Language and Cultural Studies Faculty Beatriz Teleki, Professor of Spanish (Program Chair) Joan M. Hill, SND, Professor of Spanish Maura Prendergast, SND, Associate Professor of French Elvira Luna-Escudero, Instructor of Spanish Description The Language and Cultural Studies Program supports both a major and a minor in the Weekday Program only. This program invites the student to consider of individual values and their socio-political consequences, encourages an appreciation and experience of the artistic expressions of the cultures addressed, and requires students to contemplate the interdependent nature of the world, considering the complexity of multiple systems of many cultures while developing their skills in the language of the country to be studied. The program concentrates on the contemporary as well as on the historical contributions made by the different cultures. All students choosing to major in language and cultural studies take a common core of courses (21 credits). In addition to the core, majors must choose one of the following areas of concentration (12-15 credits): French literature, French studies, Hispanic literature, or Latin American studies. The language and cultural studies major in itself could lead to a career in scholarly research and teaching by providing the undergraduate with a basic linguistic, cultural, and political knowledge of specific countries. The program also offers the opportunity to combine language and cultural studies with other disciplines in an individualized professional preparation program. In addition, the program provides for the international studies major a well-defined series of courses. A Certificate of Proficiency for students who are planning careers which require adequate knowledge of French or Spanish is awarded after the student has successfully completed the required courses and passed a written and an oral examination. Major Concentration Areas French Literature: Emphasizes the study of literature without neglecting language skills. Recommended for students interested in the study of literature for general cultural purposes or in relation to other literatures. French Studies: Emphasizes language skills and the study of French civilization, without neglecting literary developments. Hispanic Literature: Introduces students to major literary texts and considers the nature and role of art and critical analysis while further developing language proficiency skills. Latin American Studies: Integrates curricular and co-curricular experiences presented in an interdisciplinary manner, dealing with cultural, geo-political, economic, social, and technological matters. In addition to course work, students are required to do at least one internship in Washington D.C., to acquire cultural experience through direct involvement with organizations such as Amnesty International, Hermanas Unidas, the Inter-American Commission on Women, The House of Ruth, or the Inter-American Children Institute among many others. Major Requirements Majors must complete a set of required courses as well as the requirements of one concentration area. Some concentrations recommend additional course work. Required Courses (21 credits) TWO courses in advanced language development TWO courses in cultural/literary studies in selected area language ONE seminar in Don Quixote HUM 431 Don Quixote Seminar TWO additional humanities seminars; approved courses include: HUM 202E Portable Identities HUM 320 17th-Century Theater in France and Spain HUM 403 Women in Border Cultures INT 407 Human Rights in the Americas Hispanic Literature Concentration (15 credits) ALL of the following courses: SPA 315 Critical Approaches to Hispanic Literary Texts I SPA 316 Critical Approaches to Hispanic Literary Texts II SPA 404 A Special Topics in Hispanic Literature: the Novel of the Mexican Revolution SPA 490 Senior Seminar SPA 497 Directed Readings in Spanish Peninsular Literature Latin American Studies Concentration (15 credits) ALL of the following courses: INT 407 Human Rights in the Americas SPA 372 Introduction to Amerindian and Latin American Cultures SPA 373A Contemporary Latin America SPA 373B Culture and Society in the Caribbean SPA 488 Practicum Recommended courses: ECO 265 Latin American Economics PSC 305 Comparative Politics of Latin America French Literature Concentration (12 credits) ALL of the following courses: FRN 418 18th Century: Age of Revolution FRN 421 19th Century: Romanticism FRN 422 19th Century: Realism FRN 425 20th Century: The Self-Conscious Writer French Studies Concentration (12 credits) ALL of the following courses: FRN 371 Cultural Perspectives I FRN 372 Cultural Perspectives II FRN 410 Women Writers in French Literature [bilingual format] HUM 408 French Film: A Cultural Expression of Our Time Recommended courses: HIS 366 Europe, 1915-1913: The Age of Revolution and Reform PSC 301 Comparative Politics: Western Europe Minor Requirements The program supports a minor in French and Spanish, as well as one in Latin American and French studies, each one of which requires completion of 18 credit hours at the 200-level and above, with a minimum of nine credits taken at Trinity. The minor in Latin American studies differs from the others in that it does not require proficiency in a second language. Courses are offered in English and concentrate on the cultural, political, and social history of the region. However, proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, and the study of Portuguese is recommended. The minor in Latin American studies is designed for students who want to pursue careers in international organizations, human resources, and public policy, which require a thorough knowledge of the cultures of Latin America. Program Policies Advanced Placement: Credit is granted for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP examination. These credits may replace the Core or FLC language requirement, but do not count toward the major. CLEP Policy: The standard score or above on the CLEP examination satisfies the language requirement of the Core and FLC programs. Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the requirement for a major may not be taken pass/no pass (except for 488 Internship). Senior Assessment: Depending on their area of choice (French or French studies, Hispanic or Latin American studies), majors would be required either to take written and oral comprehensive examinations, or to write a final comprehensive work (thesis) on a given topic approved by the program. Study Abroad: Students are encouraged to spend one or two semesters or a summer in approved programs abroad. TELL Policy: Students applying for experiential learning credit should consult with the program faculty. Transfer Credits: Students may apply transfer credits toward the major in languages and cultural studies in Hispanic and Latin American studies, as well as in French studies and French literature, provided that the accepted courses parallel those required for the major at Trinity. If selecting French, students should present course work equivalent to FRN 422 Realism and FRN 425 20th century; course work equivalent to SPA 372, SPA 373A, and SPA 373B if selecting Latin American studies; or course work equivalent to SPA 315 Critical Approaches to Hispanic Literature and HUM 431 Don Quixote Seminar if selecting Hispanic literature. In all, transfer students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in language and cultural studies courses at Trinity, to be distributed as follows: Three of those credits must be in FRN 371 or FRN 372 or FRN 374 if concentrating in French literature or French studies. Three of those credits must be in SPA 401 (Advanced Grammar and Stylistics) if her area is in Latin American studies or Hispanic Literature. A minimum of three credit hours must be in a seminar. A minimum of six credit hours must be in upper-level courses in French or Spanish. For the minor in French literature or in French studies, as well as for the minor in Spanish or in Latin American studies, six credit hours above the 100-level must be completed at Trinity. French Course Descriptions FRN 101, 102 Elementary French I, II 3 cr Integrates the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Emphasizes oral communication through paired and group activities. Integrates cultural information. FLC, Area I, Level 1 Core, I-F FRN 201 Intermediate French I 3 cr Reviews and develops aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Prerequisite: French 102 or equivalent FLC, Area I, Level 2; Area II, Level 1 Core, I-F FRN 202 Intermediate French II 3 cr Develops and emphasizes conversational skills. Structural practice, spontaneous exchanges, role playing, prepared presentations. Prerequisite: FRN 201 or equivalent FLC, Area II, Level 1 Core, I-F FRN 204 The Francophone World 3 cr Explores social, political, economic, and cultural issues throughout the Francophone world with particular emphasis on Africa, the Caribbean, the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and Canada. Uses articles, photos, songs, short stories, and extracts from film and novels. Prerequisite: French 201 or equivalent FLC, Area I, Level 2; Area II, Level 1 FRN 301 The Culture of France 3 cr Provides students with an immersion experience in French culture. France's geography, art, food, and music are studied. No experience in speaking French required, but students with language skills will have practice at their proficiency level. FRN 371 Cultural Perspectives I 3 cr Surveys significant historical and artistic manifestations considered as the cultural and intellectual climate in which great French literary figures appeared. The course examines prehistoric times to the 18th century. Prerequisite: FRN 204 or equivalent FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 Core, I-F FRN 372 Cultural Perspectives II 3 cr Surveys significant historical and artistic manifestations, considered as the background of French literary trends from the 18th century through World War II. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 Core, I-F FRN 374 Contemporary France 3 cr Examines French culture of the 20th and 21st centuries as expressed in political and economic institutions, art, philosophy, theater, and film. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-F FRN 410 Women Writers in French Literature 3 cr Examines autobiography as a literary genre in the works of selected French women writers. Offered in English for three credits for non-French majors an additional hour in French with one additional credit will be given for French majors who do their readings, papers, and exams in French. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 Core, I-F FRN 414 French: Career Purposes 3 cr Uses material from current written and electronic sources, pertinent to the student's expressed field of interest. The course is designed to broaden knowledge and vocabulary and to give practice in resume work and translation. Builds confidence in using French as a research tool in other fields. FLC, Area II, Level 2 Core, I-F FRN 418 18th Century: Age of Revolution 3 cr Studies political and philosophical innovative thought which brought classical French to the Revolution of 1789. Emphasizes Montesquieu, Voltaire, Rousseau, and Beaumarchasis. FRN 421 19th Century: Romanticism 3 cr Traces the romantic revolution in literary manifestations of the first half of the 19th century, emphasizing the great romantic poets (Lamartine, Vigny, Musset and Hugo's Hernani ) and the development of the novel (Stendhal and Balzac). Core, I-F FRN 422 19th Century: Realism 3 cr Studies literary manifestations of the second half of the 19th century. In the novel, the great works of some masters of the realistic and naturalistic movements: Flaubert, Zola, Maupassant. In poetry, works ranging from the "Parnasse" to those of the symbolists: Gautier, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Rimbaud, Mallarmé. Core, I-L FRN 425 20th Century: The Self-Conscious Writer 3 cr Studies novels by Proust, Pagnol, Gide, Camus, Butor, and Sarraute which share the common theme of the protagonist as writer. Examines contrasts in structure and style, Proustian time, existentialism, the Nouveau Roman. FLC, Area III, Level 2 Core, I-F   FRN 490 Independent Study 3 cr Provides an opportunity for directed study as approved by the program chair. Spanish Course Descriptions