Modern and Classical Languages Department
Goals
Through its courses in language, literature and civilization, the department of modern and classical languages seeks to develop in all interested students an awareness and appreciation of both Western and non-Western cultures as well as the ability to communicate effectively in the language of their choice. The degree of proficiency sought and the skills to be attained are dependent on the career goals of the individual student. Individualized instruction, plus the opportunity to study abroad, permit qualified students to attain a degree of proficiency while preparing for careers in education, the humanities, science, government, law, business, nursing, interpretation/translation, tourism, hotel and restaurant administration or social welfare.
Programs
The department of modern and classical languages offers four programs leading to the bachelor of arts: French and Spanish in the College of Arts and Sciences; French and Spanish in the College of Education. Students wishing to qualify for a provisional teaching certificate in French or Spanish register in the College of Education. The department offers courses, but not degree programs, in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Latin, Japanese, Greek and American Sign Language.
Language Placement
All students who wish to enroll in a course in Spanish or French must first complete the language proficiency placement test, which is available online at our department website, www.niagara.edu/fl. Students who have had no previous study of language, and students who wish to study a language other than Spanish or French do not need to take the placement test, and may enroll directly into the 101 level.
Majors
Those students planning to enter professions requiring a high level of fluency may concentrate in one of three areas: language, literature, or language and literature. Such students are urged to spend a semester abroad.
Majors in French or Spanish can be combined either with a minor in another language or in another discipline such as:
- political science;
- business;
- social welfare;
- criminal justice;
- travel, hotel and restaurant administration;
- philosophy;
- history or
- religious studies.
The number of advised electives within the French and Spanish majors permits combining language proficiency with virtually any other discipline. A double major is also possible.
Study-Abroad Program
Niagara University offers students the opportunity to select a one-semester study-abroad program. Qualified students, under the guidance of the study abroad adviser and academic advisors, select the program or course work which best responds to his/her desires and needs. This service is provided for both majors and nonmajors. For further information, refer to page 234.
The NU programs abroad offer a wide choice of courses which are selected according to the students’ interests, preparation and the results of their placement tests.
Most study abroad programs offer language courses at all levels. Students do not need extensive study of language before going abroad. Any student who is interested in spending a summer or a semester abroad should consult the chairperson of the department of modern and classical languages to find the most suitable program.
NU Córdoba, Argentina
www.uccor.edu.ar
Argentina’s second largest city and the region’s early capital, Córdoba is a bustling educational and commercial center set at the foothills of the Sierra Chica mountain range in northern Argentina. Founded as a Jesuit city by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera in 1573, Córdoba today is recognized as a center for arts and learning in Argentina with its many universities, theaters, and museums.
Córdoba has developed a well deserved reputation as an exciting but relaxed atmosphere for intellectual pursuits. Home to some 130,000 students from across the country, the city of Córdoba is known popularly in Argentina as “La Docta”, from doctorate, because of its rich academic past. The university’s 5,000 students enjoy the convenience of modern classrooms and living space, sports fields and other facilities in an easily accessible campus. The campus is dotted with shady trees and green fields. Its location gives you easy access to shopping, nightlife and public transportation.
NU Mar del Plata, Argentina
Argentina is a diverse country with plenty to see and do. With 47 km of coasts with cliffs, ravines, sand dunes, and beaches, students can find fun or peace and quiet.
The daily life of the international student at FASTA University is centered around three spheres:
- becoming a part of the host family or student group;
- cultivating a social life in Argentina; and
- activity participating in university classes.
NU in Angers, France
There are six levels of courses emphasizing language, conversation, and translation. The students may also choose among courses in business, literature, art history, civilization, political science, history, economics, geography, philosophy, theology and tourism.
They attend courses arranged for foreign students taught by French faculty of the Université Catholique de l’Ouest. Upon completion of the program, the students have the option of taking the examinations for the Diploma of the Paris Chamber of Commerce and the Alliance Française.
NU in Lille, France
https://www.univ-catholille.fr/etudiant-international
The European Summer Program at the Université Catholique de Lille offers courses in French language, intercultural communications, art history, architecture, political science, European economics, literature, film, and science.
