuses
on enhancing the listening and speaking
skills in situations related to hotels, airports,
business and economic policies, appointments,
etc. It also covers culture, social etiquette, and
doing business in Chinese-speaking areas,
such as China, Taiwan and Hong-Kong. One
semester, 3 credits.
220 Intermediate Chinese I
A course designed to fulfi ll the personal
interests and future professional goals of
students who have had one year of elementary
modern Chinese. Students will learn new
vocabulary, sentence patterns, idiomatic
expressions, proverbs, as well as insights into
Chinese society, culture and customs in this
course. Three hours of class, one hour of lab.
One semester, 3 credits.
221 Intermediate Chinese II
A continuation of Chinese 220. By the end
of this sequence, students are expected to be
able to engage in general conversation with
native speakers and to read and write essays in Chinese characters. Three hours of class, one
hour of lab. One semester, 3 credits.
COMPOSITION, CULTURE AND LITERATURE COURSES
320* Composition and Conversation
This course aims at further development of
overall language profi ciency through extensive reading of selected texts representing a
wide variety of styles and genres, including materialsfrom newspapers, magazines, and
other documents. Classes are conducted
primarily in Chinese. Prerequisite: 221, or
equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
50* Topics in Literature
A capstone literature course for students who
have attained a high level of Chinese language
proficiency. Students read a wide selection
of representative works of major modern
writers of China, Taiwan, and other Chinese
communities. Topics vary by semester. May
be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 320, or
equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
490* Current Topics
This course includes essays introducing
the social and cultural conditions of China,
Taiwan, and other Chinese-speaking
communities; live news broadcasts on
current issues; and selected business Chinese
expressions. This course bridges the gap
between purely academic learning and the
real world of native speakers. Emphasis is
on reading, speaking, listening and writing in Chinese. Topics vary by semester. May
be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 320, or equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
190, 290, 390*, 490 Selected Topics in
Chinese Variable credits. Permission. May be repeated
for credit.
295, 395, 495 Independent Studies
COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
100 A Taste of China
This course is designed for students to get a
taste of Chinese calligraphy, cooking, movie, theater, martial arts, meditation, and other folk
arts. Artists, chefs, martial art and meditation
masters from the Los Angeles area are invited
to join student activities. Students will exhibit
their calligraphy, or other related works at the
end of the semester. One semester, 1 credit.
110, 310* Masterpieces from China
Representative readings in translation of
twentieth-century Chinese literature from the
late-Qing dynasty to the People's Republic
of China, and contemporary Taiwan. This
course will offer a window in twentiethcentury
China and an introduction to the
study of literature, and ask: Why do we read
literature, and learn about different literary
approaches and movements? Students are
expected to examine the socio-political context
and questions of political engagement, social
justice, class, gender, race, and human rights.
All readings are in English translation and no
background in China or Chinese is required.
One semester, 3 credits.
130, 330* Chinese Theater
Introduction to the practice, concepts,
history, and dramatic literature from China.
The course will focus on the development of
the Chinese theater as it received influences
from other ethnic theaters, including the
Japanese, French, Spanish, and American.
Hands-on experiences with the Chinese
theater and interaction with theater artists in
the Los Angeles area will be emphasized. One
semester, 3 credits.
150, 350* Chinese Cinema
An introductory course to the culture,
aesthetics, and socio-political background of
Chinese fi lm produced in the period from the
1930's till the present. Students will look at
the cultural antecedents which infl uenced the
Chinese filmmakers, how they manipulated
the artistic forms as a means of self and the
function of fi lms both within the art form
and by extension within Chinese cultureexpression,
in general. A more general goal of
the course is to develop and refi ne an ability to
think about and understand culture. Films to
be viewed include: To Live, Ju Dou, Changing
Face, Fallen Angels, Shanghai Noon, and more.
One semester, 3 credits.
151* Topics in Modern Chinese Literature
(Same as 450) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
325* Culture and Civilization
A survey of Chinese cultural history from the
earliest times to the eve of the modern era. The
development of the arts, literature, and cultural
trends are among the main topics presented
through reading assignments, videos, and
films. Prerequisite: 221, or equivalent. One
semester, 3 credits.
FRENCH LANGUAGE COURSES
(FREN)
76* Performance in French Workshop
Learn about French theatrical tradition while
helping write and perform a production in
French. Prerequisite 120. One semester, 1
credit. May be repeated for credit.
