Foreign Language
Ella W. Kirk (1993), Chair, Associate Professor of French
B.A., Ball State University;
M.A., Ph.D., Ohio State University
Janis Breckenridge (2004), Assistant Professor of Spanish
B.A., Purdue University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago
James R. Hightower (2001, 2003), Associate Professor of French, adjunct
B.A., Harvard College;
M.A., Ph.D., Tufts University
Jane Oyarzun (1978), Professor Emerita of Spanish
B.A., University of New Hampshire;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Illinois
Debra M. Rodriguez (1986, 1990), Associate Professor of Spanish, Director of Assessment
B.A., Youngstown State University;
M.A., Kent State University;
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Robert W. Sawyer (1972), Professor Emeritus of Classical Studies
B.A., Exeter University;
M.A., University of Washington;
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Department web address: http://admission.hiram.edu/learn/majors/major.php?id=15
http://admission.hiram.edu/learn/majors/major.php?id=27
Introduction
The Department of Foreign Languages offers majors and minors in classical studies, French, and Spanish, and beginning classes in Japanese, Arabic and Chinese.
Language study opens the way to understanding and communication with various peoples, cultures, civilizations, and literatures. It involves performance skills in the foreign language (speaking, reading, writing and understanding) and command of the subject matter (literature, history, language).
Foreign language majors must study abroad for at least one term. They may participate in any of the programs described below. Any other option to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the Department. Faculty members of the department lead study abroad programs in France, Spain, and Latin America during a regular twelve-week term of the year, or during an intensive three-week session. Students may choose to spend more time abroad at Centers of the Institute of European Studies in Nantes, Paris, Freiberg, or Madrid. Italian language may be studied at John Cabot University in Rome. Students who complete their major work while abroad for a year must take at least one upper-level course (300 level) in the department during their senior year.
Students will find that their career opportunities will be broader and richer when they combine majors or minors in other disciplines with the study of a foreign language. Other disciplines are compatible with a language major: English, political science, philosophy, economics and management, fine arts, music, anthropology. Students interested in a teaching career would find it useful to major in two languages.
Students seeking certification to teach a foreign language must maintain a 2.5 grade point average in the language and are required to take a comprehensive examination. Prospective teachers of a foreign language should include course work in advanced grammar and literature, phonetics, civilization, and methods of teaching. They are encouraged to apply for the position of teaching assistant in our intensive sequence as part of their preparation as future teachers.
Language Placement
Incoming first-year students will be given a tentative placement based upon their high school language experience. Placement above 103 is by departmental placement exam only. Students are encouraged to take the placement exam during First-Year Institute or Orientation.
Literature in Translation
The following courses are taught in English and do not count toward the major or minor.
126 French Literature in Translation 3 hours
The study of major works of French literature. Selections may also include works from francophone literature (Canada, Africa, Madagascar, the Caribbean, etc.). Course content may vary with each offering; it may treat a major theme or it may focus on major authors, or a literary movement.
127 Masterpieces of German Literature 4 hours
The study of some major works of German literature. Course content may vary with each offering. It may treat major works drawn from different periods of literary history from the Middle Ages to the present; it may be devoted to a theme, such as love and death in the novel; it may be a chronological survey of a genre, such as drama or lyric poetry; or it may focus on a major author. All works are read in the best translation available, and some discussion of the nature of literary translation will be included.
128 Hispanic Literature in Translation 3 hours
Selected major works of Spanish or Spanish-American literature will be treated.
156 Meso American Literature 3 hours
Selected works in Meso American literature.
160 Japanese Literature 3 hours
This course introduces students to traditional Japanese literature in translation and explores the influence of other cultures, such as Chinese and Western, in the development of the literature of Japan. Genres studied include the novel, poetry, and theatre.
