Modern Foreign Languages
Overview
Faculty
General Education Language Requirement
Placement Testing
Transfer Students
Programs of Study
The Spanish Major
Modern Foreign Language Minor
Spanish Language and Culture
Language Course Descriptions
Faculty
Rachel L. Burk, Ph.D., Chair
Therese Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D.
Theresa Lamy, SSND, Ph.D.
Linda Stilling, SSND, M.A.
Marcela Valencia, Ph.D
Associate Faculty
Joseph Wieczorek, Ph.D.
French
Bienvenue à notre programme de français! Our French program integrates exciting interactive technology, small classes, communication-focused coursework and individualized attention. Our students take French from the classroom into the NDMU community and the larger world via study abroad, service learning, language-exchange partners, internships and a partnership with the Alliance Française of Baltimore.
Courses provide a grounding in the essential structure of language and foster practical communication while incorporating cultural learning. Small classes, close relationships with professors, multi-media technology, and interactions with native speakers encourage General Education students to speak, write, listen and read in French while gaining broad perspectives on the Francophone world. Majors and Minors refine their language skills and at the same time immerse themselves in the literature, history, film, art, and culture of the French-speaking worlds, in Baltimore, the United States, and beyond.
Spanish
¡Bienvenidos al programa de español! Learn to speak the third most popular language in the world through individualized attention, integrated technology, and communication-focused coursework. Our students take Spanish from the classroom into the NDMU community and the larger world via study abroad, service learning, language-exchange partners, the Hispanic Culture Club, and internships. ¡Qué aproveche!
Courses cover essential language structures, practical communication, and cultural learning. Small classes, close relationships with professors, multi-media technology, and interactions with native speakers encourage General Education students to speak, write, listen, and read in Spanish while gaining perspectives on the Hispanic world. Majors and minors in Spanish refine their language skills and at the same time immerse themselves in Hispanic literature, history, film, art, and culture, locally and internationally.
General Education Language Requirement
Native Speakers of English
Women’s College students of traditional age—first-year and transfer—may fulfill the general education foreign language requirement in one of three ways:
* AP Exam: Provide evidence of an earned grade of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Language or Literature exam
* Language Department Placement Exam: Place into the advanced level (301) on the language department placement exam. (These students may wish to satisfy the general education literature requirement through a literature course in the foreign language.)
* Course work: Complete one course at the intermediate level (103, 233 or 234), preferably building upon foreign language skills acquired at the secondary level.
Students in the Women’s College ages 25 years and older at the time of matriculation, as well as students in the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, may fulfill the general education language requirement in one of two ways:
* Exam: Provide evidence of completion of one semester of foreign language study through the Advanced Placement Language or Literature exam or the CLEP test (available in French, Spanish and German through the College Board).
* Coursework: Complete one semester at the appropriate level (101,102,103 or higher).
Native speakers of English who are bilingual should consult with the chair of the language department for guidance regarding the language requirement.
Language courses that satisfy the general education language requirement are: 103, 233, 234 or any Latin course above the 102 level.
Non-Native Speakers of English
International students may fulfill the general education foreign language requirement in one of three ways:
* TOEFL Exam: At entrance, provide evidence of a score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL exam, or 213 or higher on the TOEFL: BT Test or 80 or higher on the IBT Test.
* Language department placement exam: At entrance, score on the advanced level on all parts of the language department's English placement test.
* Language department placement exam: Complete LEF-203, LEF-204, LCL-331 or LCL-332, based on the results of the English placement test.
Placement Testing
Placement testing will assure that every student studies at a level consistent with her current abilities. Students at Notre Dame must complete one semester of foreign language at the intermediate level (103) or above. The sequence of foreign language courses offered is as follows:
| 101-102 | Beginning (language) I and II (do not fulfill the language requirement) |
| 103 | Intermediate (language) I (Courses beginning at this level fulfill language requirement.) |
| 233/ 234 | (Spanish) for Oral/Written Proficiency |
| 301-302 | Advanced Conversation and Composition I and II |
|
Placement result | Courses needed to fulfill the language requirement |
|---|---|
| 101 | 101, 102, 103 |
| Start a new language | 101, 102, 103 |
| 102 | 102, 103 |
| 103 | 103 |
| 233 | 233 |
| 234 | 234 |
Students who have achieved a score of 3 or above on the Advanced Placement Language or Literature Test are considered to have fulfilled the language requirement. No additional courses are required.
Transfer students
Those who have studied a foreign language at the college level satisfy the requirement with one course at the intermediate level. Those students who have college level language credit must make this information known to their advisors! Since course numbering varies, failure to do so may result in taking the same course twice and being denied credit.
