Modern and Classical Languages

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

CLASS 1302: Intro to Biblical Greek II

Continuation of Biblical Greek I: reading biblical texts; emphasis on continued vocabulary building and understanding of more complex grammatical points. Spring, odd years. Offered at the St. Mary's Seminary campus only.

CLASS 1303: Intro Biblical Hebrew I

For those with no background in the language. Emphasis on basic grammar, syntax and vocabulary building to enable the student to read biblical texts. Fall, odd years. Offered at the St. Mary's Seminary campus only.

CLASS 2336: Classical Archaeology

A chronological overview of selected sites in the ancient Greek and Roman world investigating the pertinent archaeological findings and their significance in the shaping of our understanding of classical culture. Provision is made for interested students to do summer archaeology in Italy and Greece.

CLASS 4183: Special Topics in Latin

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and students. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 4193: Special Topics in Greek

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and student. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 4283: Special Topics in Latin

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and students. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 4320: Greek Mythology: Literature and the Evolution of Myth

This course explores he impact of literature on the development and interpretation of Ancient Greek mythology. In addition to a study of the traditional stories and characters of Greek mythology, this course will examine how ancient poets and playwrights used myth to explore the relationship between human beings and the divine.

CLASS 4321: Greek Tragedy

This course examines the nature of Greek Tragedy, its impact on the ancient Greek world, and its ability to serve as a means to explore such essential questions as human mortality, the relationship between fate and free-will, and humanity's relationship with the divine.

CLASS 4333: Love from Ovid to Aquinas

The goal of this course is to examine the transformation of the classical concept of love depicted in Ovid to the Christian concept as expressed by Augustine, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Thomas Aquinas. All readings will be in Latin.

CLASS 4334: Heroes and Saints

This course will examine the relationship between the classical hero and the Christian saint. By reading passages from Classical and Christian Latin, students will learn both the similarities and differences between these two celebrated groups.

CLASS 4335: The Stoic and the Saint

Does happiness consist in autonomy or is grace required? This course will examine two responses to this question by comparing the letters of the stoic Seneca and the writings of St. Augustine.

CLASS 4345: Eros and Agape

This course will examine the complex nature of love in the classical world. Students will explore the similarities and key differences between classical eros and Christian agape.

CLASS 4383: Special Topics in Latin

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and students. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 4393: Special Topics in Greek

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and student. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 4483: Special Topics in Latin

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and students. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 4493: Special Topics in Greek

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and student. Prerequisite: permission of program chair.

CLASS 5331: Latin for Graduate Study I

This course begins an introduction to Latin grammar, at a level oriented towards the study of Latin philosophical and theological texts in graduate studies.

CLASS 5332: Latin for Graduate Study II

This course completes an introduction to Latin grammar, at a level oriented towards the study of Latin philosophical and theological texts in grammar studies.

CLASS 5335: The Stoic and the Saint

Does happiness consist in autonomy or is grace required? This course will examine two responses to this question by comparing the letters of the stoic Seneca and the writings of St. Augustine.

FREN 1331: Elementary French I

The study of the structural patterns of French expression by concentrating on the development of speaking and understanding, with emphasis on correct pronunciation, ear training and oral practice. Laboratory work is mandatory and will form an integral part of the course.

FREN 1332: Elementary French II

The study of the structural patterns of French expression by concentrating on the development of speaking and understanding, with emphasis on correct pronunciation, ear training and oral practice. Laboratory work is mandatory and will form an integral part of the course.

FREN 3324: Phonetics

Study of the sounds of French. Theory and correction of diction. Fall, even years.

FREN 3339: Business French

Provides the directed student with the specific vocabulary, structure, and cultural insight to deal effectively with the growing French speaking component of U.S. or international commerce.

FREN 4372: Francophone Culture

Provides the directed student with the specific cultural insight in order to deal effectively with the growing Francophone-speaking component of the U.S. or international scene. While employing the necessary French-language grammar and vocabulary, the course emphasizes both interaction between the English-speaking and French-speaking communities and within the French-speaking community in terms of appropriate behaviors and understood knowledge among native speakers. Study of history, sociopolitical events, art, literature and customs of the French-speaking countries. Prerequisite: FREN 3335.

FREN 4393: Special Topics in French

Upper–division treatment of selected topics of mutual interest to the faculty member and students. Prerequisite: permission of Program Chair.

GERM 1331: Elementary German I

A study of the fundamentals of the language, vocabulary, sentence structure, oral practice and reading comprehension; first contact with the German culture. Laboratory work is mandatory and will form an integral part of the course.

