Language & Cultural Studies
Description
The Language and Cultural Studies program offers a minor within the College of Arts and Sciences as well as language courses in Spanish and French. Fluency in another language and experiencing the culture of its speakers are skills that help to cement a liberal education that is truly global in breadth and hands-on in practice. As such, the program provides students with the ability to communicate in a new language while also exploring the individual and collective values of the communities that speak it. The program encourages an appreciation for and experiences of the artistic expressions of the cultures addressed and requires students to contemplate the interdependent nature of the world, considering the complexity and richness of diverse cultures while developing their language skills.
The minor requirements are thus interdisciplinary, integrating the core linguistic and socio-cultural matters pertinent to languages. In addition to course work, students are encouraged to participate in full immersion language experiences through study abroad programs or Spanish-speaking internships.
Minor Requirements
The minor in Language & Cultural Studies requires 18 credit hours, and students choose one of two options: the two-language option or the social sciences and humanities option. Both tracks require students to have either successfully completed or placed out of SPAN 202 Spanish for Professional CommunicationDevelops basic effective communication with Spanish-speaking co-workers, clients, students, their parents and others who don't master the English language. Specific professional focuses of the course will vary according to students' needs. Class materials centers on simulated communication situations to build listening and oral comprehension through simple and clear linguistic structures. Generates a useful communication style generated from cross cultural understanding to be acquired from readings and class discussions. Formerly SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II. before beginning the courses in the minor. (Please see the Inderdisciplinary and Supporting Courses page in this Catalog for further information about placement in lagnuage courses.)
SPAN 491 InternshipProvides students with the opportunity to perform an internship to apply the academic knowledge they have learned in the classroom. Formerly SPA 488 Internship. is not required for the minor but is strongly recommended.
Two Languages (18 credits)[catalog-courses]
- FREN 201 Intermediate French IReviews and develops aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: FREN 102 or placement
- FREN 202 Intermediate French IIDevelops and emphasizes conversational skills. Structural practice, spontaneous exchanges, role playing, prepared presentations.
- SPAN 223 An Introduction to Latin American LiteratureThe course will serve as an introduction to Latin American authors through the study of short tales and poetry. The readings will always be in Spanish, though the instruction will be in both Spanish and English.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or Permission of Instructor.
- SPAN 301 Reading and Writing for Advanced or Native SpeakersDesigned for Spanish speakers whose dominant language is English, this course draws from the students' linguistic background in both languages in order to teach them to write effectively in Spanish. Activities include news reporting, book reviews, essays, and business and formal letters. Students may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in three out of the six papers required. Grammar explanations including accentuation, orthography, verb tenses and uses of the subjunctive mood will be used in relation with vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to enhance language development. Readings based on the cultural life and experience of Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. Formerly SPA 401 Advanced Composition.
3 credits
Prereq: Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish
- SPAN 302 Reading and Writing for Advanced or Native Speakers IIServes as a continuation of SPAN 301, expanding and refining many of the grammar explanations and raising the writing activities to a higher level of proficiency and sophistication. Students may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in three out of the six papers required Formerly SPA 401 Advanced Composition.
- One of the following courses:
- INAF 251
- INAF 311
- HIS 358 The Modern Middle EastSurveys the Middle Eastern world from the 18th to the 21st century. Topics include the Islamic heritage, imperialism and the growth of nationalism, the struggle for independence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
3 credits
- HIS 390 Close Encounters: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the /Middle AgesExplores the relationships among Christianity, Judaism, and Islam in the Middle Ages. Topics include Arab and Christian experiences of the Crusades and the concepts of jihad/holy war; Christian-Jewish relationships in medieval towns and the roots of anti-Semitism; dissent, diversity, and repression in the medieval Church; tolerance and diversity in medieval Spain; and the misrepresentation of "the other" in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish literature.
3 credits
Social Science and Humanities (18 credits)
- SPAN 213 Latina VoicesFosters awareness and understanding among women of the Americas, their different cultures and traditions as told through their own stories. Students will also reach a better understanding of the ethnic and racial diversity that characterizes the whole American continent including the United States, thus becoming more able to participate in a multicultural environment, both in the labor force and in their personal lives. Readings and discussions will be in English. Native speakers of Spanish may choose to do written assignments in Spanish. Formerly SPA 210 Latina Voices.
