Modern Languages and Cultures
Cultural Diversity | Culture and Language | French | Latin | Spanish
The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures offers minors in French Studies and Spanish. Also available are Interdisciplinary Minors in Latin American Studies, European Studies, and International Film Studies.
By providing a range of courses in the language, culture, literature, film, and business of the French and Spanish speaking worlds the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures enables all NDNU students to experience the process of language learning and to gain insights into other cultures.
Students are encouraged to gain practical experience outside the classroom by engaging in internships with companies and agencies both in the USA and abroad to prepare for future careers.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad which may be undertaken for a summer, a semester, or a whole year, is highly recommended and a popular way for students to hone their language skills, experience living in another culture, and undergo significant personal growth. Study Abroad programs are available in the French and Spanish speaking areas of the world and are open to all Notre Dame de Namur University students, and financial aid is usually available.
All students minoring in French will be encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. Courses taken abroad may be applied to a student's degree at NDNU as appropriate.
Service Learning
An exciting summer service learning program has been developed in Guadalajara, Mexico for students who are interested in immersing themselves in, contributing service to, and learning from life in a poor, urban community. This program is also open to all members of the NDNU community.
Culture and Language Courses
These courses offer basic language content in addition to a study of the cultural heritage of a specific area of the world. They are specifically for students studying for a Bachelor of Science degree who decide that they prefer to substitute two of the following courses instead of regular language courses in French or Spanish. BS students may not use the same coursework to satisfy both the Culture and Language and the Cultural Diversity Core Curriculum Requirements. Please see the Common Core section of the Core Curriculum Requirements for more information concerning the Culture and Language Requirement.
CL101 Introduction to French Literature in Film [CL]
(3)
Cross-listed with FR101. See French
listings for course description.
CL109A Women in French Literature [CDiv] [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with FR109A. See French
listings for course description.
CL113 French Cinema, Culture, and Language [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with FR113. See French
listings for course description. Satisfies a Film Studies Minor
requirement.
CL114 Paris-Hollywood: Battle of the Remakes [CL] (3)
A study of the cinematic relationship between two rivals, Paris and Hollywood from 1895 to present. Comparing the French Original and its American Remake. A cross-cultural study. Satisfies a Film Studies Minor requirement. Cross-listed with FR124.
CL115 Modern France: Culture and Language [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with FR115. See French
listings for course description.
CL134A/B History, Culture, and Language of France [CL]
(3)
Cross-listed with FR134A/B and HY134A/B. See French
listings for course description.
CL139 Cultural Heritage and Language of China [CDiv]
[CL] (3)
Gives an introduction to the history, culture, and language of
China with presentations on cultural practices by guest speakers.
Cross-listed with CU139.
CL140C/E Business French [CL] (3/3)
Cross-listed with FR140C/E and GB140E and IB140E. See French
listings for course description.
CL161 Mexico: Politics, Culture, and Language [CDiv]
[CL] (1)
Cross-listed with LA161. See Latin American
Studies listings for course description. Satisfies a Social Justice Studies Minor requirement.
CL162 Central America: Politics, Culture, and Language
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with LA162. See Latin American
Studies listings for course description.
CL164 Andean Nations: Politics, Culture, and Language [CDiv]
[CL] (3)
Cross-listed with LA164. See Latin American
Studies listings for course description.
CL165 Indegenous Cultures of Latin America [CDiv] (3)
Cross-listed with LA165. See Latin American Studies listings for course description.
CL175 Latino/Hispanic Experience in the USA [CDiv] [CL]
(3)
Cross-listed with LA175. See Latin American
Studies listings for course description. Satisfies a Social Justice Studies Minor requirement.
CL176 Mexican American Literature, Language, and Film
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with LA176. See Latin American
Studies listings for course description.
CL195 Special Topics in Culture and Language [CL] (3)
Is offered as needed to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement
in Culture and Language.
CL196 African Cinema, Culture, and Language [CDiv] [CL]
(3)
Cross-listed with FR196. See French
listings for course description. Satisfies a Film Studies Minor
requirement and a Social Justice Studies Minor requirement.
