MLC DEPT COURSES

 Modern Languages and Classics  Courses (Spring & Fall)

UPDATING:

ASL 101- Elementary American Sign Language I

Introduction to American Sign Language syntax, morphology, phonology, history and culture. Focus on dialogue. (Spring- Fall)

ASL 102 – Elementary American Sign Language II   

Continuation of skill building in American Sign Language syntax, morphology, phonology, cultural awareness. Focus on monologue.  (Spring/Fall)

CLA 101-0400/0990- Greet Lit in English Translation

A survey of Greek literature language. No knowledge of Greek is necessary (Fall) 

CLA 102- 0990 (Online)

A survey of Latin literature.  No knowledge of Latin is necessary. (Spring)

CLA 202-0990 (Online)

Surveys the mythologies of the ancient Mediterranean Basin, including Hebrew Mythology.  Through lectures, reading and video the major deities and heroes of each culture will be presented within their cultural context, including the stories associated with them. (Spring)

CLA 400- Hero-Myth and Meaning (Online)

The idea of the hero has been important in culture and art since the earliest epic. What is Heroism? What defines the hero? How does a person become a hero and what do you do afterward? These are all questions that the great epic stories from the past and the world of the media today seek to address and answer. This course looks at ancient epics dealing with the hero and brings hero tales through time today. We look at myth, legend and lived experience, with special attention to the world of the hero’s as articulated through their representation in literature, art, music and film.  (Fall)

FRE 101-Elementary French I

A systematic study of the basics of the French language.  Equal emphasis is placed on developing reading, comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  For students with no previous study of French or fewer than two years in high school.  (Fall/Spring)

FRE 201- Intermediate French I

This is the first of a 2-semester course sequence that uses an integrated approach. Viewing feature length films, reading texts of a literary and/or cultural nature, a textbook and online activities that will strengthen reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Includes a systematic but gradual review of the essentials of French Grammar.  (Fall)

FRE 202- Intermediate French II

A continuation of FRE 201 using audio-visual materials and reading texts of a literary and/or cultural nature to strengthen comprehension, reading, writing, and speaking.  Includes a systematic but gradual review of the essentials of French grammar(Spring)

FRE 305-French Conversation and Composition: Social Issues

Systematic training in the correct usage of spoken and written French through a broad range of conversational situations and writing topics focusing on social issues.  (Fall)

FRE 306-French Conversation and Composition: Global Issues

Systematic training in the correct usage of spoken and written French through a broad range of conversational situations and writing topics focusing on global issues. Continued training in the correct usage of spoken and written French. (Spring)

FRE 309-  Readings in French Literature

Practice in reading French, with an emphasis on the French-speaking world beyond France. Discussion in French.  (Fall)

FRE 390 Topics in French- Contemporary France

  A study of the history, society, and culture of contemporary France. (Spring)

FRE 401- Translation and Comparative Stylistics

An exposition of the principles of translation and comparative stylistics with practice via exercises and the translation of texts in both English and French. Satisfies the General Education Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives and Writing Intensive requirements. Prerequisite: FRE 400  (Fall)

FRE 407- 19th Century French Literature: Poetry

Readings of major 19th century figures, including Balzac, Sand, Hugo, Flaubert, Zola, and Baudelaire, with particular attention to social and philosophical themes as well as concepts of language and genre. May be repeated for credit, the course content may vary. (Fall)

 FRE 408- 20th Century French Literature:  Theatre

Readings in the novel, poetry or drama (content varies.) May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor (Fall/Spring)

 FRE 413 -Adv Composition & Stylistics

Capstone Experience in which majors in French and in International Affairs with a concentration in French, or in Cultures, Languages and the Humanities, apply language skills and knowledge gained from all prior language study.  Students work closely with a faculty advisor on an approved project and give a public presentation of the project in French.   When taken as a stand-alone course, the coursework will reflect the work of three credit hours, regardless of number of credits taken.  When taken in conjunction with another French course at the 400 level, the course will carry no credit and will be graded Pass/Fail only. (Fall)