120 Elementary French I
This course is designed for students who have
never studied French, or who have placed
into French 120 on the French Placement
Test. It is taught in French with four hours
of classroom instruction and one hour of lab
per week. Immersion of students is facilitated through the use of authentic material as well
as the usage of video and other technological tools (multimedia, Web). By the end of this
course students should have developed basic
oral and written communication skills as well
as reading skills, and be acquainted with some aspects of Francophone culture. One semester,
4 credits.
121 Elementary French II
This course is a sequel of Elementary French
I. It is taught in French with four hours of classroom instruction and one hour of lab
per week. Immersion of students is facilitated through the use of authentic material as well
as the usage of video and other technological tools (multimedia, Web). By the end of this
course students should have further developed their communicative competence and reading
skills, as well as be better acquainted with
the Francophone world. Prerequisite: 120, or
equivalent. One semester, 4 credits.
220 Intermediate French I
This course is a sequel of Elementary French
II. It is taught in French with three hours
of classroom instruction a week. It includes
a brief review of the material studied in
Elementary French I and II, presents more
elaborate structures of the French language
and culture, and introduces students to literary
and contemporary readings. Three hours of
class, one hour of lab. Prerequisite: 121, or
equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
221 Intermediate French II
Course is designed to strengthen students'
competence to communicate in the French language. It is taught in French with three
hours of classroom instruction. It includes
a thorough review of grammar and strongly
emphasizes oral and written communication.
Three hours of class, one hour of lab.
Prerequisite: 220, or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
225 Conversation, Culture and
Communication
This course is designed to extend students'
aural comprehension and oral expression, and
to further the acquisition of a more complex
vocabulary associated with contemporary
issues described in newspapers, television and
the Web. Prerequisite: 221, or equivalent. One
semester, 3 credits.
COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
115* Introduction to Contemporary French
This class is an introduction to contemporary
France in which we look at the constant
exchange of literary, cinematic, philosophical
and even culinary ideas between France and
the U.S. The goal is not to determine which
culture is better, but to learn about another
culture (and therefore our own as well) while
acquiring the tools of cultural analysis. Taught
in English. No prerequisite. One semester, 3
credits.
126* Francophone Culture and Civilization
(Same as 326) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
173* French Cinema
(Same as 473) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
175* Women's Portraits/Portrait de femmes
(Same as 475) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
177* Franco-African Literature and Cinema
(Same as 477) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
178* Pre and Post Revolutionary Child
(Same as 478) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
180* Love and Life until the Revolution
(Same as 480) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
181* Franco-Asian Literature
(Same as 481) Taught in English. No
prerequisites. One semester, 3 credits.
280 Le Flaneur I
(Pre-departure course for January class in
Paris). A "flaneur" is defined as "an aimless
idler; a loafer...from fl aner, to idle about,
stroll." This class will initiate students to
fields of knowledge ranging from urban
studies to literature all the while exploring
L.A. Students will use what they learn in this
class for studies and an eventual project to be
completed in Paris, in January. Though the
course is in English, some language abilities
are a must. Students are therefore required
to enroll in a French language of have taken
courses in French at Whittier prior to the
January class in Paris. Experience in sociology
is strongly recommended. One semester, 3
credits.
281 Le Flaneur II
This is the companion course to 280 and
builds on the theoretical knowledge and experiences of Le Flaneur I. Le Flaneur II
takes place in Paris and uses the city to build comparative knowledge of the historical,
cultural, environmental, geographical and
other forces that inform the modern city.
The Paris experience is intended not only
to give fuller knowledge of an alternative
urban environment, but should serve as a
comparative tool for better understanding of
Los Angeles. In order to get Liberal Education
Comparative Knowledge credit, students must
successfully complete both Le Flaneur I and II.
January term. 3 credits.
COMPOSITION, CULTURE, AND FRENCH FOR BUSINESS
310 Composition and Stylistics
Course designed to develop and refine
students' writing skills on topics that are
increasingly more abstract. It introduces
students to the critical elements of stylistic
differences and the application thereof.
Prerequisite: 221 (may be concurrent
enrollment). One semester, 3 credits.
315* French for Business
Course designed to introduce students to
commercial French including correspondence,
and acquisition of business related vocabulary,
and an understanding of successful business interactions. Prerequisite: 221 or equivalent.
