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Undergraduate Catalog 2012-2013

Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, School of (SLLC)

College of Arts and Humanities
1105 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4025
www.languages.umd.edu

Director: Carol Mossman
Associate Director for Academic Affairs: Gabriele Strauch
Associate Director for Academic Affairs: Lauretta Clough
Associate Director for Administrative Affairs: Claire Goebeler

Academic Programs

The School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is the primary academic unit devoted to instruction and research in the world's languages, literatures, and cultures. It consists of the Departments of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures; French and Italian; Germanic Studies; Middle Eastern Studies; Russian; Spanish and Portuguese; and the Second Language Acquisition program. It offers undergraduate majors in Arabic Studies, Chinese, French Language, Literature and Culture, Germanic Studies, Italian Studies, Japanese, Persian Studies, Romance Languages, Russian Language and Literature, and Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures.  Minors can be earned in Arabic, Chinese Language, French Studies, Germanic Language and Literatures, Italian Language and Culture, Japanese, Korean Studies, Persian Studies, Portuguese Language, Literatures, and Cultures,  Russian Studies, Spanish Language and Cultures, and Spanish Language, Business, and Cultures.  Language and culture instruction through the advanced level is available in Hebrew as well. The School offers study abroad programs in many countries, both short and long-term. Its Language House, a residential immersion facility for approximately 100 students, is one of the most successful living-learning programs on campus, including immersion in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Persian, Russian, and Spanish. Its FOLA program offers individualized instruction in Turkish and Urdu.

East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALL - Chinese, Japanese, Korean)
2106 Jimenez Hall
301-405-4239
www.chinese.umd.edu
www.japanese.umd.edu
www.korean.umd.edu

Professor and Chair: Ramsey
Associate Professors: Liu, Yotsukura*, Zhou
Assistant Professors: Chao, Mason*, Naito*
Lecturers: Miura*, Pimentel*, Yaginuma*

*JAPN

French and Italian (FRIT)
3106 Jimenez Hall
301-405-4024
www.french.umd.edu
www.italian.umd.edu

Associate Professor and Chair: Campangne
Professors: Brami, Mossman, Orlando*
Associate Professors: Eades, Falvo", Frisch, Scullen
Assistant Professors: Benharrech, Carlorosi*
Lecturers: Amodeo*, Deigan*, Fleri*, Morando*
Emeriti: Fink, Hage, Meijer, Russell*, Tarica, Therrien, Verdaguer

* ITAL

Germanic Studies (GERM)
3215 Jimenez Hall
301-405-4091
www.german.umd.edu

Professor and Chair: Oster
Professors: Frederiksen+, Beicken+
Associate Professors: Moyer, Strauch
Assistant Professor: Koser
Emeriti: Best, Herin, Jones, Pfister, Walker

+Distinguished Scholar/Teacher

Middle Eastern Studies (MEST)
3215 Jimenez Hall
301-405-1891
www.arabic.umd.edu
www.hebrew.umd.edu
www.persian.umd.edu

Professor and Chair: Karimi-Hakkak*
Professor: Elgibali+
Associate Professor: Zakim++
Assistant Professors: Abasi*, Anishchenkova, Glanville+
Lecturers: Alkebsi+, Sahar Jendi+, Soulaiman Jendi+, Hefnawy+

*PERS
+ARAB
++HEBR

Russian (RUSS)
3215 Jimenez Hall
301-405-4239
www.russian.umd.edu

Associate Professor and Chair: Papazian
Associate Professors: Hitchcock, Lekic, Martin
Assistant Professor: Landa
Affiliate Faculty: Gor

Spanish and Portuguese (SPAP)
2215 Jimenez Hall
301-405-6441
www.portuguese.umd.edu
www.spanish.umd.edu

Professor and Chair: Quintero-Herencia
Professors: Aguilar-Mora*, Cypess, Harrison, Igel*, Sosnowski
Associate Professors: Demaría, Lacorte, Lavine, Merediz, Naharro-Calderón, Rodriguez, Sánchez de Pinillos
Assistant Professors: Guzman*, Penrose
Lecturers: Krausen
Emeriti: Nemes, Pacheco++

*PORT
+ Distinguished Scholar Teacher
++Distinguished University Professor

In all SLLC programs, language acquisition courses must be taken sequentially. Once credit has been received in a higher-level language acquisition course, a lower-level course may not be taken for credit.

No course grade below the grade of C- may count toward the major. An overall GPA of 2.0 in the major is required for graduation.

Language Majors

School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures (SLLC) www.sllc.umd.edu

Most majors also offer a minor. Please see the minor description in Chapter 8.

Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in each course applied toward a major or minor in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Addtionally, an overall GPA of 2.0 in a major or minor is required for graduation.

