George Mason University 1997-98 Catalog Catalog Index
Course Descriptions

Search the 1997-1998 Catalog:

Undergraduate Programs in Modern and Classical Languages


B.A. Degree Option in Classical Studies

Course work may be pursued in either one of two areas of concentration: an emphasis on Latin, or an emphasis on classical civilization. The latter track is particularly suitable for students wishing to pursue a double major with history, art history, English, languages, or philosophy and religious studies. Candidates must present a minimum of 120 semester hours of course work for graduation. In addition to the general requirements for the B.A. degree, candidates must complete 36 semester hours of course work in the major, with at least 24 hours at the 300 level or above. Courses required include the following:

Track I. Latin Emphasis

  1. 21 hours in Latin beyond LATN 102, including CLAS 499

  2. 6 hours in classical history from HIST 301, 302, 388 (with approval), and 480

  3. 9 hours in classical art, literature, philosophy, European studies, or religious studies from the following: ARTH 102, 111, 321, 322, 323, 333, 399 (with approval), 420; CLAS 250, 260, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390; PHIL 301; RELI 252, 371

Sample Schedule for B.A.Classical Studies, Track I.
First Semester
ENGL 101
Social science
LATN 101
Math or logic
Non-Western culture
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15

 Second Semester
Classical literature
Social science B
LATN 102
Oral communication
Non-Western culture
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15
Third Semester
Classical literature*
Natural science
LATN 201
Classical history*
Elective
Total Hours


3
4
3
3
3
16

 Fourth Semester
ENGL 302
Natural science
LATN 202
Classical philosophy*
Elective
Total Hours


3
4
3
3
3
16
Fifth Semester
Latin*
Elective*
Classical history*
Elective
Elective
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15

 Sixth Semester
Latin*
Classical art history*
Classical studies elective*
Elective
Elective
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15
Seventh Semester
Latin*
Latin*
Classical studies elective*
Elective
Elective
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15

 Eighth Semester
Latin*
Latin*
Classical studies elective*
Elective
Elective
Total Hours


3
3
3
3
3
15
*These should be at the 300 or 400 level to meet the 45 semester hours of upper-division course work required for graduation.

Track II. Classical Civilization Emphasis

  1. 6 hours of Latin beyond LATN 102

  2. 6 hours in Classics (CLAS 240, 250, 260, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390)

  3. 3 hours in classical history (HIST 301, 302, 304, 388 [with approval], 480)

  4. 3 hours in classical art history (ARTH 321, 322, 323, 333, 399 [with approval], 420)

  5. 3 hours in classical philosophy or religious studies (PHIL 301, RELI 252, 371)

  6. 3 hours of CLAS 499

  7. 12 hours of approved electives from classical art history, classics, classical history, classical languages, classical philosophy, and religious studies (from courses listed above)

Some classical studies requirements can be used to satisfy B.A. degree requirements--see Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements section of the catalog. See Baccalaureate Degree Requirements section for academic requirements, especially the 45 hours of upper-division (300 or 400 level) graduation requirement.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Majors may take one 300-level CLAS course as writing intensive in preparation for the Senior Seminar (CLAS 499).

Minor in Classical Studies

The minor is intended for students who wish to become familiar with the classical cultures and to broaden their existing knowledge of the foundations of Western civilization, and for students who are majoring in 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 credit hours:

  1. 6 hours in classics, including CLAS 250

  2. 3 hours in classical history (HIST 301, 302, 303, 388 (with approval), 480

  3. 3 hours in classical art history or philosophy or religious studies

  4. 6 hours of approved electives from classical art history, classics, classical history, classical philosophy and religious studies

B.A. Degree with Concentrations in French, German, Russian, or Spanish

Concentrations in French, German, Russian, or Spanish prepare 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 advisers from both disciplines.

Writing-Intensive Requirement

The 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 majors may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing the courses as follows: French, FREN 352; German, GERM 340; Russian, RUSS 302, 325, or 407; and Spanish, SPAN 352 or 452.

Courses Offered in English

The following courses are offered in English (the knowledge of a foreign language is not required):

CLAS 250, 260, 301, 302, 310, 390; FREN 325, 329; GERM 301, 325; RUSS 300, 326, 327, 353, 354; SPAN 321, 322, 325, 329; and all courses designated LANG.