Placement Testing for Nursing Majors
Nursing students at Notre Dame must successfully complete LSP 108 as part of the requirement for the Nursing major. Students who do not place directly into this course must complete LSP 105 and/or LSP 106, depending on their individual placement, prior to enrolling in LSP 108:
LSP 105 Spanish Language and Culture for Professional Settings I
LSP 106 Spanish Language and Culture for Professional Settings II
LSP 108 Spanish Language and Culture for Healthcare Professions
NOTE: LSP 108 satisfies the language requirement for Nursing students. It does not satisfy the general education requirement for language for students outside of the Nursing program.
|
Placement result | Courses needed to fulfill the language requirement for Nursing majors |
|---|---|
| 105 | 105, 106, 108 |
| 106 | 106, 108 |
| 108 | 108 |
Programs of Study
To declare a Spanish major or a French/Spanish minor in the department, a student must have a minimum grade of C in the course that satisfies the general education language requirement. All courses in the major and the minor must be completed with a grade of C or above. Double major programs may be developed through consultation with academic advisors from each department.
The language department strongly recommends that students who major or minor in foreign language study abroad. All such courses must be pre-approved by the University in advance of the study abroad year or semester.
The Spanish Major
The Spanish major requires 33 credit hours (11 courses) beginning at the 200-level. Students who place out of LSP-233 and 234 will take 27 credits (nine courses). All majors, including native speakers, must take LSP-301 and LSP-302.
Required Courses for The Spanish Major Credits
Language Skills:
LSP-233 Spanish for Oral Proficiency or LSP-210 Spanish for Health Professions (3)
LSP-234 Spanish for Written Proficiency (3)
LSP-301 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I (3)
LSP-302 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition II (3)
Introduction to the Discipline:
LFN-201 The World of Language (taught in English) (3)
LSP-258* Readings in Hispanic Literature (taught in Spanish) (3)
*For native speakers who have successfully completed a literature course in English, LSP-258 should be replaced by one 300-level literature course in Spanish.
Literature:
One 3 credit course at the 300-level (3)
Culture and Civilization:
LSP-358 Spanish Culture & Civilization or LSP-359 Latin American Culture & Civilization (3)
LFN-450 Research Seminar (3)
Elective Courses:
One course at the 200- or 300-level (3)
One 400-level course in linguistics, literature or culture in Spanish (3)
Modern Foreign Language Minor
The minor requires 21 credit hours in the same modern language (seven courses). Students who place into the 300-level must complete a minimum of 18 credits (six courses) in order to minor in the language. They may substitute one 300-level literature, culture or linguistics course for 233/234.
Courses for a Minor in Foreign Language
Required Courses (15 credits)
LFN-201 The World of Language (taught in English) (3)
233 Oral Proficiency (3)
234 Written Proficiency (3)
301, 302 Advanced Conversation and Composition I, II (6)
All minors, including native speakers, must take 301 and 302.
Elective Courses (6 credits) two of the following:
103 Intermediate language (through placement only) (3)
258* Readings in Literature (3)
*For native speakers who have successfully completed a literature course in English, 258 should be replaced by one 300-level literature course in the target language.
358 or 359 Culture and Civilization (3)
International studies majors who minor in language are not required to take a culture course. They may complete the minor with 18 credits (six courses).
Students who place into the 300-level must complete a minimum of 18 credits (six courses) in order to minor in the language. They may substitute one 300-level literature, culture or linguistics course for 233/234.
Spanish Language and Culture Program
The Spanish Language and Culture Program is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience!
What’s unique about this program?
- It is focused on conversation in Spanish and study of Latino culture.
- Three sequential courses (LSP 105, 106, 107) can be taken for one credit each for NDMU students. A certificate is offered to persons from the community who are not taking the course for credit.
- A fourth course, Spanish Language and Culture for Healthcare Professions (LSP 108) is also offered.
- Classes meet for two hours once a week for ten weeks.
- It is made up of professionals, people from the community, as well as NDMU students.
Why is this program important?
We live in a country and a world where the Spanish speaking population is ever-growing and there is a need for cultural sensitivity and understanding among all people. Employment and volunteer opportunities are broadened through knowledge of Spanish Language and Culture. It is truly a great asset. Diversity can enrich us all!
What can you expect from this course?
You can expect to increase your speaking skills in Spanish and also grow in cultural awareness and sensitivity so as to be able to build bridges between communities. “The limits of our language are the limits of our world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein
Who ought to enroll in this course?
