Spanish Major

Tier III Minors:
- Chinese Minor
- French Minor
- Hebrew Minor
- Italian Minor
- Japanese Minor
- Spanish Minor

Literature in Translation

Honors Program

The Spanish courses of the Department of Modern Languages and Comparative Literature are designed to give the student oral and written fluency in the language and to impart a knowledge of the literatures of Spain and Spanish America. It is hoped that literary appreciation and critical methods will be developed and that the student's cultural and intellectual vistas will be broadened.

Required Courses

All students who major in Spanish will take a minimum of 24 credits in this field. Students who have had three or more years of Spanish in high school or the equivalent may start their electives immediately. Those who are not sufficiently proficient in the aural-oral use of the language are advised to take SPA 4000 Advanced Oral Communication I early in their programs. All students who major in Spanish are required to take the following courses:

SPA 4010 ADVANCED WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

4 hours; 4 credits
This advanced-level course is designed for students interested in improving their writing fluency.With a strategic focus on specific problems in accurate writing, this course provides ample practice in descriptive and analytical writing, composition, essays, textual analysis, and research papers in preparation for literature courses, as well as more informal written communication. (This course is required for Spanish majors.)

SPA 4150 CERVANTES

3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies the major works of Miguel de Cervantes with emphasis on Don Quixote. In addition to the study of the main themes and literary motifs, this course also investigates prominent aspects of 17th-century culture in Spain. It likewise examines Cervantes’s contributions to the development of the modern novel. (No credit for students who have taken LTT 3150.)

SPA 4171 SPANISH CIVILIZATION

3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies the culture and civilization of Spain from the Middle Ages to the contemporary period. It examines the historical, social, and economic factors that have shaped the Spanish character and culture as reflected in the country’s literature, art, and music.

OR

SPA 4271 LATIN AMERICAN CIVILIZATION

3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies the cultures and civilizations in Spanish America from the colonial period to the present. It examines the historical and social factors that have shaped the Spanish-American character and culture as reflected in the literature, art, and music of the region. Authors may include Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Luis Rafael Sánchez, and Jorge Luis Borges.

As part of the 24-credit requirement, majors will take at least one course from each of the following groups:

Group 1: Language

SPA 4001 ADVANCED ORAL COMMUNICATION II

4 hours; 4 credits
This is an advanced-level conversational grammar review with primary attention given to the development of accurate and idiomatic oral expression. The course emphasizes the active use of the language through informal conversations, discussions of contemporary sociopolitical issues, roleplaying, debates, oral presentations, and discussion of readings (both fiction and nonfiction and material drawn from contemporary journals and periodicals from different Spanish-speaking countries).

SPA 4011 STRUCTURES OF MODERN SPANISH
3 hours; 3 credits
This advanced-level course is designed to provide students with an intensive systematic review of the grammatical and syntactical structures of modern Spanish. Special emphasis is placed on the review of grammar needed for oral and written communication.

SPA 4012 PHONETICS
3 hours; 3 credits
This advanced-level language course is intended for students who are interested in studying Spanish sound systems and who may wish to improve their pronunciation. Course topics include articulatory phonetics, phonetic transcription, dialect variation, and differences between English and Spanish sound systems. Lab work is required.

Group 2: Latin American Literature

SPA 4222 CONTEMPORARY LATIN-AMERICAN NOVEL
3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies different manifestations of the Spanish- American novel. In addition to examining literary techniques, themes, and motifs, it investigates sociopolitical as well as racial and gender issues pertinent to the countries in which the literature was written. Authors may include Carlos Fuentes, Gabriel García Márquez, Isabel Allende, and MarioVargas Llosa.

SPA 4226 AFRO-CARIBBEAN LITERATURE
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines literature dealing with Afro-Caribbean themes and motifs. Attention is given to racial issues and the development of a Caribbean cultural identity. Authors may include Nicolás Guillén, Nancy Morejón, and Manuel del Cabral.

SPA 4281 THE LITERATURE OF LATIN AMERICA I
3 hours; 3 credits
This survey course examines works written in different genres from colonial times to the 19th century (prior to Modernismo). Emphasis is given to historical and political movements and context of the literature. Authors may include Bernardo de Balbuena, Pedro de Oña, Andrés Bello, and José María Heredia.

SPA 4282 THE LITERATURE OF LATIN AMERICA II
3 hours; 3 credits
This survey course examines works written in different genres from Modernismo to the present. Emphasis is given to historical and political movements and context of the literature. Authors may include Julián del Casal, José Asunción Silva, María Luisa Bombal, Alfonsina Storni, and Rosario Ferré.