(Courses numbered 325 may be repeated once for credit if the authors studied are different.)

Courses that Fulfill General Requirements

  1. Language courses through the intermediate level fulfill the language requirement.

  2. All literature courses offered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages fulfill the general requirement in literature for baccalaureate degrees.

  3. The following courses fulfill the non-Western culture requirement: FREN 451; RUSS 353, 354.

Teacher Licensure (Certification)

Students interested in becoming elementary, middle, or secondary school teachers should consult the requirements for teacher licensure (certification) listed in this catalog under Graduate School of Education. See the secondary education adviser in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages for more information.

Comparative Literature Option

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and the Department of English offer a B.A. with a concentration 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:

  1. Two courses in a foreign literature with selected readings in the original language.

  2. Two courses in English and/or American literature.

  3. Three courses designated as comparative or world literature courses by the comparative literature committee. These courses include ENGL 431, 432, 433, 434, 436, 437; CLAS 301, 302, 310; and appropriate special topics courses in CLAS, FREN, GERM, RUSS, and SPAN.

  4. CL 300 Introduction to Comparative Literature.

  5. One course in literary criticism: ENGL 494, ENGL 551, FREN 381, or SPAN 311, as appropriate for the student's focus.

  6. CL 514 Theories of Comparative Literature.

Students should consult with their advisers to design a program of study focusing on a specific genre, period, issue, or other cross-cultural topic.

For more information, contact the departments of Modern and Classical Languages or English.

B.A. Degree with a Concentration in French

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the B.A. degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours 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 hours required in the major must include the following:

  1. One advanced language course (FREN 350, 351, 352, 355, 357, 460, 461, or 462).

  2. One course in French civilization (FREN 375 or 376).

  3. One survey course in French literature (FREN 377 or 378).

  4. Four courses at the 400 level or above.

No more than one course (three credit hours) conducted in English may be taken for major credit in French.

Students are encouraged to take courses in other languages and literatures, and in related disciplines such as music, art, history, and philosophy.

B.A. Degree with a Concentration in German

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the B.A. degree, students must complete 30 semester hours in German courses at the 300 level or above. GERM 340 and either GERM 301 or 580 are required. No more than six hours of courses taught in English may be applied to the major. If these are selected from the German section of the Course Descriptions, no advance approval is required. Students need to consult the German faculty about other courses that may apply.

Study in Germany
George Mason University's student exchange program with the University of Wurzburg in south central Germany is open to undergraduates in all majors who have attained junior standing and who have earned grades of B or better in Elementary and Intermediate German. Students interested in applying for admission to the program should contact Esther N. Elstun, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, or Vernon W. Gras, Department of English.

B.A. Degree with a Concentration in Russian

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the B.A. degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours in Russian 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 hours required in the major must include the following:

  1. Four advanced language courses (RUSS 380, 381, 480, and either 401 or 481).

  2. One conversation course (RUSS 302 or 303).

  3. One culture/civilization course (RUSS 353 or 354).

  4. Two Russian literature readings courses in the Russian language (e.g., RUSS 310, 311, 410).

  5. One of the following courses: RUSS 325, 326, 327, 407.

  6. Seminar (RUSS 499).

Students are encouraged to take additional courses in Russian language to strengthen their comprehension and speaking ability.

Students are also encouraged to participate in an active student exchange/university study program in the former Soviet Union. Short study tours to the former Soviet Union are also offered.

B.A. Degree with a Concentration in Spanish

In addition to meeting the general requirements for the B.A. degree, students must complete 30 semester hours 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 hours required in the major must include the following:

  1. Four language skill courses (SPAN 300, 301, 352, 452).

  2. One course in Hispanic civilization (SPAN 461 or 466).

  3. Three literature courses (SPAN 390 and two of the following: SPAN 483, 484, 485, 486).

No more than one course (three credit hours) conducted in English may be taken for major credit in Spanish.

Minor in French, German, Russian, or Spanish

Prerequisite: Completion of an intermediate (202 or 209) course in French, German, Russian, or Spanish, or equivalent placement test score.

A minor in any of these languages consists of 18 credit hours above the intermediate level in a single language. No more than one course taught in English may be applied to the minor.

Requirements for the Minor in French

Requirements for the Minor in German

Requirements for the Minor in Russian


Requirements for the Minor in Spanish


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