Courses are taught in French and in English by the faculty of the Université Catholique de Lille. As a supplement to classroom instruction, the program includes excursions to museums and to places of historic interest in France and Belgium.
NU Alicante, Spain
Alicante, the jewel of the Costa Blanca beaches stretched along the Mediterranean, is a harbor city that is both rich in history and pleasantly relaxed. The city’s long promenades and endless white beaches have long been guarded by the Castle of Santa Barbara on top of the Benacantil Mountain. The culture, architecture, language and people have all been shaped by the traders and conquerors — Phoenicians, Greeks, Roman and Arabs — who left their imprint on this axis of trading routes over the centuries.
The kilometers of beaches, the civil and architectural legacy of the historic quarter, and the varied cuisine of the area are the main reasons Alicante is a major tourist destination for Spaniards. The city is also alive at night and during traditional regional holiday periods, like the Moorish and Christian festivities and the papier-mâché bonfires on the Night of San Juan in late June.
NU in Seville, Spain
Organized for foreign students and supervised by a Seville-based director, the program offers courses in language, literature, history, civilization, art history, social structure, economics, political science, and Spanish dance.
The students may also take courses at the University of Seville or carry out independent investigation projects under the supervision of the faculty of the Center for Cross-Cultural Studies.
NU in Santiago de Chile
The Universidad de Santo Tomas is among the best universities in Santiago de Chile, the capital of the country. NU students can go to Chile during the spring semester or during the summer. A great variety of classes are available in all majors. Students from NU studying in Chile will have an adviser to supervise their needs in academic matters, particularly in the improvement of their skills in the Spanish language. At the end of their semester in Chile, NU students will also be able to visit the University’s affiliate campus in Argentina for a tour of Mar del Plata and the surrounding area.
NU in Monterrey, Mexico
The Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) was founded by a group of Mexican business-people whose goal was to train highly qualified professionals in fields critical to Mexico’s economic development. In addition to programs in the Spanish language, ITESM offers courses in commerce, communications, information technology, science, economics, hotel and tourism, international relations, political science, and literature.
Additional language study abroad opportunities are available through the following programs:
Courses
Please note: All courses above the 300-level are taught exclusively in the target language.
Arabic
A basic course in reading, writing, speaking and listening to Modern Standard Arabic, with some exposure to the Egyptian dialect. There will be an emphasis on active vocabulary learning, and on developing the ability to use the language to accomplish basic interpersonal communicative tasks.
This course continues to develop the four basic language skills (writing, reading, speaking, listening) begun in Arabic 101. There will be an emphasis on active vocabulary learning, and on developing the ability to use the language to accomplish basic interpersonal communicative tasks.
Review and expansion of communication skills through materials reflecting the history, literature, and culture of the Arabic world.
This course is the second half of the intermediate sequence and continues to develop the communication skills begun in Arabic 103.
Students will explore various aspects of Arabic culture, with an emphasis on current trends in art, politics, religion, and entertainment in the Middle East and North Africa. Students will examine implications of cultural stereotypes by comparing their own heritage with social, geographic, and political identities of the modern Arab world. This course is conducted in English, and is open to all students, regardless of their background in Arabic language. This course cannot be used to satisfy a foreign-language requirement.
American Sign Language and Deaf Studies
This course is the prerequisite for all other ASL courses. It will build a foundation of basic functional vocabulary, linguistic and cultural concepts. Students will develop ASL communication skills such as use of space, role-shifting, non-manual markers, and navigation. Students will be introduced to differences between Deaf and Hearing cultures including strategies for negotiating a signing environment and other behavioral norms. Students will develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary for basic interactions within the deaf community. The study of ASL and Deaf culture provides skills applicable to employment in both the public and private sector.
This course will continue to build on the content taught in ASL100, adding more complex grammatical features including: vocabulary, linguistic and cultural concepts. This course will introduce classifiers, mouth morphemes, and idioms in both ASL and English. Students will focus on communication in the target language and develop the skills necessary to navigate a signed conversation. Information about the Deaf community and Deaf culture will be incorporated.