The Arabic Studies Major (ARAB), www.arabic.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies (MEST), 3125 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-1891

Professor and Chair: Karimi-Hakkak*
Professor: Elgibali+
Associate Professor: Zakim++
Assistant Professors: Abasi*, Anishchenkova+, Glanville+
Lecturers: Alkebsi+, Sahar Jendi+, Soulaiman Jendi+, Hefnawy+

*PERS, +ARAB, ++HEBR

This 42-credit major in Arabic Studies provides students with a solid background in linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of the modern Arab World, including the cultural domains of North Africa, Egypt, Arab Middle East, Arab diasporas in the U.S. and Europe, as well as minority communities in Arab countries (Armenian, Kurdish, Berber, Copts, etc.) The B.A. in Arabic Studies prepares students for a range of professional opportunities, including careers in government, education, business, and international development and communication. Students work toward competence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The Arabic Program offers extensive linguistic training in both literary Arabic (fusHa) and Arabic dialects (Egyptian and Levantine). Students will achieve cultural competency by studying Arabic sociocultural discourses in their internal diversity and by approaching Arab Cultures from the global perspective. They will acquire knowledge of contemporary political and social life of Arabic-speaking peoples, with cultural comparison implicit throughout their four years. Many undergraduates will choose to double major or do a double degree in Arabic and another subject, including arts and humanities majors, business, computer science, and journalism.

Prerequisites (12 credits)
Students must take the prerequisite courses or satisfy these requirements by placement:*
ARAB104  Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I-II (6 credits)
ARAB105  Elementary Modern Standard Arabic III-IV (6 credits)

Core Sequence: 24 credits

ARAB204 Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I (6 credits; prereq ARAB105)*
ARAB205 Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic II (6 credits; prereq ARAB204)
ARAB304 Advanced Modern Standard Arabic I (prereq ARAB205)
ARAB305 Advanced Modern Standard Arabic II (prereq ARAB304)
ARAB206 Intermediate Egyptian Colloquial Arabic III (prereq ARAB205)*
ARAB207 Intermediate Egyptian Colloquial Arabic  IV (prereq ARAB206)
ARAB210 Intermediate Levantine Colloquial Arabic III (prereq ARAB205)*
ARAB211 Intermediate Levantine Colloquial Arabic III (prereq ARAB210)

*Modern Standard Arabic is the formal variety of Arabic used throughout the Arab world, particularly for reading and writing. Egyptian Colloquial Arabic and Levantine Colloquial Arabic are among the major spoken varieties in the Middle East. Students choose to complete either the Egyptian dialect sequence (206, 207) or the Levantine dialect sequence (210, 211).

Once credits have been received for a higher-level language focus course, a lower-level course in the same strand (written or spoken) may not be taken for credit. (ARAB204 may not be taken after ARAB205, for example. ARAB107 may not be taken after ARAB206, etc.)

Electives: a minimum of 18 credits

A.  Required Upper-level electives in Arabic (a minimum of 9 credits)

ARAB311 The Arab World Today (pre-coreq ARAB304)
ARAB312 Islamic Culture (pre-coreq ARAB304)
ARAB321 Arab Media (pre-coreq ARAB304)
ARAB322 Commercial Arabic (pre-coreq ARAB304)
ARAB401 Readings in Arabic Literature (prereq ARAB305)
ARAB402 Arabic Translation (prereq  ARAB305)
ARAB411 U.S. - Arab Relations (prereq ARAB305)
ARAB412 Modern Arabic Literature: A Survey (prereq ARAB305)
ARAB499 Special Topics in Arabic Studies  
  • Other ARAB courses may be included on written approval of UG advisor.
  • All pre-requisites imply "or equivalent knowledge." In cases of equivalent knowledge, required language-focus credits are replaced in consultation with, and with the written approval of, the undergraduate advisor.

B. Optional Electives in English: a maximum of 9 credits (no prereqs)

ARAB251 Arabic Cinema
ARAB252 Arabic Literature in Translation
ARAB298 The Arabian Nights and the Art of Storytelling
ARAB351 Arab Culture and Civilization
ARAB499 Special Topics in Arabic Studies

Courses in Middle Eastern Studies taught in English in other departments can be substituted with the approval of the Undergraduate advisor.

For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website: www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .

 

The Chinese Major (CHIN), www.chinese.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALL-Chinese, Japanese, Korean), 2106 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4239

Professor and Chair: Ramsey+
Associate Professors: Liu, Yotsukura*, Zhou
Assistant Professors: Chao, Mason*, Naito*
Lecturers: Miura*, Pimentel*, Yaginuma*

+KORA, *JAPN

The Chinese major provides the training and cultural background needed for entering East Asia-related careers in such fields as higher education, the arts, business, government, international relations, agriculture, or the media. Students may also consider a double major in Chinese and another discipline such as business, government and politics, economics, or journalism. Chinese students have the option of applying to live in St. Mary's Hall (Language House) and participating in a study abroad program.

As of Fall 2007, the Chinese major requires 39 credits: 18 or language and 18 of non-language electives, as described below.