One semester, 3 credits.
325* French Culture and Civilization
Course designed to study the evolution of
French culture and civilization by establishing
the links between political, social, and
intellectual developments and the associated
artistic and literary achievements. Prerequisite:
221 or equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
326* Francophone Culture and Civilization
Course designed to introduce students to the
historical formations and transformations that
occurred outside France (Africa, Caribbean,
Canada and Americas). Prerequisite: 221 or equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
LITERATURE COURSES
355* Introduction to French Literature I
Survey course of French literature from the
Middle Ages through the 18th century. Major literary works of writers of prose, poetry, and
theater are read and discussed from both a historical and literary perspective. This course
is taught in French. Students are expected to participate actively in class discussions, to give
brief oral presentations, and to write short papers. Prerequisite: 221 or equivalent. One
semester, 3 credits.
356* Introduction to French Literature II
Survey course of French literature from the
19th to the 20th century. This course includes major works of French and Francophone
writers of prose, poetry and theater. Works
are read and discussed in French from both
a historical and literary perspective. Students
are expected to participate actively in class
discussions, to give brief oral presentations,
and to write short papers. Prerequisite: 221 or
equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
432* Heroes and Heroines
The 17th century in France is a period where
heroines and heroes were redefi ned to fit a society in transition. Topics will include the
transition from the Baroque to Classicism, and the evolution of dominant intellectual
and political currents such as rationalism and absolutism and the redefinition of the role of
masculine and feminine ideals. Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
435* History of Modern Novel
Course designed to provide students with a
more thorough comprehension of the French and Francophone modern novel, from the 17th
to the 20th-century. It is based upon detailed
analysis of literary texts and considers the
socio-historical background that contributed to the evolution of the genre. Prerequisite: 310 or
equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
453* Poetic Perspectives
Course designed to provide students with a
better understanding of the 19th and 20thcentury poetic movements, from Romanticism,
Parnasse and Symbolism to more contemporary expressions of the poetic genre. It includes
analysis of French and Francophone poetry
and presents students with analytical tools that
contribute to critical thinking. Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
465* 20th-Century Theater
Course designed for students who wish
to broaden their cultural and literary
understanding of 20th-century theater. Works
studied are representative of major authors
in the history of ideas of modern French and
Francophone literature. Prerequisite: 310 or
equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
469* Nouveau Roman/Nouveau Théâtre
Course designed to acquaint students with the
literary production during the1950's. Works studied are representative of major authors
of this specifi c movement, such as Robbe-Grillet, Duras, Sarraute, Ionesco and Genet.
Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
OTHER PERSPECTIVES
473* French Cinema
This course presents the main movements and
directors in French cinema. Students will be introduced to cinematographic vocabulary and
they will be able to develop critical thinking through the analysis of fi lms. Prerequisite: 310
or equivalent. One semester, 3 credits.
475* Women’s Portraits/Portraits de femmes
Course designed to expose students to various
portrayals of women, by women and by
their male counterparts. Works studied are representative of different genres and centuries
in French and Francophone literature. Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
476* Performance in French
This course explores various aspects of
performance in the French tradition --both
as spectators studying varying types of
French and Francophone theater texts and productions, and as actors in a workshop setting. Both theoretical and experiential,
a major emphasis is put on creativity and
collaboration to achieve the goals of the
course. After working closely together to
write and produce a creative work, the
class's performance will be the fi nal "exam."
Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
477* Franco-African Literature and Cinema
Course designed to introduce students to
contemporary African literature and cinema.
It is based upon detailed analysis of literary
texts and of fi lms, both addressing a variety of cultural aspects of African Francophone life.
Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
478* Pre and Post Revolutionary Child
This class examines developments leading to
modern concepts of the child in France all the while tracing parallel ideas of identity such
as selfhood, nationality, public education,
welfare and gender using literature and film.
Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
480* Love and Life until the Revolution
Students study works from the middle - ages to
the Revolution and discuss the transformation
of "senses and sensibilities" over time. To better
understand the works of fiction, we will discuss
the history and the society of the period.
Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
481* Franco-Asian Literature
This course explores the Asian influence
in Francophone literatures and cultures. It
exposes students to non-traditional aspects
of the Francophone culture deriving from a
history of complex and diverse interactions
between Asia and French-speaking societies.