SPA 4383 CUBAN, DOMINICAN, AND PUERTO RICAN LITERATURE I
3 hours; 3 credits
This course focuses on significant literary texts written in a variety of genres during the 19th century. Emphasis is placed on themes and motifs as well as the cultural contexts of the literature. Authors may include Eugenio María de Hostos, Juan Francisco Manzano, Salomé Ureña,Manuel Zeno Gandía, and Alejandro Tapia.

SPA 4384 CUBAN, DOMINICAN, AND PUERTO RICAN

LITERATURE II
3 hours; 3 credits
This course focuses on significant literary texts written in a great variety of genres in the 20th century. Emphasis is placed on themes and motifs as well as the cultural contexts of the literature. Authors may include Luis Rafael Sánchez, Alejo Carpentier, Pedro Mir,Magaly García Ramis, and Juan Bosch.

Group 3: Peninsular Literature

SPA 4114 SPANISH MEDIEVAL LITERATURE

3 hours; 3 credits

SPA 4117 SPANISH LITERATURE OF THE GOLDEN AGE
3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies 17th-century poetry, prose, and theatre.
Authors may include Garcilaso de la Vega, Pedro Calderón de
la Barca, Lope de Vega, Francisco de Quevedo, and Tirso de
Molina.

SPA 4123 THE GENERATION OF ’98
3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies the Silver Age of Spanish literature: the
novels, plays, and poetry of Miguel de Unamuno, Pío Baroja,
Azorín, Antonio Machado, and Ramón del Valle Inclán. Special
consideration is given to the “Problem of Spain” and the
Generation’s role in the development of Spanish modernity.

SPA 4124 TWENTIETH-CENTURY SPANISH LITERATURE
3 hours; 3 credits
This course studies four genres: novels, poetry, plays, and
essays. It explores themes and literary techniques as well as
the sociopolitical context of each work studied. Authors may
include Luis Martín Santos,Miguel Delibes, Carmen Laforet,
and Angel Valente.

SPA 4125 MODERN SPANISH SHORT STORY
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines significant short stories from the 19th
to the 20th centuries. In addition to the study of themes and
narrative techniques, it also investigates short fiction theory.
Authors include Francisco Ayala, Juan Benet, José Jiménez
Lozano, Alvaro Pombo, and Cristina Fernández Cubas.

SPA 4181 History of Spanish Literature I

SPA 4182 HISTORY OF SPANISH LITERATURE II
3 hours; 3 credits
This survey course studies significant literary and historical
periods in Spain from the 18th century to the present.
Authors may include José Ortega y Gasset, Emilia Pardo
Bazán, Gonzalo Torrente Ballester, and José Goytisolo.

Group 4: Other

SPA 4999 SPECIAL STUDIES IN SPANISH
3 hours; 3 credits
Topics vary from semester to semester.

SPA 5000–5004 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Hours and credits to be arranged with full-time professor.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

SPA 6001–6003 HONORS
8 credits
Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

The remaining courses can be selected from any of our elective courses, numbered 4000 and above. For descriptions of our courses please refer to our course bulletin.

Tier III Minor

As part of the requirements of a baccalaureate degree, all students enrolled as new freshmen in the fall 2001 semester or later, all transfer students, and all students reentering the College after an extended absence (effective with the fall 2003 semester) must complete an official arts and sciences minor (Tier III minor) to graduate. Students who entered the college prior to these dates should consult the Undergraduate Bulletin of the year of their entry.

Chinese Minor

Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in Chinese may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the Chinese section of the department's course offerings. Any 4000-level course in Chinese may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III requirement.

French Minor

Advanced training in francophone language and literature is increasingly necessary for business, teaching, translation, and other professional careers. Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in these areas may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the French section of the department's offering. To complete their minors, students must enroll in an appropriate capstone course. Any 4000- or 5000-level course in French may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III requirement.

Hebrew Minor

Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in Hebrew language and literature may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the Hebrew section of the department's course offerings. To complete their minors, they must enroll in an appropriate capstone course. Any 4000-level course in Hebrew or an independent studies course in Hebrew may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III requirement.

Italian Minor

Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in Italian language, literature, and culture may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the Italian section of the department. To complete their minors, students must enroll in an appropriate capstone course. Any 4000- or 5000-level course in Italian may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III requirement.

Japanese Minor

Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in Japanese may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the Japanese section of the department's course offerings. Any 4000-level course in Japanese may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III requirement.

Spanish Minor

Advanced training in Spanish language and literature is increasingly necessary for business, teaching, translation, and other professional careers. Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in these areas may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the Spanish section of the department. To complete their minors, students must enroll in an appropriate capstone course. Any 4000- or 5000-level course in Spanish may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III requirement.