I. Language requirements. 18 credits of Chinese language at the 200 level or above. Students placing into the program at higher levels should reach at least the level of CHIN302 or CHIN306 but may substitute non-language courses on China-related subjects for some of these 18 credits. (The final decision on what substitute courses may be used for the major rests with the Chinese Program and Chinese Advisor.) Language courses accepted for the major include:

CHIN201/202 Intermediate Spoken Chinese I and Intermediate Written Chinese I (must be taken and passed together)
CHIN203/204 Intermediate Spoken Chinese II and Intermediate Written Chinese II (must be taken together and passed together)
CHIN301 Advanced Chinese I
CHIN302 Advanced Chinese II
CHIN305 Life in China through TV Plays I
CHIN306 Life in China through TV Plays II
CHIN401 Readings in Modern Chinese I
CHIN402 Readings in Modern Chinese II
CHIN418A Special Topics in Contemporary Chinese Fiction and Film: Sex and the City: Literary and Filmic Representations of Women (taught in Chinese)
CHIN418B Special Topics in Contemporary Chinese Fiction and Film: The Representation of Youth (taught in Chinese)
CHIN441 Traditional Chinese Fiction (taught in Chinese)
CHIN442 Modern Chinese Fiction (taught in Chinese)

II. Literature. 3 credits of Chinese literature at 300 level or above. Courses accepted include:

CHIN314 Chinese Fiction and Drama in Translation
CHIN315 Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
CHIN316 Traditional Chinese Values
CHIN418A Special Topics in Contemporary Chinese Fiction and Film: Sex and the City: Literary and Filmic Representations of Women (taught in Chinese)
CHIN418B Special Topics in Contemporary Chinese Fiction and Film: The Representation of Youth (taught in Chinese)
CHIN442 Modern Chinese Fiction

III. Linguistics. CHIN307 and 3 credits of Chinese linguistics at 300 level or above. Courses accepted include:

CHIN421 Sounds and Transcriptions of Mandarin Chinese
CHIN422 Advanced Chinese Grammar
CHIN423 Chinese Historical Phonology
CHIN424 Linguistics of the Chinese Writing System
CHIN428 Selected Topics in Chinese Linguistics
EALL300 The Languages of East Asia

IV. History/Civilization. 6 credits of Chinese history/civilization offered by other departments. Courses accepted include, but are not limited to:

EALL310 Asian Culture and the Sinosphere
HIST284 East Asian Civilization I
HIST285 East Asian Civilization II
HIST480 History of Traditional China
HIST481 A History of Modern China

"Special Topics" and "Colloquium" courses (those with variable numbers, ending in 8 or 9 and followed by a letter) may be acceptable depending on the actual title and content of the course at the time it is offered. The final determination is in the hands of the Chinese Program and the Chinese advisor.

Electives. 6 credits of electives at 300 level or above, subject to the advisor's approval. In addition to all the specific courses listed "Non-language Requirements" above, language courses and independent study may also be used toward this requirement.

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .

 

The French Language, Literature and Culture Major (FREN), www.french.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of French and Italian (FRIT), 3106 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4024

Associate Professor and Chair: Campagne
Professors: Brami, Mossman, Orlando*
Associate Professors: Eades, Falvo*, Frisch, Scullen
Assistant Professors: Benharrech, Carlorosi*
Lecturers: Amodeo*, Deigan*, Fleri*, Morando*
Emeriti: Fink, Hage, Meijer, Russell*, Tarica, Therrien, Verdaguer

*ITAL

The undergraduate major in French is centered on the study of the French language and the literatures and cultures of the French and Francophone people. Students who complete the requirements for the major can expect to be able to speak, read, write, and understand French at a level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers, to recognize and interpret the diverse cultural perspectives and products of the French-speaking world, and to be culturally sensitive members of society. Students are encouraged to study abroad, and University programs in Nice and Montpellier offer a choice between long and short-term stays.

Students must take language acquisition courses sequentially, i.e., 103, 203, 204, 250, etc. Once credit has been received in a higher-level language acquisition or grammar course, a lower-level course may not be taken for credit.

Required courses (36 credits):

FREN204 French Grammar and Composition 3
FREN250 Introduction to French Literature 3
FREN301 Composition and Style 3
FREN401 Writing with Style 3
  One from:  
FREN302 Translation: French to English 3
FREN303 Translation: English to French 3
  One from:  
FREN311 Advanced Oral Expression 3
FREN312 France Today 3
  Also required:  
FREN351 From Romanticism to the Age of Modernism and Beyond 3
FREN352 From the Age of Epic and Romance to the Enlightenment 3
FREN4xx four additional 400-level courses of which only one may be in English 12

Study Abroad
The Maryland-in-Nice program is one of the University of Maryland's oldest study abroad programs. For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .

 

The Germanic Studies Major (GERM)
www.german.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, 3215 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4091

Professor and Chair: Oster
Professors: Frederiksen+, Beicken+
Associate Professors: Moyer, Strauch
Assistant Professor: Koser
Emeriti: Best, Herin, Jones, Pfister, Walker

+Distinguished Scholar/Teacher

The 36-credit BA in Germanic Studies is centered on the study of the German language and the literatures and cultures of Germanic peoples. Students who complete the requirements for the major can expect to be able to speak, read, write, and understand German at a level that would allow them to communicate with native speakers, to recognize and interpret the diverse cultural perspectives and products of the German-speaking world, and to be culturally sensitive members of society.

Prerequisite: 8 credits: (GERM103 and GERM203 or equivalent

Course Requirements: 36 credits

A. Core Language Sequence: 9 credits

GERM204 German Grammar Review (prereq GERM203 or Foreign Language Placement Testing)
GERM301 Conversation/Composition I: Germany and its People (prereq GERM204)
GERM302 Conversation/Composition II: Current Topics in German Society (prereq GERM301)

B. Area Requirements: 27 credits
A minimum of 2 upper level courses in each of three areas: language, literature, and culture.

Language Courses: 6 credits upper level minimum

GERM401 Advanced Conversation: Germany within Europe (prereq GERM302)
GERM403 Advanced Composition: German Culture & Social Issues (prereq GERM302)
GERM315 Practicum in Translation I (prereq GERM204)
GERM316 Practicum in Translation II (prereq GERM315)
GERM319 Selected Topics in Germanic Language Studies (prereq GERM203)
GERM419 Selected Topics in German Language Study (prereq GERM302)
GERM473 Variation in Contemporary German Language (prereq GERM302 or by permission)
GERM479 Selected Topics in Germanic Philology

Literature Courses: 6 credits upper level minimum

GERM320 Survey of German Studies (prereq GERM301)
GERM321 Highlights of German Literature I (prereq GERM301)
GERM322 Highlights of German Literature II (prereq GERM301)
GERM421 Literature of the Middle Ages (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM422 From the Reformation through the Baroque (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM424 Classicism (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM431 Romanticism and Biedermeier (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM432 From Enlightenment to Storm and Stress (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM433 Naturalism and its Countercurrents (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM434 Expressionism to 1945 (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM435 From 1945 to the Present (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM436 The Usual Suspects: Criminals in German Literature and Film (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)
GERM439 Selected Topics in German Literature (prereq: one course from the GERM320 series)

Culture Courses: 6 credits upper level minimum
Courses marked with * are taught in English; no prerequisite unless specified.

*GERM280 German-American Cultural Contrasts
*GERM281 Women in German Literature & Society
*GERM282 Germanic Mythology
*GERM283 Viking Culture and Civilization
*GERM285 German Film and Literature
*GERM287 Ancient Celtic Culture and Civilization
GERM289 Selected Topics in the Cultures of the Germanic Speaking Countries
GERM299 Special Topics in Germanic Studies
*GERM368 Scandinavian Civilization
*GERM381 German Civilization I
*GERM382 German Civilization II
*GERM389 Topics in Germanic Culture
GERM399 Selected Topics in Germanic Studies (dept permission)
GERM449 Selected Topics in Germanic Studies (dept permission)
*GERM463 The Icelandic Family Saga
*GERM475 Old Norse
GERM489 Selected Topics in Area Studies (prereq GERM302)

Language of Instruction
No more than 9 credits of the 36 total required may be satisfied by courses taught in English. With the approval of the Germanic Studies advisor, up to 6 credits of these courses may be taken outside the department.

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .

Internships
Internships (GERM386) are also encouraged (no more than 3 credits may be applied to the major). GERM386 may not replace the required 6 credits of upper-level courses in any of the three categories. For more information see www.sllc.umd.edu/undergrad/internships.php .


The Italian Studies Major (ITAL), www.italian.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of French and Italian (FRIT), 3106 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4024

Associate Professor and Chair: Campangne*
Professors: Brami*, Mossman*
Associate Professors: Eades*, Falvo, Frisch*, Orlando*, Scullen*
Assistant Professors: Benharrech*, Carlorosi
Lecturers: Amodeo*, Deigan*, Fleri*, Morando*
Emeriti: Fink*, Hage*, Meijer*, Russell, Tarica*, Therrien*, Verdaguer*

*FREN

The language of Italy has long been known as the language of culture. Italian is the language of art, of music, of poetry. It is also the language of a wealthy, modern industrialized nation now playing an active role in a new United Europe. It is the intent of the Italian program to bring its students to a linguistic and cultural level of understanding so that they are able to participate actively in on-going events, both cultural and technological, in this dynamic country. The Italian program offers a wide range of courses well suited not only for students who are preparing themselves for graduate study, research or other professional development in the field of the humanities, but also for those who are specifically seeking a teaching career in education.

