Chairperson: Benjamin Semple
Professors: G. Brooke (Emerita), L. García-Torvisco, T. Haaland, C. Isabelli, R. Marquis, B. Semple, R. Stephanis
Associate Professors: F. Kuester (Emerita), S. Nedderman (Emerita), A. Schumacher
Assistant Professors: L. Dubois
Senior Lecturers: D. Birginal, K. Bishop, U. Perz
Lecturers: A. García Osorio
The department offers two majors and four minors:
Bachelor of Arts, French major
Bachelor of Arts, Spanish major
Minor in French
Minor in German
Minor in Spanish
Minor in Italian
The Department of Modern Languages and Literature offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in French and Spanish, and cooperates in offering majors and minors in Italian studies, Latin American studies, European studies and Asian studies. All language majors are encouraged to become proficient in a foreign language through study abroad. All language majors take a comprehensive exam, write a thesis, or engage in a capstone experience; content varies by language. Majors need a minimum of 19 credits (French) or 25 credits (Spanish) at the 300 level or above.
Minors are available in French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Regional concentrations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, which are part of the International Studies major, are fully described under International Studies. The Italian Studies major and minor are described under Italian Studies. Since the effective availability of upper level courses offered on the main Spokane campus will at times be contingent upon enrollment, completion of the Italian minor may require participation in study abroad programs and/or enrolling in summer courses.
Gonzaga also offers programs of study (year or semester) in multiple areas around the world and courses may be transferred to Gonzaga and applied to the major and minor requirements. These include Gonzaga-in-Florence, Italy, and Granada, Spain; and often offers a summer intensive program in Gonzaga-in-Cuernavaca, Mexico and Gonzaga-in-Graz, Austria. Gonzaga also accepts courses from several sponsored programs in Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan, and Spain.
Lower Division
Arabic 101 is a beginning level course primarily for students with little, if any, prior knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic. Arabic 101 introduces grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking and writing activities, as well as cultural topics. The course stresses communication using both formal and informal Arabic and exposes the students to the diversity and social issues of the Arab-speaking world. It develops the ability to read, speak, listen and write in Arabic through the consideration of cultural themes, language functions, and authentic situations. The weekly class meetings will be dedicated to meaningful oral use of the language in order to foster acquisition and proficiency. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the novice level according to the ACTFL guidelines. Offered occasionally, when there is sufficient student interest. Taught in Arabic.
This course is designed to further introduce students to basic Arabic language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of Arabic-speaking countries and their culture. Students will be able to apply creative as well as analytic thinking skills by exploring a foreign language and its cultural idiosyncrasies. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the novice level according to the ACTFL guidelines. Offered occasionally, when there is sufficient student interest. Taught in Arabic.
Prerequisite: Arabic 101 or equivalent.
Prerequisite:
ARAB 101 Minimum Grade: D
Arabic 201 is designed to further strengthen and expand basic language skills in Arabic. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the intermediate low level according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing students’ intercultural competencies. Offered occasionally, when there is sufficient student interest. Taught in Arabic.
Prerequisite: Arabic 102 or equivalent.
Prerequisite:
ARAB 102 Minimum Grade: D
Arabic 202 is designed to further strengthen and expand students' language skills in Arabic. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the intermediate level according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing students’ intercultural competencies. Offered occasionally, when there is sufficient student interest. Taught in Arabic.
Prerequisite: Arabic 201 or equivalent.
Prerequisite:
ARAB 201 Minimum Grade: D
Topics to be determined by instructor.
Topic to be determined by professor and approved by the Department Chair. Taught in Arabic.
Upper Division
Professional experience in a setting related to the Arabic-speaking community in which Arabic is used. Student is responsible to find an appropriate internship and to present a plan (description, objectives, proposed assessment) to the Department Chair for approval. Taught in Arabic.
Prerequisite:
ARAB 202 Minimum Grade: D
Lower Division
Fundamentals of standard Chinese, emphasizing culture as well as the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Systematic methods and various communication activities for basic training in pronunciation, grammatical structures, conversation on daily topics, and the writing system. Ten hours of conversational language time with students in small groups (held outside of class time) required. This course is only offered through the Gonzaga/Whitworth Classroom Exchange when there is sufficient student interest, and/or study abroad opportunities. Department Chair approval required. Taught in Chinese.
Second-year course in modern Chinese to develop proficiency in all four language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition to the basic conversational topics, students will be taught to use the dictionary, will be exposed to both traditional and simplified characters, and will read and write longer discourses ranging from personal letters to short narratives. Students will also learn to use Chinese word processing. Ten hours of conversational language time with students in small groups (held outside of class time) required. Prerequisite: Chinese 102 or equivalent. This course is only offered through the Gonzaga/Whitworth Classroom Exchange, when there is sufficient student interest , and/or study abroad opportunities. Department Chair approval required. Taught in Chinese.
Credit for Chinese language is given to students through the Gonzaga/Whitworth Classroom Exchange, when there is sufficient student interest, and/or study abroad opportunities. Department Chair approval required. Taught in Chinese.