Students will gain insight about the subject
through the study of literature and films.
Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One semester,
3 credits.
490* Special Topics
An in-depth study of a specific period, genre,
or topic (such as Francophone Writers, French
Renaissance, 17th-century Moralists, Classical
Theater, Enlightenment, etc.). Topics vary by
semester. Prerequisite: 310 or equivalent. One
semester, 3 credits.
499* Senior Thesis
A paper and oral defense in the major that
will indicate the student's acquisition of
the literary, the cultural and the language
skills needed to pursue studies in French or Francophone literature.
190, 290, 390* Selected Topics in French
Variable credits. Permission. May be repeated
for credit.
295, 395, 495 Independent Studies
Credit and time arranged. Permission. May be
repeated for credit.
JAPANESE L LANGUAGE COURSES
(JAPN)
10 Japanese for Business
Designed for students who anticipate using
the language in business-related fields. Also introduces Japanese business manners and
customs. No prerequisites. One semester, 2 credits.
120 Elementary Japanese I
An introductory course in simple conversation,
basic grammar, reading, culture, and written
Japanese (Hiragana, Katakana and simple
Kanji). Four hours of class, one hour of lab.
One semester, 4 credits.
121 Elementary Japanese II
Continuation of 120. Basic grammar,
conversation, composition and readings. Four
hours of class, one hour of lab. Prerequisite:
120 or equivalent on placement exam. One
semester, 4 credits.
190, 290, 390, 490* Selected Topics in
Japanese
An in-depth study of a specifi ed topic, such
as more complex syntax structures, various cultural aspects, including cinema, literature,
art, religion, and the role of Zen philosophy
in manners and ethics. Variable credits.
Permission. May be repeated for credit.
295, 395, 495 Independent Studies
Credit and time arranged. Permission. May be
repeated for credit.
SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES (SPAN)
10 Latin American Performance Experience
An experiential class in which students explore
their bodies and minds in order to explore the
difficulties involved in staging a text (poem,
play, short story). While students practice Spanish during rehearsals, they also explore
Latin American perspectives and techniques production (from acting to performance).
Prerequisite: 221 or higher, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
120 Elementary Spanish I
Students are introduced to the basic principles
necessary to carry out written and oral communication. Emphasis will be placed on
developing the ability to use the language creatively to talk about oneself and to deal with
daily situations within the Hispanic cultural context. Four hours of class, one hour of lab.
Presupposes no previous study of Spanish. Not
open to students who have completed more
than two years of high school Spanish nor to Native Speakers. One semester, 4 credits.
121 Elementary Spanish II
Continuation of 120. Basic grammar,
conversation, composition and readings. Four
hours of class, one hour of lab. Prerequisite:
120 or equivalent on placement exam. Not
open to students who have completed more
than three years of high school Spanish, nor
Native Speakers. One semester, 4 credits.
122 Intensive Spanish
A course designed for students who have
studied Spanish before but who want a
comprehensive review course. As a fastmoving,
intensive course focus is on
learning strategies for reading, writing, and
communicating in Spanish. Prerequisite:
Previous knowledge of Spanish. One semester,
3 credits.
220 Intermediate Spanish I
A continuation of 120,121, this class
further develops the students' ability to
communicate in Spanish, both orally and in
writing. Students will speak, read, and write
about such topics as advice, opinions, and hypothetical situations, while at the same
time gaining insights into the culture of the
Hispanic world. While grammar is reviewed,
this course does require a good foundation in
the basic principles. Three hours of class, one
hour of lab. Prerequisite: 121 or equivalent.
Not open to Native Speakers. One semester, 3
credits.
221 Intermediate Spanish II
Continuation of 220. Review of grammar and
extensive practice in conversation, writing and
reading of selected texts as well as viewing
of videos on Hispanic life and culture. Three hours of class, one hour of lab. Prerequisite:
220 or equivalent. Not open to Native Speakers. One semester, 3 credits.
222 Spanish for Bilingual Students
A fast paced course for students whose native
language is Spanish or for those with extensive
exposure to the language. Prerequisite:
Placement exam results or permission. One
semester, 3 credits.