CL197 Culture and Language of Latin America through Film
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with LA197 and SP197. See Latin
American Studies listings for course description. Satisfies
a Film Studies Minor requirement.
CL198 Service Learning: Spanish Community Service Project
[CDiv] [CL] (1-3)
Cross-listed with LA198, SO198 and SP198. See Latin
American Studies listings for course description. Satisfies a Social Justice Studies Minor requirement and a Community Based Learning requirement.
French Studies
French Studies minors have the option of concentrating in literature, culture, or business culture.
Students may choose to double-minor, combining French with such disciplines as business, sociology, psychology, communications, political science, or history. These combinations prepare students for future work in companies with ties in Canada, Europe, and Africa, as well as in government organizations and teaching institutions.
Minor Requirements: French Studies |
Units | |
| 12 units chosen from the following: | 12 | |
| FR100A/B | Advanced Conversation (1-4) | |
| FR101 | Introduction to French Literature in Film (3) | |
| FR109A | Women in French Literature (3) | |
| FR109D | French Society in Texts and Films (3) | |
| FR113 | French Cinema, Culture, and Language (3) | |
| FR115 | Modern France: Culture and Language (3) | |
| FR134A/B | History, Culture, and Language of France (3/3) | |
| FR135 | Pronunciation in Cultural Context (1-3) | |
| FR140C/E | Business French/Internships (3/3) | |
| FR149T | Teaching Assistant (1-3) | |
| FR196 | African Cinema, Culture, and Language (3) | |
| Total | 12 | |
French Studies Courses
If a course is listed as both lower-division and upper-division, a separate syllabus is required for each. The amount of work required for upper-division credit will differ in both quantity and quality from that required for lower-division credit.
FR001/002 Basic Practical French (3/3)
Prerequisite for 002: FR001 or equivalent.
Begins the study of French, using direct audiovisual method; focuses
on lively, efficient, and fast learning of everyday practical
vocabulary, basic grammar, and conversation.
FR003/004 Intermediate Conversation (3/3)
Prerequisite: FR002 or equivalent and/or Placement
Test.
Students discuss various issues of French culture. Course includes
short compositions written on those issues, grammar review, pronunciation
and vocabulary building exercises, and extensive use of multimedia
technology.
FR010 Grammar Review and Conversation (1-3)
Prerequisite: FR004 or equivalent and/or Placement
Test.
Offers an advanced grammar review. Includes discussion of French
cultural issues, research using Internet in French, extensive
conversation practice, and viewing of French media.
FR099/199 Independent Study (1-3)
Provides an opportunity for independent study or research in French
under the direction of the instructor. See Undergraduate
Policies and Procedures section on Independent Study.
FR100A Advanced Conversation (1-3)
Prerequisite: FR004 or equivalent and/or Placement
Test.
Provides in depth discussion of issues in contemporary France.
Students use French press and French web sites in their research
and oral presentations.
FR100B Advanced Conversation: Issues in Contemporary France (1-3)
Prerequisite: FR100A or the equivalent.
Study, discussion and analysis of French TV programs and articles in the current press. Research on France and Francophone countries and written reports in French on the issues studied.
FR101 Introduction to French Literature in Film [CL]
(3)
Introduces French literature and society through the study of
French literary texts and their film adaptation, comparing the
two artistic forms. Research on the periods, the authors, and
their social environment, as well as the film directors and their
cinematic techniques are studied. Taught in English with a French
component. Cross-listed with CL101.
FR109A Women in French Literature [CDiv] [CL] (3)
Studies the role of women in French Literature as well as the
changing attitudes of French society toward women as expressed
in the literature. Satisfies Women's Studies Minor requirement.
Taught in English with a French component. Cross-listed with CL109A.
FR109D French Society in Texts and Films (3)
Studies French culture and society in literary texts and press articles. Explores how cultural and social aspects of France are represented in films. The class is taught in French.
FR109F The French Today (1-3)
Prerequisite: FR100A or the equivalent.
Study and discussion of French behavior, institutions and creations, as well as social structure and values in France today.
FR113 French Cinema, Culture, and Language [CL] (3)
Explores French cinema from origins (Meliès) to the present
and major movements (New Wave) and directors (Truffaut, Godard).
