Full-Time Faculty: Eileen M. Angelini, Chair; Peter Böhm; Laverne M. Seales-Saley; Margaret Stefanski; Julia L. Wescott.
The Department of Modern Languages offers full and varied programs leading to majors in French, German and Spanish. Instruction is also provided in Arabic, Chinese, Italian, Polish and ASL. Dual majors with virtually every other academic discipline are encouraged and easy to implement. Courses in Latin and Greek are provided by the Department of Classics.
The primary goal of the department is to develop the student’s ability to read, write, speak and understand the language(s) of his or her choice. At the same time, it strives to instill an understanding and appreciation of the culture, history, literature and diversity of other peoples. A further aim is to give the student a comprehensive grasp of the structure of language as an end in itself. In short, the department seeks to provide its students with the skills and intellectual breadth needed to communicate effectively and to play an active role in today’s world.
Proficiency in foreign languages enables students to broaden their intellectual and aesthetic horizons. Specifically, such mastery can lead to rewarding careers in social work, international business (sales, management, banking, import-export), government service (customs and immigration, foreign service, AID, USIA, CIA, NSA), teaching, interpreting and scientific research, to mention but a few. Language skill can often be the deciding factor in finding a job in competition with equally qualified but monolingual peers. Finally, proficiency in one or more foreign languages is useful and often required for students who go on to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees.
Admission
Students planning to major in French, German or Spanish are accepted only after completion of FRC 215-216, GER 215-216 or SPA 215-216 with a C average or better. In addition, each student must secure permission from the chair before the major is officially approved. Students must maintain a 2.00 G.P.A. in their French, German or Spanish courses to be eligible to graduate with a degree in French, German or Spanish. Admission to language-education and dual-major programs is governed by the same procedures.
Foreign language placement is determined by how many years of a language were studied between the ninth and twelfth grades.
- 0-1 year studied = 103 (Introductory level).
- 2-3 years studied = 115 (Advanced-introductory level). However, if the last year you studied that language was your sophomore year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into 103.
- 4-5 years studied = 215 (intermediate review level or higher). However, if the last year you studied that language was your junior year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into 115.
- AP scores of 3 = Enroll in 215. Once 215 is passed with C+ or better, you have completed the Area VIII requirement. If your grade is C or lower in 215, you must take 216.
- AP scores of 4 or 5 = Fulfills the two Area VIII requirements.
- College Credit Programs refer to admission guidelines.
- CLEP credits = refer to admission guidelines.
- Transfer students = see appropriate Associate Dean
Initial language placements may be changed during the first week of classes.
Native Speaker
Native speakers of languages other than English are exempt from the AS VIII requirement if they are able to provide documentation of their native speaker status. Examples of documents include, but are not limited to, a school diploma received from a country where the language of instruction is not English or an internationally recognized examination certifying language abilities.
Courses above the 215-216 level are normally taken after successful completion of the 215-216 level (grade of C or better).
Students enrolled in ASL/FRC/GER/ITA/POL/SPA 103-104,115-116, and 323-324 courses, must register simultaneously for Language Lab (ASL/FRC/GER/ITA/POL/SPA 299).
Modern Language Curriculum (for Dual Majors):
| 1. | ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12 credits) | ||
| 2. | Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII1 (12 courses) | (36 credits) | ||
| 3. | Major course requirements: (10 courses) | (30 credits) | ||
| FRC/GER/SPA 215-216 Intermediate French/German/ Spanish and | ||||
| Service Learning | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 323 Topics in Conversation I | ||||
| and | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 299 | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 331 Substance & Style I | ||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 332 Substance & Style II | ||||
| or FRC/GER/SPA Major Electives (4 courses) |
||||
| 4. | SECOND major and FREE electives: (14 courses) | (42 credits) | ||
| Total | (40 courses) | (120 credits) | ||
Recommended Schedule for Dual Major:
| Fall | Spring | |||||
| Freshman Year | ||||||
| ENG 101 | 3 credits | ENG 102 | 3 credits | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 215 | 3 credits | FRC/GER/SPA 216 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | RST 101 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Sophomore Year | ||||||
| PHI 101 | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 323 | 4 credits | FRC/GER/SPA 324 | 4 or 3 credits | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA 299 Other Major or free elective |
3 credits | FRC/GER/SPA 299 | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | AS | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 16 | Total | 15-16 credits | |||
| Junior Year | ||||||
| FRC/GER/SPA 331 | 3 credits | FRC/GER/SPA 332 | 3 credits | |||
| FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 credits | FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 credits | |||
| AS | 3 credits | FRC/GER/SPA AS | 3 credits | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Senior Year | ||||||
| FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 credits | FRC/GER/SPA elective | 3 credits | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | Other Major or free elective | 3 credits | |||
| Total | 15 credits | Total | 15 credits | |||
| Total | 121-122 credits |
Other Programs
Language study lends itself uniquely to the concept of the dual major. Students may combine language programs with virtually any major, but of particular interest and practicality are dual majors with international business, international relations, communication, economics, marketing-management, philosophy, history, English, political science and art history. A minor in Latin American Studies is also available.