GERM 1332: Elementary German II

A study of the fundamentals of the language, vocabulary, sentence structure, oral practice and reading comprehension; first contact with the German culture. Laboratory work is mandatory and will form an integral part of the course.

GERM 2331: Intermediate German I

Review of grammar and sentence structure with emphasis on composition. Readings from modern German prose and poetry for content and insight into the German culture.

GERM 4399: Senior Thesis

Research-based project open to students who have a concentration or minor in German. Project topic to be approved and supervised by the program faculty according to standards and guidelines available from the program chair. Prerequisite: Instructor Consent.

IRST 2331: Intermediate Irish I

This course provides instruction on Irish language and culture for students who have successfully completed Elementary Irish I and II. The Irish language is a member of the Celtic branch of the Indo-European language family (with some unique linguistic aspects). It is a vibrant minority language on the island of Ireland. The syllabus will be based on the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge/The European Certificate in Irish.

IRST 2332: Intermediate Irish II

This course provides instruction on Irish language and culture for students who have successfully completed Elementary Irish I and II, as well as Intermediate Irish I. The Irish language is a member of the Celtic branch of the Indo-European language family (with some unique linguistic aspects). It is a vibrant minority language on the island of Ireland. The syllabus will be based on the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge/The European Certificate in Irish.

IRST 3301: Irish Literature & Postcolonial Studies

This course presents key authors, texts, and concepts in postcolonial studies as it pertains to Ireland and Irish literature. The course begins with an introduction to the term postcolonialism, traces its development as a methodological approach to literature, and then explores the contested application of the term to Ireland. The course then explores relevant concepts such as anticolonialism, nationalism, binaries, stereotypes, and hybridity in literary texts. In parallel with the literary texts, students will read from scholarly work and interventions in the field. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable analyzing, interrogating, and critiquing narratives of Irishness, and will be equipped to engage in a postcolonial analysis of literary texts, national narratives, and historiographies.

IRST 3302: Irish Mythology & Folklore

This course examines Irish mythology and folklore as two distinct yet interrelated cultural artifacts. First written down in the early medieval period, much of Irish mythology stems from the pre-Christian Irish oral tradition. As such, it provides us with a rich illumination of early Irish culture and traditions. Through a reading and discussion of examples from the various mythological cycles, students will become familiar with the common symbolism and literary motifs in Irish mythology, as well as evaluating what the tales can tell us about early Irish society. Growing from this early oral literary tradition, Irish folklore was collected in large quantities by the Irish Folklore Commission, giving Ireland one of Europe’s largest folklore collections. We will learn about folk traditions and the prominence of storytelling in rural Ireland as well as examining the influence of Ireland’s mythology and folklore on other literary movements, and its contribution to contemporary cultural texts. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate an ability to interpret the roles of myth and folklore in society, particularly within an Irish cultural practice.

IRST 3303: Irish Culture and Traditions

This course examines contemporary Irish culture and traditions, by tracing their origins and evolution through the varied circumstances of Irish historical and political events. The course considers the impact these events had on the molding of distinct cultural practices in the fields of language, literature, sport, music, and folk traditions. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify, explain, and distinguish between Irish cultural practices and traditions, as well as analyze the conditions that contributed to their formation.

IRST 3309: Modern Irish Literature

Study of Irish poetry, fiction, and drama from the Irish Revival/Modern period through the contemporary renaissance. Required for Irish Studies minor.

IRST 3365: History of Ireland Since 1600

Irish history from the end of the reign of Elizabeth I to the recent Time of the Troubles. Special emphasis on the influence of English history, the revolutions of the 18th century, the development of Irish nationalism, the emergence of an Irish nation under the leadership of Eamon de Valera and the unsettling issues in the time of The Troubles. Required for Irish Studies minor.

IRST 3366: Historical and Political Perspectives on Irish Law and Culture

This course explores the historical and political perspectives of Irish law and culture as a means of social expression. It investigates the political, economic, social, religious, legal, linguistic and cultural aspects of Ireland as it developed throughout history. The course reviews Irish and English laws affecting the Irish throughout key periods in history, such as the English and Scottish plantations in Ireland and land confiscations, the flight of the Irish from Ireland in response to English laws and other events and key insurrections and uprisings. Students will analyze the role of law and politics in shaping history and culture.