Chinese
100 Introduction to Chinese Conversational Language
and Chinese Culture 2 hours
Chinese 100 is intended to help students develop their speaking ability in Chinese. This course is designed to teach fundamental PINYIN Chinese along with some simple pictograph Chinese Characters. The course will begin with and emphasize proper pronunciation of the four tones, which is the most important skill for speaking Chinese. The students will acquire a large working vocabulary that will suit the daily life in a country where Chinese is the leading language. Chinese culture and useful Chinese idioms will be introduced during the classes.
101 Beginning Mandarin Chinese I EW 4 hours
A beginning course in basic Mandarin Chinese. Development of four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Introduction to Chinese characters. Supplemental laboratory practice and drill sessions.
102 Beginning Mandarin Chinese II EW 4 hours
A continuation of 101, introducing basic grammar and Chinese calligraphy. Supplemental laboratory practice and drill sessions. Prerequisite: Chinese 101 or equivalent.
103 Intermediate Mandarin Chinese I 4 hours
A continuation of 102. Prerequisite: Chinese 102 or equivalent. Course satisfies humanities distribution requirement.
Japanese
101 Beginning Japanese I 4 hours
A beginning course in basic Japanese grammar. Development of four skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Introduction to the Japanese scripts: hiragana and katakana. Supplemental laboratory practice and drill sessions.
102 Beginning Japanese II 4 hours
A continuation of 101, introducing basic grammar and Japanese scripts. Supplementary laboratory practice and drill sessions.
103 Intermediate Japanese I 4 hours
A continuation of Japanese 102. Prerequisite: Japanese 102 or equivalent. Japanese 103 may be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement.
Classical Studies
Requirements for Majors
The Classical Studies major requires a minimum of 9 courses or 33 hours. Required courses:
Latin 103 and 281
Greek 102, 103, 281
Classics 245, 260
History 208 or 249
at least one of the following: Art 221, Communications 332, Political Science 373, Philosophy 210, Religious Studies 243
All majors will write a senior paper (Classics 490) as part of a capstone project. Majors are encouraged to take additional courses related to the ancient world.
Requirements for Language Minors
A minor in Greek consists of 18 hours beyond 102. A minor in Latin consists of 18 hours beyond 103.
129 Masterpieces of Classical Literature 4 hours
The study of significant works from Greek and Latin literature which have exerted a lasting influence on Western writers. The specific texts will vary each time the course is offered, but students will read representative works from the following genres: epic, lyric poetry, tragedy, comedy, history, philosophy, and satire.
244 Classical Drama 3 hours
This course focuses on tragedies and comedies of the Greek and Roman theatres. Representative plays of various Greek and Latin playwrights will be examined and discussed. Whenever possible one play will be presented as Reader’s Theatre. A revised version of this course is offered for four credit hours as Classical Studies 245. A student may receive credit for only one of these courses. Also listed as Theatre Arts 244.
245 Classical Drama 4 hours
See Classical Studies 244 for a description of this course. Also listed as Theatre Arts 245.
247 Classics and the Movies 3 hours
The purpose of this course is to compare cinematic adaptations of the classical texts with the original versions. After reading the translated works of selected Greek and Latin authors, students will view the film versions, paying close attention to where the directors have been faithful to the original, where there are divergences, and how successful the adaptations are. Movies to be analyzed will include those dealing with myth, epic, tragedy, comedy, and historical themes.
260 Classical Mythology 4 hours
This course concentrates on the myths inherited from the Greeks. Various theories of myth will be examined and representative myths will be analyzed in detail. Later works of art and literature that have drawn their inspiration from Greek originals will be also be studied.
275 Roman Britain 4 hours Britannia is mentioned sparingly by the Roman historians, but much of our knowledge about the conquest, settlement, and governance of the province is derived from archaeology. Therefore, a study of Roman Britain comes alive when students can visit and study Romano-British sites, and museums in England and Wales. This course will trace the conquest of the island, beginning with Claudius in 43 and essentially ending in 122 under Hadrian, who set the province’s northern limit with a wall. The peaceful conditions of the third and early fourth centuries brought prosperity and stability to Britain. Urbanization in the province was rapid. The native aristocracy quickly adapted the working country villas familiar throughout the Empire to a British context. Unrest throughout the western Empire gradually undermined the province’s stability and eventually led to the withdrawal of the Romans from Britain in the 400s. Administration of the province, growth of industry and trade, influence of Roman religion on native cults, and aspects of daily life will be covered in the course. Students will study how the Romans transformed a native Celtic population into a distinctly Romano-British culture which integrated a Mediterranean outlook and values into its society and economy. This course is also listed as History 275.
