Languages and Cultures

Professors: Miller
Professors Emeritus: Dölz-Blackburn and McKay
Associate Professors: Meadows-Jillson and von Dassanowsky (Chair)
Assistant Professors: Feliu-Moggi and Steen
Senior Instructor: Mistry and Zaki-Farrell
Instructors: Glisson, Goni and Stratton

Along with other leading institutions of higher learning, the University of Colorado considers the study of languages an essential part of a sound liberal education. Competence in a language other than English not only promotes international understanding and communication, but also increases student’s career opportunities in commerce and finance, diplomacy, library science, education, social work, publishing, communication, scientific and technical research, and the arts, and prepares them for graduate school, which normally requires proficiency in at least one foreign language. Students might consider taking language classes as excellent complements to their major. Consult the Distributed Studies section of this Bulletin. French, German, or Spanish can be used as part of a Distributed Studies degree.

The department offers a complete B.A. degree in Spanish and minor concentrations in French, German, and Spanish. Basic courses are also offered in American Sign Language, Russian, Latin and Japanese. Students desiring to major in French and German may complete a Distributed Studies major; others must complete requirements for the major in French, German, or Classics at the Boulder or Denver campus by approval of the appropriate Boulder or Denver department.

Bachelor of Arts — Spanish

A total of 35 credit hours in Spanish courses (beyond Spanish 102) including the following minimum distribution:

Language: 9 semester hours in advanced language selected from SPAN 293, 300, 301, 302, 401, 402.

Literature: 15 semester hours-310, 319 and/or 320 are required. Nine additional semester hours in literature.

Culture/Civilization: 325, 425.

Senior Seminar: 497.

Plus Foreign Culture Studies: 6 semester hours in Hispanic topics.

Total: 41 semester hours-35 semester hours in Spanish plus 6 semester hours in F CS.

In some cases these major requirements may result in total credit hours in excess of the Letters, Arts and Sciences 54 hour subject area requirement. Unless the student successfully petitions the Committee on Academic Progress for a waiver, all hours in excess of the 54 hour maximum will be added to the 120 hours needed to graduate. The department strongly recommends that all majors and minors include study in a setting where the language of concentration is spoken. Credit earned will normally count toward satisfaction of the major/minor requirements, but the student must see the department Chair before enrolling in an external study program to assure full transfer of credit. Selected programs are also available through the Office of International Education, Boulder and Denver.

Minor in Spanish

A total of 18 credit hours in Spanish beyond Spanish 102 including the following minimum distribution: Spanish Grammar (300); Spanish Conversation and Composition I or II (301 or 302); Hispanic Culture Studies (325 or 425); Survey Hispanic Literature I (319) and Survey Hispanic Literature II (320).

Language courses at the 100 level introduce students to essentials of grammar, reading, oral fluency, and aural comprehension, as well as to a general understanding of the cultural context. Courses at the 300 and 400 levels are taught almost exclusively in the language.

Minor in French

A total of 18 credit hours in French beyond French 102 including the following minimum distribution: two language based courses from 293, 300, 301, 302 and two literature culture-based courses from 311 and above.

Minor in German

The German minor consists of the following requirements: A total of 18 credit hours in German beyond German 102 including the following minimum distribution: two language based courses from 293, 300, 301, 302, and two literature/culture based courses from 313 and above.

Language Courses

American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) provides a unique modality - visual and gestural rather than the traditional aural/oral approach to modern language teaching. ASL is a fully developed language, containing rich verbal aspects and a classifier system. Elements of deaf culture are also presented through theoretical and applied simulations.

French

As one of the key languages of international diplomatic communication, literary creativity, and artistic achievement, French is a practical and useful language for career, personal and professional travel, and general cultural enrichment.

German

An important language closely related to English, German is the tongue of America’s third largest trade partner, of much scientific research, and of international diplomacy. It is also the language of music’s "3B’s" (plus Wagner, Mozart, and Mendelssohn), of Goethe, Marx, Einstein, Kant, and Freud, spoken not only in Germany, but also in Austria and Switzerland. As such, German is a staple of any sound general education-a language that will enhance a career and enrich personal pleasure and travel.

Italian

The language of the great literature of the Renaissance, grand opera, and the influential neo-realist cinema. Italian is not only a language of artistic achievement, but one of strong American ethnic heritage and international business.

Japanese

Japanese is the language of contemporary commerce, the literature of Mishima and Nobel Prize winner Kawabata. Its theatrical tradition includes Kabuki, Bunraku, and Noh, while its writing system utilizes Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Japan is the land of flower arrangement and the tea ceremony, the Samurai and "Ran."

Latin

With 50 percent of English vocabulary derived from Latin, it is not surprising to discover that students who have studied Latin score about 150 points more on such standardized verbal tests as the SAT than do students who have not had Latin (Washington Post). Latin is also the basis of the five Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Rumanian) and as such helps students with further language study.

Russian

Russia, expanding in social and economic importance, has a history of great literature and great art. Turgenev, Dostoyevski and Solzhenitsyn as well as the artistic treasures of the Kremlin are revealed through a study of this language.

Spanish

In the United States, Spanish is fast becoming second to English in usage. A language of practical utility, great literature (Don Quixote), and wide applicability (in North, Central, and South America, as well as in Europe), Spanish is becoming a necessary skill for dealing with today’s world. A degree option is available for elementary, secondary and special education teachers. Please contact the Student Success Center for further information.

Foreign Culture Studies

Foreign culture studies courses are designed to give students the opportunity to explore different facets of foreign culture, film, and literature in courses, particularly through on-site experiences.