Modern Languages (MFL)
Professor Rodney Rodriguez,
Chair of the Department
Manhattan College’s Modern Languages Department is joined with the Modern Languages Department of the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Foundation courses in French, Italian and Spanish are offered on both campuses. Upper-level courses alternate between campuses. Lower-level courses in German, Japanese and Arabic are available on the Manhattan College campus only. Filipino is offered at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. Russian, advanced Japanese, and Classical Languages (Greek and Latin) are offered in cooperation with Lehman College at Lehman College’s campus. Students enrolled in those courses will follow Lehman College’s catalog and schedule.
Language courses are oriented towards the achievement of oral and written proficiency. The goals of the department of Modern Languages are to develop the ability to understand, speak, read and write in a second language effectively; to provide better understanding of other cultures and other modes of expression in order to broaden international understanding; to prepare students for graduate studies and careers in education, international business, communication, government, social services and related fields.
Entering students who continue language study begun elsewhere are placed in an appropriate language course on the basis of their academic record, number of years of language study, and intended major.
In addition, Foreign Language majors are encouraged to combine language studies with other disciplines, resulting in double majors.
Requirements for a Major in Spanish: Thirty credits. If a student places into the 200 level or higher, then twenty-four credits are required. No more than 6 credits at the 200 level or 6 AP credits may be applied to the major. Spanish 350 and 351 (Masterworks I and II) are required of all majors and are a prerequisite for all 400-level courses. Of the remaining electives, 9 credits must be at the 400 level. A major’s program should be carefully planned in consultation with a faculty advisor to assure oral and writing competence in Spanish. Study abroad is strongly encouraged.
Requirements for a Major in French: Thirty Credits. If a student places into the 200 level or higher, then twenty-four credits are required. No more than 6 credits at the 200 level or 6 AP credits may be applied to the major. French 350 (Introduction to French Literary Study) is required. The remaining credits may be chosen from the 300 or 400 levels. A major’s program of study should be carefully planned with an academic advisor to assure oral and writing competence in French. Study abroad is strongly encouraged.
A typical four-year program for a language major would be as follows:
Fall |
Spring |
|
Semester |
Semester |
|
Freshman |
209 or |
210 or |
Year |
217 |
218 |
Sophomore |
Study |
SPAN 351 or |
Year |
Abroad |
FREN 350 |
Junior Year |
SPAN 350 |
Electives |
Senior Year |
Electives |
Electives |
Requirements for a French Concentration in Education: Thirty credits at the 200 level or above. No more than 6 credits at the 200 level or 6 AP credits may be applied to the concentration. French 301 or 307; 6 credits from French 303, 340, 341 and 342; French 350. The remaining electives must be at the 300 or 400 levels. In addition, the student must take 6 credits of a second modern language (other than English). Study abroad is strongly encouraged in the sophomore year.
Requirements for a Spanish Concentration in Education: Thirty credits at the 200 level or above. No more than 6 credits at the 200 level or 6 AP credits may be applied to the concentration. Spanish 307; Spanish 340 and 341; Spanish 350 and 351. Of the remaining electives, 6 credits must be at the 400 level. In addition, the student must take 6 credits of a second modern language (other than English). Study abroad is strongly encouraged in the sophomore year.
Requirements for a Minor in a Modern Language: The Department offers minors in French, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Minors are required to take 15 credits beyond the 100 level (the Japanese minor allows up to 3 credits from the 100 level). Of these, only 6 credits may be applied from the 200 level, and only six credits of 300 and 400 level work may be transferred from a study abroad program. The minor must constitute a coherent program of study designed with an academic advisor and aimed at achieving oral proficiency in the language.
Grade Requirements: A minimum grade of C is required for course credit toward a major or a minor in Modern Languages.
Study Abroad Programs: Majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad either for a year, a semester, or a summer term at an approved program abroad. Students may choose to participate in the programs of the Institute of European Studies (for study in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain), The American Institute for Foreign Study or with Manhattan College’s own study abroad programs at the Universidad LaSalle in Mexico City, the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, or the University of Paris. To be eligible for study abroad, students must have an overall grade point average of 2.75 and an average of 3.0 in their language major or minor.