Study Abroad
Modern Language majors are required to study abroad for a minimum of four consecutive weeks. Canisius College maintains its own unique programs at the University of Lille (France), the University of Dortmund (Germany), the University of Oviedo (Spain), the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Puerto Rico) and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (Mexico). Other study abroad possibilities include, but are not limited to, the Beijing Center (China), Lorenzo de Medici (Florence, Italy), Study Abroad Italy: Mediterranean Center for the Arts and Sciences in Sicily and John Cabot University in Rome; Sophia University (Tokyo, Japan) and the University of Uppsala (Uppsala, Sweden).
Eligible students, whether majors or not, are also encouraged to participate in one or more of the non-academic summer internships that are maintained by the college in France, Germany, Mexico and Spain.
Atlantis Program is a special opportunity for business majors to earn a Canisius degree and a European degree at IECS School of Management/Robert Schuman Univeristy in Strasbourg, France or at the Univeristy of Antwerp in Belgium. This is a thirteen month program divided between Antwerp and Strasbourg and includes a monthly living allowance of $1,200.00 to qualified program participants.
CULTURAL REQUIREMENT
Over the course of the semester, each student in the Department of Modern Languages in courses 103 and above will participate in or attend two cultural events or activities outside of regular class time. One of them must be related to the culture of the language under study. The second should at least have a multicultural character.
A current list of events acceptable in fulfillment of the cultural requirement will be posted electronically and updated weekly by the Modem Languages Department. Any suggestions by students are welcome.
COURSES: 2007 – 2009
FRC 103-104 Introductory French 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to French culture. Almost exclusive use of French in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (FRC 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for 104: Grade of C of better in FRC 103 or permission of chair. FRC 103 Fall; FRC 104 Spring
FRC 115-116 Advanced-Introductory French 6 credits
Continued development in writing, listening, speaking and especially reading French literary and cultural material. Comprehensive grammar review. Almost exclusive use of French in class. Lab required. (AS VIII). Prerequisites for FRC 115: C or better in FRC 104 or three years of high school French. Prerequisite for FRC 116: C or better in FRC 115 or permission of chair. FRC 115 Fall; FRC 116 Spring
FRC 215-216 Intermediate French 6
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and gaining an overview of Francophone cultures. Exclusive use of French in class. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII) FRC 215 Fall; FRC 216 Spring
FRC 299 French Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in FRC 103-104, 115-116, 323-324 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of courses listed above.
FRC 300 Intermediate Internship, in France 3 credits
Comparative study of a designated aspect of popular culture in France. For students who have not yet completed FRC 331. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
FRC 323 Topics in Conversation I 3 credits
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of the Francophone world. Exclusive use of French in class. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 216. Fall
FRC 324 Topics in Conversation II 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 323. Exclusive use of French in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 323. Spring
FRC 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French I 3 credits
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different types: essay, correspondence, description, report Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 216. Fall
FRC 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in French II 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 331. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite: C or better in FRC 331. Spring
FRC 333-334 Survey of French and Francophone Literature I/II 6 credits
Selected readings of literary works from France and other French-speaking countries. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite for FRC 333: C or better in FRC 216. Prerequisite for FRC 334: C or better in FRC 333. FRC 333 Fall; FRC 334 Spring
FRC 337 French History and Culture Through Film I 3 credits
Via feature-length films and documentaries, the history and culture of France are explored. An emphasis is placed on how France’s history and culture impact its current policies on international relations. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite for FRC 337: C or better in FRC 216. Prerequisite for FRC 339: C or better in FRC 337. Fall
FRC 339 French History and Culture Through Film II 3 credits
A continuation of FRC 337. Via feature-length films and documentaries, selected topics in contemporary issues of French and Francophone societies are explored. Exclusive use of French in class. Prerequisite for FRC 339: C or better in FRC 337. Spring
FRC 341-342 Advanced French for Business I & II 6
Advanced aural/oral and writing skills needed for working in a French-speaking environment. Via the case-study method, practical situations, technical vocabulary and correspondence are highlighted. Exclusive use of French in class. Preparation for the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris Examination. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for FRC 341: C or better in FRC 216. Prerequisite for FRC 342: C or better in FRC 341. FRC 341 Fall; FRC 342 Spring
FRC 400 Advanced Internship, in France 3 credits
Comparative study of a designated aspect of culture in France. For students who have already completed FRC 331/332. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
FRC 451 French Seminar & Special Topics 3 credits
FRC 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
GER 103-104 Introductory German 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Introduction to German culture. Almost exclusive use of German in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (GER 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for GER 104: C or better in GER 103 or permission of chair. GER 103 Fall; GER 104 Spring
GER 215-216 Intermediate German 6 credits
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and gaining an overview of German culture. Exclusive use of German in class. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII)
GER 299 German Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in GER 103-104, 115-116, 123-124, 133-134, 323-324, 353-354 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab.
