International Languages Courses
Course Descriptions
CHIN 111
Introductory Mandarin Chinese I
This course will focus on introducing modern standard Chinese (Mandarin) language and culture, including the Chinese pronunciation system, essential vocabulary and grammar, reading and writing Chinese characters. Communicative competence and cross-cultural awareness are emphasized.
*** Prerequisite: No previous background in Mandarin Chinese or other Chinese dialect. Refer to the Department of International Languages section (How to choose a language) in the Undergraduate Calendar for details. ***
* Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 100 or CHIN 111.*
CHIN 112
Introductory Mandarin Chinese II
This course is a continuation of CHIN 111. Students will review the pronunciation system; build on the vocabulary, structure and grammar concepts introduced in CHIN 111; and be introduced to additional characters. Further emphasis on communicative competence and cross-cultural understanding.
*** Prerequisite: CHIN 111 or Grade 12 Mandarin or permission of the Department. ***
* Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 101 or CHIN 112.*
CHIN 211
Intermediate Chinese I
This course is designed to reinforce and further develop the material covered in introductory courses. Everyday speech patterns are stressed in order to strengthen communicative competence. Simplified short stories, poems, and idioms are introduced to further develop students’ ability to read and write in both Chinese Pinyin and characters.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 112, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 102 or CHIN 211.*
CHIN 212
Intermediate Chinese II
A continuation of CHIN 211, this course will further the development of communicative skills using more complex structures in a culturally appropriate manner. Students are expected to write paragraphs in Chinese characters.
*** Prerequisite: CHIN 211, or permission of the Department Head.***
* Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 200 or CHIN 212.*
CHIN 290AA
Chinese Idioms and Short Stories
A study of Chinese language and culture through Chinese idioms and related short stories.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 211***
CHIN 290AD
Contemporary China
This course examines the evolution of Chinese society since the 1960s. Topics include China's economic reforms, the evolution of the country's global position, and issues facing China's minority populations. Students have the option of working with Chinese language materials for selected assignments.
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of CHIN 290AD or HIST 290AV.*
CHIN 311
Intermediate Mandarin Chinese II
A continuation of CHIN 212, this course will further enhance the student's ability to comprehend and produce more complicated speech patterns. Edited Chinese classic works and modern literature are introduced to enhance students’ cultural appreciation and reading comprehension. Students will recite short texts and produce letters and biographical information in Chinese characters.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 212, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 201 or CHIN 311.*
CHIN 312
Advanced Mandarin Chinese I
This course involves the comprehension of more complex topics that are closer to normal native speed and require extended vocabulary and knowledge of structure, grammar and culture. Reading and writing skills are further developed. Students are expected to use more sophisticated structures in their speaking and writing.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 311 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 300 or CHIN 312.*
CHIN 361
Translation I
This course focuses on the theories and skills of translation from English to Chinese and from Chinese to English. Authentic texts of various genres will be included. A further focus is the comparison of the two languages and cultures including the vocabulary, grammar, and correct idiomatic usage, etc.
* Note: This class is for Chinese dialect speakers and those with advanced Mandarin. *
* Note: Students may receive credit for only one of CHIN 390AB or CHIN 361. *
CHIN 390AD
Advanced Study in Chinese Idioms
A continue study of Chinese language and culture through Chinese idioms and its origins in the form of stories. This course is a continuation of CHIN 290AA.
*** Prerequisite: CHIN 290AA ***
CHIN 390AE
A Survey of Chinese Literature (for advanced CHIN students)
This course aims to provide students with a survey of Chinese literature along with the literary masters, works, genres, and schools from the pre-Qin era till today. Important literary texts will be studied, through which students will learn to appreciate and use the Chinese language in literature and communication.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 312 or permission of Department Head.***
*Note: For non-native language learners.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of CHIN 390AE OR CHIN 390AF.*
CHIN 390AF
A Survey of Chinese Literature (for Chinese (Mandarin) Speakers)
This course aims to provide students with a survey of Chinese literature along with the literary masters, works, genres, and schools from the pre-Qin era till today. Important literary texts will be studied, through which students will learn to appreciate and use the Chinese language in literature and communication.
*Note: For Chinese (Mandarin) speakers.*
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of CHIN 390AE OR CHIN 390AF.*
CHIN 390AG
Interpretation I
This course explores oral/aural interpretation as an academic discipline and professional skill. The focus will be on the theory and practice of Chinese-English and English-Chinese interpretation including techniques in aural comprehension and oral expression. Fundamental concepts of cross-cultural communication, ethics, and professional conduct will also be introduced.