480 Senior Seminar 4 hours
Arabic
101 Beginning Arabic I
This beginning Arabic course adopts a communicative approach where emphasis is placed on the functional use of the Arabic language. The introduction of various components of the language, i.e., sounds, letters, grammar, vocabulary . . . etc, serves the ultimate goal of enabling students to communicate in Arabic at a level that conforms to the general proficiency guidelines of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL.)
102 Beginning Arabic II
This second semester of the beginning Arabic course adopts a communicative approach where emphasis is placed on the functional use of the Arabic language. The introduction of various components of the language serves the ultimate goal of enabling students to communicate in Arabic at a level that conforms to the general proficiency guidelines of the Intermediate Low, even though some students might achieve a Novice High level and some others might achieve an Intermediate Mid level, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL.) The course deals with various aspects of Arab culture.
Greek
101 Beginning Greek I 4 hours
An introduction to the basics of the language. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring Greek vocabulary and mastering elementary grammar.
102 Beginning Greek II 4 hours
Continuation of Greek 101. More complex grammar. Reading of simple passages in the original language. Prerequisite: Greek 101 or equivalent.
103 Intermediate Greek 4 hours
Additional grammatical constructions and reading of passages from Greek authors. Prerequisite Greek 102 or equivalent. Greek 103 may be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement.
281 Independent Study 1-4 hours
Concentration on the work of one Greek author.
Latin
101 Beginning Latin I 4 hours
An introduction to the basics of the language. Emphasis will be placed on acquiring Latin vocabulary and mastering elementary grammar so that simple Latin sentences can be read.
102 Beginning Latin II 4 hours
Continuation of Latin 101. More complex grammar, including an introduction to the subjunctive. Prerequisite: Latin 101 or equivalent.
103 Intermediate Latin 4 hours
Continuation of Latin 102. Various uses of the subjunctive. Reading of connected passages from Latin authors. Prerequisite Latin 102 or equivalent. Latin 103 may be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement.
281 Independent Study 1-4 hours
Concentration on the work of one Latin author.
English as a Second Language
Hiram College offers courses in English as a Second Language to students whose native language is not English and for whom additional work in English is necessary before undertaking a regular academic load. Hiram College requires entering students whose native language is not English to demonstrate proficiency in English either by scoring 213 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam or by taking the following sequence of courses.
200 Intermediate English Grammar 4 hours
Intensive review of syntactic skills. Emphasis on building vocabulary and knowledge of American idioms. Supplemental lab work required.
201 Intermediate English Conversation
and Listening Comprehension 4 hours
Focus is on practicing and developing oral and listening comprehension skills with a particular emphasis on the rhetorical aspects of academic English.
280 Special Topics Seminar 1 - 4 hours
300 Advanced English Grammar 4 hours
A continuation of English as a Second Language 200. Prerequisite: English as a Second Language 200 or equivalent.
301 Advanced English Conversation and Listening Comprehension 4 hours
A continuation of English as a Second Language 201. Supplemental lab work is required. Prerequisite: English as a Second Language 201 or equivalent.
380 Seminar 1 - 4 hours
French
Requirements for Major
A major in French requires nine courses beyond French 103, and must include advanced grammar and composition, phonetics, civilization, and literature. In addition, a senior paper is required and a course in French history. Students are also encouraged to supplement their majors, as scheduling allows, by taking courses in such areas as: religion, philosophy, other literatures, art history and music history. French majors are required to have a study experience abroad, either in France or another French-speaking country.