GER 323 Topics in Conversation I 3 credits
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of the German-speaking world. Exclusive use of German in class. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 216. Fall
GER 324 Topics in Conversation II 3 credits
A continuation of GER323. Exclusive use of German in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 323. Spring
GER 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in German I 3 credits
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different types: essay, correspondence, description, report. Exclusive use of German in class. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 216. Fall GER 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in German II 3 credits
A continuation of GER 331. Exclusive use of German in class. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 331. Spring
GER 341-342 Advanced German for Business I & II 6
Advanced aural/oral and writing skills needed for working in a German-speaking environment. Practical situations, technical vocabulary, and correspondence highlighted. Preparation for Wirtschaftsdeutsch International Examination. Exclusive use of German in class. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for GER 341: C or better in GER 216. Prerequisite for GER 342: C or better in GER 341. GER 341 Fall; GER 342 Spring
GER 351 German Literature before 1770 3 credits
An examination of social and cultural as well as political changes from the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Significant examples of cultural movements in literature, theater, music and painting, representing the Zeitgeist of each epoch. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 352 German Literature after 1770 3 credits
A close look at the social and cultural as well as the political changes in Germany between the 18th and the 20th centuries. Significant examples of cultural movements (in literature, theater, music and painting as well as in social and political affairs) will be presented during this course. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 353 German Literature since 1945 3 credits
A thorough inquiry into aspects of literary life in both parts of Germany before and after 1990. Reflection on the attempts by East and West German authors to distance themselves from and cope with the experience of the literature of the NAZI era. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 354 Thomas, Heinrich and Klaus Mann 3 credits
Critical analysis of the works of brothers Thomas and Heinrich Mann as well as Klaus Mann, their son and nephew. Differences and similarities between their aesthetic concepts. Reading of literary works will be complemented by viewing of film adaptations.Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 355 Günter Grass 3 credits
Acquaints with this Nobel laureate and prominent figure of German literary and political life. A selection of five of Grass’ novels will offer the student an insight into the political and intellectual history of Germany from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 356 Uwe Timm, Wolfgang Koeppen, WG Sebald, Jurek Becker and Stefan Heym 3 credits
Selected readings from five of the most prominent post-WWII German writers. Comparison and critical analysis of literary representations of Jewish life in West- and East-German literature. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 461 Germany before Re-Unification 3 credits
An examination of dissimilar political, economic, and social issues in East- and West-Germany before 1989. Assessment of values and attitudes in the two German societies. Culture and cultural politics in the East and the West. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 362 Germany Today 3 credits
The ‘new’ political system in post-1989 unified Germany, the country’s cultural development, her economic structure, as well as her particular styles (!) of life. Voices from West-German and East-German authors are heard as well as assessments of foreign critics and supporters of Germany’s re-unification. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 400 German Internship 3 credits
Qualified students are placed in jobs or service programs where they will use and perfect language skills. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
GER 472 Contemporary German Film 3 credits
Concentration on the period of Autorenfilm and highlighting some of its most prominent directors: Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog, Alexander Kluge, Edgar Reitz, Volker Schlöndorff, Jean-Marie Straub, Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, Rolf Thiele, Margarethe von Trotta, and Wim Wenders. Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
GER 473 Literature and Film 3 credits
Study of six literary epochs through literature and film, stretching from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Comparison and critical analysis of prose and its adaptation in (German and foreign) film.Prerequisite: C or better in GER 324 and GER 332.