*Note: This class is for Chinese dialect speakers and those with advanced Mandarin.*
CHIN 411
Advanced Mandarin Chinese II
This course will strengthen students overall language and cultural proficiency. Authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, news broadcastings, movies, TV shows and Chinese computer software will be used to improve communicative competence. Selected authentic Chinese classic works and examples of modern literature will be introduced and discussed to deepen students’ appreciation of the Chinese language and culture and to develop a high level of sophistication in the use of the language.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 312 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 301 or CHIN 411.*
CHIN 461
Translation II
This course is a continuation of CHIN 361. It will further enhance the skills and techniques of translation between English and Chinese. A wider selection of
authentic texts of various genres will be included. It will continue to focus on the comparison of the two languages and cultures including the vocabulary,
grammar, and usage, etc.
***Prerequisite: CHIN 361 or CHIN 390AB or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of CHIN 490AA or CHIN 461.*
GER 111
Introductory German I
This introductory course is designed to develop basic communicative competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Cultural awareness and sociolinguistic competence are emphasized.
*** Prerequisite: No previous background in German. Refer to the Department of International Languages Section of the Undergraduate Calendar (How to choose a language) for details. ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GER 100 or GER 111.*
GER 112
Introductory German II
This is a continuation of GER 111. Students will review and build on the concepts and structures introduced in GER 111. There is continued emphasis on developing essential vocabulary and communicative competence in authentic, everyday situations.
*** Prerequisite: GER 111 or permission of the Department Head. ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GER 101 or GER 112.*
GER 211
Intermediate German I
Building on introductory German, this course includes the study of more complex grammatical structures and an emphasis on increasingly sophisticated oral and written expression. Discussion of short German texts from various cultural sources.
*** Prerequisite: GER 112 or permission of the Department Head ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GER 102 or GER 211.*
GER 212
Intermediate German II
Continuation of GER 211. Fostering of more independent learning and use of German. Production of longer written texts and more sophisticated oral expression. Examination of German cultural texts and focus on acquisition of intermediate-level vocabulary.
*** Prerequisite: GER 211, or permission of the Department Head ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GER 201 or GER 212.*
GER 303
German for Business
Introduction to Business German, business correspondence, resumes, reports, and presentations.
***Prerequisite: GER 212 or permission of the Department Head.***
GER 311
Advanced German I
Consolidation of grammar, emphasis on acquisition of advanced-level vocabulary and extension of idiomatic usage of German. Greater integration of cultural texts in German.
***Prerequisite: GER 212, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for only one of GER 202 or GER 311.*
GER 312
Advanced German II
Continuation of GER 311. Development of vocabulary for a wide variety of social situations. Focus on the comprehension of complex texts and an increased sophistication of oral and written expression.
*** Prerequisite: GER 311, or permission of the Department Head. ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GER 300 or GER 312.*
GER 390AF
REEL German Culture: An examination of German Cinema
Offered in German. This course provides an historical overview of several mainstream German films. Students will examine and discuss the function of film in the construction of social, sexual, ethnic, national identities.
***Prerequisite: GER 212.***
**Permission of the Department Head may be required to register in some offerings.**
GER 390AM
In Pursuit of Meaning: Translation Theory and Practice
We explore translation as both an academic pursuit and a practical professional activity. Students learn about "equivalence" (textual, grammatical, pragmatic), a concept central to translation, as well as the ethics and morality relating to the profession. We also put theory into practice by translating from a German novel into English.
***Prerequisite: GER 212.***
**Permission of the Department Head may be required to register in some offerings.**
GER 390AN
Bernhard Schlink's The Reader. A Work of Generational Disconnection
Through Bernhard Schlink's pivotal novel Der Vorleser/The Reader and selected secondary works, this course examines a literary Aufarbeitung (re-engagement) with the aftermath of Germany's years of National Socialism and the ensuing generational disconnection.
***Prerequisite: GER 311 ***
GER 396AA
Berlin: Narratives of a City
This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the literary/filmic culture and human/urban geography of Berlin, Germany. Emphasis is placed on selected themes including migration, urbanisation, alienation, and cultural memory as they contribute to the developing narratives of Berlin.The course includes a field trip to Berlin.
**Permission of the department is required to register**
*Note: Students may only receive credit for one of GEOG 396AT and GER 396AA.*
*Additional Fee: $1700.*
GER 411
Advanced German III
Continuation of GER 312. Focus is placed on independent language usage through the consolidation of complex grammatical structures and the acquisition of an advanced level of vocabulary. Authentic materials such as news programmes, cinema, and literature will be examined to deepen cultural literacy. Intensive oral and written language production.
*** Prerequisite: GER 312. ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of GER 400 or GER 411.*
JAPN 111
Introductory Japanese I
This introductory course is designed to develop basic communicative competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Sociolinguistic characteristics of the Japanese language will be emphasized.