Requirements for Italian Major: 39 credits
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Italian language through intermediate level (ITAL203 or ITAL122)

I. Major Core Requirements (18 credits)

ITAL204 Review Grammar and Composition
ITAL207 Reading and Writing in Italian
ITAL211 Intermediate Oral Communication
ITAL301 Italian Composition
ITAL311 Advanced Oral Expression: Current Events
ITAL401 Advanced Composition and Style

II. Additional Requirements (9 credits)
A. One additional course at the 200 level in literature or culture; choose one from the following:

ITAL251 Introduction to Italian Literature
ITAL261 Cuisine, Culture and Society in Italy Yesterday and Today

B. Two additional courses at the 300 level in literature or culture; choose two from the following:

ITAL351 Survey of Italian Literature I: From the Middle Ages to Renaissance
ITAL352 Survey of Italian Literature II: From the Renaissance to the Present
ITAL361 Italian Society and Culture: From Fascism to the 1970's
ITAL362 Italian Society and Culture: From the 1970's to the Present

III. Three courses at the 400 level (12 credits)
N.B. For each course at the 400 level, Italian majors must register for a 1-credit colloquium (ITAL478x)

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .


The Japanese Major
www.japanese.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALL - Chinese, Japanese, Korean), 2106 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4239

Professor and Chair: Ramsey*
Associate Professors: Liu, Yotsukura*, Zhou
Assistant Professors: Chao, Mason*, Naito*
Lecturers: Akikawa*, Inoue*, Miura*, Pimentel*, Seya*, Yamakita*

*JAPN

The Japanese major provides the training and cultural background needed for entering East Asia-related careers in such fields as higher education, the arts, business, government, international relations, or the media. Students may also consider a double major in Japanese and another discipline, such as business, international relations, economics, or journalism. After completing the prerequisite of one year of language (12 credits - JAPN101 Elementary Japanese I, six hours per week, fall; and JAPN102 Elementary Japanese II, six hours per week, spring), students must complete 42 credits for the major course requirements (24 language, 6 civilization/history, 12 elective).

Students must take language-acquisition courses sequentially. Once credit has been received in a higher level language acquisition or grammar course, a lower level course may not be taken for credit.

Language Requirements:

JAPN201 Intermediate Japanese I 6
JAPN202 Intermediate Japanese II 6
JAPN301 Advanced Japanese I 6
JAPN302 Advanced Japanese II 6

Civilization/History Requirements:

Option I:

HIST284 East Asian Civilization I 3
HIST483 History of Japan to 1800 3

Option II:

HIST285 East Asian Civilization II 3
HIST482 History of Japan to 1800 3

 

ELECT Japanese Literature (300-level or above) 3
ELECT Japanese Linguistics (300-level or above) 3
ELECT Japanese Electives (300-level or above) 3

Note: Electives must be in Japanese language, literature, linguistics, or other East Asian subjects (one must be in the area of Japanese linguistics and one in the area of Japanese literature), and are subject to approval by the student's advisor. Courses that fulfill the literature requirement for the major include JAPN 317, 414, 415, 416, 418 and 498. Courses that fulfill the linguistics requirement for the major include JAPN 421, 422, 428, and 438. Courses that fulfill general elective requirements are JAPN 401, 402, 407, 411, and EALL 300. Additionally, pertinent courses at the 300-400 level in History and Art History can apply toward the general elective requirements.

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .


The Persian Studies Major (PERS), www.persian.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of Middle Eastern Studies (MEST - Arabic, Hebrew, Persian), 3215 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-1891

Professor and Chair: Karimi-Hakkak*
Professor: Elgibali+
Associate Professor: Zakim++
Assistant Professors: Abasi*, Anishchenkova+

*PERS, +ARAB, ++HEBR

The 36 credit major in Persian Studies (12 courses) will provide students with a solid background in linguistic, literary, and cultural aspects of the study of Persian, inclusive of the cultures of Iran, Afghanistan, Persian-speaking Central Asia, and the Persian diaspora. Students work toward competence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening; and study the evolution of Iranian and Persianate cultures in their diverse perspectives, practices, and products. They will become conversant with the contemporary political and daily life of Persian-speaking peoples, with cultural comparison implicit throughout their 4 years.

The B.A. in Persian Studies prepares students for a range of professional opportunities, including careers in government, education, the arts, business, and communication. Many undergraduates will choose to double major or do a double degree in Persian and another subject, including arts and humanities majors, business, computer science, engineering, and journalism.

Courses Required for Majors
Note: In cases where a student has equivalent knowledge, required language-focus credits are replaced in consultation with undergraduate advisor. This may include courses in Arabic for those students who intend to study Persian literature in Persian, as Arabic is integral to the history of Persian Literature.

Requirements for the Major
All students planning to pursue the major in Persian Studies should contact the undergraduate advisor for Persian, who will be responsible for placement, oversight, and record keeping. A grade of C- or better is required in all courses.