FRE 463- Quebec Poetry 

This course offers an overview of Quebec poetry, from Émile Nelligan (1879-1941) to our days. From a selection of significant works, we will observe the different forms that Quebec poetry has taken and will also study the poetic genre itself. At over the weeks, we will analyze poems and pay attention to how the style helps to present a vision of the world. The course will also explore the literary and social history of Quebec. (Spring)

FRE 495 (001)-Senior Project in French

Capstone Experience in which majors in French and in International Affairs with a concentration in French, or in Cultures, Languages and the Humanities, apply language skills and knowledge gained from all prior language study.  Students work closely with a faculty advisor on an approved project and give a public presentation of the project in French.   When taken as a stand-alone course, the coursework will reflect the work of three credit hours, regardless of number of credits taken.  When taken in conjunction with another French course at the 400 level, the course will carry no credit and will be graded Pass/Fail only.(Fall/Spring)

FRE 508- Seminar in the Novel –  20th Century France

Readings in the novel, poetry or drama (content varies.) May be repeated for credit, with permission of instructor. (spring)

FRE 509 – Seminar in Poetry*

Movement in French poetry. The periods, groups and trends studies vary year to year. (Spring)

FRE 510 -Seminar in Theatre-  20th Century France

Readings of major 20th century figures, including Balzac, Sand, Hugo, Flaubert, Zola, and Baudelaire, with particular attention to social and philosophical themes as well as concepts of language and genre. May be repeated for credit, the course content may vary.  (Fall)

HRB 101- Beginning Modern Hebrew I

Continued study of the basics of the Hebrew language, with equal emphasis on developing reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing skills. Continued discussion of Hebrew as an expression of Jewish culture in Israel and the United States. For students with one semester study of Hebrew or the equivalent as determined through consultation with the instructor (Fall)

 HRB 102- Beginning Modern Hebrew II

Continued study of the basics of the Hebrew language, with equal emphasis on developing reading, listening comprehension, speaking and writing skills. Continued discussion of Hebrew as an expression of Jewish culture in Israel and the United States. For students with one semester study of Hebrew or the equivalent as determined through consultation with the instructor (spring)

GER 101- Elementary German I

The basics of the German Language.  Emphasis on developing reading, comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  For students with no previous study of German or fewer than two years in high school. (Fall)

GER 102- Elementary German II

Continued study of the basics of the German Language.  Emphasis on developing reading, comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  For students with no previous study of German or fewer than two years in high school.  (Spring)

GER 203-Intermediate German-  

GER 203 uses an integrated approach.  Reading German texts as well as various audiovisual materials will be employed to strengthen reading, writing and especially speaking and comprehension skills.  Includes a systematic but gradual review of the essentials of German grammar. Prerequisite GER 102 or equivalent. (Fall)

GER 204- Intermediate German II * A continuation of GER 203. Designed to strengthen reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills (Spring)

LAT 101- Elementary Latin I (Online)

Fundamentals of the Latin language.  (Fall)

LAT 102 Elementry Latin II- (Online)  (Spring)

MLC 175: Multiculturalism in America

A multidisciplinary course that investigates the nature of “American” identity through readings and essay writing, video and debate.
Satisfies the General education Cultural Diversity and International Perspective requirement. Cr. 3.

MLC 190: Topics in Modern Languages

Prerequisite: permission Cr. Ar.

MLC 210- Topics in Modern Language

Specific topics determined by current interests of students and staff. May be repeated for credit if different topic is taken.  

MLC 293: Study Abroad

Permits the granting of foreign language credit for courses taken aboard with no exact University of Maine catalog equivalent. May be repeated for credit. Cr. 1-6.