This course will continue to build on the content taught in ASL 200. Students will continue to learn vocabulary which they can utilize in their chosen profession to communicate with Deaf people. This course will delve into educating students about prominent Deaf individuals. Conversational skills will further be refined through daily practice in the target language. Students will learn how to create a presentation in the target language as well as developing and structuring narratives.
This course will continue to build on the content taught in ASL 201. Students will increase their knowledge of ASL semantics through targeted vocabulary. Students will be exposed to Deaf literature and are required to present a written report in the target language. Conversational skills will further be refined by utilizing a variety of materials.
This course examines the deaf experience from a variety of perspectives. Students will learn to recognize and understand the impact of the variables that affect life as a deaf person, including audiological factors, age of onset, language development, family history, and cultural influence. Emphasis will be placed on skills needed for effective cross-cultural interaction including, but not limited to, American Sign Language. Students will develop materials that exhibit mastery of concepts and skills, as well as demonstrate the essential qualities of an advocate.
Building upon the structures presented in ASL 100, 200, 201 and 202, this course focuses on culturally significant topics related to the Deaf community, complex ASL grammatical features, vocabulary - building, advanced fingerspelling, numbering, classifiers, comprehension and development of stories, narratives and dialogues.
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk to their advisor.
A junior or senior work-study program providing relevant employment experience. Registration will occur at the beginning of the experience. The objective of the program is to integrate classroom theory and practical work experience, thus lending relevancy to learning and providing the student with a realistic exposure to career opportunities. Students interested in taking an internship or co-op should talk to their advisor.
Chinese
Basic course in Chinese emphasizing skills in oral and written communication with an introduction to the culture and civilization of China. Open to students with no previous study of Chinese or with the permission of the chairperson of the department of foreign languages.
This course continues to develop oral and written skills that were introduced in Chinese 101, with a special emphasis on the ability to read and write Chinese characters. Presentations of Chinese culture and customs are also a content focus of this course.
A general introduction to China's distinct cultural identity, as represented in its poetry, prose fiction, cinema, arts, and folklore. This course will also compare important cultural differences between the United States and China in the domains of business etiquette and social conventions. This course is conducted in English, and is open to all students, regardless of their background in Chinese language. This course cannot be used to satisfy a foreign language requirement for non-majors.
French
Basic course in French emphasizing skills in oral and written communication with an introduction to the culture and civilization of the Francophone world. Open to students with no previous study of French or with the permission of the chairperson of the department of foreign languages.
Course continues to develop the four basic functions of language begun in French 101: speaking, understanding, reading and writing while stressing vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The culture of the Francophone world will form the content area of the course.
A survey of various themes and social questions regarding the position that women have held in French society from the 12th century to the present, as these are treated in poetry, prose fiction, cinema and drama by and about female authors. Conducted in English, with all texts read in translation, this course is open to all students, regardless of their background in French. This course cannot be used to satisfy a foreign-language requirement for non-majors. It may count as a culture course required for the minor.
A survey of political, social, intellectual and artistic history of Quebec as reflected in its literature.
An introduction to the cultural institutions of post-war France, this course examines the political structure, technological developments, and social issues of the Fifth Republic, with special emphasis on current events and contemporary media.
A survey of the history of France from the Middle Ages to World War II, through thematic studies of the artistic and literary developments, social and political movements, philosophical trends, and historic personalities that helped to shape France of the twenty-first century.
Introduction to the techniques and problems of translation. Includes written, consecutive and simultaneous translation as well as subtitling. Usually taken abroad.
A variable topics course which means to introduce students to particular cultural aspects of the francophone world through a close study and examination of its films.
Each student pursues a topic independently under the direction of a staff member. The student must have a written report of his/her findings approved. The approved written report is to be filed with the chairperson of the department.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the students major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the students major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
Intensive study of sound system, intonation and accent. Usually taken abroad.
A survey of the major trends in the development of theatre literature, theory, and performance in France from the Middle Ages to the present.
An examination of selected major works of prose, theatre, and poetry of the 20th century within the context of social and political change.
Analysis of the ideas, techniques and major contributions of the literary leaders of the Romantic movement.
Studies in post-Romantic prose and poetry with special emphasis on Baudelaire, Flaubert, Verlaine, Mallarme, and Zola.