Arabic (ARAB)
Foundation Courses
101-102. Introduction to the Study of Arabic. A course designed to introduce students to the sounds and script of Arabic, common phrases and rudimentary grammar. The course also provides an introduction to the culture of Arabic-speaking peoples. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. (Cr.3, 3)
For students with little or no background in Arabic.
Filipino (FILI)
Foundation Courses
101-102. Introduction to the Study of Filipino. A course designed to introduce students to the vocabulary and basic structures of the Filipino language. The course also provides an introduction to the culture of the Filipino people. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. (Cr.3, 3)
For students with little or no background in Tagalog.
French (FREN)
Foundation Courses
101-102. French for Beginners. An introduction to the four basic skills with emphasis on speaking and comprehending spoken French. The course also provides an introduction to the culture of French-speaking peoples. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. (Cr.3, 3)
For students with little or no background in French or with only one year of high school French.
201-202. French for Communication. An intensive review of French and further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through extensive use of audio and visual aids. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite: FREN 102 or a minimum of two years of high school French. (Cr.3, 3)
209. Speaking French. Intensive practice in oral skills through extensive use of aural and written materials. Review of grammar. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite: FREN 102 with recommendation of professor, 201 and 202, or placement with a strong background in French. (Cr.3)
210. Writing French. Intensive practice of writing skills through the use of aural and written materials. Review of grammar. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite: FREN 102 with recommendation of the professor, 201 and 202, or placement with a strong background in French. (Cr.3)
216, 316. Aspects of French Culture. An on-site study of different aspects of the political, socio-economic, and cultural life of France together with a survey of its artistic heritage. The course is offered in France during the summer. (Cr.3)
219. Keeping French Alive. A course designed to improve the student’s command of French through readings and discussions on a particular subject of interest to the student or related to a course the student is currently taking. Offered upon the request of the student. (Cr.1)
Upper-Level Courses
Prerequisite for all 300-level courses is one of the following: FREN 202 with recommendation of professor; 209 and 210; or placement with an extraordinary background in French.
301. Advanced French Conversation and Phonetics. Intensive oral practice with everyday vocabulary together with an analysis of French sounds and a study of rhythm and intonation (Cr.3)
307. Advanced Grammar and Composition. An intensive study of the grammatical structures of French aimed at perfecting the student’s oral and written command of the language. (Cr.3)
340. French Civilization. The historical, social, and cultural background of France from the Middle Ages through the 19th century. Lectures, readings, discussions, and reports. (Cr.3)
341. Contemporary French Civilization. The historical, social, and cultural reality of France and the Francophone world in the 20th Century. Lectures, readings, discussions, and reports. (Cr.3)
350. Introduction to French Literary Study. A survey of the great writers and literary movements of the French-speaking world together with an introduction to the analysis of literary texts. Required for all French majors in Arts and Education and highly recommended for minors. (Cr.3)
Advanced Courses
Prerequisite for all 400-level French courses is the completion of 340, 341, or 350, or permission of the Chair.
420. Special Topics in French. An intensive study of a single author, genre, movement, or literary topic. Topics change yearly. (Cr.3)
435. The French Short Story. A study of representative storytellers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. (Cr.3)
445. Baudelaire and Modern Poetry. A study of the poetic expression of Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Verlaine, the Surrealists, and others. (Cr.3)
455. French Theatre of the Twentieth Century. Tradition and innovation in contemporary French theatre. Reading and discussion of the most representative plays of Claudel, Giraudoux, Sartre, Camus, Anouilh, and Beckett. (Cr.3)
460. Independent Study. In consultation with instructor and approval of Chair. (Cr.3)
German (GERM)
Foundation Courses
101-102. German for Beginners. A course designed to introduce students to the basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing accompanied by an introduction to the culture and civilization of German-speaking countries. Three instructional hours plus one language laboratory hour per week. (Cr.3, 3)
For students with no background in German or with only one year of high school German.
