Modern Languages and Literatures course offerings

The modern languages and literatures disciplines offer courses in foreign languages, cultures and literatures which may lead to both majors and minors in French, German and Spanish, as well as a minor in Japanese. The objectives of language studies are to enable students to communicate effectively in the foreign language and to understand and appreciate the cultures and values of the countries in which the language is spoken. The discipline also offers literature and culture courses in English for the General Education Program.

Studies in foreign languages at the college help students increase their awareness of their own values and beliefs as well as those of another culture, aid in preparing teachers for foreign language teaching careers, provide language skills and cultural awareness to students specializing in other academic areas, enable students to meet the foreign language requirements of graduate programs in foreign languages and comparative literature and prepare students for various careers in an increasingly global society.

All foreign language courses are taught in the target language, and students are expected to use the target language in class. In addition, advanced courses require one or more formal oral presentations and papers in the target language. Each presentation and paper is assessed with feedback to students. In the senior capstone course (400), students are required to write a lengthy term paper in the target language. Students certified to teach the language must achieve a 3.0 G.P.A. in their major or minor, including earning a B or better in their senior capstone course.

Graduate School Adviser: Dr. Thomas Conner

Language Courses: Language study at St. Norbert College includes four semesters of elementary and intermediate instruction: 101, 102, 203, 204.

IBLS Major: In cooperation with business administration, there is a major program in international business and language area studies.

International Studies: Language cooperates with a diversity of disciplines such as ecology, economics, political science, theology and philosophy in the major, international studies, that emphasizes global interdependency.

Individualized Major in Japanese Language: A student can pursue an individualized major in Japanese language when faculty staffing is available and approval is given by the divisional chair and academic dean. The purpose of an individualized major in Japanese language is to provide an opportunity for students to study Japanese language and culture. The Japanese language program is specially designed for students who wish to devote their attention to the mastery of the Japanese language. Those students who have already taken some Japanese language courses in high school or have studied the language in Japan must take a placement examination and obtain approval for course selection from the head of Japanese language before pursuing this option. (See the Academic Policy section of the Catalog - Individualized Majors.)

Course Placement: Students who have had a foreign language and who plan to continue language study beyond 101 are required to take the College's placement exam during orientation for incoming students. Students who wish to continue language study and/or fulfill their General Studies Area 7 - Foreign Heritage requirement will be placed according to their score on the College's placement test into the appropriate level (101, 102, 203, 204 or 305). Incoming students who have taken the CLEP or AP exam may earn credit for up to two courses in their language (101 and 102).

Retroactive Credit Policy: Students will be awarded up to two course credits for previous language study if they place into and pass a language course with a B or better.

See individual language sections below for more information on the course offerings in each area, including French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

French (FREN) Course Offerings

The French program offers a wide variety of French language courses, in addition to courses on French and Francophone culture, civilization and literature. Students may choose an academic major or minor in French; a teaching minor is also offered. Students completing 204 with an average of “B” or better obtain a French Language Certificate. French students may combine their studies with majors or minors in a variety of disciplines, such as international business, international studies and education .The French Faculty occasionally offers literature and culture courses in English in the General Education Program.

The objectives of the French program are to enable students to communicate effectively in French and to understand and appreciate the cultures and values of the French and Francophone world. Studies in French help students increase their awareness of their own values and beliefs as well as those of French and Francophone cultures; aid in preparing teachers for language teaching careers; provide language skills and cultural awareness to students specializing in other academic areas; enable students to meet the language requirements of graduate programs in the study of languages and comparative literature; and prepare students for various careers in an increasingly global society.

All French courses are taught in French, which students are expected to use in class. In addition, courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels require formal oral presentations and papers in French. Each presentation and paper is carefully assessed and provides students with constructive feedback. In the senior capstone course (FREN 400), students are required to write a major research paper in French. Students pursuing certification to teach French must achieve a 3.0 GPA in their major or minor, including earning a “B” or better in their senior capstone course.

The French discipline hosts a foreign language teaching assistant (FLTA) from France each year. This graduate student comes to us from our direct exchange partner, the Catholic University of Lille. The FLTA attends French classes, helps students with their work, serves as a resource about France and our exchange program at the Catholic University and helps with the French Club. Recently chartered, the French Club promotes and increases awareness of French and francophone cultures on campus through a variety of activities. Other study abroad opportunities for students include the American Institute for Foreign Study in Grenoble and Paris.