- Students enrolled in LSP 101,102,103 who want to supplement their language courses by increasing conversational skills and cultural knowledge of the Hispanic world.
- Persons who want to work or volunteer with the Latino community.
- Those who want to take an active role in becoming a global citizen.
Language Courses
Classical Studies Electives
LCL-303 Women in the Ancient World
LCL-371 Classical Mythology
LCL-372 Classical Archeology
LCL-463 Independent Study
LCL-465 Directed Readings
LCO-378 Honors: From Homer to Star Wars: The Epic Tradition in Western Literature
LLT/LGK/LTK-427 Archeological Study Tours
LLT-480 Aspects of Roman Culture
English as a Foreign Language
LEF-203 English: Conversation for Non-Native Speakers of English
LEF-204 English: Composition for Non-Native Speakers of English
Etymology
LCL-331 The Making and Meaning of Words
LCL-332 Scientific and Specialized Terminology
LCL-333 Medical Terminology
LGK-101, 102 Beginning Greek I, II (Biblical)
LGK-103 Intermediate Greek
LGK-336 Homer
LGK-463 Independent Study
French Language Skills Courses
LFR-101, 102 Beginning French I, II
LFR-103 Intermediate French
LFR-233 French for Oral Proficiency
LFR-234 French for Written Proficiency
LFR-301, 302 Advanced French Conversation and Composition I, II
Literature
LFR-258 Readings in Francophone Literature
LFR-310 Masterpieces in French Literature I
LFR-311 Masterpieces in French Literature II
Culture and Civilization
LFR-358 French Culture and Civilization
Special Topics
LFR-401 Topics in French
LFR-463 Independent Study
Latin
LLT-101, 102 Beginning Latin I, II
LLT-103 Intermediate Latin
LLT-234 Latin Poetry
LLT-258 Readings in Latin Literature
LLT-308 The Letters of Cicero and Pliny
LLT-336 Vergil
LLT 410 Latin Prose Composition
LLT-463 Independent Study
LLT-465 Directed Readings
Modern Foreign Languages
LFN-201 The World of Language
LFN-401 Topics in Modern Foreign Language Study
LFN-450 Research Seminar
Italian Language Skills Courses
LIT-101, 102 Beginning Italian I, II
LIT-103 Intermediate Italian
Japanese
JP 101-104
Spanish Language Skills Courses
LSP-101, 102 Beginning Spanish I, II
LSP-103 Intermediate Spanish
LSP-105 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals I
LSP-106 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals II
LSP-107 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals III
LSP-210 Spanish for Health Professions
LSP-233 Spanish for Oral Proficiency
LSP-234 Spanish for Written Proficiency
LSP-301, 302 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I, II
Literature
LSP-258 Readings in Hispanic Literature
LSP-310 Survey of Masterpieces in Latin American Literature I
LSP-311 Survey of Masterpieces in Latin American Literature II
LSP-322 Survey of Masterpieces in Peninsular Literature
Culture and Civilization
LSP-358 Spanish Culture and Civilization
LSP-359 Latin American Culture and Civilization
Special Topics
LSP-401 Topics in Spanish
LSP-463 Independent Study
Short-Term Academic Experiences Abroad
(Offered On A Rotating Basis)
LFR-427 Short-Term Academic Experience in a French-Speaking Country
LGK-427 Archeology of Greece
LLT-427 Archeology of Italy
LSP-427 Short-Term Academic Experience in a Spanish-Speaking Country
LTK-427 Archeology of Turkey
Thought and Culture Courses
The following Thought and Culture courses are offered on a rotating basis in the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies.