Literature in Translation

Students who choose to develop their intellectual abilities in Literature in Translation may select two courses at the 3000 level or above from the Literature in Translation section of the department's course offerings.  To complete their minors, students must enroll in an appropriate capstone course.  Any 4000- or 5000-level course in Literature in Translation may serve as capstone for the Tier III requirement.  All courses are taught in English.

Some courses include:

LTT 3020 ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE BIBLE
3 hours; 3 credits
The study of Biblical literature in light of the literary and archaeological discoveries of the ancient Near Eastern world. Peoples, languages, and civilization in the ancient period will be presented as they relate to the Biblical text. The written sources will be augmented by the significant documentation in art, architecture, and artifacts of daily life in the Biblical world. (Students who have previously taken HEB 3330 will not be granted credit for LTT 3020.)
Prerequisite: Any course in literature in translation on the
1000 level or equivalent or departmental permission.

LTT 3021 WOMEN AND FAMILY IN THE BIBLE AND ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN LITERATURE
3 hours; 3 credits
In this course, the student will become familiar with earliest recorded literature in relation to woman’s role and relationships between the sexes. In addition to the Bible, Sumerian, Babylonian, Canaanite, and Egyptian myths, epics, wisdom literature, and legal texts will be studied. Such issues as property rights, women in public life, and the law of marriage and divorce will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Any course in literature in translation on the
1000 level or equivalent or departmental permission.

LTT 3042 THE MODERN HERO IN CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE
3 hours; 3 credits
Study of works by Hesse, Kafka, and Thomas Mann. (Students who have previously taken LTT 1520 will not be given credit for LTT 3042.)
Prerequisite: Any course in literature in translation on the
1000 level or equivalent or department permission.

LTT 3058 CONTEMPORARY LATIN AMERICAN FICTION
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines significant Latin American novels and short stories.While concentrating on literary themes and narrative techniques, this course aims to provide students with a better understanding of contemporary Latin American societies. Issues of feminism, gender, sexuality, and race, as well as political expressions, are central to the class discussions. Critical essays dealing with those issues, as well as videos and films, are integrated into the course work.

LTT 3060 FIVE NOBLE PRIZE WINNERS: S.Y. AGNON, H. BÖLL, N. SACHS, A. SOLZHENITSYN, AND I.B. SINGER

3 hours; 3 credits

LTT 3070 RUSSIAN LITERATURE OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION

3 hours; 3 credits

A survey of Russian masterpieces of pre-revolutionary Russia.  Works by Gogol, Turgenvev, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov will be studied and discussed.

Prerequisite: any course in literature in translation on the 1000 level or equivalent or departmental permission.

LTT 4020 THE CITY AND THE TEXT: REPRESENTATIONS OF THE CITY IN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY WORLD LITERATURE

LTT 4900 HISPANIC WRITERS IN NEW YORK CITY

3 hours; 3 credits

This course studies relationships between Hispanic/Latino cultures and New York City.  It examines the impact on and the presence of these cultures in such areas as literature, art, newspapers, and popular music in New York during the 19th and 20th centuries.  While the emphasis is on literary texts, the course will also explore, from an interdisciplinary perspective, topics relevant to the development of New York as a Hispanic cultural center in the context of an urban multicultural and multilingual metropolis.  Authors may include Jose Martí, Federico García Lorca, Bernardo Vega, Julia de Burgos, and Reinaldo Arenas.

LTT 4905 (AAS 4905) LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AND CULTURE OF JAPAN
3 hours; 3 credits
Through readings in English and the viewing of Japanese cinema, this course introduces students to contemporary Japanese literature, language, communication styles, and cultural backgrounds. Student discussion will also consider especially pressing issues in Japan today, for example, the role and future of women in this traditionally male-oriented society.
This course may serve as the capstone course for the Tier III
Japanese minor.

LTT 5000 INDEPENDENT STUDY

Hours and credits to be arranged with full-time professor.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission.

Honors Program

Majors in the Department of Modern Languages and Comparative Literature will be admitted to the honors program in their junior and senior years with the following provisions:

1. That a letter of recommendation from the student's sponsor be written and reviewed by an Honors Program Committee consisting of three members chosen by the chairperson of the department.

2. That the student have at least 12 credits in modern languages.

3. That students have at least a 3.4 average in his or her major and that his or her overall record is good.

Structure: Students must take courses 6001 and 6002 either consecutively or simultaneously. Course 6002 can be a continuation of 6001, or it can be in a related field. In this context, a related field may be construed as comparative literature or linguistics.

Honors paper 6003-2 credits: The final outcome of courses 6001 and 6002 will be an honors paper written by the student and supervised by a sponsor. The honors paper, after being approved by the sponsor, will be read by two other members of the department who are to be appointed by an Honors Program Committee. The degree with honors will be awarded by the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences upon recommendation of the department, whose minimum standards for such recommendation will be the grade A in all three courses.

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