Requirements for Minor
A minor in French consists of a minimum of 18 hours beyond 103.
101 Beginning French I EW 4 hours
An introduction to basic grammar and vocabulary. Develops skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing from the beginning. Supplemental laboratory and practice drill sessions.
102 Beginning French II EW 4 hours
A continuation of French 101. Supplemental laboratory and practice drill sessions. Prerequisite: French 101 or equivalent.
103 Intermediate French I EW 4 hours
Review and continuing study of grammar. Supplementary reading with conversation and composition. Prerequisite: French 102 or equivalent. French 103 or any course numbered higher than 103 may be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement.
104 Intermediate French II EW 4 hours
Study of aspects of contemporary French and francophone culture. Grammar review with discussion of current topics, vocabulary building, and situational conversation. Prerequisite: French 103 or equivalent. May be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement. First course that counts toward the major or minor in French.
203 Composition and Conversation Abroad 3 hours
Offered off-campus only. Daily contact with native speakers in normal situations gives students the opportunity to work naturally toward greater fluency. The reading and discussion of newspapers and weekly magazines, keeping a personal journal, help students to acquire vocabulary, awareness of current issues, and familiarity with everyday language. Prerequisite: French 104 or equivalent.
205 French Phonetics 3 hours
A study of French sounds, intonation, rules of pronunciation. Students will learn and use the international phonetic alphabet in order to correct and improve their accent, diction and pronunciation. The course will include intensive group and individual practice. Prerequisite: French 104 or equivalent.
215 Advanced Reading 4 hours
Readings in modern French literature. Representative works from 20th century writers from France and other francophone countries. The purpose of this course is to acquire the ability to read fluently and critically. Prerequisite: 104 or equivalent.
220 Advanced Composition and Conversation EW 4 hours
Intensive oral and written practice. Advanced grammar and systematic acquisition of vocabulary. A choice of texts on a variety of topics (history, contemporary issues, art and music) as well as literary readings will be used as a basis for discussion, oral presentations and papers. Prerequisite: 104 or equivalent.
250 History of French Civilization 4 hours
A study of the important events in the political, cultural and artistic development of France. Prerequisite: French 104 or equivalent.
251 Contemporary French Civilization 4 hours
A study of the people of France, their culture and customs. This course will introduce students to French geography, political and social institutions, education, technology, family traditions and the arts. Prerequisite: French 104 or equivalent.
280 Seminar 1 - 4 hours
281 Independent Study 1 - 4 hours
310 Stylistics and Translation 4 hours
Practice in formal written expression; introduction to stylistics and the art of translation. Translation from English to French and French to English to develop accuracy of expression in both languages. Prerequisite: French 220 or permission.
320 Lyric Poetry 3 hours
Introduction to the rules of versification, and study of lyric poetry from the Renaissance and the 19th and 20th centuries. Prerequisite: French 215 or permission.
330 Studies in the Literature of the 17th Century 4 hours
Classicism: prose, the moralists and theatre. Corneille, Racine, Molière, LaFontaine, LaFayette, Pascal, LaRochefoucauld, LaBruyère. Prerequisite: French 215 or permission.
340 Studies in the Literature of the 18th Century 4 hours
From the Age of Enlightenment to Pre-Romanticism. The “philosophes”: Montesquieu, Diderot, Voltaire, Rousseau. The novel: Prévost, Laclos, Grafigny, Charrière. Theatre: Marivaux, Beaumarchais. Prerequisite: French 215 or permission.
350 Studies in the Literature of the 19th Century 4 hours
Development from the romantic novel to realism and naturalism. Constant, Balzac, Stendhal, Flaubert, Maupassant, Zola. Prerequisite: French 215 or permission.
360 Studies in the Literature of the 20th Century 4 hours
Study of representative authors in prose and theatre: possibilities include Proust, Gide, Mauriac, Malraux, Bernanos, Colette, Giraudoux, Anouilh, Beckett, Ionesco, Claudel, Camus, Sartre, Beauvoir, Duras.