LGK-358 Ancient Greek Thought and Culture
LIT-358 Italian Thought and Culture
LLT-358 Roman Thought and Culture
Courses
LCL-331 The Making and Meaning of Words
Studies Greek and Latin word elements as an aid to better understanding and use of English. Recommended for all students. Fulfills the general education language requirement for non-native speakers of English. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LCL-333 Medical Terminology
Facilitates the understanding of the Latin and Greek language basis of medical terminology. Instructs the student on the identification of the four common word elements (prefix, suffix, root word and combining vowel), in a medical word in order to understand the medical term as a whole entity. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LCL-371 Classical Mythology
Explores major myths and legends in Greek thought and their influence on ancient and modern literature, art and music. Fulfills the general education literature requirement. May be used as a required course in an English major or minor. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LCL-372 Classical Archeology
Examines the material remains of major sites of ancient Greece and Rome through films and slides, internet and library research and written and oral reports. This course fulfills the general education requirement in history. It is an elective for a history or classical studies major or minor. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LCL-463 Independent Study
LCL-465 Directed Readings
LEF-203 English: Conversation for Non-Native Speakers of English
Refines listening and speaking skills while expanding knowledge of U.S. cultural values and their historical basis. Provides intensive listening practice through use of the language learning center, feature films, guest speakers and field trips. Expands vocabulary and use of idiomatic language. Improves accuracy through a focus on American English syntax and word choice, and increases oral fluency through providing numerous opportunities for discussion of current issues in U.S. culture. Laboratory required. Fulfills language requirement for non-native speakers of English. Prerequisite: placement test. [3 credits] (Offered fall and spring)
LEF-204 English: Composition for Non-Native Speakers of English
Develops and refines writing skills in English in order to meet the demands of college coursework. Provides extensive practice in writing with an emphasis on the writing process, organization, syntax of American English and appropriate word choice. Prepares non-native speakers of English for ENG-101 College Writing at Notre Dame or the equivalent first-year college English composition course. Prerequisite: placement test. [3 credits] (Offered each semester)
LEF-205 English: Composition for Non-Native Speakers of English 2
Further develops and refines writing skills in English for non-native speakers who learn to accurately respond to writing prompts with attention to purpose and audience. Students also prepare well-organized responses to standard essay exam questions and prompts, and learn to correctly cite incorporated works using APA style. Prerequisite: LEF-204 or placement test. (Offered spring 2017) [3 credits]
LFN-201 The World of Language
Overviews the history, foundations and linguistic methods, as well as the social and cultural aspects of language. Makes explicit the links among language, communication and culture. Helps students to see language in its larger context and introduces them to the principles of linguistic and cross-cultural analysis. Explores current issues in the field: first- and second-language acquisition, language development and change, bilingualism, literacy, language and the mind, and language use in society. Taught in English. Required for minors and majors in classical and modern languages. Open to non-majors. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: one foreign language course at the 103 level or equivalent. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LFN-450 Research Seminar
Working with an instructor of her major language, each student prepares a written paper and oral presentation on a topic of particular interest designed to demonstrate linguistic, cultural and cross-cultural learning within a global context. The oral presentation is given before an audience. Required of all majors in the department, this seminar is also open to minors and native speakers. Serves as the capstone course for the classical studies and modern language majors. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LFR-101 Beginning French I
Develops the ability to understand, speak, read and write in French. Enhances awareness and understanding of the French-speaking world through multi-media resources, presentation of authentic materials and interaction with native speakers of French. LFR-101 is for students with no prior experience in French. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LFR-102 Beginning French II
Furthers the ability to understand, speak, read and write in French. Enhances awareness and understanding of the French-speaking world through multi-media resources, presentation of authentic materials and interaction with native speakers of French. Pre-requisite: LFR-101 or placement test. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LFR-103 Intermediate French
Develops the four language skills and cultural awareness through a review of grammar, readings based on cultural materials, multi-media resources and interaction with native speakers. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Required of all French majors and minors. Prerequisite: LFR-102 or placement test. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LFR-301 Advanced French Conversation and Composition I
Gives special attention to the idiomatic use of language and to the finer points of French grammar. Based on writings and multi-media resources dealing with present day events and cultural issues. Analysis of structure and style. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LFR-233/234 or placement test. Required of all French majors and minors. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LFR-302 Advanced French Composition and Conversation II
Continues special attention to the idiomatic use of language and to the finer points of French grammar. Based on writings and multi-media resources dealing with present day events and cultural issues. Analysis of structure and style. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Required of all French majors and minors. Prerequisite: LFR-233/234 or placement test. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LGK-427 Archeology of Greece
Visits the major archeological sites of Greece. During the tour, students will attend on-site lectures on history, art and archeology and guided tours of museums. Prior to the tour, there will be preparatory lectures and preliminary readings. Additional assignments related to the tour will be completed shortly after return. [3 credits] (Offered summer 2017)
LLT-102 Beginning Latin II
Examines various aspects of the Latin language and Roman culture through a kind of soap opera involving a fictitious Roman family of the first century A.D. Students meet for three hours a week and spend an additional hour each week in the Language Learning Center. This is the second of a three-semester sequence that fulfills the general education requirement in language. Prerequisite: LLT-101 or placement test. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LLT-103 Intermediate Latin
Introduces students to some major Latin authors, while reviewing basic vocabulary and syntax. Special emphasis will be placed on the uses of the subjunctive. Students meet for three hours a week and spend an additional hour each week in the Language Learning Center. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LLT 102 or placement test. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LLT-465 Directed Readings: Ovid
Allows advanced Latin students to join high school Latin teachers on six Saturdays and online in reading and interpreting selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Amores, Tristia and other works in the original Latin, supplemented by commentaries in English. [3 credits] (Offered fall 2016)
LLT-511 Topics in Latin Literature: Aeneid and De Bello Gallico
Examines selections in Latin from Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Gallic Wars. Students meet face-to-face for a full day on six Saturdays during the semester and contribute to forums on Joule in weeks where there is no class meeting. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LSP-101 Beginning Spanish I
Develops the ability to understand, speak, read and write in Spanish. Emphasizes communication in the target language. Enhances awareness and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world through study of authentic material. LSP-101 is for students with no prior experience in Spanish. Laboratory required. Prerequisite: placement test. [3 credits.] (Offered each semester.)