Continuation of Chinese 201. Ten hours of conversational language time with students in small groups (held outside of class time) required. Prerequisite: Chinese 201 or equivalent. This course is only offered through the Gonzaga/Whitworth Classroom Exchange, when there is sufficient student interest, and/or study abroad opportunities. Department Chair approval required. Taught in Chinese.
Topic to be determined by professor. This course is only offered through study abroad opportunities. Department Chair approval required. Taught in Chinese.
Upper Division
Available only through sponsored Study Abroad programs. Taught in Chinese.
Available only through sponsored Study Abroad programs. Taught in Chinese.
Available only through sponsored Study Abroad programs. Taught in Chinese.
Lower Division
Introduction to French for students with no previous study of the language. Students learn basic tasks such as introducing themselves and meeting others, giving personal information, describing their schedule. Practice in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The focus is on language acquisition, with some exposure to aspects of French and Francophone cultures. Fall.
For students who have completed French 101 or the equivalent. The goal of the course is to enable students to progress from novice to intermediate level proficiency in the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students learn to provide more information about themselves and to accomplish more daily tasks. The focus is on language acquisition, and students also are introduced to some basics of French and Francophone cultures. Spring.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
For students who have completed French 102 or the equivalent. The goal of the course is to reinforce the fundamentals of grammar and syntax and to build proficiency in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students will be able to perform many communicative tasks by the end of the semester. A further goal of the course is to increase awareness of French and Francophone cultures. Fall.
For students who have completed French 201 or the equivalent. The goal of the course is to strengthen the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing in order to enable students to perform a larger number of communicative tasks. Lessons are conducted entirely in French for better immersion in the language. Additional goals of the course are to increase awareness of French and Francophone cultures, and to initiate students into the reading and interpretation of more challenging texts (short pieces of literature). Spring.
By arrangement.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Upper Division
An intensive one-semester grammar course with extensive oral practice. Fall.
Short stories, plays, novels, or essays by modern authors, with grammar and conversation based on the texts studied. Practice in phonetics where needed. Available only through sponsored study abroad programs.
Continuation of FREN 301. A greater emphasis on composition and advanced style. Available only through sponsored study abroad programs.
Prerequisite:
FREN 301 Minimum Grade: D
Oral and written comprehension, oral and written expression, grammar, vocabulary. Basics of phonetics. Culture and civilization. Available only through sponsored study abroad programs.
A continuation of FREN 303. Available only through sponsored study abroad programs.
Intensive practice in oral French. Study of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation through discussion of cultural topics.
Paris, ville d'amour et d'exclusion sociale. Students will analyze manifestations of social integration and exclusion, through representations of the city of Paris in French literary texts (short stories, novel and poetry), films, songs, photographs, and architecture.
Students will analyze existentialist thought and become more acquainted with famous names associated with the area of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus, Juliette Greco, etc. Existentialism will be approached as a cultural and humanistic movement, a way of life and rebirth in post-war Paris. Taught in French.
Prerequisite:
FREN 300 Minimum Grade: D
A study of French cinema as it has evolved in the last two decades. The films viewed will be used as a means to encourage reflection on the history, ideas and values that have gone into the making of modern France. The course is offered in English and French in separate sections. For students who take the English section of the course through the INST cross-listing, there is no French prerequisite. Spring.
Equivalent:
FILM 342 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
INST 339 - Successful completion
INST 339 - Successful completion
A culture course that explores the political, social, economic, administrative, and cultural reality of contemporary France. Taught in French.
The political, social, intellectual, and artistic development of French culture from the beginning to the present. Available only through sponsored study abroad programs.
A study of the French political system, its parties, elections, and how the system works in the new European order. Available only through sponsored study abroad programs.
Selected topics in French language, literature or civilization.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Offered Abroad.
Selected readings by arrangement.
The major French writers by genre. Fall.
Prerequisite:
FREN 323 Minimum Grade: D
or FREN 327 Minimum Grade: D
Professional experience in a supervised organizational setting allowing for the applied use of skills in French language and/or knowledge of Francophone cultures. An internship plan (description, objectives, learning outcomes) is devised with a French program faculty member before the internship begins.
Required of all French majors in their fourth year.
Lower Division
This course is designed to introduce students to basic German language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of German-speaking countries and their culture. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the novice level according to the ACTFL guidelines.
This course is designed to further introduce students to basic German language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of German-speaking countries and their culture. Students will be able to apply creative as well as analytic thinking skills by exploring a foreign language and its cultural idiosyncrasies. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the novice level according to the ACTFL guidelines. Prerequisite: German 101 or equivalent.
This accelerated language course is designed to introduce students with previous German or other foreign language experience to basic German language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of German speaking countries and their culture.
German 201 is designed to further strengthen and expand basic language skills in German. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the intermediate low level according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing students’ intercultural competencies. Prerequisite: German 102 or equivalent.