Films are viewed and discussed. Taught in English with a French
component. Cross-listed with CL113. Satisfies a Film Studies Minor
requirement.
FR115 Modern France: Culture and Language [CL] (3)
Studies modern French society and life through texts and films.
Taught in English with a French component. Cross-listed with CL115.
FR124 Paris-Hollywood: Battle of the Remakes [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with CL114. See Culture and Language listings for course description.
FR134A History, Culture, and Language of France [CL]
(3)
Surveys French history and culture from its origins in Gaul to
the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century. Topics
include politics, literature, art, and daily life. Taught in English
with a French component. Included also is an introduction to basic,
practical French. Cross-listed with CL134A and HY134A.
FR134B History, Culture, and Language of France [CL]
(3)
A continuation of FR134A from the French Revolution to the present.
Taught in English with a French component. Cross-listed with CL134B
and HY134B.
FR135 Pronunciation in Cultural Context
(1-3)
Prerequisite: FR004 or the equivalent.
Practice of pronunciation and study of phonetics in discussing cultural
and literary texts. Study of French idioms, acquisition of vocabulary.
The course is conducted in French.
Satisfies a French Minor requirement.
FR140C/E Business French [CL] (3/3)
Studies French Business culture and how the French way in business
compares to the American way. Course includes: visits to companies
in the area for field experience and prospective internships,
preparation for job search, planning work experience in a French
or French-American company, and meeting with French CEOs in the
Bay Area. This course leads to an Internship in the area or abroad.
Taught in English with a French component. Cross-listed with CL140C/E
and GB140E/IB140E.
FR149T Teaching Assistant (1-3)
Advanced undergraduate French students, through classroom observation,
tutoring, and some teaching, are shown the techniques used in
foreign language instruction. May be used as upper-division units
in the minor.
FR196 African Cinema, Culture, and Language [CDiv] [CL]
(3)
Studies African culture as well as culture of the French West
Indies (Martinique and Guadeloupe) through their cinema. The course
includes films of Cameroon, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso as
well as Martinique. Students are introduced to elementary communication
skills in French. The course is taught in English with a French
component. Cross-listed with CL196. Satisfies a Film Studies Minor
requirement and Social Justice Studies Minor requirement.
Intercultural Studies Courses
These courses offer cultural enrichment through the study of both western and non-western cultures.
CU139 Cultural Heritage and Language of China [CDiv]
[CL] (3)
Cross-listed with CL139. See Culture
and Language listings for course description.
CU150 European Cinema (3) [CDiv]
Focuses on the study of the art of cinema in Europe and how it
reveals various European cultures. Students study films by major
European directors: Bergman, Fassbinder, Fellini, Saura, Truffaut,
and Wajda. It satisfies European Studies Major and Film Studies
Minor requirements.
CU151 Intercultural Cinema [CDiv] (3)
Focuses on the study of the art of cinema in nonwestern cultures
and how it reveals these cultures. Films by major directors in
China, Japan, India, Africa: Satyajit Ray, Akira Kurosawa, Euzhan
Palcy, Gaston Kabore, and others are studied. Satisfies a Film
Studies Minor requirement.
CU195 Special Topics in Cultural Heritage [CDiv] (3)
Is offered as needed to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement
in Cultural Diversity.
Latin Courses
LT001 Introduction to Latin (3)
Introduces the language and culture of the Latin-speaking world, from classical Latin through the Middle Ages. Students develop reading skills, learning the basics of grammar and vocabulary which are useful in many fields. The Latin classics will be read.
LT002 Introduction to Latin II (3)
Continuation of LT001.
Latin American Studies and Spanish
Interdisciplinary minors in Latino and Latin American Studies combine proficiency in the Spanish language with the study of the history, politics, literature, art, music, culture, and values of the Spanish-speaking people of Mexico, South and Central America, and the United States.
Students may also choose to minor in Spanish, emphasizing the building of skills and fluency in the Spanish language, especially for career purposes.
