Academic Bulletin Modern Languages & Literatures - 2012-13

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Faculty: G. Gómez (chair), J. Hardy, A. McVey Leung, Q. Pullen, G. Redding, D. Rogers, T. Stokes***, B. Tucker, I. Wilson

*** Sabbatical leave, full year

Wabash College understands that language is the foremost avenue for understanding and interacting with the world, its peoples, and its histories. Consequently, the study of foreign languages is fundamental to a liberal arts education and a well-lived life beyond. Serious intellectual work in other languages broadens a Wabash man’s communicative potential; deepens his understanding of his native tongue; refines his expressive abilities; inculcates in him analytical and creative habits of mind; helps him see beyond his own place, time, and circumstance; and is foundational for his further study and appreciation of the literatures, histories, and aesthetic sensibilities of global cultures throughout time.

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at Wabash College prepares students for citizenship in a multicultural, multi-lingual global community. The Department promotes proficiency in languages, expands knowledge of cultures and literatures, and enables students to actively engage in cultural and linguistic exchanges. Our faculty works with students to provide a greater understanding of world affairs in an historical context, an enhanced knowledge of the traditions, achievements, and lifestyles of the international community, and an appreciation of differences and similarities among peoples and nations.

Language Studies Requirements-Proficiency in a Foreign Language: The Wabash curriculum requires that all students demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. Students who fulfill this requirement in Modern Languages usually do one of the following:

• Earn a passing grade for the elementary sequence (101 and 102, or SPA 103 [formerly 176]) of any language that we offer (Chinese, French, German, or Spanish).
• Earn a passing grade for any single course beyond 103 (e.g. SPA 201, GER 201, or FRE 301).

Students may also fulfill this requirement by passing a proficiency exam with written and oral components. Students interested in pursuing this option should contact the department chair prior to mid-semester break in the fall of their freshman year.

Placement: Students who wish to continue at Wabash with a language studied in high school must enroll at the level determined by the departmental placement policy. Students who have taken at least two years of a language in high school will begin at the 201 level or higher. Placement beyond the 201 level is determined by the Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam and reference to high school transcripts.

Any student may begin at the 101 level in a language that is new to him. For example, a student who is placed in SPA 301 can choose to enroll in FRE or GER 101 and complete the requirement with the elementary sequence.

Background Credit: A student who starts with the third semester course or higher (201 or 301 level) of a language and completes that course with a B-or better also receives one elective credit for the course immediately preceding the one he has taken. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.

A student need not earn a grade of B- or better to fulfill the language requirement. A passing grade in the appropriate courses will satisfy the language proficiency requirement.

Comprehensive Examinations: Majors in a modern language must successfully complete a two-day written comprehensive examination. In keeping with the goals of the Department, the student must demonstrate his proficiency in the language in which he is majoring, as well as his knowledge of its culture and his critical appreciation of its literature.

Study Abroad: Modern language students are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Students in modern languages and literatures should meet with a member of the department as early as possible to develop an appropriate plan for study abroad.

FRENCH
 

Requirements for a Major: Nine courses in French. FRE 202, 302, and 401 are required. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.

Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in French. Minor concentrators are encouraged to take courses beyond 302. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.

GERMAN

Requirements for a Major: Nine courses in German. GER 302 and 401 are required. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.

Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in German. Minor concentrators are encouraged to take courses beyond 302. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.

RUSSIAN

Requirements for a Minor: Minor program not offered 2012-2013.

SPANISH

Requirements for a Major: Nine courses in Spanish. SPA 302 and 401. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.

Requirements for a Minor: Five courses in Spanish. Minor concentrators are encouraged to take courses beyond 302. BACKGROUND CREDIT DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD A MAJOR OR MINOR IN THE LANGUAGE.