German 202 is designed to further strengthen and expand students' language skills in German. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening proficiency at the intermediate level according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing students’ intercultural competencies. Prerequisite: German 201 or equivalent.
Topics to be determined by faculty.
Upper Division
This course is designed for students at the advanced level according to ACTFL guidelines and provides intensive practice in written and spoken German through the discussion and analysis of short stories and literary texts in their social, cultural, and historical context. Additionally, students work on reviewing and practicing grammatical structures and new vocabulary in hands-on exercises. This course also focuses on 1) the inclusion of supporting documentation and references to support conclusions, 2) editing, 3) grammatical points, 4) introduction to MLA style guidelines and 5) interpreting complex reading passages.
Prerequisite: German 202 or equivalent.
Modern texts are the basis for structured conversations within a correct grammatical framework.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course focuses on popular texts written for children and young adults. Advanced grammar will be part of the course.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
Reading and discussion of current social, political, economic and environmental issues of German speaking countries as represented by their media.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course provides an intensive practice in spoken German through guided conversation and discussion of contemporary topics for students at an intermediate/advanced level. Students additionally review advanced grammatical structures and new vocabulary in hands on exercises. This course is offered every other summer during the Gonzaga-in-Graz study abroad program.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course introduces students at an intermediate/advanced level to the fundamentals of Austrian culture. This course further provides an intensive practice in spoken and written German through guided conversation and discussion of contemporary topics relevant to Austria. This course has a global studies designation. This course is offered during the Gonzaga-in-Graz study abroad summer program.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Austrian culture and contemporary topics relevant to Austria. This course has a global studies designation. This course is offered as needed.
Prerequisite:
GERM 301 Minimum Grade: D
A study of examples of the major literary forms (prose, drama, and poetry) in their historical context.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course looks at contemporary films from German-speaking countries to explore historical, social, and cultural issues as well as questions of national identity. Students learn about the beginnings of German language movies and demonstrate an awareness of cinematographic features when analyzing different samples of German language films. This course is offered every other Spring semester. Taught in German.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course looks at contemporary films from German-speaking countries to explore historical, social, and cultural issues as well as questions of national identity. Students learn about the beginnings of German language movies and demonstrate an awareness of cinematographic features when analyzing different samples of German language films. This course is offered as needed. Taught in English.
Topic to be determined by professor.
Prerequisite:
GERM 202 Minimum Grade: D
Specific topic determined by professor.
Specific topic determined by professor.
Professional experience in a supervised organizational setting allowing for the applied use of skills in German language and/or knowledge of German-speaking cultures. A maximum of three credits, with approval of the Department Chair, can be applied as upper division elective credits for the German minor.
Lower Division
This course is designed to introduce students to elementary Italian language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of Italy and its cultures. This course provides practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students are expected to achieve novice-mid level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to recall facts and basic concepts. This course is taught in Italian.
Taken only in conjunction with ITAL 101 when taken in Florence, Italy.
Concurrent:
ITAL 101
This course is designed to further introduce students to elementary Italian language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of Italy and its cultures. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students are expected to achieve novice-high level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to draw connections among ideas and engage the present, the past and the future tenses. This course is taught in Italian.
Taken only in conjunction with ITAL 102 when taken in Florence, Italy.
Concurrent:
ITAL 102
Students learn to use the language in a variety of everyday situations through focused practice in class and organized encounters with native speakers of Italian. Does not fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Language requirement.
A continuation of ITAL 105. Vocabulary and grammar presented in Italian 102 are reinforced. Does not fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Language requirement.
Topic to be determined by professor.
This course is designed to further strengthen and expand language skills in Italian. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students will develop intermediate-mid level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to draw connections among and evaluate ideas and to engage the past, the present and the future tenses in addition to the imperative and the conditional modes. This course is taught in Italian.
This course is designed to further strengthen and expand students' language skills in Italian. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students will develop intermediate-high level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to explore ideas by creative analytic thinking while engaging the past, the present and the future tenses in addition to the imperative, the conditional and the subjunctive modes. This course is taught in Italian.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Upper Division
Advanced review of grammatical structures through conversation, readings, compositions and oral comprehension. Course taught in Italian.
Advanced review of grammatical structures through conversation, readings, presentations and oral comprehension. Can be taken alone or as a continuation of ITAL 301. Course taught in Italian.
An overview of Italian literature from the age of Dante through the Renaissance, including Petrarch, Boccaccio and Machiavelli. Course taught in Italian.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
An overview of Italian literature from the Renaissance through contemporary times. Course taught in Italian.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
Advanced conversation for students returning from Florence. Course taught in Italian.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
A course designed for those who wish to continue to improve their conversational skills. Course taught in Italian.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course uses Italian films to help students improve language proficiency and deepen their understanding of Italian history and culture. Italian cinema closely reflects national culture and each film in the course is chosen for its focus on one or more aspects of Italian society. Preparation for viewing includes background reading, thematic discussions and vocabulary building exercises. Course taught in Italian. Offered in Florence only.