SPA 101, 102 Elementary Spanish I, II 3 cr Introduces language skills, such as understanding speaking, listening, reading, and writing Spanish. Students will use video and CD-ROM, as well as special materials prepared by the instructor to achieve basic competency. Prerequisite: No prerequisite for SPA 101; SPA 101 or equivalent required for 102 FLC, Area I, Level 1 Core, I-F SPA 103 Intensive Elementary Spanish 6 cr Introduces language skills to students who desire an intensive presentation to the Spanish language. Equivalent to SPA 101 and 102 but taught in a single semester. FLC, Area I, Level 1 Core, I-F SPA 201, 202 Intermediate Spanish I, II 3 cr Develops and builds increasing confidence and competency in using Spanish. Special materials will be used to develop the aural comprehension, speaking, writing, and reading skills to progressively higher levels. Prerequisite: SPA 102, 103 or equivalent for SPA 201; SPA 201 or equivalent for SPA 202 FLC, Area II, Level 1 Core, I-F SPA 275 Conversation and Composition 3 cr Develops students' ability to express themselves both orally and in writing in simulated but realistic situations. Students from disciplines other than Spanish may suggest their own topics of interest to be used either in their oral or written reports. Prerequisite: Five semesters of college Spanish, three years of high school Spanish or equivalent. FLC, Area I and II, Level 2 SPA 300 Strategies for Spanish Tutors 1 cr Aims at preparing native or near-native speakers of Spanish to work as tutors for any assigned level. Serves as a practical way of further developing the student's language skills. SPA 301 Cultural Perspectives of Spanish America 3 cr Provides the student with continued practice in language skills, while addressing a synoptic though comprehensive study of the history and culture of Spanish America. This course is designed for the non-native speaker of Spanish and satisfies the language requirement for the international studies majors. Prerequisite: Spa 275, equivalent, or instructor's permission FLC, Area I and II, Level 2 SPA 315 Critical Approaches to Hispanic Literature I 3 cr Provides students with a foundation in liberal arts through further developing their Spanish language proficiency and improving their reading and writing skills, as well as in analytical thinking. This course uses both a socio-cultural and a critical literary approach to a variety of texts from Spain (12th – 19th centuries) and Spanish America (19th century). Prerequisite: SPA 301 or equivalent. Native or near-native speakers of Spanish are encouraged to register in this class. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 Core, I-F   SPA 316 Critical Approaches to Hispanic Literature II 3 cr Follows same approach as Spanish 315 but in relationship to 20th century literature. Uses a variety of texts from both Spain and Spanish America through the four basic modern genres: poetry, theater, narrative, and essay. Prerequisite: SPA 315 or instructor's permission. Native or near-native speakers of Spanish are encouraged to register in this class. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 Core, I-F SPA 372 Introduction to Amerindian and Latin American Cultures 3 cr Examines and develops cultural awareness through a consideration at the history, geography, economy, politics, literature and art of the area known as Latin America. This course will focus on the pre-Columbian civilizations, the encounters with the Europeans, and the colonial experience. In English. FLC, Areas II and III, Level 2 SPA 373A Contemporary Latin America 3 cr Fosters a more precise understanding of those with whom we share this hemisphere, reconsiders accepted assumptions, and challenges the images that have shaped them. This course will orient students to gain insight into the future of the nations of the Americas, and the impact they will have on the rest of the world in the coming years. May be repeated as topic changes. Topic for Fall 2001: Central America. Lectures, class discussion, and films. Prerequisite: Spa 372 or instructor's permission. FLC, Areas II and III, Level 2 SPA 373B Culture and Society in the Caribbean 3 cr Emphasizes cultural commonalities without neglecting political chronology but with the history traced from a defined Caribbean and Latin American perspective. Texts from contemporary authors include literary works by Jamaica Kincaid, Julia Alvarez, Edwige Danticat, Paule Marshall, and Esmeralda Santiago. Class presentations, films, and discussions will also deal with the review of the political factors that infiltrate on the social and economic structures. In English. Prerequisite: Spa 372 or instructor's permission FLC, Areas II and III, Level 2 SPA 401 Advanced Composition and Stylistics 3 cr Develops effective written communication. Activities include news reporting, book reviews, essays, and business and formal letters. Previously studied grammatical concepts are reviewed and seen within more subtle contexts. Students from disciplines other than Spanish may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in four of the six papers required. Specially designed for native speakers of Spanish. Students will be assigned work to correspond with their level of competence. Prerequisite: Native or near-native fluency in Spanish FLC, Area I and II, Level 2 SPA 404A Special Topics in Hispanic Literature: The Novel of the Mexican Revolution 3 cr Presents the ideological, social, and historical background of the 1910 Revolution and its continuous influence in the development of Mexican Literature. Novels to be read include Mariano Azuela's The Underdogs and Carlos Fuentes' Death of Artemio Cruz.Works of the muralist painters Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros will also be presented, as well as the music and lyrics of some popular Corridos de la Revolución. Prerequisites: Oral and written fluency in Spanish. Native speakers are encouraged to participate. FLC, Area II and III, Level 2 SPA 488 Internship (Practicum) 3 cr SPA 490 Independent Study 3 cr NOTE: Descriptions for courses listed as HUM (humanities) and INT (interdisciplinary) appear in the interdisciplinary courses section of this catalog.