FREN 101 Elementary French 1
An intensive introduction to practical French with an emphasis placed on the four language skills: understanding, speaking, reading and writing. Four class periods per week. Fall semester.

Advanced FREN Courses in Civilization, Language and Literature:

German (GERM) Course Offerings

The foreign language disciplines offer courses in foreign languages, cultures and literatures which may lead to both majors and minors in French, German and Spanish, as well as a minor in Japanese. The objectives of language studies are to enable students to communicate effectively in the foreign language and to understand and appreciate the cultures and values of the countries in which the language is spoken. The discipline also offers literature and culture courses in English for the General Education Program.

Studies in foreign languages at the College help students increase their awareness of their own values and beliefs as well as those of another culture, aid in preparing teachers for foreign-language teaching careers, provide language skills and cultural awareness to students specializing in other academic areas, enable students to meet the foreign language requirements of graduate programs in foreign languages and comparative literature and prepare students for various careers in an increasingly global society. 

All foreign language courses are taught in German and students are expected to use German in class. In addition, advanced courses require one or more formal oral presentations and papers in German. Each presentation and paper is assessed with feedback to students. In the senior capstone course (GERM 400), students are required to write a research paper in German. Students certified to teach the language must achieve a 3.0 GPA in their major or minor, including earning a “B” or better in their senior capstone course.

Advanced Courses in Civilization, Language and Literature:

GERM 304 German Composition – GS 9
Review of German grammatical structures, syntax and idioms through composition and short literary readings. Emphasis on developing facility in diverse types of written expression. This course is comprised of composition on literary topics, to prepare students for upper-level courses in German. Prerequisite: GERM 204. Fulfills General Education Area 9 - Writing.

GERM 305 Introduction to German Literature and Literary Criticism
An introduction to major trends in German literature, including critical terminology and concepts, through class discussion of various literary genres: fables, fairy tales, short stories, poems and drama.  Prerequisite: GERM 204. Required of all majors. Spring semester, alternate years.

GERM 328 Enlightenment and Classicism
A study of the changes and literary production of the German Enlightenment and Weimar classicism as seen in the works of authors such as Gottsched, Lessing, Herder, Goethe and Schiller. Emphasis will be placed on drama. Prerequisite: GERM 305. At intervals, as needed.

GERM 349 Realism and Naturalism
A study of the 19th-century German literary movements Realism and Naturalism with emphasis on prose and drama exploring such authors as Stifter, Keller, Raabe, Storm, Fontane, Holz and Hauptmann. Prerequisite: GERM 305. At intervals, as needed.

GERM 350 Modern German Literature
A study of recent developments in German literature, including East German literature.
Literary movements studied include:

• Impressionism
• Expressionism
• Epic Theatre
• Kahl-Schlag poetry
• Group ‘47
• Neosubjectivism.

Often taught as a seminar on Max Frisch’s Homo Faber. Prerequisite: GERM 305. At intervals, as needed.

GERM 355 Romanticism
A study of the Romantic movement in Germany with emphasis on prose, poetry and drama. Analysis of such authors as Holderlin, Novalis, Tieck, Fouque, Hoffmann, Brentano, Eichendorff and the Brothers Grimm. Prerequisite: GERM 305. At intervals, as needed.

GERM 360 German Poetry
A study of German poetry from Goethe to the present. Prerequisite: GERM 305. At intervals, as needed.

GERM 375 German Civilization 1
This class is meant as the first non-grammar course; through extensive German language readings this course acquaints students with the cultures of German-speaking nations. German history, society and political institutions as well as literature and art from 800 to 1815 are explored in depth.  Prerequisite: GERM 204. Fall semester.

GERM 376 German Civilization 2
Continuation of German 375. A study of German-speaking countries from 1815 to the present. The course will explore the cultural, sociological and political developments of the era, with special emphasis on the art of the Weimar Period (Dada, Bauhaus, Expressionism, Neue Sachlichkeit). Prerequisite: GERM 204. Spring semester, alternate years.

GERM 389 Special Topics
Topics of special interest, dealing with German literature, civilization or culture.  Courses may be taken at the College or abroad and more than once for credit if topics differ. Often taught as a beginning writing class with analysis of short literary texts. Prerequisites: GERM 305 and GERM 375 or Instructor’s consent.