380 Seminar 3 - 4 hours
This course may study a chosen theme or trace the development of a particular genre, and may include literature of other francophone countries. Possible topics: Romanticism, Women in literature, the novel of Quebec, French-language literature of Africa.
480 Senior Seminar 4 hours
481 Independent Research 1 - 4 hours
490 Senior Project 1 - 4 hours
Each senior major will research, prepare and present a paper on an approved topic involving the literature or culture of France or another French-speaking country.
German
101 Beginning German I 4 hours
Introduction to basic German grammar. A course designed to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Supplemental lab and drill practice.
102 Beginning German II 4 hours
A continuation of German 101. Supplemental lab and drill practice. Prerequisite: German 101 or equivalent.
103 Intermediate German I 4 hours
Review and continued study of grammar. Supplementary readings with conversation and composition. Supplemental lab and drill practice. Prerequisite: German 102 or equivalent.
The three basic courses emphasize oral proficiency through class work as well as lab drill sessions with specially trained language assistants. A native language assistant regularly participates in the program. German 103 or any course numbered higher than 103 may be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement.
104 Intermediate German II 4 hours
Development of facility in spoken and written German and a review of grammar. A variety of texts and topics dealing with contemporary German culture and writing. Short stories, newspaper articles, magazines, tapes or slides may be part of the material used in this course. Special emphasis is on classroom discussion and participation, as well as short expository exercises. Prerequisite: German 103 or equivalent.
Spanish
A major in Spanish requires a minimum of ten courses beyond Spanish 103, including an approved study abroad experience in the language and Spanish 490. Course work must include American and Peninsular civilization and literature as well as advanced grammar, and should be chosen in consultation with the Spanish department faculty. Phonetics is required for teaching certification and is strongly recommended for all students. As part of a capstone project, all majors will give a senior presentation (Spanish 490) based on a written paper and portfolio. Students are expected to develop a satisfactory command of the Spanish language and to begin to understand the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking nations.
A minor in Spanish consists of a minimum of 18 semester hours of course work taken in the language beyond Spanish 103.
The elementary and intermediate courses (100-level) are offered once a year, as are two or three upper-level courses (200s). The literature courses (300s) listed below are offered periodically, one or two per year.
In order to graduate with departmental honors in Spanish, a student must fulfill the college’s grade-point requirements and initiate an individual honors project in association with a member of the Spanish faculty. The honors project may not substitute for the SPAN 490 senior capstone.
For the Spanish major
At least 9 courses in Spanish (either 3- or 4-semester hour courses) chosen in consultation with the Spanish faculty from SPAN 104 and beyond:
SPAN 101, 102, and 103 never apply to the major.
SPAN 104 only applies to the major if students receive credit-by-examination or place into and take the course.
SPAN 104 is usually followed by SPAN 200, Advanced Reading and Introduction to Criticism, which will be the first upper-level course for students who place out of 104. There are some exceptions to this rule; these should be made in consultation with faculty.
SPAN 211, Phonetics, is required for K-12 certification and is strongly recommended for non-native speakers of Spanish.
Courses should include advanced grammar, civilization—both Peninsular and Spanish American—and literature courses.
An approved study-abroad program with a family homestay component (the approved courses are included in the total of 9 courses), and
The senior capstone project, SPAN 490.
For the Spanish minor
At least 5 courses in Spanish beyond SPAN 103 (Intermediate I) and totaling at least 18 hours, chosen in consultation with Spanish faculty.
101 Beginning Spanish I EW 4 hours
An introduction to Spanish. Development of four basic skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking. Introduction to grammar. Course taught in Spanish. Supplemental laboratory drill sessions required.
102 Beginning Spanish II EW 4 hours
A continuation of Spanish 101. Supplemental laboratory drill sessions required. Prerequisite: Spanish 101 or equivalent (placement).