In this course, students will engage with the history, philosophy, art, politics, and poetics of the Middle Ages through a close reading of Dante Alighieri's Commedia, Vita Nova, and other period texts. The course will also briefly consider the monumental cultural heritage that Dante's poem has and continues to produce. In class discussions, students will be expected to know, discuss, and offer interpretations of the text through their own reading and preparation based on notes provided by the instructor. Course will emphasize close reading of primarily poetic texts. This course is taught in English.
This class examines the way fascism is presented in selected novels and films. An important objective of the course is to study the impact of Fascism on segments of the Italian population which did not conform to fascist ideals. Taught in English.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
This course engages a selection of contemporary Italian films to conduct a systematic study of cinematic form, narration and expression. Students will familiarize with the terms and perspectives required to compose structured and argumentative analyses according to norms of academic writing.Taught in English.
Equivalent:
INST 416 - OK if taken since Spring 2007
In Italian. The development of the Italian short story from its origin through the Baroque. Included are stories from the Novellino, the Decameron, the Novelliere, and the Pentameron.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
The Italian short story through the works of the nineteenth and twentieth century authors. Taught in Italian.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
Through a study of Italian film, novels and nonfiction, this course will examine the phenomenon of organized crime in Italian society. Taught in English.
Equivalent:
INST 381 - Successful completion
This course will explore the impact of immigration from Third World countries on Italian society through the study of novels, nonfiction and film. Taught in Italian.
This course will explore the development of the historical novel in Italy with emphasis on modern historical novels. Taught in English.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
A study of examples of the major literary genres (narrative, dramatic, and poetic). Taught in Italian.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
Readings and discussion of various aspects of Italian life such as art, cinema, politics, literature, history, fashions, etc. Taught in Italian.
The political, social and cultural history of Republican Rome from its legendary origins to the Battle of Actium and its de facto end in 31 BC. The course will focus closely on the factors leading to the Republic’s successful rise as uncontested Mediterranean ruler as well as the internal political and social conflicts that brought the Republic crashing down to its ultimate fall. Taught in English.
Equivalent:
HIST 305 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
The political, social and cultural history of Rome during the age of the Emperors, from Augustus' creation of the principate in 27 B.C. to the decline of the Roman Empire in the west by the 5th century AD. Special focus in this course will be given to the workings of the Imperial system, daily life in Rome and the provinces, the rise of Christianity, and the ultimate transformation of the empire. Taught in English.
Equivalent:
HIST 306 - OK if taken since Spring 2007
Developments in the first flowering of Western European civilization, circa A.D. 500-1350, including feudalism, the rise of representative assemblies, the commercial revolution and the papal monarchy. Taught in English. Gonzaga in Florence only.
Equivalent:
CATH 331 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
HIST 311 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
HIST 311 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
The history of Western Europe circa 1350-1550, examining the political, religious, social, and economic context for the cultural achievements of the humanists, artists, dramatists, scientists, architects, and educators of the age of Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, the Tudors and the Medici. Taught in English.
Equivalent:
CATH 332 - OK if taken since Fall 2024
HIST 312 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
HIST 312 - OK if taken since Fall 2007
Selected topics in Italian language, literature, or civilization.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 202 Minimum Grade: D
Topic to be determined by faculty.
Topic to be determined by faculty.
This course examines the contribution of women novelists to Italian literature through the discussion of contemporary novels by women. Taught in English.
The internship provides students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in the Italian classroom with a supervised organizational setting directly related to the student's major area of study. An internship plan (description, objectives, learning outcomes) is devised with an Italian faculty member, and approved by the Director of Italian Studies, before the internship begins.
Prerequisite:
ITAL 301 Minimum Grade: B
or ITAL 302 Minimum Grade: B
Required of all Italian Studies majors. Permission from the Director of Italian Studies only.
Lower Division
Acquisition of useful vocabulary, phrases, sentence patterns for getting around in Japan. The students will acquire cultural understanding for better communication with Japanese speakers. Upon sufficient demand.
Grammar, composition, conversation, and discussion of cultural topics. Mastery of hiragana, katakana, and approximately 50 kanji (Chinese characters). Fall.
A continuation of JPNE 101. 150 kanji in addition to those introduced in JPNE 101. Spring.
Topic to be determined by professor. Department Chair approval required.
Intensive oral work to develop fluency in the language; written composition and reading at the intermediate level. 200 kanji in addition to those introduced in JPNE 102. Offered in the Fall when there is sufficient interest.
A continuation of JPNE 201. 200 kanji in addition to those introduced in JPNE 201. Offered in the Spring when there is sufficient interest.
This course is designed to train Japanese language tutors to assist Japanese language learners. The course focus is on practical experience. Tutors will meet regularly with their pupils.
Topic to be determined by professor. Department Chair approval required.
Upper Division
Intensive oral work to develop fluency in the language; written composition and reading at the advanced level. 200 kanji in addition to those introduced in JPNE 202. Offered occasionally when there is sufficient interest.
A continuation of JPNE 301. 200 kanji in addition to those introduced in JPNE 301. Offered occasionally when there is sufficient interest.