If a course is listed both as lower-division and upper-division, a separate syllabus is required for each. The amount of work required for upper-division credit will differ in both quantity and quality from that required for lower-division credit. Courses in the Latin American Studies Interdisciplinary Minor offered by other departments are described in the course listings of those departments. In courses which fulfill a requirement in the Core Curriculum and the Latin American Studies Interdisciplinary Minor, extra assignments or different projects will be required of students for the minor so that the focus of study and research is on Latin America.
Latin American Studies Courses
LA100C Spanish Conversation through Film (3)
Cross-listed with SP100C. See Spanish listings
for course description.
LA103 Spanish for the Bilingual World: Community Service and Business [CDiv] (3)
Cross-listed with SP103. See Spanish listings for course description.
LA110 Literature of Latin America [CDiv] (3)
Taught in English, this will introduce the major works of recent
Latin American literature by writers such as Borges, Neruda, García
Márquez, Vargas Llosa, Fuentes, Allende, and Restrepo,
among others.
LA161 Mexico: Politics, Culture, and Language [CDiv]
[CL] (1)
Focuses on the social, political, and cultural characteristics
of Mexico, a nation largely misunderstood by most Americans, despite
sharing a 2,000 mile border with the U.S. and being our Southern
neighbor and partner in trade. Covers the Pre-Columbian indigenous
cultures, the effects of the Spanish Conquest, and issues of NAFTA,
immigration, and underdevelopment. Includes an introduction to
the Spanish language. Cross-listed with CL161.
LA162 Central America: Politics, Culture, and Language
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Offers an in-depth view of the Maya civilization, the legacies
of the Spanish Conquest and the contemporary dilemmas of land
reform, liberation theology, and political unrest. Includes an
introduction to the Spanish language. Cross-listed with CL162.
LA164 Andean Nations: Politics, Culture, and Language
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
The Inca civilization, the effects of the Spanish colonization,
the dilemma of modernization, and the resulting cultural identity
of the Andean Nations are studied and analyzed. Includes an introduction
to the Spanish language. Cross-listed with CL164.
LA165 Indegenous Cultures of Latin America [CDiv] (3)
Study of the cultures of the Maya, Inca, and Aztecs; their art, architecture, cultural and religious beliefs. Exploration of modern Latin American indegenous groups in Southern Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, and the Amazon and their place in the globalized world.
LA175 Latino/Hispanic Experience in the USA [CDiv] [CL]
(3)
Taught in English, this course explores the ever-expanding body
of literature, poetry, prose, drama, and film that reveals what
immigrants of Latino Hispanic heritage, primarily of Mexican,
Puerto Rican, and Cuban descent, experience when immigrating,
settling, and integrating into the larger society of the USA.
Includes an introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish. Cross-listed
with CL175.
LA176 Mexican American Literature, Language, and Film
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Explores the recent flowering of Mexican American fiction, poetry,
drama, and film. Includes an introduction to the fundamentals
of Spanish. Cross-listed with CL176.
LA197 Culture and Language of Latin America through Film
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Viewing films with English subtitles, students investigate social,
historical, and political issues of Latin America. Spanish language
is introduced through the films. Cross-listed with CL197 and SP197.
LA198 Service Learning: Spanish Community Service Project
[CDiv] [CL] (1-3)
Prerequisites: SP001 and SP002 or equivalent.
Provides students the opportunity to receive credit for participation
in the annual Guadalajara Community Service Project if they complete
required readings and activities during the Spring semester prior
to departure, keep specified records of their experiences during
their stay in Guadalajara, and write a detailed report upon return
to campus in Belmont. Cross-listed with CL198, SO198 and SP198. Satisfies a Community Based Learning requirement.
LA199 Independent Study in Latin American Studies (1-3)
Provides an opportunity for independent study or research in Latin
American Studies to be arranged under the direction of the instructor.
See Undergraduate Policies and Procedures
section on Independent Study.
Spanish
To satisfy the requirements for a Minor in Spanish students must complete four of the following courses or their equivalents for a total of 12 upper-division units in Spanish.