IRST 3367: Irish Diaspora: Irish American Experience

This course examines the causes of transatlantic migration of the Irish and Northern Irish people and the development of a subculture of Irish Americans in the United States in the context of key periods of departure. It addresses the political, social, legal, religious, cultural and economic aspects of life in Ireland and Northern Ireland that gave rise to emigration. This course investigates how the Irish and Northern Irish made a mark on American society, politics, law and culture. It uses the Irish American experience as a case study for other immigrant experiences today.

IRST 3368: Northern Ireland: Conflict and Peace

This course is divided into three parts: (i) Historical Context, (ii) the “Conflict,” and (iii) the “Peace.” The historical context explores some of the key events that led to the conflict and the current situation in Northern Ireland. The Conflict portion reviews the current dispute between the various political parties in Northern Ireland and the groups they represent: nationalists (who want to reunite Northern Ireland with Ireland) and unionists (who want to keep Northern Ireland separate from Ireland and united with Britain). The Conflict also reviews the use of physical force (violence) to achieve these goals versus constitutional, peaceful means (the ballot box and dialogue). The Peace portion discusses the various agreements and movements among Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland from 1922 to today to stop the violence and to bring peace to Northern Ireland, Britain and Ireland. The course also covers current events in Northern Ireland, such as ongoing elections and other governmental, political, social and cultural issues.

IRST 4336: American Catholic Heritage

This course surveys, critically analyzes and increases appreciation for American Catholic Heritage as well as Irish and Irish American Heritage and Culture.

IRST 4339: Celtic Spirituality

Systematic study of the concepts and practices of the Christian spiritual life, with a special emphasis placed upon an understanding of Celtic Spirituality and the influences of Anglo-Saxon spirituality on it. This study will be undertaken by a reading and study of selected texts by the great spiritual masters and writers of the Church from the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon tradition. Pre-requisites THEO 1300/3300 and 2300/3310.

IRST 5366: Historical and Political Perspectives on Irish Law and Culture

This course is a study of the indigenous Irish culture and how political and religious movements in Ireland and around the world shaped the Irish identity and history. Emphasis will be placed on Ireland in an international context, including the effects of Christianity, conquest, imperialism, war and rebellion, nationalism, independence and self-government on the Irish identity and history. This course explores how law reflects society and provokes change among people of different racial, political, cultural and religious backgrounds.

IRST 6339: Celtic Spirituality

Systematic study of the concepts and practices of the Christian spiritual life, with a special emphasis placed upon an understanding of Celtic Spirituality and the influences of Anglo-Saxon spirituality on it. This study will be undertaken by a reading and study of slected texts by the great spiritual masters and writers of the Church from the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon tradition.

MACL 1301: Critical Language

Provide the directed student with specific vocabulary, structure, and cultural insight via individualized computer–based study. Using native–speaker tutors, the course emphasizes both interaction between the English–speaking and the target language–speaking communities, as well as access to target language sources. Intended as an introduction to the language and culture of a selected country especially for students participating in a study abroad program or an area studies program. Consult department chair for availability.

MACL 1302: Critical Languages (Vary)

Provide the directed student with specific vocabulary, structure, and cultural insight via individualized computer–based study. Using native–speaker tutors, the course emphasizes both interaction between the English–speaking and the target language–speaking communities, as well as access to target language sources. Intended as an introduction to the language and culture of a selected country especially for students participating in a study abroad program or an area studies program. Consult department chair for availability.

MACL 4372: Culture in Translation

This course intends to foster the development of students who have raised cultural consciousness, i.e., a familiarity with, an appreciation for, and an ability to interpret and evaluate/critique culture in general and to apply all of the aforementioned to a specific cultural miieu and perspective from its origins through the present.

MACL 4393: Special Topics: Perspectives of Literature in Translation

Taught in English by specialists in foreign languages and literatures, this course offers unique insights into literature from perspectives within and across cultural boundaries as well as into the problematic of translation itself. Original language, content and theme vary. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.

SPAN 1331: Elementary Spanish I

Fundamentals of comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish with emphasis on pronunciation and oral expression. Designed for the non–heritage student, MILAB is an integral part of SPAN 1331 and 1332, requiring additional time each week outside class. Students who have heritage or native–speaking knowledge of Spanish will not be allowed to register for these courses.

SPAN 1332: Elementary Spanish II

Fundamentals of comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish with emphasis on pronunciation and oral expression. Designed for the non–heritage student, MILAB is an integral part of SPAN 1331 and 1332, requiring additional time each week outside class. Students who have heritage or native–speaking knowledge of Spanish will not be allowed to register for these courses.