Prerequisite:
JPNE 301 Minimum Grade: D
This course is designed to introduce students to fundamental Japanese culture. Some of the areas covered by this course will be human relations at work and in school, etiquette, customs, traditions and social issues. Taught in English.
Equivalent:
INST 360 - Successful completion
This course focuses on Japanese values, attitudes and behaviors. The students will learn strategies for communication with Japanese people. Taught in English. Upon sufficient demand.
Equivalent:
INST 361 - OK if taken since Spring 2001
Selected topics in Japanese language, literature or civilization. Department Chair approval required.
Prerequisite:
JPNE 202 Minimum Grade: D
Topic to be determined by professor. Department Chair approval required.
Selected readings by arrangement. Department Chair approval required.
Professional experience in a supervised organizational setting allowing for the applied use of skills in Japanese language and/or knowledge of Japanese-speaking cultures. A maximum of three credits with approval of the Department Chair, can be applied as upper division credits.
Lower Division
Elementary language learning.
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new Gonzaga students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and Gonzaga’s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by professors with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
Upper Division
Topic to be determined by the instructor.
Topic to be determined by department.
Lower Division
This course is designed to introduce students to elementary Spanish language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures. This course provides practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students are expected to achieve novice-mid level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to recall facts and basic concepts. This course is taught in Spanish. Summer.
This course is designed to further introduce students to elementary Spanish language skills and give them an insight into the many aspects of Spanish-speaking countries and their cultures. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students are expected to achieve novice-high level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to draw connections among ideas. This course is taught in Spanish. Fall and Spring.
Topic to be determined by professor.
Topic to be determined by professor.
Topic to be determined by professor.
This course is designed to further strengthen and expand language skills in Spanish. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students will develop intermediate-mid level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to draw connections among ideas and evaluate ideas. This course is taught in Spanish. Fall and Spring.
This course is designed to further strengthen and expand students' language skills in Spanish. This course provides extensive practice with writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Students will develop intermediate-high level proficiency in these skills according to the ACTFL guidelines, in addition to developing intercultural knowledge and competencies. Students will be able to apply creative as well as analytic thinking skills while exploring ideas. This course is taught in Spanish. Fall and Spring.
Development of oral expression in Spanish within a correct grammatical framework.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 102 Minimum Grade: D
By arrangement only. Topic selected by student-professor consultation.
Topic selected by professor.
Topic determined by professor.
Review of Spanish grammar.
Topic to be determined by professor.
Upper Division
Advanced grammar. A review of specific grammatical constructions fundamental to effective oral and written communication and proficiency in listening and reading skills through the lens of culture. This course focuses specifically on description, narration, and exposition.
Designed for those who wish to continue improving their listening and speaking skills.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 301 Minimum Grade: C
Exploration of and practice with complex grammatical structures in Spanish. This course is designed to consolidate the command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary through oral practice and classroom activities as well as through compositions and written exercises.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 302 Minimum Grade: D
This course is designed to be an introduction to the history, theory, and practice of translation principally from Spanish to English but also from English to Spanish. The student will learn the fundamentals of translating literary works, letters, legal documents, newspapers, commercial advertisements, and other materials.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 301 Minimum Grade: C
This course is designed for students planning to work in the health care field and who want to acquire more cultural and linguistic skills in medical Spanish. Students will develop new critical perspectives on health care for Hispanics in the US. Specifically, students will develop medical language skills and cultural competency for health care situations.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 301 Minimum Grade: C
Topic to be determined by professor.
