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Modern and Classical Languages
FacultyProfessors: Aguera, Aksyonov (Robinson Professor), Elstun, Francescato, Gilbert, Hecht, Wagner, Warner, Winkler Associate professors: Berroa, Chamberlain (chair), Christensen, Goldin (associate chair), LePage, Levine, Rabin, Ricouart Assistant professors: Roman-Mendoza, Wekerle Visiting assistant professors: Kurlat-Ares, Mothion, Zhang Visiting instructors: Beaulieu, Bucelli, Mellander, MirceaPines Course WorkThis department offers all course work designated CLAS, CHIN, FREN, FRLN, GERM, LATN, RUSS, and SPAN in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. The following courses are offered in English. Knowledge of a foreign language is not required:
Courses that Fulfill General Education Requirements
Undergraduate ProgramsForeign Languages, B.A.This program, which offers concentrations in French and Spanish, prepares students for teaching careers at the secondary school level, for graduate study in languages, and for research and professional work in government and private enterprise. Language majors are encouraged to complete a minor or, if possible, a second major in another field. Students who want a double major in a language and another subject should plan a program of study in consultation with advisors from both disciplines. Writing-Intensive RequirementThe university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students in language concentrations may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing FREN 352 or SPAN 352 or 452. Concentration in FrenchIn addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, candidates must complete a minimum of 30 credits in French courses at the 300 level and above. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature. The 30 credits required in the concentration must include the following:
No more than one course (three credits) conducted in English may be taken for credit for the concentration in French. Students are encouraged to take courses in other languages and literatures, and in related disciplines such as music, art, history, and philosophy. Concentration in SpanishIn addition to satisfying the university-wide general education requirements and the requirements for a B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences, candidates must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Spanish courses at the 300 level or above. Students are expected to complete a balanced program that includes courses in language, culture and civilization, and literature. The 30 credits required in the concentration must include the following:
SPAN 321, 322, 325, and 329 may not be applied toward the concentration in Spanish. Comparative Literature EmphasisThe Department of Modern and Classical Languages and the Department of English offer a B.A. with an emphasis in comparative literature. This program permits the student to combine the study of a language with cross-cultural literary study. It requires 10 courses above the 200 level, distributed as follows:
Students should consult with their advisors to design a program of study focusing on a specific genre, period, issue, or other cross-cultural topic. For more information, contact the Department of Modern and Classical Languages or the Department of English. Teacher LicensureStudents who wish to become teachers should consult the section, "Professional Licensure" in the Graduate School of Education chapter and attend an information session during their sophomore year. Information sessions for teacher licensure are offered every month. Call (703) 993-2892/4648, email gseinfo@gmu.edu, or consult the web site at gse.gmu.edu for more information. Minor in French, German, Latin, Russian, or SpanishPrerequisite: Completion of an intermediate (202 or 209) course in French, German, Russian, Spanish, or Latin, or equivalent placement test score. A minor in any of these languages consists of 18 credits above the intermediate level in a single language. Except for the minor in Latin, no more than one course taught in English may be applied to the minor. Requirements for the Minor in French Three of the following (nine credits):
Two of the following (six credits):
One French elective at the 300 level or above (three credits) Requirements for the Minor in German Three of the following (nine credits):
One of the following (three credits):
One German elective at the 300 level or above (three credits) Requirements for the Minor in Latin Eighteen credits from the following:
Courses vary in content and may be repeated for credit. Requirements for the Minor in Russian Three of the following (nine credits):
One of the following (three credits):
One of the following (three credits):
One Russian elective at the 300 level or above (three credits). This course must be conducted in Russian. Requirements for the Minor in Spanish The following three courses (nine credits):
Two of the following (six credits):
One Spanish elective at the 300 level or above (three credits) Minor in Classical StudiesThe minor is intended for students who wish to become familiar with the classical cultures and to broaden their knowledge of the foundations of Western civilization, and for students who are studying other areas of the humanities, especially English, languages, comparative literature, history, art history, philosophy, or religion. The minor provides enough flexibility for students to choose relevant courses according to their primary interests. The minor in classical studies consists of the following 18 credits:
Graduate ProgramsForeign Languages, M.A.The Master of Arts in Foreign Languages is designed to meet the needs and interests of prospective and practicing teachers and other professionals, and to prepare students for doctoral study at other institutions. The program offers three concentrations: (1) French or Spanish; (2) French and Spanish; and (3) Spanish/bilingual-multicultural education. In addition to satisfying the general admission requirements for graduate study, applicants seeking degree status must hold a baccalaureate degree in French or Spanish; have at least a 3.000 grade point average (on a 4.000 scale) in the field; and submit two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic qualifications. Applicants whose baccalaureate degrees were earned in other fields or who otherwise do not meet the above requirements, but who provide evidence of a capacity to pursue graduate study, are encouraged to apply and may be admitted to the program with provisional status. Applicants in this category may be asked to appear for a personal interview and to take the appropriate part(s) of the Graduate Record Examination. They may also have undergraduate deficiencies to make up before being advanced to degree status. Candidates who elect a concentration in one language must complete a program of 30 credits. Those who concentrate in two languages must complete a program of 42 credits. The concentration in Spanish/bilingual-multicultural education requires 36 credits. In all three concentrations, six of the total credits may be earned with a thesis. Regardless of the concentration selected, all students must meet the core and distribution requirements given below, and must pass an oral comprehensive examination. Thirty credits, of which at least 18 must be earned in courses listed under the designator FREN and distributed accordingly: at least 6 credits in literature courses covering two different periods, at least 6 credits in language/linguistics courses, and at lease 6 credits of French electives (in either literature or language). The remaining 12 credits are electives, of which up to 6 may be used for directed reading (798) and thesis (799). Thirty credits, of which at least 18 must be earned in courses listed under the designator SPAN and distributed accordingly: at least 6 credits in Spanish American literature courses, at least 6 credits in Peninsular Spanish literature courses, and at least 6 credits in language/linguistics courses. The remaining 12 credits are electives, of which up to 6 may be used for directed reading (798) and thesis (799). Concentration in French and Spanish Forty-two credits, including 18 credits in French distributed according to the requirements for the concentration in French and 18 credits in Spanish distributed according to the requirements for the concentration in Spanish. The remaining six credits are electives, which may be used for directed reading (798) and thesis (799). Concentration in Spanish/Bilingual-Multicultural Education Thirty-six credits, including at least 18 credits in SPAN distributed according to the requirements for the concentration in Spanish and 6 credits of bilingual education seminars selected from EDCI 517, 518, and 519. The remaining 12 credits are electives, of which up to 6 may be used for directed reading (SPAN 798) and thesis (SPAN 799).
George Mason University: 2001-2002 University Catalog: Catalog Index: Modern and Classical Languages | |