SPAN 1335: Review of Basic Spanish Skills

One–semester refresher course in all the basic skills for students who have at least two years of formal Spanish instruction but, due to performance or timing, are not true beginners or sufficiently prepared for an intermediate class. After successfully completing this class, students can enter SPAN 2331. This course is not open to students with credit in SPAN 1331 or 1332.

SPAN 2331: Intermediate Spanish I

Further development of comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills. Integration of grammar and cultural content. Designed for the non–heritage student.

SPAN 2332: Intermediate Spanish II

Further development of comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills. Integration of grammar and cultural content. Designed for the non–heritage student.

SPAN 2350: Intermediate Oral Communication

A conversational approach to language. Further development of basic Spanish grammar, vocabulary and phrases, particularly applicable to everyday situations. Designed for the non–native student. Offered in Study Abroad only.

SPAN 3331: International Business I

Provides the student with the specific vocabulary, structure and cultural insight in order to effectively deal with the growing Spanish–speaking component of U.S. or international Business.

SPAN 3335: Advanced Oral Communication

(BIED 3335) Designed to develop fluency in speaking Spanish in the non–native speaker. Lively discussion of current news published in Hispanic newspapers and magazines and comparison of themes in modern society. 3350 is offered in the Study Abroad Program only.

SPAN 3336: Advanced Oral Communication

(BIED 3336) Designed to develop fluency in speaking Spanish in the non–native speaker. Lively discussion of current news published in Hispanic newspapers and magazines and comparison of themes in modern society. 3350 is offered in the Study Abroad Program only.

SPAN 3337: Advanced Composition

Emphasis on composition practice, including grammar usage and style. Structural analysis of Spanish grammar. A comparative study of English and Spanish; points of departure and similarities. Appropriate for students of all aspects of language, including translation, bilingual education and target–language teaching.

SPAN 3340: Translation I

Provides the student with the specific vocabulary, structure and cultural insight to effectively interpret the message intended in translating Spanish/English or English/Spanish. The course emphasizes the translation of the underlying message and its implications based upon cultural context.

SPAN 3341: Medical Professions I

Provides the student with the specific vocabulary, structure and cultural insight to effectively deal with the growing Spanish–speaking component of the U.S. or international medical scene. The course emphasizes interaction between the health professional and the Spanish–speaking patient/client as well as access to Spanish–language medical sources.

SPAN 3343: Print Media

Provides the directed student with the specific vocabulary, structure and cultural insight to effectively deal with the growing Spanish–speaking component of the U.S. or international print media scene. While incorporating the necessary grammar and vocabulary, the course emphasizes cultural interaction and journalistic practices in the Spanish–language media as well as access to Spanish–language media professionals and sources.

SPAN 3350: Advanced Oral Communication

(BIED 3350) Designed to develop fluency in speaking Spanish in the non–native speaker. Lively discussion of current news published in Hispanic newspapers and magazines and comparison of themes in modern society. 3350 is offered in the Study Abroad Program only.

SPAN 3361: Modern Hispanic Literature

An introduction to the great modern writers of Spain and Latin America; a study of theater, poetry, short stories, novels and essays from Jacinto Benavente to Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

SPAN 4336: Hispanic Women

Encourages the development in students of enhanced gender and ethnic consciousness of the Hispanic world. The student will develop a familiarity with, an appreciation for, and an ability to interpret and evaluate Hispanic literature and studio art by women, keeping gender and ethnic consciousness in mind.

SPAN 4339: Creative Writing

Designed for students who wish to practice writing fiction. Students will explore what makes a short story, a play, a poem work, paying close attention to narrative structure, plot, beginnings/endings, character development, theme, etc. Short stories, one–act plays, poems and images provide a point of departure for discussion. Emphasis on discussion of students’ writing. Limited enrollment. Permission of faculty member required.

SPAN 4363: Hispanic Cinema

Study of major Spanish and Latin American films in their socio–political, historical and aesthetic contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN 3335, 3336, 3337, or permission of the faculty member.

SPAN 4371: Spanish Culture

Study of history, sociopolitical events, art, literature and customs of Spain. Provides the students with the specific cultural insight to deal effectively with the growing Spanish–speaking component of the U.S. or international scene.

SPAN 4372: Hispanic American Culture

Study of history, sociopolitical events, art, literature and customs of the Spanish American countries and the growing Latino population in the U.S. or international scene.