LSP-102 Beginning Spanish II
Continues to develop the ability to understand, speak, read and write in Spanish. Emphasizes communication in the target language. Enhances awareness and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world through study of authentic material. Laboratory required. Prerequisite: LSP-101 or placement test. [3 credits.] (Offered each semester.)
LSP-103 Intermediate Spanish
Develops the four language skills through a review of grammar and readings based on cultural material. Emphasizes communication in the target language. Laboratory required. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LSP-102 or placement test. [3 credits] (Offered each semester.)
LSP-105 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals
Enables students to learn basic conversational skills and elemental phrases to better communicate with Spanish-speaking persons. Designed for professionals or volunteers who interact with Hispanic communities in professional settings. The cultural component focuses on the customs, spirituality, communication styles and traditions of Hispanics. This course is an elective and does not fulfill the general education language requirement. [1 credit] (Offered each semester)
LSP-106 Spanish Language and Culture: Part 2
Deepens students’ understanding of basic conversational skills and phrases to better communicate with Spanish-speaking persons, building on LSP 105. Designed for professionals or volunteers who interact with Hispanic communities in professional settings. This course is an elective and does not fulfill the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LSP 105, LSP 101, 102 or placement test. [1 credit] (Offered each semester)
LSP-107 Spanish Language and Culture III
Emphasizes listening and speaking skills, building on LSP 106. Stresses using the language in practical, conversational situations, drawing on the needs and experiences of the participants. There is also a cultural component woven into every class. Designed for professionals or volunteers who interact with Hispanic communities in professional settings. This course is an elective and does not fulfill the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LSP 106, LSP 102, 103 or placement test. [1 credit] (Offered each semester)
LSP-233 Spanish for Oral Proficiency
Offers intensive oral-aural practice, with emphasis on the language used in daily life and cultural studies. Serves those who wish to perfect pronunciation and increase fluency in Spanish through extensive use of multimedia materials and interaction with native speakers. Independent on-line work required. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LSP-103 or placement test. [3 credits ] (Offered fall 2016)
LSP-234 Spanish for Written Proficiency
Increases proficiency in the written use of the language. Provides a review of grammar and extensive practice based on cultural themes of the Hispanic world. Uses authentic, multimedia materials and reading selections from contemporary Latin American authors and publications. Focuses on various issues such as women’s roles and human rights. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LSP-103 or placement test. [3 credits ] (Offered spring 2017)
LSP-258 Readings in Hispanic Literature
Introduces students to literary analysis by the reading of selected short works by Hispanic authors. Discussion and writing of short essays in Spanish with emphasis on understanding and appreciating Hispanic literature in its cultural context. Fulfills the general education literature and cross-cultural studies requirements. Prerequisite: LSP-233/234 or permission of the instructor. [3 credits ] (Offered fall 2016)
LSP-301 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I
Amplifies and refines knowledge of Spanish. Facilitates discussion in class and sophisticated writing in multiple registers, as well as comprehension of Hispanic societies and their contributions to world culture. Emphasizes advanced-level written and spoken communication in target language. Fulfills the general education language requirement. Prerequisite: LSP-233/234 or equivalent. Required of all majors and minors. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)
LSP-311 Survey of Masterpieces in Latin American Literature II
LSP-359 Latin American Culture and Civilization
Provides a study of a main feature of Latin American culture. Explores historical and political issues, in addition to artistic and literary movements. Taught in Spanish, this course is designed for students who have advanced knowledge of the language. Prerequisite: LSP-233/234 required, LSP-301 recommended. Fulfills the general education cross-cultural studies requirement. [3 credits] (Offered spring 2017)