A. Prerequisites - 8 credits
Note: There are no prerequisites for students with equivalent knowledge.

PERS101 Elementary Persian I 4 credits
PERS102 Elementary Persian II 4 credits

B. CORE Sequence - 18 credits
Note: All prerequisites imply "or equivalent knowledge."

PERS201 Intermediate Persian I (prereq 102)
PERS211 Intermediate Conversation (co-req 201)
PERS202 Intermediate Persian II (prereq 201/211)
PERS212 Intermediate Reading (co-req 202)
PERS301 Advanced Persian I (pre-req 202/212)
PERS302 Advanced Persian II (prereq 301)

C. Upper Level Electives in Persian - 6 credits

PERS311 Persian Media (pre-coreq 301)
PERS312 Iranian Culture (prereq 301)
PERS401 Persian Composition (prereq 302)
PERS402 Persian Translation (prereq 302)
PERS411 Readings in Modern Iranian History and Culture (prereq 302)
PERS412 Language and Identity (prereq 302)
PERS452 Modern Persian Literature: A Survey (prereq 302)
PERS453 Classical Persian Literature: A Survey (prereq 302)
PERS498 Special Topics in Persian Studies
PERS499 Special Topics in Persian Literature

D. Electives in English - up to 12 credits; no prerequisites

PERS250 Contemporary Iranian Arts
PERS251 Modern Iran
PERS283 Iranian Cinema
PERS353 Iranian Life in Literature and Film
PERS371 Introduction to Persian Literature in Translation
PERS372 The History of Persian
PERS441 Islam in Iran

Note: Courses in Middle Eastern Studies taught in English outside the Department may be substituted on prior approval of the Undergraduate Advisor.

E. Supporting Area - 9 credits
In addition to the required 36 credits, students must take 9 upper level credits in a single area of study outside Persian Studies as a complement to their major. Their plan should be cleared with the undergraduate advisor upon declaring a major. Double majors and minors fulfill this requirement.

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad.


The Romance Languages Major (ROML), www.romancelanguages.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, housed in the Department of French and Italian (FRIT), 3106 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4024

Associate Professor and Chair: Campangne
Professors: Brami, Mossman
Associate Professors: Eades, Falvo*, Frisch, Scullen
Assistant Professors: Benharrech, Carlorosi*
Lecturers: Amodeo*, Deigan*, Fleri*, Morando*
Emeriti: Fink, Hage, Meijer, Russell*, Tarica, Therrien, Verdaguer

*ITAL

The Romance Languages Program is intended for students who want to specialize in two of the Romance languages offered in SLLC: French, Italian, and Spanish. Students selecting this major take a total of 45 credits selected from courses in two of the three components listed below: French, Italian and Spanish. The first four courses listed under each group are required for that particular language component; exceptions or substitutions may be made with the approval of the departmental language advisor only, in consultation with the Romance Languages advisor. 21 credits are taken in each of the two languages, as specified, and three additional credits are taken at the 400 level in either of the languages chosen. Literature or civilization courses may not be taken in translation. Students who wish to apply for Teacher's Certification should consult the College of Education.

Students must take language-acquisition courses sequentially. Once credit has been received in a higher level language acquisition or grammar course, a lower level course may not be taken for credit.

French Requirements

FREN204 French Grammar and Composition 3
FREN250 Introduction to French Literature 3
FREN301 Composition and Style 3
FREN351 From Romanticism to the Age of Modernism and Beyond 3
FREN352 From the Age of Epic and Romance to the Enlightenment 3
FREN4xx Two additional literature or civilization courses at the 400 level 6

Italian Requirements

ITAL207 Reading and Writing in Italian 3
ITAL301 Italian Composition 3
ITAL351 or 352 or ITAL361 or 362 One additional course at the 300 level in literature or culture 3
ITAL4xx Three additional literature or civilization courses at the 400 level with 1 credit colloquium 12

Spanish Requirements

SPAN207 Reading and Writing in Spanish 3
SPAN301 Advanced Grammar and Composition I 3
SPAN303 Approaches to Cultural Materials in Hispanic World 3
SPAN331,332, and 333 or SPAN361, 362 and 363 Spanish Culture, Civilization & Literature I,II and III OR Latin American Literatures & Cultures I,II and III 9
SPAN4xx Two literature or civilization courses at the 400 level 6

All Majors:
FREN/SPAN/ITAL   One additional 3 credit course at the 400 level in either of the two languages   (3)

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad .
 

The Russian Language and Literature Major (RUSS)
www.russian.umd.edu, www.sllc.umd.edu, 3215 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-4239

Associate Professor and Chair: Papazian
Associate Professors: Hitchcock, Lekic, Martin
Assistant Professor: Landa
Affiliate Faculty: Gor

The undergraduate major in Russian Language and Literature consists of 40 credits beyond the prerequisite of Elementary Russian (Russian 101-102 or equivalent). Many students pursue a double major or double degree in Russian and another discipline, such as international relations, business, history, economics, journalism, engineering, etc. Russian students have the opportunity to live in St. Mary's Language House, and the majority of majors participate in study abroad. Native or heritage speakers wishing to enroll in Russian courses or major in Russian should consult the undergraduate advisor. Students interested in enrolling in a course that appears closed or that has a waitlist are strongly encouraged to contact the faculty member or undergraduate advisor for Russian for permission to enroll.