*** Prerequisite: No previous background in Japanese. Refer to the Department of International Languages Section of the Undergraduate Calendar (How to choose a language) for details. ***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JAPN 111 or JAPN 100.*
JAPN 112
Introductory Japanese II
A continuation of JAPN 111. This course continues to introduce the basic elements of the language with more kanji characters. Sociolinguistic characteristics will continue to be emphasized.
***Prerequisite: JAPN 111, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may not receive credit for both JAPN 112, JAPN 110, or JAPN 102.*
JAPN 211
Intermediate Japanese I
This course is designed to reinforce the fundamentals of Japanese introduced in 100-level courses. More vocabulary and complex grammar will be introduced to develop communicative competence. The knowledge of kanji characters will be further developed.
***Prerequisite: JAPN 112 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JAPN 211, JAPN 200, JAPN 201, or JAPN 210.*
JAPN 212
Intermediate Japanese II
This course is a continuation of JAPN 211. It introduces more complex grammar structures with an increase of vocabulary and kanji characters. The aim of this course is to develop communicative competence in casual, formal and honorific speech styles.
***Prerequisite: JAPN 211, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JAPN 212 and JAPN 202.*
JAPN 311
Advanced Japanese I
A continuation of JAPN 212. This course will further focus on vocabulary development crucial for communicative competence. The primary goal is to solidify the grammar, vocabulary and kanji foundation studied during the previous courses through a variety of cultural contexts,
***Prerequisite: JAPN 212 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JAPN 311 or JAPN 300.*
JAPN 312
Advanced Japanese II
This course places further emphasis on the development of communicative competence through cultural study. Students will not only develop language proficiency, but in using Japanese language will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Japanese culture.
***Prerequisite: JAPN 311 or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of JAPN 312 or JAPN 301.*
JAPN 411
Introduction to Modern Japanese Literature
This course is designed to strengthen previous knowledge and further develop linguistic knowledge through reading modern Japanese literature, and song lyrics in various genres. Includes discussions, essay-writing and presentations in Japanese.
***Prerequisite: JAPN 312, or permission of the Department Head.***
SPAN 111
Introductory Spanish I
Focuses on the acquisition of basic skills of pronunciation, reading, writing, and conversation, for students with little or no Spanish experience. Includes instruction in basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary for culturally appropriate interaction.
***Prerequisite: No previous background in Spanish. Refer to the Department of International Languages Section of the Undergraduate Calendar (How to Choose a Language) for details.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SPAN 111 or SPAN 100.*
SPAN 112
Introductory Spanish II
A continuation of the skill development started in SPAN 111. Emphasis on a variety of verb tenses and moods, as well as expansion of basic vocabulary.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 111 or Grade 12 Spanish, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SPAN 112, SPAN 113, SPAN 101, or SPAN 110.*
SPAN 211
Intermediate Spanish I
Further development of oral and written skills through the intensive review and expansion of basic grammatical concepts and the expansion of vocabulary and culturally appropriate communication through oral activities, readings and compositions.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 112, SPAN 113, or SPAN 110, or permission of the Department Head.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SPAN 200 or SPAN 211.*
SPAN 212
Intermediate Spanish II
A continuation of Spanish 211.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 211 or permission of the Department.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SPAN 201 or SPAN 212.*
SPAN 314
Spanish Skills Development Through Reading, Writing and Conversation: Advanced
Complementary to the grammar-focused courses, the goal of this course is to increase vocabulary, grammar mastery, and Spanish expression through reading, writing and discussion, based on a variety of readings. Directed to students with a high-intermediate level of Spanish comprehension and expression. Assignments tailored to individual students´ needs.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 212, taken prior or concurrently, or permission of the Department Head, based on language assessment.***
*Note: Students may receive credit for one of SPAN 314, SPAN 214, SPAN 290AC or SPAN 390AD*
SPAN 320
Spanish American Civilization
This course examines the historical bases and cultural movements that formed the identity of Spanish Americans. Students are invited to amplify their language and analytical skills through an interdisciplinary study of the civilizations of Spanish Americans and the role they play in the community of nations.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 212, or permission of the Department Head.***
SPAN 390AC
Spanish-Language Cinema for Oral Communication
This cinema-based course will present a wide variety of themes, genres and experiences from different Hispanic countries. Through movies, students will be exposed to authentic language and gain insights into their social, historic and cultural context. It is designed to stimulate students' oral communication skills, with some reading and writing components.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 212, or Permission of the Department Head.***
SPAN 415
Hispanic Culture III
Study of current issues in Hispanic culture, including cultural and political trends, and topics of controversy, such as economic development, gender and ethnic relations, the influence of globalization, etc.
***Prerequisite: SPAN 312 and 320 or permission of the department***