MLC 421: World Cinema

Cross-cultural encounters frequently lead to misunderstanding, conflict and even animosity, but also comical moments.  The medium of film can help students realize that crossing cultures is not only possible, but can be a life-transforming experience.  In world cinema, Road Movies have come to represent the myth of mobility and freedom, their protagonist are groups of people of individuals who seek to escape their world – either temporarily or permanently – to set out towards redemption and adventure.  The road either makes or breaks the traveler and thus becomes the passage to which a new beginning is possible.  The course will investigate how various cultures portray these quests for change, how many of these trips lead to cross-cultural (mis) communication and how these themes are both universal and culturally-specific.  By analyzing a variety of films, it will become clear how national cinema, political institutions and the socio-cultural makeup of a given society are interconnected.  The fact that Hollywood’s film industry exerts global influence is also apparent in the many foreign road movies, which take place in the United States.  The variety of movies chosen will present not only a look at ethnic minorities and majority in various countries around the world and in the U.S., foreign cultures from the American point-of-view; but will also demonstrate how others view America.

Prerequisite: ENG 280, HTY 218 or permission of instructor

Satisfies the General Education Creative and artistic expression, social contexts and institutions requirement.

MLC 466: Teaching Modern Languages

This course is intended to prepare prospective teachers to make sound decisions with regard to the content, the approach, the goals and classroom activities appropriate to foreign language teaching.  It is therefore designed to introduce participants to current theories and practice of foreign language teaching.  In order to achieve this goal, it is essential that participants understand the linguistic, psychological, anthropological, and educational theories that contributed to the development of contemporary methodologies.  By seeking to establish the theoretical basis of second language learning/acquisition and foreign language instruction, course participants will be encouraged to become reflective and self-critical language instructors.  The course also aims to provide sources of information to which participants can turn in the years ahead for continued guidance in their professional development. Cr. 3.

MLC 490: Topics in Modern Languages

Specific topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite: permission. Cr. 3.

MLC 493: Study Abroad

Permits the granting of foreign language credit for courses taken aboard with no exact University of Maine catalog equivalent.  May be repeated for credit. Cr. 1-6.

MLC 496: Field Work in Modern Languages

Supervised work in either the public or the private sector which is relevant to the study and use of a modern language.  Requirements include an initial proposal which shows the relevance of the work experience to the students’ program in modern languages and a final report or paper.

Prerequisite: an appropriate level of fluency as determined by the department. Cr. 1-12.

MLC 566: The Teaching of Modern Languages

Includes current trends and methods in world language instruction, application of second language acquisition principles to classroom procedures, interplay of theory and practice at different proficiency levels, uses of technology in instructional process.  For individuals seeking world language teaching (re)certification. Prerequisites Permission. Credits: 3

MLC 598: Topics in Modern Languages

Topics in Modern Languages Prerequisites Permission. Credits: 3

SPA 101-Elementary Spanish I

A systematic study of the basics of the Spanish language.  Equal emphasis on developing reading, comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  For students with no previous study of Spanish or fewer than two years in high school.  (Spring/Fall)

SPA 102-Elementary Spanish II

A continued study of the basics of the Spanish language.  Equal emphasis is placed on developing reading, comprehension, speaking and writing skills.  For students with no previous study of Spanish or fewer than two years in high school. (Spring)

 SPA 109-Spanish for Med Professions (Online)

 In response to the ever-growing Spanish-speaking population in the United States, this course will address the specific Spanish communications skills required by those students who intend to pursue careers in medical or health-care fields. This course will focus on medical situations with Spanish-speaking patients and/or family members with limited English. It will emphasize technical vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and grammar, as well as cultural awareness. This course is the equivalent to SPA 101. SPA 101 and SPA 109 cannot both be taken for credit  For students with no previous study of Spanish or fewer than two years in high school.  

SPA 203- Intermediate Spanish I

An integrated approach. Reading texts as well as other materials will be employed to strengthen reading, writing and especially speaking ad comprehensive skills. Includes a systematic but gradual review of the essentials of Spanish Grammar.  

SPA 204-Intermediate Spanish II

A continuation of SPA 203 designed to strengthen reading, writing, speaking and comprehension skills. Includes a systematic but gradual review of the essentials of Spanish grammar.