Advanced grammar, continuation of SPAN 301. A review of specific grammatical constructions fundamental to effective oral and written communication and proficiency in listening and reading skills through the lens of culture. This course focuses specifically on critical thinking, argumentation and analysis.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 301 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
SPAN 302 - Taken before Summer 2020
This survey course is designed to give students a broad understanding of Spanish literature from its origins to the XVIII century. Students will study some key authors, philosophical and literary movements, historical and other elements that have shaped Spanish literary development. Students will also practice presentational and interpersonal oral skills and writing skills, in Spanish, while improving skills in literary analysis.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
SPAN 303 - Taken before Fall 2020
This course presents a panoramic view of the history of modern Spanish literature (from 18th C to the present) in their historical and cultural context through the study in detail of some of the most significant literary works ( essay, drama, novel, short story, poetry) of the period.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
SPAN 304 - Taken before Summer 2020
This course offers an introduction to the literature of the Spanish-speaking Americas. The texts students will read range from pre-Hispanic times until the end of the nineteenth century. During the semester, students will explore the various voices that arise from the Americas and how they present themselves in different genres such as: diary, chronicle, letter, essay, poetry, short story, and novel.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
INST 316 - Successful completion
SPAN 307 - Taken before Summer 2020
SPAN 307 - Taken before Summer 2020
This course is designed to introduce students to the major trends and authors of Latin America during the contemporary period, starting at the end of the 19th Century and concluding with present-day works.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
INST 317 - Successful completion
SPAN 308 - Taken before Summer 2020
SPAN 308 - Taken before Summer 2020
This course introduces students to the analytical tools of poetry analysis and provides a general survey of Spanish language poetry from its origins to the 21st century, covering poets from Spain and Latin America. Due to the scope of the material covered in this course, mostly canonical authors will be studied as a means to approach the philosophical and literary movements, historical and other cultural elements, that have shaped Spanish language literary development.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
or SPAN 302 Minimum Grade: C
Studies and analyzes a range of texts, including narrative fiction, poetry, drama, and/or essays written in Spanish by women writers. Texts may come from Spain and/or Latin America. Emphasis placed on literature from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course examines how the jungle/rainforest ("selva") space is defined in Latin America and how it is represented in literature, film, and photography. The course does not focus on the Brazilian Amazon, but instead examines the representation of Spanish-American jungle spaces, including those found in Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and the Central American isthmus, from the Encounter until present day.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
ENVS 332 - OK if taken since Fall 2022
This course, studies the way in which Spanish America's natural resources have been imagined, described, and narrated textually throughout the history of Spanish America. Through a survey of literary and visual texts, we explore the history of extractivism, environmentalism, and economic engagement in Spanish America. Short stories, poetry, and film are analyzed from within the framework of Latin American critical responses to this history.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
ENVS 333 - OK if taken since Fall 2022
This course is an exploration of the literary corpus of Spanish author Federico García Lorca (1898-1936), as well as a reflection about his legacy and importance in symbolic terms (as a myth or a body of myths) to understand Spanish history and culture. The class, an attempt to find and explore Lorca’s body, will center on how Lorca’s life and works articulate the quintessential conflict between tradition and modernity in Spain in national, gender, sexual, and ethnic terms; as well as on the importance of Lorca’s legacy and mythical status for an understanding of the convoluted history of 20th century Spain, including the recent Law of Historical Memory that has led to several unsuccessful searches for his remains (for his body). The class will focus on a broad selection of written and visual/audio documents by Lorca or about him.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course provides a general introduction to the history and culture( s) of Spain through an analysis of its social, political, and cultural characteristics from ancient times to the present. Special attention will be paid to Spain's art, music, architecture, social customs, and values.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
SPAN 409 - OK if taken since Fall 2020
This course offers an introduction to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking Americas from the precolonial period until present day. During the semester, students will explore various texts (written and visual) in order to examine the various manifestations of Latin American cultures.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course provides a general introduction to Mexican culture and civilization from the pre-colonial period to the present day. Special attention will be paid to Mexico's history, art, music, social customs, and values.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course will focus on a series of representative Latin American films in order to explore issues of national formation and cultural identity. Emphasis will be given to the social, political, and economic factors which affect the production and reception of these films.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
FILM 340 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
INST 414 - Successful completion
INST 414 - Successful completion
This course provides an introduction to the history of Spanish cinema through the study of representative films of different historical periods (Francoist and/ or democratic period). Particular attention will be given to the historical, social, and cultural context of the production and reception of those movies, as well as to questions of authorship/genre, gender/sexuality, and national/cultural identity.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Equivalent:
FILM 341 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
INST 415 - Successful completion
INST 415 - Successful completion
This course provides an introduction to Spanish linguistics and establishes the basis for the application of linguistic principles. The content included is an overview of linguistic rules with a focus on Spanish. The course begins with an introduction to the description and organization of data dealing with phonology (how sound patterns form words). Building on this, the discussion continues with topics in morphology (word formation and verbal inflection) and the description and organization of data dealing with syntax (how words combine to form phrases and sentences). Finally, the course ends by analyzing the regional variations of Spanish ( dialectology) where the students apply the first three concepts (phonology, morphology and syntax) to contrast and compare the regional categories of Spanish use world-wide including the following six modalities: Peninsular (Northern/Southern Spain), Atlantic (Canary Islands/Latin America), USA, Equatorial Guinea, Judeo-Spanish and Creoles.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course traces the development of the Spanish language from Latin to the present focusing upon the cultural, literary and historical factors that have contributed to its evolution from Latin to early Romance, and then to the Modern language. The course is divided into four parts: the lexical expansion Vulgar Latin to Classical Latin to modern Spanish elements; the development of the phonological system; the development of the written language from Alfonso El Sabio and Berceo to La Celestina, Valdes, Nebrija, and the language of the Golden Age; and, the overseas expansion of Spanish and Judeo-Spanish.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course examines the relationship between orthography (the way we spell Spanish) and the way it is pronounced. It also focuses on common orthographic errors, including spelling, accentuation and syllabification. In addition, it closely examines the sounds of Spanish (the phonetics) and the rules that govern the distribution of these sounds in the language (the phonology) and examines how these sounds vary across dialects and the linguistic and extralinguistic factors that contribute to this variation.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Topics in Spanish literature to be determined by professor.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Topic to be determined by professor.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
Topic to be decided by professor.