GERM 390 Advanced Conversation, Grammar and Composition
This course reviews German grammatical structures, syntax and idioms. Special emphasis is given to developing facility in oral expression. In addition, written proficiency in the language is developed through drills, vocabulary exercises and compositions.  Prerequisite: GERM 204 or Instructor’s consent. Abroad or as an arranged course.

GERM 400 Senior Capstone Seminar
This course will examine contemporary issues in post-1945 German society through various media, including literature. Focus will vary from year to year, but will generally include the following topics: Post War Germany, the “German Question” (division of Germany), Frisch, Durrenmatt, immigration policies, Neo-Nazism, the European Community and women’s issues. Prerequisites: GERM 305, GERM 375 and/or GERM 376; majors and minors only. At intervals, as needed.

GERM 490 Independent Study
For upper-level students in lieu of a regular course. Plan of work must be approved before registering. Reports, paper and examination.  Prerequisite: Two courses above GERM 204. Abroad, as needed. Further German courses are available at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay when advanced students need classes not offered in a given semester.

Japanese (JAPN) Course Offerings

The modern languages and literatures discipline offers courses in modern languages, cultures and literatures, which may lead to both majors and minors in French, German and Spanish, as well as a minor in Japanese. The objectives of language studies are to enable students to communicate effectively in the language of study and to understand and appreciate the cultures and values of the countries in which the language is spoken. The discipline also offers literature and culture courses in the English language for the General Education Program.

Studies in this discipline help students increase their awareness of their own values and beliefs as well as those of another culture, aid in preparing teachers for language teaching careers, provide language skills and cultural awareness to students specializing in other academic areas, enable students to meet the language requirements of graduate programs in the study of languages and comparative literature and prepare students for various careers in an increasingly global society.

All language courses in the Japanese minor are taught in Japanese and students are expected to use the target language in class. In addition, advanced courses require one or more formal oral presentations and papers in Japanese. Each presentation and paper is assessed with feedback given to students. In the senior capstone course (400), students are required to write a research paper in Japanese. Students certified to teach the language must achieve a 3.0 GPA in their major or minor, including earning a “B” or better in their senior capstone course.

Japanese Area Studies
The purpose of a Japanese Area Studies (JAS) minor is to provide an opportunity for students to study Japanese culture in a manner different from the traditional modern language minor. The Japanese Area Studies minor has the objective of familiarity with the language as opposed to fluency and is designed to supplement this familiarity with a concentration of coursework related to the socioeconomic, political, cultural, literary or historical background of Japan. Courses are chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor or the head of Japanese Language program, consistent with the goals of the student and the program.

A typical JAS minor includes language study through JAPN 204 Intermediate Japanese. A student electing a JAS minor without prior exposure to the language is required to complete four courses under this paradigm. The student has the option of completing additional language study if his/her goals required additional competency. 

A JAS minor who wishes to have a one-semester study abroad experience at Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan should take JAPN 320, which may be replaced by different courses at a Japanese university after taking a placement exam. Courses taken at Sophia University, with at least a passing (C) grade, are counted toward a JAS minor.

Spanish (SPAN) Course Offerings

The Spanish program offers a wide variety of Spanish language courses, in addition to courses on Spanish and Latin American cultures, civilizations and literatures.  Students may choose to major or minor in Spanish and may combine their studies with majors or minors in a variety of disciplines, such as international business, international studies and education. The Spanish faculty occasionally offer literature and culture courses in the English language for the General Education Program. 

The objectives of the Spanish program are to enable students to communicate effectively in Spanish and to understand and appreciate the cultures and values of the countries in which Spanish is spoken. Studies in Spanish help students increase their awareness of their own values and beliefs as well as those of Hispanic cultures; aid in preparing teachers for language teaching careers; provide language skills and cultural awareness to students specializing in other academic areas; enable students to meet the language and literature requirements of graduate programs in the study of languages and comparative literature; and prepare students for various careers in an increasingly global society. 

All Spanish courses are taught in Spanish and students are expected to use Spanish in class. In addition, courses at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels require formal oral presentations and papers in the target language. Each presentation and paper is assessed with feedback to students. In the senior capstone course (SPAN 400), students are required to write a major research paper in Spanish. Students pursuing certification to teach Spanish must achieve a 3.0 GPA in their major or minor, including earning a “B” or better in their senior capstone course.