201-202. German for Communication. Further development of language proficiency with emphasis on conversation and composition, based on everyday situations and aspects of culture. Various media will be used to stimulate discussions on current topics and literary texts. Three instructional hours plus one language laboratory hour per week. Prerequisite GERM 101-102 or a minimum of two years of high school German. (Cr.3, 3)
Italian (ITAL)
Foundation Courses
101-102. Italian for Beginners. An introduction to the four basic skills with emphasis on speaking and comprehending spoken Italian. The course also provides an introduction to Italian civilization and culture. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. (Cr.3, 3)
For students with little or no background in Italian or with only one year of high school Italian.
201-202. Italian for Communication. An intensive review of Italian and further development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through extensive use of audio and visual aids. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite ITAL 101 and 102 or two years of high school Italian. (Cr.3,3)
209. Speaking Italian. Intensive practice in oral skills through extensive use of aural and written materials. Review of grammar. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite: ITAL 102 with recommendation of professor, 201 and 202, or placement with a strong background in Italian. (Cr.3).
210. Writing Italian. Intensive practice of writing skills through the use of aural and written materials. Review of grammar. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite: ITAL 102 with recommendation of the professor, 201 and 202, or placement with a strong background in Italian. (Cr.3)
216, 316. Aspects of Italian Culture. An on-site study of different aspects of the political, socio-economic, and cultural life of Italy together with a survey of its artistic heritage. The course is offered in Italy during the summer. (Cr.3).
Upper-Level Courses
Prerequisite for all 300-level courses is one of the following: ITAL 202 with recommendation of professor, 209 and 210, or advanced placement with an extraordinary background in Italian.
303. Italian Culture through Film. Italian language, history, and civilization are studied through the viewing and study of great films. Three instructional hours. The course is conducted in English and is open to all students. Prerequisite for Italian minors: ITAL 209-210. For credit, Italian minors must do all written work in Italian. (Cr.3)
307. Advanced Grammar and Composition. An intensive study of the grammatical structures of Italian aimed at perfecting the student’s oral and written command of the language. (Cr.3)
340. Medieval and Renaissance Italian Civilization. A study of the art, music, philosophy, and literature of Medieval Italy and its development into the Renaissance of Western Culture. Lectures, readings, and discussions in Italian. (Cr.3)
341. Contemporary Italian Civilization. The major issues affecting modern Italy are explored through art, music, film, philosophy, and literature, as well as through readings on its political, economic, and social reality. Lectures, readings, and discussions in Italian. (Cr.3)
350. Masterworks in Italian. A survey of the great writers and literary movements of Italian literature together with an introduction to the analysis of literary texts. (Cr.3, 3)
420. Special Topics in Italian. An intensive study of a single author, genre, movement, or literary theme. (Cr.3)
460. Independent Study. In consultation with instructor and approval of Chair. (Cr.3)
Japanese (JAPA)
Foundation Courses
101-102. Introduction to the Study of Japanese. A course designed to introduce students to the sounds and script of Japanese, common phrases and rudimentary grammar. The course also provides an introduction to the culture of Japan. Four instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice in 101, and five instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice in 102. (Cr. 4, 5)
For students with little or no background in Japanese.
201-202. Intermediate Japanese. Emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, syntax, conversation, and writing in Kanji and Kana. Three instructional hours and one hour of laboratory practice. Offered at Lehman College. Prerequisite: JAPA 101 and 102. (Cr.3, 3)
301-302. Advanced Japanese. Review and extension of grammar and syntax through the discussion of magazine, newspaper and literary texts. Continued study of the appropriate use of Kanji and Kana. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Offered at Lehman College. Prerequisite: JAPA 201 and 202. (Cr.3, 3)
Spanish (SPAN)
Foundation Courses
101-102. Spanish for Beginners. An introduction to the four basic skills with emphasis on speaking and comprehending spoken Spanish. The course also provides an introduction to the culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. (Cr.3, 3)
For students with little or no background in Spanish or with only one year of high school Spanish.