A survey of political, social and aesthetic trends in Francophone Africa and in the Francophone Caribbean, through a close examination of North and West African as well as Caribbean literature, theatre, art and film.
Course designed to develop the personal writing style of the student by means of grammatical and stylistic exercises as well as creative and technical writing. Usually taken abroad.
Course designed to develop the personal writing style of the student by means of grammatical and stylistic exercises as well as creative and technical writing. Usually taken abroad.
Research work manifested in oral and written projects in keeping with the area of specialization of individual students.
A student having attained advanced proficiency in French will lead weekly lab sessions as a supplement to French 205-206. These sessions consist of grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, conversational activities, and cultural modules. With a pedagogical supervisor, the student will examine various language acquisition strategies while preparing a cumulative teaching portfolio.
Course designed to provide students who have already attained a level of fluency with opportunity to perfect their skills by means of group work and individualized activities.
Greek
An introduction to Ancient Greek, using reading as a pathway to understanding the forms, grammar, and structure of the language. Along with acquiring basic reading skills in Greek, students will study the culture and civilization of the 5th century Greek world, and its influence on the English language.
Italian
Basic course in Italian emphasizing skills in oral and written communication with an introduction to the culture and civilization of Italy. Open to students with no previous study of Italian or with the permission of the chairperson of the department of foreign languages.
Course continues to develop the four basic functions of language: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, while stressing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The culture of Italy will also form the content of the course.
Review and expansion of communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) through materials reflecting the history, literature, and culture of Italy.
Review and expansion of communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) through materials reflecting the history, literature, and culture of Italy.
This course introduces students to various aspects of Italian culture, with an emphasis on contemporary trends in art, politics, religion, and entertainment. Students will explore several issues in Italian cultural studies, including national stereotypes, popular culture, the media, social and political identities, minority populations, and current news-stories. Conducted in English, this course is open to all students, regardless of their background in Italian language. This course cannot be used to satisfy a language requirement.
Japanese
Basic course in Japanese emphasizing skills in oral and written communication with an introduction to the culture and civilization of Japan. Open to students with no previous study of Japanese or with the permission of the chair of the department of foreign languages.
Course continues to develop the four basic functions of language: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, while stressing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The culture of Japan will also form the content of the course.
A general introduction to Japan's distinct cultural identity, as represented in its poetry, prose fiction, cinema, arts, and folklore. This course will also compare important cultural differences between the United States and Japan in the domains of business etiquette and social conventions. This course is taught in English This course cannot be used to satisfy a foreign language requirement.
Latin
A basic course in Latin emphasizing the essentials of grammatical structure, vocabulary, and the reading of selected texts based on a variety of Latin authors with an introduction to the culture and civilization of ancient Rome. Special emphasis on Latin roots of English words. Highly recommended for all arts and science majors, particularly students in pre-law, pre-med, religious studies, English, and modern language programs.
Latin 102 is a continuation of Latin 101, which uses readings as a pathway to understanding the forms, grammar, and structure of the language of the Romans. Along with acquiring the ability to read Latin at an intermediate level, students will learn about the culture and civilization of the Greco-Roman world, the Latin influence on English, and the Romance languages, with special emphasis on the Latin presence in English today.
Spanish
Basic course in Spanish emphasizing skills in oral and written communication with an introduction to the culture and civilization of the Hispanic world. Open to students with no previous study of Spanish or with the permission of the chairperson of the department of foreign languages.
This course continues to develop the four basic functions of language begun in SPA 101: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, while stressing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. The cultures of the Hispanic world also form the content of the course.
An introduction to vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and grammatical constructions appropriate to a Spanish-speaking environment. In addition to building basic communication skills, the course covers various aspects of Spanish business protocol, commercial terminology, and correspondence. This course would be of interest for students who would like to have a working knowledge for business relations with the Hispanic world. A weekly one-hour lab session is required with this course.
A survey of various themes and social questions regarding the position that women have held in Spanish and Latin American societies from the 16th century to the present, as these are treated in poetry, prose fiction, testimony, cinema, and drama by and about women. Conducted in English, with all texts read in translation, this course is open to all students, regardless of their background in Spanish. This course cannot be used to satisfy a language or analytical skills requirement for non-majors. It may count as a culture course for the Spanish minor or major or Latin American Studies minor.