230 Spanish Conversation
This course is conducted in Spanish and
engages students in conversation in a variety
of formats toward further developing oral
profi ciency and vocabulary. Readings, Internet
surfing, TV or other viewings on topics of
current interest done outside of class serve
as the basis for general class discussions
through practice in different types of
discourse, including narration, description,
critical commentary, debate, and dramatic
dialogue. Some of the time will be devoted
to developing conversational strategies, and
much importance will be given to interaction
in the classroom. Small group work, emphasis
on natural language, and the use of authentic
materials (including readings and fi lms) will
be among the instructional techniques used.
Prerequisite: 221 or higher, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
CULTURE, COMPOSITION, AND INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE
225* Chicano Literature and Cultural
Production
Surveys the works of Mexican-American
authors of poetry, prose, and drama, which
delves into questions of gender, textual
interpretation, and socio-historic contexts.
One semester, 3 credits.
270 Intensive Spanish Grammar and
Composition
This course focuses on a theoretical and
practical approach to Spanish grammar. The
goal is to provide the students with the right
skills for discerning the structure and formal
beauty of the Spanish language and its rules
and differences with English. This course
also explores phonology, morphology, syntax
and semantics. Prerequisite: 221 or higher,
equivalent, or permission. One semester, 3
credits.
320 Advanced Composition and Creative
Writing
This course emphasizes the development of
writing skills, vocabulary expansion, and
review of grammatical structures. Focus is on
written expression, creative and academic,
on themes related to the Spanish cultures.
Students develop the strategies and skills
needed to write on topics through practice
of different types of discourse, including,
narration, poetry, critical commentary
and theoretical essays. Prerequisite: 270,
equivalent, or permission. One semester, 3
credits.
325 Conversation on Hispanic Cultures
A study of Hispanic culture from its origins
to the present. A study of the diversity of Hispanic civilization, this course will examine
Hispanic societies through signifi cant areas of
cultural expression, including literature, visual
arts, music, and fi lm. Conducted entirely in Spanish. Prerequisite: 270, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
355 Introduction to Peninsular/Latin
American Literature I
A survey of the most representative texts of
writers of prose, poetry, and theater within
the contexts of literary and sociohistorical
interpretations. This course surveys the
major authors and includes close readings of
representative selections from 1100 to 1700,
with attention to the development of literary
genres in the context of the changing cultures
of Spain and Latin America. Conducted
entirely in Spanish with class discussions and
extensive practice writing commentaries on
texts. Designed for Spanish majors and minors.
May be taken out of sequence. Prerequisite:
320, equivalent, or permission. One semester,
3 credits.
356 Introduction to Latin American/
Peninsular Literature II
This course studies trends and developments
in major literary works from 1700 to the present day in both the Peninsula and Latin
America. Conducted entirely in Spanish
with class discussions and extensive practice
writing commentaries on texts. Designed for
Spanish majors and minors. May be taken out
of sequence. Prerequisite: 320, equivalent, or permission. One semester, 3 credits.
LITERATURE COURSES
410* Masterpieces from the Middle Ages to
the Baroque
Representative literary works of the Medieval,
Renaissance and Baroque in both Spain and
Latin America. Poetic and narrative texts,
in their entirety, are read for their literary, cultural and historical value. Prerequisite:
355 or higher, equivalent, or permission. One semester, 3 credits.
420* New World and Spanish Colonial
Literatures
Selections from major genres of the precolonial
and colonial periods (1100-1810) produced
by authors in Spain and Latin America:
indigenous codices, the chronicle of the
Encounter and Conquest, lyric and epic
poetry, colonial theater, pre-independence
writing, etc...Among the themes examined
are: utopian images of the New World, the
Hispanic "rewriting" of indigenous cultures,
and the emergence of the mestizo identity in
literature and political essays. Prerequisite:
355 or higher, equivalent, or permission. One
semester, 3 credits.
430* Spanish Peninsular Theater
This course introduces the students to
the historical, sociological and dramatic
developments of Spanish Peninsular Theater
from the Middle Ages to most recent
productions, focusing specifi cally on how
genre and sub-genres are linked directly to
social changes and political transformations
in each period. Prerequisite: 355 or higher,
equivalent, or permission. One semester, 3
credits.
440* Latin American Theater
This course traces the development of Latin
American theater from the pre colonial
period to the New Popular Theater. It will
focus on several problematic subjects, such
as geographic parameters, themes and major
trends in dramatic theory, and economic
and political structures in the process of
production. Detailed consideration is given to
contact between languages, Native American,
European and African traditions, as well as
influences of experimental theater and popular
culture. Prerequisite: 355 or higher, equivalent,
or permission. One semester, 3 credits.