SPA 103-104 Introductory Spanish 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to Hispanic culture. Almost exclusive use of Spanish in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (SPA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for SPA 104: C or better in SPA 103 or permission of chair. SPA 103 Fall; SPA 104 Spring
SPA 115-116 Advanced-Introductory Spanish 6 credits
Continued development in writing, listening, speaking and especially reading Hispanic literary and cultural material. Comprehensive grammar review. Almost exclusive use of Spanish in class. Lab required. (AS VIII). Prerequisites for SPA 115: C or better in SPA 104 or two-three years of high school Spanish. SPA 115 Fall; SPA 116 Spring
SPA 215-216 Intermediate Spanish 6 credits
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and gaining an overview of Hispanic cultures. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for SPA 215: C or better in SPA 116 or four-five years of high school Spanish. SPA 215 Fall; SPA 216 Spring
SPA 299 Spanish Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in SPA 103-104, 115-116, 323-324 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of the courses listed above.
SPA 323 Topics in Conversation I 3 credits
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of the Hispanic world. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 216. Fall
SPA 324 Topics in Converstaion II 3 credits
A continuation of SPA 323. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 323. Spring
SPA 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish I 3
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different types: essay, correspondence, description, report. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 216. Fall
SPA 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish II 3 credits
A continuation of SPA 331. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 331. Spring
SPA 350 Hispanic Short Stories 3 credits
Critical survey of outstanding short stories ranging from Mnamuno in Spain and Echevería to Cortazar in Latin America. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 216.
SPA 351 Junior Spanish Seminar & Special Topics 3 credits
Intensive analysis of selected literary works. Research paper required. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 400 Spanish Internship 3 credits
Qualified students are placed in jobs or service programs where they will use and perfect language skills. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
SPA 451 Senior Spanish Seminar 3 credits
Intensive analysis of culture and/or selected literary problems. Research paper required. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 452 Senior Latin American Special Topics 3 credits
Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 473 Mexican Crafts and Culture 3 credits
Meets once a week with MGT 473, in English, for discussion of crafts of Michoacan/importation and sale. Meets once a week independently, in Spanish, for study of general Mexican culture.
SPA 474 Spanish for Business 3
Advanced aural/oral and writing skills needed for working in a Spanish-speaking environment. Practical situations, technical vocabulary, and correspondence highlighted. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for SPA 474: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
ARBC 103/104 Introductory Arabic 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to Arabic culture. Almost exclusive use of Arabic in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (ARBC 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for ARBC 104: C or better in ARBC 103 or permission of chair. ARBC 103 Fall; ARBC 104 Spring
ARBC 215-216 Intermediate Arabic 6 credits
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and gaining an overview of Arabic culture. Exclusive use of Arabic in class. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII)
ASL 103 American Sign Language I 3 credits
Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), its structure, major grammatical features and language functions. Vocabulary acquisition. Captioning and telecommunication devices. Deaf cultural information. Deaf co-teacher and deaf consultants. (AS VIII) Language lab required. Fall
ASL 104 American Sign Language II 3 credits
Builds on basic American Sign Language (ASL) grammar and conversational skills. Increases expressive/receptive fluency. Linguistic and cultural ASL concepts are expanded and deaf traditions studied. Deaf co-teacher and deaf consultants. (AS VIII) Language lab required. Prerequisite: ASL 103. Spring
ASL 299 American Sign Language Lab
CHI 103-104 Introductory Chinese 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to Chinese culture. Almost exclusive use of Chinese in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (CHI 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for CHI 104: C or better in CHI 103 or permission of chair. CHI 103 Fall; CHI 104 Spring
GREEK - See Classics Department.
ITA 103-104 Introductory Italian 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to Italian culture. Almost exclusive use of Italian in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (ITA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for ITA 104: C or better in ITA 103 or permission of chair. ITA 103 Fall; ITA 104 Spring
ITA 299 Italian Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in ITA 103-104, must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of courses listed above.
ITA 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
LATIN - See Classics Department.
POL 103 -104 Introductory Polish 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to Polish culture. Almost exclusive use of Polish in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (POL 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for POL 104: C or better in POL 103 or permission of chair. POL 103 Fall; POL 104 Spring
POL 299 Polish Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in POL 103-104 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of courses listed above.
1 Areas III and VIII are automatically fulfilled because this program is in both the art/literature and language areas.
2 Students who have had fewer than three years of French, German or Spanish will begin the major at 115-116, for a total of 12 courses.