The development of fluency in the language as well as ability to write original compositions. Includes the study of various aspects of the Hispanic people and their culture.
A course for heritage speakers of Spanish who have little or no formal training in the language. Students with near native speaking ability seeking to perfect their Spanish skills may also enroll. Students will improve their Spanish grammar, reading, and writing skills, as well as expand their knowledge of Hispanic cultures.
A survey of the political, social, and artistic history of Spain from the Middle Ages to the present. Readings from representative texts illustrating the interrelatedness of the diverse facets of Spanish civilization will be included.
A survey of the political, social, and artistic history of Spain from the Middle Ages to the present. Readings from representative texts illustrating the interrelatedness of the diverse facets of Spanish civilization will be included.
This course is a survey of the political, social, and artistic history of Latin America from the Colonial period to the present. Readings from representative texts and film viewings illustrate the interrelatedness of the diverse facets of Latin-American civilization will be included. The course presents a mixture of nonfiction pieces of writing combined with theoretical essays, poems, short stories, and visual representations, including films. The main objective of this course is not only to present canonical Latin American artistic and cultural productions, but also to give students the necessary theoretical tools to interpret and analyze current Latin-American issues.
An introduction to the techniques and problems of translation. The course will give students practice in translating material in their chosen area of specialization.
A variable topics course which means to introduce students to particular cultural aspects of the Hispanic world through a close study and examination of its films.
Each student pursues a topic independently under the direction of a staff member. The student must have a written report of his/her findings approved. The approved written report is to be filed with the chairperson of the department.
This course looks at the history of Spanish literature in the Middle Ages, and the outstanding figures in the fields of drama, novel, and poetry of the Golden Age.
The history of Spanish literature in the Middle Ages and the outstanding figures in the fields of drama, novel and poetry of the Golden Age. - three semester hours
An intensive study of sound system, intonation, and accent; usually taken abroad.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
Individual research of a substantive nature pursued in the student's major field of study. The research will conclude in a written thesis or an original project, and an oral defense.
The study and analysis of the thought and literature from the end of the Golden Age to the birth of the generation of 1898.
The study and analysis of the thought and literature from the end of the Golden Age to the birth of the generation of 1898.
A study of the main trends and most representative authors during the 20th century in Spain in the fields of the novel, short story, essay, poetry, and drama.
A study of the main trends and most representative authors during the 20th century in Spain in the fields of the novel, short story, essay, poetry, and drama.
A study of the main literary works reflecting the spiritual and intellectual development of Latin America from pre-Columbian to contemporary times. May be repeated for credit.
Course designed to develop personal writing style of the student by means of grammatical and stylistic exercises, as well as creative and technical writing; usually taken abroad.
Course designed to develop personal writing style of the student by means of grammatical and stylistic exercises, as well as creative and technical writing; usually taken abroad.
A comprehensive study of Chicano literature and the contributions of Chicanos to the history and culture of Mexico and the United States through a study of literary, historical, and cultural texts. Special emphasis on the development of the Chicano cultural identity from its Mexican colonial roots through contemporary Chicano movements.
This course offers an overview of Latin-American literature through the study of short stories. It provides students with the tools to understand how fiction operated as a political medium to shape Latin American countries during their foundations, and why this narrative functions as a base for topics that are relevant today.
Research work manifested in oral and written projects in keeping with the area of specialization of individual students.
A student having attained advanced proficiency in Spanish will lead weekly lab sessions as a supplement to Spanish 205-206. These sessions consist of grammar exercises, vocabulary drills, conversational activities, and cultural modules. With a pedagogical supervisor, the student will examine various language acquisition strategies while preparing a cumulative teaching portfolio.
This course is designed to provide students who have already attained a level of fluency with the opportunity to perfect their skills by means of group work and individualized activities.
Tuscarora
This is a basic course in Tuscarora language that emphasizes skills in oral communication while introducing students to Tuscarora culture.
This course introduces the Haudenosaunee world view, and provides an overview of Tuscarora culture from pre-contact, to contact, to the present.