Prerequisite:
SPAN 320 Minimum Grade: C
This course familiarizes students with issues about language use in social contexts. Students will discuss results of research on the relationship between language and society in several Spanish-speaking communities, examine different types of linguistic and social variation, and learn methods to study such variation in monolingual and bilingual communities. Based on the readings, discussions and practice, students will have the opportunity to explore, discover and investigate the social nature of language.
This course is an introduction to the field of second language acquisition with an emphasis on speaking. The course format will include readings, discussions, and student presentations. It will examine speaking in a second language from several perspectives: theory, evaluation/testing, pedagogy, and materials.
Spanish theater from its origins to the present. Emphasis on the significance of the Golden Age of theater to the evolution of this genre.
Spanish American theatre from the pre-Hispanic period to the present. Emphasis placed on the contemporary period and the theater that evolved subsequent to the Modernist period.
Analysis of the historical evolution of the novel and short story and their literary antecedents in Spain, from origins to the present.
The novel and short story in Spanish America during the twentieth century.
Equivalent:
INST 406 - Successful completion
This course focuses on Spanish short stories written in Spain or by Spaniards living in exile from the 1940s to the present. The course gives a panoramic vision of Spain’s recent history through a selection of short stories and also through the history of this genre in Spain, with a strong emphasis on women writers. We will take into consideration the main authors and movements of recent decades and analyze both the mechanisms that shape the genre, and its representations, especially in terms of gender discontinuities. The students will be exposed not only to short stories, but also to articles, films, interviews, and reflections and meditations by the writers themselves.
In this class, the film career of Pedro Almodovar (1949-), the most important Spanish filmmaker in recent decades, will be analyzed taking into account both the recent history of Spain and the history of the Spanish movie industry in the last 30 years. We will discuss several of his feature films and short films, as well as some of his writing. The topics of discussion will mainly focus on questions of identity in his movies, the relationship between his films and the cultural-political market of the democracy in Spain (the "Movida"), and the evolution of his movies in terms of cinematography, genre (from comedy to melodrama and lately, film noir), and gender representation. Film titles vary from semester to semester; however, could include films such as: Labyrinth of Passions (1982), Dark Habits (1983), What Have I Done to Deserve This?! (1984), Matador (1986), The Law of Desire (1987), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988), High Heels (1991), All About my Mother (1999), Talk to Her (2002), Volver (2006), Broken Embraces (2009). This class will be conducted in Spanish.
This course will study the evolution of Spanish American short story from its appearance in the nineteenth century until today. Students will examine the manner in which this literary genre responded to the particular set of social, political, and economic considerations which shaped its production and reception. Students will read not only the texts themselves, but will also study critical theory surrounding the development of short story in Spanish America, and the regional responses which emerged.
Studies and analyzes narrative fiction, poetry, drama, and/or essays written by or about Latin American women writers. Emphasis placed on literature from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Social outreach course: readings on and volunteer work with Hispanic community.
Specific topics to be chosen by professor.
Specific topics to be chosen by professor.
Readings and reports on selected topics. By arrangement.
Readings and reports on selected topics. By arrangement.
Professional experience in a setting related to Hispanic communities and in which Spanish is often used. SPAN 497 does not count toward upper-division major/minor requirements. Student is responsible to find an appropriate internship and to present a plan (description, objectives, proposed assessment) to a Spanish professor for approval and supervision.
In this course students will demonstrate the knowledge they have learned via a portfolio that includes a language proficiency exam, a Spanish narrative that critically reflects upon the content acquired in the courses students completed toward the major, a reflective essay in
English to measure the student learning outcome of intercultural competency, and an oral presentation. The Spanish narrative is designed to integrate and synthesize students' experiences in literature, culture, film and linguistics. The final grade will be (Satisfactory/Non- Satisfactory).
In addition to their major and minor areas of study, all undergraduate students follow a common program designed to complete their education in those areas that the University considers essential for a Catholic, Jesuit, liberal, and humanistic education. The University Core Curriculum consists of forty-five credits of course work, with additional designation requirements that can be met through core, major, or elective courses.
The University Core Curriculum is a four-year program, organized around one overarching question, which is progressively addressed through yearly themes and questions. Hence, core courses are best taken within the year for which they are designated. First year core courses encourage intellectual engagement and provide a broad foundation of fundamental skills. Second and third year courses examine central issues and questions in philosophy and religious studies. The fourth year course, the Core Integration Seminar, offers a culminating core experience. Taken at any time throughout the four years, broadening courses intersect with the core themes and extend students’ appreciation for the humanities, arts, and social and behavioral sciences. Finally, the designation requirements (writing enriched, global studies, and social justice) reflect important values and reinforce students’ knowledge and competencies.
Overarching Core Question: As students of a Catholic, Jesuit, and Humanistic University, how do we educate ourselves to become women and men for a more just and humane global community?
Year 1 Theme and Question: Understanding and Creating: How do we pursue knowledge and cultivate understanding?