3 credits
FLC II
General Education Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry
- SPAN 223 An Introduction to Latin American LiteratureThe course will serve as an introduction to Latin American authors through the study of short tales and poetry. The readings will always be in Spanish, though the instruction will be in both Spanish and English.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or Permission of Instructor.
- SPAN 301 Reading and Writing for Advanced or Native SpeakersDesigned for Spanish speakers whose dominant language is English, this course draws from the students' linguistic background in both languages in order to teach them to write effectively in Spanish. Activities include news reporting, book reviews, essays, and business and formal letters. Students may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in three out of the six papers required. Grammar explanations including accentuation, orthography, verb tenses and uses of the subjunctive mood will be used in relation with vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to enhance language development. Readings based on the cultural life and experience of Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. Formerly SPA 401 Advanced Composition.
3 credits
Prereq: Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish
- SPAN 302 Reading and Writing for Advanced or Native Speakers IIServes as a continuation of SPAN 301, expanding and refining many of the grammar explanations and raising the writing activities to a higher level of proficiency and sophistication. Students may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in three out of the six papers required Formerly SPA 401 Advanced Composition.
- One of the following courses:
- HIS 128 Creation of the Atlantic WorldExamines the emergence of the Atlantic World as the point of contact linking the peoples of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The course details the migrations, voluntary and involuntary, of Africans and Europeans to the Western Hemisphere and their contact with native nations. Topics include pre-colonial West Africa, pre-Columbian cultures, dynamics of culture contact, the Conquistadors and the African slave trade.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II, History Cluster
- HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third WorldLooks at the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. After first examining the factors that created the global imperial order at the end of the 19th century, the course traces the rise of nationalism, the impact of the world wars, the process of decolonization, and the challenge of nation building in an age of global politics.
3 credits
- One of the following courses:
Program Policies
Advanced Placement: AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the minor.
CLEP Policy: CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the minor.
Grades in Minor Courses: Students must receive a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in courses taken to fulfill minor requirements.
Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the minor requirements may not be taken Pass/No Pass.
TELL Policy: Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty before preparing a portfolio.
Transfer Credits: Up to 9 hours of transfer credit will be accepted towards the minor, pending faculty review and approval. A minimum of 9 credits must be taken at Trinity in order to meet the requirements for the minor.
Course Descriptions
Language Courses
ASL 100
FREN 101 Elementary French IIntegrates the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing at the elementary level. Emphasizes oral communication through paired and group activities. Integrates cultural information.
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
FREN 102 Elementary French IIContinues to integrate the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing acquired in FREN 101. Emphasizes oral communication through paired and group activities. Integrates cultural information.
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
FREN 201 Intermediate French IReviews and develops aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: FREN 102 or placement
FREN 202 Intermediate French IIDevelops and emphasizes conversational skills. Structural practice, spontaneous exchanges, role playing, prepared presentations.
SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish IIntroduces language skills that enable students to speak and write about certain, specific learned contexts, such as weather, food, names of family members, individual preferences, etc. and to express them in present and future tense. Students will comprehend and discuss simple texts related to vocabulary studied. Visual aids and special materials will be used in class to help students achieve basic competency. Students must complete the course with a grade of C or better in order to register for SPAN 102. Formerly SPA 101 Elementary Spanish I.
Prerequisites: None
Credits: 3
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish IIServes as a continuation of Elementary Spanish I. Students learn to speak and write about past events, and further develop their capacity to interact in spontaneous situations. Can comprehend and discuss simple texts related to vocabulary studied. Visual aids and special materials will be used in class to help students achieve basic competency. Formerly SPA 102 Elementary Spanish II.
General Education: Knowledge and Inqiury
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish for CommunicationDevelops and builds increasing confidence and competency in using Spanish. Special materials will be used to develop speaking and listening comprehension abilities without neglecting the writing and reading skills necessary to achieve higher levels of proficiency. Formerly SPA 201 Intermediate Spanish I.