201-202. Spanish for Communication. An intensive review of Spanish and further development of listening speaking, reading, and writing skills through extensive use of audio and visual aids. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Prerequisite: SPAN 101 and 102 or a minimum of two years of high school Spanish. (Cr.3, 3)
209. Speaking Spanish. Intensive practice in oral skills through extensive use of aural and written materials. Review of grammar. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with recommendation of the professor, 201 and 202, or placement with a strong background in Spanish. Not intended for Spanish native or heritage speakers. (Cr.3)
210. Writing Spanish. Intensive practice of writing skills through the use of aural and written materials. Review of grammar. Three instructional hours plus one hour of laboratory practice. Offered every semester. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 with recommendation of the professor, 201 and 202, or placement with a strong background in Spanish. Not intended for Spanish native or heritage speakers. (Cr.3)
217-218. Spanish for Heritage Speakers. A course designed for students who have learned Spanish in the home environment but need formal training to improve their communicative skills. The course also provides an introduction to the culture and civilization of Spanish-speaking peoples. For Latinos/as and native speakers only. (Cr.3, 3)
Upper-Level Courses
Prerequisite for all 300 level courses: One of the following: SPAN 202 with recommendation of professor; 209 and 210 or 217 and 218; or placement with an extraordinary background in Spanish.
300. Hispanic Musical Heritage. Song lyrics of the rich and diverse musical traditions of Spanish-speaking peoples will serve as a basis for studying the Spanish language as well as aspects of Hispanic culture. (Cr.3)
303. Spanish Culture through Film. Spanish conversation and composition as well as Hispanic civilization are studied through the viewing of films from Spain and Spanish America. Three instructional hours. (Cr.3)
307. Advanced Grammar and Composition. An intensive study of the grammatical structures of Spanish aimed at perfecting the student’s oral and written command of the language. (Cr.3)
309. Advanced Conversation. Techniques of conversation and intensive oral practice of Spanish. Offered only in the Madrid Program. (Cr.3)
320. Special Topics in Hispanic Culture Studies. An intensive study of a particular region of the Spanish-speaking world or of a cultural topic common to all Hispanic countries. Topics change yearly. (Cr.3)
340. Spanish Civilization. The major issues that have affected Spain are explored through film, art, and the reading of historical and literary texts. The course has a strong emphasis on discussion. Required for Spanish majors in Education. (Cr.3)
341. Spanish American Civilization. The major issues that have affected Spanish America are explored through film, art, and the reading of historical and literary texts. The course has a strong emphasis on discussion. Required for Spanish majors in Education. (Cr.3)
350, 351. Masterworks in Spanish. A survey of the great writers and literary movements of the Spanish-speaking world together with an introduction to the analysis of literary texts. Required for all Spanish majors in Arts and Education and highly recommended for minors. (Cr.3, 3)
Advanced Courses
Prerequisite for all 400 level Spanish courses: SPAN 350 or 351, or permission of Chair.
420. Special Topics in Hispanic Literature. An intensive study of a single author, genre, movement, or literary topic. Topics change yearly. (Cr.3)
423. Great Hispanic Poets. An introduction to the analysis of poetry through the study of the great poets of the Spanish language such as Garcilaso, St. John of the Cross, GF3ngora, Sor Juana InE9s de la Cruz, BE9cquer, MartED, DarEDo, JimE9nez, Machado, Mistral, Lorca, Vallejo, and Neruda. (Cr.3)
424. The Modern Novel in Spain and Spanish America. A survey of the development of modern fiction from the great 19th century Spanish Realists (GaldF3s and ClarEDn) to the Latin American “Boom” (Asturias, GarcEDa ME1rquez, Carpentier, Fuentes, Vargas Llosa, etc.). (Cr.3)
427. Cervantes. An in-depth analysis and discussion of Don Quijote and other works by Cervantes. (Cr.3)
429. The Spanish Golden Age. A survey of the history, art, and literature of Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries. (Cr.3)
435. Spanish-American Short Fiction. A study of the development of the short narrative forms in Spanish America in relationship to the social, political, and historical reality. Readings from the works of Quiroga, Borges, GarcEDa ME1rquez, CortE1zar, Fuentes, Vargas Llosa, Rulfo and Donoso. (Cr.3)
440. Women in Hispanic Literature. Modalities of portrayal of female protagonists by male and female writers from the 19th century to the present with emphasis on the reinterpretation of the role of women within the new social-political reality of the Hispanic world. (Cr.3)
460. Independent Study. In consultation with instructor and approval of Chair. (Cr.3)
001. Spanish Study Abroad Program. Fall or Spring Semester. 15 credits may be obtained by studying at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid. See Chair of the Department.