SPA 305- Applied Spanish

Intensive oral and written practice in real-life situations. Development of confidence, accuracy, fluency and communicative strategies in formal and informal modes of expression. Guided development of idiomatic expression and structures; development of self-correct in speech and writing. Reinforcement through interactive situations. The prerequisites are: SPA 204 or SPA 300 lever or higher level or permission.

SPA 306- Workshop in Speaking and Writing Spanish

Develops fluency and accuracy in written and oral Spanish.  Students help design course content through projects, performances, and problem-solving. (spring)

SPA 308 – Readings Hispanic Literature-

 Emphasis on changes in the cultural phenomena, styles, themes and ideological position of texts from the beginnings of Hispanic American literature through romanticism, naturalism, the novel of the land, the “Boom” and avant-garde movements.  

SPA 311-  Latinos in the US

 Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and much of that growth is driven by immigration. In this course we cover: the definition of immigration, the Latino experience in the United States, and Latinos in Maine. We approach these topics through different types of authentic material: literature (stories, poems and excerpts from novels), newspaper and magazine articles, blogs, songs, plays, movies, television, radio, video clips, audio clips (podcasts) and art (graffiti, mural, painting, digital art, cartoon and photo). We also talk with Latino immigrants from different countries of origin. Students will improve listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. The course will be taught entirely in Spanish and the readings will be in the target language.  

SPA 390- Topics in Spanish*

Designed to provide students who have an intermediate-level knowledge of Spanish familiarity with specialized language and conventions in professional situations. Emphasis will be given to vocabulary and writing skills for professional use as well as awareness of Hispanic culture, cross-cultural communications and applications in Spanish speaking countries. Authentic up-to-date information will require regular use of the Internet as a source of reading. All classes are conducted in Spanish. (spring)

SPA 414/597- Hty of the Spanish Language

An historical panorama of the development of Spanish from late Latin on the Iberian Peninsula to the globally dynamic language of our present. Students will study the modern Spanish language in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and around the world, how this language came to be, and how it continues to change. Linguistic notions gleaned in this course have relevance to other modern languages, including English, as well as to the idiosyncrasies and common points of confusion in Spanish.

SPA 415- Feminism and Literature

Across the Hispanic world, writers like Cesar Vallejo, Federico Garcia Lorca, Ruben Dario, Rosa Chacel, and Jorge Luis Borges, along with visual artists like Salvador Dali, Maruja Mallo, and Pablo Picasso define what it means to be modern at the beginning of the twentieth century.  This course examines and explores the complicated topic of modernity by surveying Hispanic art and literature from about 1898 to 1945.(fall)

SPA 490 –  Topic & Individual Authors in Spanish- Latinx Writers in the USA 

A study of contemporary Latinx writers in the USA including Daniel Alarcon, Oswaldo Estrada, Junot Diaz, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Silvia Goldman, among others. Readings will be in Spanish and English. Satisfies the General Education Cultural Diversity and International Perspectives requirement. (Fall)

SPA 495- Senior Project in Spanish

Capstone Experience in which majors in Spanish and in International Affairs with a concentration in Spanish, or in Cultures, Languages and the Humanities, apply language skills and knowledge gained from all prior language study.  Students work closely with a faculty advisor on an approved project and give a public presentation of the project in Spanish. When taken as a stand-alone course, the coursework will reflect the work of three credit hours, regardless of number of credits taken. When taken in conjunction with another Spanish course at the 400 level, the course will carry no credit and will be graded Pass/Fail only.(fall)

SPA 515- Seminar in Advance Grammar-

An advanced presentation of Spanish grammar utilizing a linguistic approach rather than prescriptive grammatical rules. Active, frequent participation by students is expected, leading to the level of ADVANCED SUPERIOR according to ACTFL guidelines (fall)

SPA 597 Projects in Spanish I

Specific projects vary from semester to semester depending on the needs of the graduate student and the skills of the faculty member. May be repeated for credit.(Fall)