450* Latin American Literature from
Independence to Modernism
This course focuses on major authors in the
period, emphasizing those genres developed
in the postcolonial cultural context. Literary
and sociopolitical trends and cultural images
and characters from early 19th century to
early 20th century are critically examined.
The course also includes the impact of
Latin American writing on the literature in
Spain, especially on Peninsular Modernism.
Prerequisite: 355 or higher, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
460* Spanish Voices: The Twentieth
Century
From the turn of the century to our present
time, Spanish literature has enjoyed an artistic
explosion, the likes of which has not been seen
since the Golden Age. A profusion of literary
movements - including the Generation of
'98, modernism and avant-garde - reflected
the creative vibrancy of the nation even as
it slipped into political and social chaos.
Major works of prose, poetry and theater are
analyzed for their literary innovativeness
and relationship to ideological trends and
social reality in contemporary Spanish letters. Prerequisite: 355 or higher, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
470* Latin American Voices: The Twentieth
Century
Critical study of selected contemporary
Spanish-American texts in light of current
modes of writing and interpretation. This
course will delineate the major patterns of
formal and thematic development within the history of Latin American letters as well
as emphasize the analysis of structural and
linguistic problems posed by the texts. This
course will also explore such tendencies as
realism, surrealism and "magic realism," as
well as works of social conscience, revolution
and the national situation. Prerequisite: 355
or higher, equivalent, or permission. One
semester, 3 credits.
480* Major Hispanic Authors
Intensive study of the works of the most
distinguished authors in the Spanish language.
Authors will vary according to instructor's
expertise. Prerequisite: 355 or higher,
equivalent, or permission. One semester, 3
credits.
OTHER PERSPECTIVES ON
LITERATURE
481* Revisiting the Canon in Peninsular and
Latin American Literature
This course is designed to give students the
tools necessary to read the major canonical works of Spanish and Latin American
literature in order to rebuild the process
through which they represent nationality,
class, sexual dissidence, and ethnic issues.
Prerequisite: 355 or higher, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
482* Literary Criticism and the Essay
Tradition
Major approaches to the history of Spanish
literary "ensayos" in Spain and Latin America.
This course explores the imagery of Nation and
Identities, the cultural and political debates in
sciences and cultures. The course also focus
on the construction of literary criticism in Spanish and translations of main trends on
contemporary criticism. Prerequisite: 355
or higher, equivalent, or permission. One
semester, 3 credits.
483* Cinema in Spain and/or Latin America
This course examines Peninsular and Latin
American cinematic production and introduces
new critical approaches in fi lm studies.
The course may organize materials from a
historical perspective, or focus on a selected
period, theme, or director. Prerequisite: 355
or higher, equivalent, or permission. One
semester, 3 credits.
484* Women’s Voices in the Hispanic World
This course explores Peninsular, Latin
American, and Latino women voices, whether writers, political activists or in popular
culture. Depending on Professor's expertise,
the course will be developed as a survey
by examining literary or non-literary texts
from historical periods, or organized as a
seminar focusing on selected texts produced
by a particular group of authors or in specific
nations or communities. Prerequisite: 355
or higher, equivalent, or permission. One
semester, 3 credits.
485* Subaltern Voices, Diversity and
Marginalization
This course explores literature and cultural
production in Spain, Latin America and
Hispanic American works from diverse
theoretical approaches: feminism, cultural
theory, subaltern status, and gay and lesbian
studies. Students will examine how texts
redefi ne literary forms when writing confronts
the process of empowerment of minorities
through racial, ethnic, and textual terms.
Prerequisite: 355 or higher, equivalent, or
permission. One semester, 3 credits.
190, 290, 390, 490* Selected Topics
Close readings and seminar discussions aim
to explore the reception of both classic and contemporary themes of literary expression.
Examples: The Novel of the Mexican Revolution; Hispanic Popular Culture; Afro-
Latino Voices; Asian Infl uences in Latin America. Topics vary by semester. May be
repeated for credit. One semester, 3 credits.
295, 395, 495 Independent Studies.
Credit and time arranged. Permission. May be
repeated for credit.
*Not offered every year.