- The First-Year Seminar (DEPT 193, 3 credits): The First-Year Seminar (FYS), taken in the fall or spring of the first year, is designed to promote an intellectual shift in students as they transition to college academic life. Each small seminar is organized around an engaging topic, which students explore from multiple perspectives. The FYS is offered by many departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of FYS courses).
- Writing (ENGL 101, 3 credits) and Reasoning (PHIL 101, 3 credits): The Writing and Reasoning courses are designed to help students develop the foundational skills of critical reading, thinking, analysis, and writing. They may be taken as linked sections. Writing (ENGL 101) carries one of the three required writing-enriched designations (see below).
- Communication & Speech (COMM 100, 3 credits): This course introduces students to interpersonal and small group communication and requires the application of critical thinking, reasoning, and research skills necessary to organize, write, and present several speeches.
- Scientific Inquiry (BIOL 104/104L, CHEM 104/104L, or PHYS 104/104L, 3 credits): This course explores the scientific process in the natural world through evidence-based logic and includes significant laboratory experience. Students pursuing majors that require science courses will satisfy this requirement through their major.
- Mathematics (above Math 100, 3 credits): Mathematics courses promote thinking according to the modes of the discipline—abstractly, symbolically, logically, and computationally. One course in mathematics, above Math 100, including any math course required for a major or minor, will fulfill this requirement. MATH 100 (College Algebra) and courses without the MATH prefix do not fulfill this requirement.
Year 2 Theme and Question: Being and Becoming: Who are we and what does it mean to be human?
- Philosophy of Human Nature (PHIL 201, 3 credits): This course provides students with a philosophical study of key figures, theories, and intellectual traditions that contribute to understanding the human condition; the meaning and dignity of human life; and the human relationship to ultimate reality.
- Christianity and Catholic Traditions (RELI, 3 credits). Religious Studies core courses approved for this requirement explore diverse topics including Christian scriptures, history, theology, and practices as well as major contributions from the Catholic intellectual and theological traditions (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses) .
Year 3 Theme and Question: Caring and Doing: What principles characterize a well lived life?
- Ethics (PHIL 301 or RELI, 3 credits): The Ethics courses are designed to help students develop their moral imagination by exploring and explaining the reasons humans should care about the needs and interests of others. This requirement is satisfied by an approved ethics course in either Philosophy (PHIL 301) or Religious Studies (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- World/Comparative Religion (RELI, 3 credits): Religious Studies courses approved for this core requirement draw attention to the diversity that exists within and among traditions and encourage students to bring critical, analytical thinking to bear on the traditions and questions considered. These courses carries one of the required two global-studies designations (see below) (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
Year 4 Theme and Question: Imagining the Possible: What is our role in the world?”
- Core Integration Seminar (DEPT 432, 3 credits). The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) offers students a culminating core experience in which they integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the core, and their disciplinary expertise. Some CIS courses may also count toward a student’s major or minor. The CIS is offered by several departments across the University (click here [PDF] for list of CIS courses).
The Broadening Courses
- Fine Arts & Design (VART, MUSC, THEA, 3 credits): Arts courses explore multiple ways the human experience can be expressed through creativity, including across different cultures and societies. One approved course in fine arts, music, theatre, or dance will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- History (HIST, 3 credits): History courses are intended to develop students’ awareness of the historical context of both the individual and the collective human experience. One course in History (HIST 101, HIST 102, HIST 112, HIST 201, HIST 202) will fulfill this requirement.
- Literature (3 credits): Literature courses foster reflection on how literature engages with a range of human experience. One approved course in Literature (offered by English, Classics, or Modern Languages) will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (3 credits): Courses in the social and behavioral sciences engage students in studying human behavior, social systems, and social issues. One approved course offered by Criminal Justice, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, or Women and Gender Studies will fulfill this requirement (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
The Designations
Designations are embedded within already existing core, major, minor, and elective courses. Students are encouraged to meet designation requirements within elective courses as their schedule allows; however, with careful planning students should be able to complete most of the designation requirements within other core, major, or minor courses.
- Writing Enriched (WE; 3 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the WE designation are designed to promote the humanistic and Jesuit pedagogical ideal of clear, effective communication. In addition to the required core course, Writing (ENGL 101), which carries one of the WE designations, students must take two other WE-designated courses (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Global-Studies (GS; 2 courses meeting this designation): Courses carrying the GS designation are designed to challenge students to perceive and understand human diversity by exploring diversity within a context of constantly changing global systems. In addition to the required core course, World/Comparative Religion (RELI 300-level), which carries one of the GS designations, students must take one other GS-designated course (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
- Social-Justice (SJ; 1 course meeting this designation): Courses carrying the SJ designation are designed to introduce students to one or more social justice concerns. Students must take one course that meets the SJ designation (click here [PDF] for a list of approved courses).
Major-specific adaptations to the University Core Curriculum
All Gonzaga students, regardless of their major, will complete the University Core Curriculum requirements. However some Gonzaga students will satisfy certain core requirements through major-specific programs or courses. Any major-specific adaptations to the core are described with the requirements for the majors to which they apply.