Students must take language-acquisition courses sequentially. Once credit has been received in a higher level language acquisition or grammar course, a lower level course may not be taken for credit. 

Requirements

RUSS201 Intermediate Russian I 5
RUSS202 Intermediate Russian II 5
RUSS301 Advanced Russian I 3
RUSS302 Advanced Russian II 3
RUSS3xx One additional course at 300-level 3
RUSS401 Advanced Russian Composition 3
RUSS402 Practicum in Written Russian 3
RUSS4xx One additional course at the 400-level 3
RUSS Two RUSS electives 6
RUSS300/400 Two upper level RUSS electives* 6

*Must be taught in Russian

Notes: One supporting course outside the department (at the 300 level or above) may be counted toward the major with an advisor's prior approval.

Study Abroad
Students majoring in Russian Studies are encouraged to spend a summer or a semester abroad. For information on study abroad programs see www.russian.umd.edu/abroad/index.html .
 

The Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures Major (SPAN)
www.spanish.umd.edu, www. sllc.umd.edu

Spanish and Portuguese (SPAP)
2215 Jiménez Hall, 301-405-6441, www.spanish.umd.edu, www.portuguese.umd.edu

Professor and chair: Quintero-Herencia
Professors: Aguilar-Mora+, Cypress, Harrison, Igel*, Sosnowski
Associate Professors: Demaría, Lacorte, Lavine, Merediz, Naharro-Calderón, Rodriguez, Sánchez de Pinillos
Assistant Professors: Guzman*, Penrose
Lecturer: Krausen
Emeriti: Nemes, Pacheco++

*PORT
++Distinguished University Professor

The undergraduate major in Spanish Language, Literatures, and Cultures consists of 36 credits of coursework beyond the intermediate prerequisite level, with an additional supporting area (nine credits). All students will take a core of four courses and a three course literature/culture sequence focused on Spain or Latin America; the remaining coursework will come from one of three options: Literature and Culture, Linguistics and Culture, Language and Culture in Professional Contexts.

Prerequisites: 11 credits (or equivalent knowledge)
Note: Students who receive a grade of B+ or above in SPAN203 can proceed directly to SPAN207.

SPAN103 Intensive Elementary Spanish 4 credits
SPAN203 Intensive Intermediate Spanish 4 credits
SPAN204 Review of Spanish Grammar 3 credits

Core Sequence: 21 credits (required for all three options)

SPAN207 Reading and Writing Prereq: SPAN203 with a grade of B+ or higher or SPAN204 or concurrent SPAN204; or equivalent knowledge 3
SPAN301 Advanced Grammar & Composition I Prereq: SPAN207 or concurrent SPAN207 3
SPAN302 Advanced Grammar & Composition II Prereq: SPAN301 3
SPAN303 Approaches to Cultural Materials in the Hispanic World Prereq: SPAN207 3

 

SPAN331, and Spanish Culture, Civilization and Literature I: Medieval Times Prereq: SPAN301 and 303 9
SPAN332, and Spanish Culture, Civilization and Literature II: Renaissance and Baroque Prereq: SPAN301 and 303  
SPAN333 Spanish Culture, Civilization and Literature III: Modern Times Prereq: SPAN301 and 303  

- or -

SPAN361, and Latin American Literatures and Cultures I: From Pre-Columbian to Colonial Prereq: SPAN 301 and 303 9
SPAN362, and Latin American Literatures and Cultures II: From Independence to Nation Formation Prereq: SPAN 301 and 303  
SPAN363 Latin American Literatures and Cultures III: From Modernism to Neo-liberalism Prereq: SPAN 301 and 303  

Literature and Culture option: 15 credits
This option provides greater expertise in Spanish or Latin American literature and culture (three 400 level courses minimum). Students can choose either two commercial Spanish classes OR two translation classes OR two additional 400 level literature classes.

SPAN4xx Two 400 level courses in Spanish Prereq: one from SPAN331, 332, 333
SPAN4xx Latin American Literature and Culture or Prereq: 361, 362, 363 literature sequence above  
SPAN316 Practicum in Translation I Prereq: SPAN301 and SPAN303  
SPAN318   Translation of Technical Texts  or Prereq: SPAN316  
SPAN4xx Three 400 level courses in Spanish or Latin American Literature and Culture Prereq: one from SPAN331, 332, 333, 361, 362, 363 literature sequence above 9

Linguistics and Culture option: 15 credits
This option provides greater expertise in Hispanic linguistics (three upper level courses)

SPAN310 Spanish Phonetics Prereq: SPAN301 and SPAN303 3
SPAN425, and Intro Hispanic Linguistics I; and Prereq: SPAN301 and SPAN303 3
SPAN426 Intro Hispanic Linguistics II Prereq: SPAN425 3
SPAN4xx Two 400 level courses in Spanish or Latin American Literature and Culture *   6

**The approved program in Spanish and Secondary Education requires 2 upper level courses in literature/culture along with the three linguistics courses this option provides.