103 Intermediate Spanish I EW 4 hours
A continuation of Spanish 102. Quick grammar review. Conversation and composition labs. Prerequisite: Spanish 102 or equivalent (placement). Spanish 103 or any course numbered higher than 103 may be used to satisfy a humanities distributive requirement.
104 Intermediate Spanish II EW 4 hours
A continuation of Spanish 103. First course counted toward a Spanish major or minor. Continuing study of grammatical and idiomatic difficulties. Emphasis on vocabulary building through reading and discussion. Prerequisite: Spanish 103 or equivalent (placement).
200 Advanced Reading & Introduction To Criticism 3 hours
An introduction to extensive reading in contemporary Spanish: vocabulary building, idiomatic usage, development of rapid comprehension, and critical analysis. Prerequisite: Spanish 104 or equivalent (placement).
201 Conversation & Composition 4 hours
An intensive course in oral and written practice. Systematic acquisition of vocabulary and study of syntax with emphasis on building fluency in spoken and written work. Prerequisite: Spanish 104 or equivalent (placement).
203 Conversation & Composition On Site Abroad 4 hours
Offered only abroad, this course is a systematic approach to learning the contemporary language of the host country. Daily contact with native speakers, newspaper and magazine readings, daily journal entries and compositions afford the student practice in communicating. Prerequisite: Spanish 104 or equivalent.
211 Phonetics 3 hours
Theory of Spanish phonetics: symbols, transcription, interpretation. Intensive pronunciation practice and student-taped exercises. A performance component will be included. This course is vital for prospective teachers of Spanish and of interest to all students desiring to correct their pronunciation. Prerequisite: Spanish 104 or equivalent.
231 Advanced Grammar and Composition 4 hours
The study of advanced grammar and syntax in Spanish for non-native speakers to increase their accuracy and develop linguistic sophistication. <Prereq SPAN 200 or MLA advanced-level test credit or permission>
250 Peninsular Spanish Civilization 4 hours
Cultural highlights from prehistoric times to the present day. Prerequisite: Spanish 200.
251 Spanish American Civilization 4 hours
Cultural highlights from pre-Colombian times to the present day. Prerequisite: Spanish 200.
280 Seminar 1 - 4 hours
281 Independent Study 1 - 4 hours
302 Don Quijote 4 hours
Cervantes’ classic novel, Parts I and II. Prerequisite: Spanish 200.
311 Spanish American Novel 4 hours
The history of the novel in Spanish America and analysis of selected 20th Century novels. Prerequisite: Spanish 200.
312 Spanish American Short Story 4 hours
Masters of the short story from Lugones to García Márquez. Prerequisite: Spanish 200.
313 Spanish American Poetry 4 hours
Spanish American poets, from Darío to the present. Prerequisite: Spanish 200.
316 Latin American Film 4 hours
Classic Latin American films. Prerequisite: Spanish 200 or 211.
317 Spanish Film 4 hours
Classic Spanish films from Buñuel to Almodovar and beyond. Prerequisite: Spanish 200 or 211.
331 Translation and Style 4 hours
Analysis of writing in Spanish through the examination of expository and literary texts, and the introduction to translation. Translation from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish in order to build further understanding of the language and develop awareness of linguistic nuances. Strong emphasis on improving accuracy of expression in both languages. <SPAN 230 or 231, study-abroad program, or permission>
380 Seminar 3 - 4 hours
The study in-depth of one author, one theme, one literary movement, or one genre. Possible topics include magic realism, Spanish American women writers, the Generation of ’98, or Spanish Civil War literature. Prerequisite: 300 level course work or permission.
490 Senior Project 1-4 hours
The senior capstone project for Spanish majors consists of the following written and oral portions: 1) a research paper involving a cultural, literary, or linguistic topic approved by the faculty, 2) the oral presentation of its findings, and 3) a portfolio that reflects on and documents the student’s achievement of the educational goals of the Hiram College Spanish Department.
498 Internship 1 - 4 hours