SPAN 202 Spanish for Professional CommunicationDevelops basic effective communication with Spanish-speaking co-workers, clients, students, their parents and others who don't master the English language. Specific professional focuses of the course will vary according to students' needs. Class materials centers on simulated communication situations to build listening and oral comprehension through simple and clear linguistic structures. Generates a useful communication style generated from cross cultural understanding to be acquired from readings and class discussions. Formerly SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II.
SPAN 215 Spanish for Global Business EnterprisesSpanish for Global Business enhances students' intermediate Spanish language skills and competencies through an interdisciplinary framework with an international and global business focus. In addition to expanding students? linguistic and cross-cultural competencies, the course develop knowledge and skills in international business principles and practices. Through the lens of language and intercultural context, the world of global business will be brought to life in the classroom. The course will also highlight Hispanic/Latinx business communities, both nationally and internationally.
3 credits
Pre-requisite: SPAN 102
SPAN 223 An Introduction to Latin American LiteratureThe course will serve as an introduction to Latin American authors through the study of short tales and poetry. The readings will always be in Spanish, though the instruction will be in both Spanish and English.
3 credits
Prerequisites: SPAN 102 or Permission of Instructor.
SPAN 301 Reading and Writing for Advanced or Native SpeakersDesigned for Spanish speakers whose dominant language is English, this course draws from the students' linguistic background in both languages in order to teach them to write effectively in Spanish. Activities include news reporting, book reviews, essays, and business and formal letters. Students may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in three out of the six papers required. Grammar explanations including accentuation, orthography, verb tenses and uses of the subjunctive mood will be used in relation with vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to enhance language development. Readings based on the cultural life and experience of Spanish-speaking people in the U.S. Formerly SPA 401 Advanced Composition.
3 credits
Prereq: Native or near-native proficiency in Spanish
SPAN 302 Reading and Writing for Advanced or Native Speakers IIServes as a continuation of SPAN 301, expanding and refining many of the grammar explanations and raising the writing activities to a higher level of proficiency and sophistication. Students may suggest their own topics of interest to be used in three out of the six papers required Formerly SPA 401 Advanced Composition.
Interdisciplinary Courses
HIS 128 Creation of the Atlantic WorldExamines the emergence of the Atlantic World as the point of contact linking the peoples of Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The course details the migrations, voluntary and involuntary, of Africans and Europeans to the Western Hemisphere and their contact with native nations. Topics include pre-colonial West Africa, pre-Columbian cultures, dynamics of culture contact, the Conquistadors and the African slave trade.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II, History Cluster
HIS 255 Contemporary History of the Third WorldLooks at the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. After first examining the factors that created the global imperial order at the end of the 19th century, the course traces the rise of nationalism, the impact of the world wars, the process of decolonization, and the challenge of nation building in an age of global politics.
3 credits
HIS 358 The Modern Middle EastSurveys the Middle Eastern world from the 18th to the 21st century. Topics include the Islamic heritage, imperialism and the growth of nationalism, the struggle for independence, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
3 credits
HIS 390 Close Encounters: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the /Middle AgesExplores the relationships among Christianity, Judaism, and Islam in the Middle Ages. Topics include Arab and Christian experiences of the Crusades and the concepts of jihad/holy war; Christian-Jewish relationships in medieval towns and the roots of anti-Semitism; dissent, diversity, and repression in the medieval Church; tolerance and diversity in medieval Spain; and the misrepresentation of "the other" in Christian, Muslim, and Jewish literature.
3 credits
INAF 251
INAF 311
SPAN 213 Latina VoicesFosters awareness and understanding among women of the Americas, their different cultures and traditions as told through their own stories. Students will also reach a better understanding of the ethnic and racial diversity that characterizes the whole American continent including the United States, thus becoming more able to participate in a multicultural environment, both in the labor force and in their personal lives. Readings and discussions will be in English. Native speakers of Spanish may choose to do written assignments in Spanish. Formerly SPA 210 Latina Voices.
3 credits
FLC II
General Education Requirements: Knowledge and Inquiry
SPAN 491 InternshipProvides students with the opportunity to perform an internship to apply the academic knowledge they have learned in the classroom. Formerly SPA 488 Internship.