Language and Culture in Professional Contexts: 15 credits
This option combines business courses with translation courses to provide a better understanding of professional language contexts.

SPAN315 & Commercial Spanish I            Prereq: SPAN301 and 303 3
SPAN415 Commercial Spanish II Prereq: SPAN315 3
SPAN316 & Practicum  in Translation I Prereq: SPAN301 and 303  3
SPAN318 Translation of Technical Texts Prereq: SPAN316 3
SPAN422 or Cross-cultural Communication; or Prereq: SPAN315  3
SPAN4xx One 400-level course in Spanish or Latin American Literature and Culture Prereq: one from SPAN331, 332, 333, 361, 362, 363 literature sequence  

Supporting Area
Nine credits in a single area other than Spanish, 6 of which must be at the 300 or 400 level, all with the approval of the Spanish advisor. Students should discuss their choice of supporting area with the Spanish advisor early on in their Spanish studies.

Courses for Heritage Learners
Heritage learners and students from homes where Spanish is spoken or who have had in-depth exposure to Spanish take a series of courses designed to enhance their skills:

SPAN206 Review of Oral and Written Spanish for Native Speakers Educated in the US Prereq: Native or near native knowledge of and no formal educationi in Spanish
SPAN306 Spanish II for Native Speakers Prereq: SPAN206
SPAN307 Oral Communication Skills for Native Speakers of Spanish Prereq: Native or near native knowledge of oral Spanish and no formal education in Spanish
  • Placement in courses for heritage learners is determined by speaking with the Spanish advisor.
  • Native speakers and all others with the ability to begin coursework at a higher level should speak with the undergraduate advisor for course substitutions.

Study Abroad
For information on study abroad programs see the program advisor and/or the Education Abroad website: www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad.

Other Language Programs

Hebrew

The Hebrew language program provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in Hebrew language, culture, and thought. Elementary and intermediate language courses develop communication skills in modern Hebrew. Upper-level language courses emphasize reading comprehension, vocabulary enrichment, and writing skills. More advanced students focus on the analytical study of major classical and modern Hebrew texts.

Students wishing to focus on Hebrew language as a primary subject may do so through a concentration on Hebrew within the Jewish Studies major (see Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Studies at www.jewishstudies.umd.edu/).

 

Korean

The Korean Minor is housed in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALL). There are two tracks in the Korean language program. The first consists of KORA 101, 102, 202, and 212 and is designed for students with no previous background in, or exposure to, Korean language and culture. The second consists of KORA 211, 212, 311, and 312. It is a heritage sequence for students who were exposed to Korean as children, but who do not have native fluency in the language. See individual course descriptions for placement information. In addition to language skills courses, the department offers courses on the structure and history of the Korean language. For more information see www.korean.umd.edu .

 

Portuguese

This 15-credit minor will provide students with a solid overview in the linguistic, literary and cultural aspects of Portuguese-speaking countries, with emphasis on Brazil.

Prerequisite: Portuguese 104 and 204 or equivalent

Requirements: Students will choose the fifteen credits from among the following courses: Portuguese 205, 224*, 228*, 311, 320, 321, 350, 378*, 408, 409, 421, 470, 478*.

*Portuguese 224, 228, 378, 478 are conducted in English. The majority of written assignments will be in Portuguese for those students in the minor program.

  • A maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the minor from courses taken at other institutions.
  • A maximum of 9 credits may be applied from a University of Maryland Study Abroad program.
  • All courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

All administrative records and advising will be handled by the advisor for the Portuguese Program: Regina Igel, ri@umd.edu , 301-405-6457.

To make an appointment to explore or declare a minor, go to
www.arhu.umd.edu/undergraduate/academics/minors

 

Undergraduate Research Experiences

The School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures has implemented an Annual SLLC Undergraduate Research Forum which allows its outstanding Juniors and/or Seniors to display their research projects. The Forum takes place in late April in the Language House (St. Mary's).

Internships

Annual Language Career and Internship Fair

Each fall semester, SLLC organizes a Language Career and Internship Fair in conjunction with the UMD Career Center. For more information see the SLLC website www.sllc.umd.edu/ .

Co-op Programs

Language Partner Program (LPP)

The Language Partner Program is a joint venture between the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, the Office of International Services and Education Abroad. International students and SLLC majors are assigned in pairs to meet weekly on a one-on-one basis outside the classroom to work in an informal yet structured way on the listening, speaking and cultural acquisition skills of SLLC majors. SLLC students in good academic standing (3.0 GPA) and at the intermediate to advanced level sign up for a 1cr SLLC309- Language Partner Program.

 

Student Societies and Professional Organizations

Individual SLLC departments hold annual induction ceremonies for students who are eligible for honor society membership. 

 

Awards and Recognition

The UG Committee organizes an annual awards ceremony to celebrate SLLC students who have earned SLLC, campus, and/or national scholarships, and academic achievement awards. The awards ceremony takes place in conjunction with the annual SLLC UG Research Forum.

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