The Spanish program hosts a foreign language teaching assistant (FLTA) from Spain each year. This student comes to us from our direct exchange partner, the Universidad Antonio de Nebrija in Madrid. The Spanish TA attends Spanish classes, helps students with their work, serves as a resource about Spain and our exchange program, lives in the Spanish House and helps with the Spanish Club. The Spanish Club promotes and increases awareness of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures on campus through a variety of activities. Other study abroad opportunities for students include the Universidad Católica in Santiago, Chile; the Universidad de San Francisco in Quito, Ecuador; the Fundación Ortega y Gasset in Toledo, Spain; and the University of Virginia – Hispanic Studies Program in Valencia, Spain.

SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish 1
An intensive introduction to practical Spanish with an emphasis placed on the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Offered at intervals.

SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish 2 – GS 7
Continuation of SPAN 101. Prerequisite: SPAN 101 or formal placement. Fall and Spring semesters. Fulfills General Education Area 7 - Foreign Heritages Requirement.

SPAN 203 Intermediate Spanish 1 – GS 7
Study of intermediate language through grammar, vocabulary, conversation, readings, composition and culture.  Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or formal placement. Fall and Spring semesters. Fulfills General Education Area 7 - Foreign Heritages Requirement.

SPAN 204 Intermediate Spanish 2 – GS 7
A continuation of SPAN 203 with emphasis on developing facility in oral and written expression. Prerequisite: SPAN 203 or formal placement. Fall and Spring semesters. Fulfills General Education Area 7 - Foreign Heritages Requirement.

Advanced Courses in Civilization, Language and Literature:

All SPAN 300 courses emphasize correct and fluent oral expression through conversation as well as presentation and discussion of assigned topics. In addition, literature courses require written literary analysis of the assigned readings.

SPAN 301 Introduction to Spanish and Spanish American Literature I
An introduction to Spanish and Spanish American literature before 1800, including critical terminology and concepts, through class discussion and analysis of major works of poetry, prose, drama and essay. Prerequisite: SPAN 204 or formal placement. Fall and Spring semesters.

SPAN 302 Introduction to Spanish and Spanish American Literature II
An introduction to Spanish and Spanish American literature since 1800, including critical terminology and concepts, through class discussion and analysis of major works of poetry, prose, drama and essay. Prerequisite: SPAN 301. Fall and Spring semesters.

SPAN 360 Spanish Civilization
Introduction to the history and culture of Spain, from the Reconquest to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN 204. Fall semester.

SPAN 370 Latin American Civilization: Mexico and Central America
An introduction to the history and culture of Mexico and Central America from pre-Columbian times to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN 204. Spring semester, alternate years.

SPAN 380 Latin American Civilization: South America and the Caribbean
An introduction to the history and culture of South America and the Caribbean from pre-Columbian times to the present.  Prerequisite: SPAN 204. Spring semester, alternate years.

SPAN 389 Special Topics
This course explores topics of special interest. Topics may include: Hispanic cinema; Hispanics in the U.S.; Latin American detective fiction; the Spanish Golden Age; medieval and early modern women writers of Spain; contemporary hispanic theatre; recent Latin American narrative. The course may be taken more than once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: SPAN 302. Fall and Spring semesters.

SPAN 385 Latin American Civilization
An introduction to the history and culture of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN 304.  Spring semester.

SPAN 389 Special Topics
This course explores topics of special interest. Topics may include: Hispanic cinema; Hispanics in the U.S.; contemporary hispanic theatre; recent latin american narrative. The course may be taken more than once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: SPAN 305. Offered at intervals.

SPAN 390 Advanced Grammar and Composition
Review of Spanish grammatical structures, syntax and idioms. Emphasis on developing facility in written and oral expression.  Prerequisite: SPAN 301. Only offered abroad.

SPAN 400 Senior Capstone Seminar
The material of this course will center around a particular topic, which may change from year to year. This topic will be examined through various media, including literary and non-literary texts and film. Prerequisite: one academic semester in a Spanish-speaking country.

SPAN 490 Independent Study
For upper-level students. Plan of work must be approved before registering. Course includes reports, papers and examination.  Prerequisite: SPAN 301.

Modern Languages and Literatures

Phone: (920) 403-3470
Fax: (920) 403-4086
E-mail: mll@snc.edu