Overviews the history, foundations and linguistic methods, as well as the social and cultural aspects of the discipline. 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 of all 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]

Studies a central topic in culture, literature or linguistics in French and Spanish. Courses may be repeated for credit as topics change. Taught in English. Language majors and minors must work in their respective language. Prerequisite for language majors and minors: LFR-302 or LSP-302 or permission of instructor. [3 credits] 

Under the supervision of the appropriate language instructor, 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 at home and abroad. The oral presentation would be done at a department function/event, an upper-level language class or other appropriate venue. Required of all majors in the department, this team-taught seminar is also open to minors and native speakers. Serves as the capstone course for modern language and Spanish majors. [3 credits]

Studies a central topic in linguistics, culture or literature that covers more than one language. Courses may be repeated for credit as topics change. [ 3 credits ]

This course focuses on the practical aspects of teaching foreign language methods. It concentrates on current textbooks for middle school and high school, as well as an emphasis on methods of increasing vocabulary, teaching grammar, and presenting language in a cultural context. The 5 Cs of the National Standards are explored in depth. [ 3 credts ]

This course is designed to help teachers and administrators to understand better the unique challenges of linguistic minority teachers in a K-12 setting. We will focus on 6-12 education, although application may be found to other levels as well. We will review relevant areas of linguistic and language acquisition theory, study bilingualism and its implications for education, and share strategies for working with faculties, colleagues, and students who do not have two or more languages housed in their brains. Effective instructional approaches and techniques for students with limited foreign-language or target-language proficiency (including those in mainstream classrooms) will be analyzed. [ 3 credits ]

Film often reflects contemporary thought in culture. In this course we will study the relationship of film to all other art forms. Using films in French and Spanish as archetypes of culture, we investigate how film reflects major themes in society [religion, familial relationships, politics and war, love]. No previous knowledge of French or Spanish is required to participate in this course. [ 3 credits ]