Minor Requirements: Spanish |
Units | |
| Complete 12 upper- division units from the following: | 12 | |
| SP100A | Advanced Spanish: Composition and Grammar Review (3) | |
| SP100B | Advanced Spanish: La herencia cultural de latinoamérica (3) | |
| SP100C | Spanish Conversation through Film (3) | |
| SP103 | Spanish for a Bilingual World: Community Service and Business (3) | |
| SP115 | Introducción a la literatura latinoamericana (3) | |
| SP198 | Service Learning: The Guadalajara Community Service Project (1-3) | |
| Total | 12 | |
Spanish Courses
SP001/002 Introduction to Spanish (3/3)
Prerequisite for 002: SP001 (or equivalent).
Introduces the language and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
Students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills,
with emphasis on communication and introduction to the culture
of the Spanish-speaking world. Increasing use of the Internet
opens up new worlds to the beginning language student.
SP003/004 Intermediate Spanish (3/3)
Prerequisite: SP002 or equivalent, and/or Placement Test.
Students will continue developing their Spanish skills by reading, writing, researching, and conversing about actual issues facing a diverse community. Students will apply their learning in community-based learning activities that correspond to the focus of the class. Taking SP196 concurrently for one additional credit of community-based learning, which may also apply as one career development unit, is optional but highly recommended.
SP099/199 Independent Study in Spanish (1-3)
Provides an opportunity for independent study or research in Latin
American Studies under the direction of the instructor. See Undergraduate
Policies and Procedures section on Independent Study.
SP100A Advanced Spanish Composition and Grammar Review
(3)
Prerequisite: SP004 or equivalent, and/or Placement Test.
Building on preceding foundation courses, this course provides
a guided development of writing skills in Spanish along with a
review of grammatical structures which generally need special
attention at this level.
SP100B Advanced Spanish: La herencia cultural de latinoamérica
[CDiv] (3)
Prerequisite: SP100A or SP103 or equivalent and/or Placement
Test.
Taught in Spanish, this course gives a panoramic view of the culture
and history of Latin America through journalistic and literary
readings and film, not only in textbook form but also through
the reading of daily newspapers via the Internet from countries
all over the Spanish speaking world.
SP100C Spanish Conversation through Film
(3)
Prerequisite: SP002 or equivalent, and/or Placement
Test.
Students have the opportunity to view films in Spanish, produced
and directed in Spanish speaking countries. Conversation in Spanish
follows on the issues raised regarding a variety of contemporary
themes of relevance to recent developments. Cross-listed with
LA100C.
SP103 Spanish for a Bilingual World: Community Service
and Business [CDiv] (3)
Prerequisites: SP004 (i.e., 4th semester or equivalent)
and basic fluency.
This course is intended to help and prepare those who are working
in community service agencies and offices where they are expected
to perform a variety of tasks in Spanish for non-English speaking
clients and patients. Assignments will focus on the writing of
memos, e-mail, letters, reports, and filling out forms, interpreting
and translating in role play situations, addressing groups in
Spanish, and eliciting information. The content of the class will
be tailored to the areas in which students either are or expect
to be working during their internships and community service work.
Visits to local agencies and companies will be included, where
possible. Cross-listed with LA103.
SP115 Introducción a la literatura latinoamericana
[CDiv] (3)
Prerequisite: SP100A or SP100B or permission
of the instructor.
Introduces the fiction, poetry, and drama of Latin America, taught
in Spanish. Emphasis on oral participation through enactment of
one-act plays.
SP196 Community-Based Learning (1)
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in SP003 or SP004 or approval of the instructor.
Students will organize lessons, maintain records, develop evaluation procedures and teach an English as a Second Language class on the NDNU campus. The ESL cafeteria class is offered Wednesday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 with students devoting an additional hour, 30 minutes before and after, for coordination of lessons and reflection.
SP197 Culture and Language of Latin America through Film
[CDiv] [CL] (3)
Cross-listed with CL197 and LA197. See Latin
American Studies listings for course description.
SP198 Service Learning: Spanish Community Service Project [CDiv] [CL]
(1-3)
Cross-listed with CL198, LA198 and SO198. See Latin
American Studies listings for course description.
Modern Languages and Cultures
St. Mary's Hall
Tel: (650) 508-3558
E-mail: hdavis@ndnu.edu.