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Department of Foreign Languages Course Descriptions
(please note that this is a comprehensive list of courses; not every course is taught every year)
German ▪ Greek ▪ Hebrew ▪ Italian ▪ Latin ▪ Russian ▪ Spanish ▪ Swahili
German—GRMN
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary German. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing German. Geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the culture of its speakers, are studied. Students should achieve an intermediate-low level of proficiency. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing German; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the cultures of German speakers. Students should achieve an intermediate-mid level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or GRMN 1550. 4 s.h.
2605. Advanced Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing German; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the cultures of German speakers. By the end of the course the students should achieve an intermediate-high level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or GRMN 2600. 3 s.h.
2610. Translation 1. Techniques of translating complex sentence structures into English from general, business, technical, and scientific materials. Prereq.: GRMN 2600. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3705. German Film and Culture Since 1950. Significant German feature films portraying various aspects of German culture such as daily life, filmic versions of literature, life in East and West Germany, and post-unification cultural differences. Focus on listening comprehension and written expression. Prereq.: Placement test or GRMN 2600. 3 s.h.
3720. German Literature. Reading of German prose and/or poetry focusing on an author, a genre, or a literary trend. Prereq.: GRMN 2605. 3 s.h.
3725. Phonetics and History of the Language. Theory and practice in German phonetics with special emphasis on improving the pronunciation and intonation of second-language learners. A history of the German language with attention to changes in sounds, forms, word order, vocabulary, and writing systems. Prereq.: GRMN 2605 3 s.h.
3740. Conversation and Composition. Development of oral fluency, writing style, and understanding spoken German. Special emphasis on expanding active and passive vocabulary; advanced grammar structures. Prereq.: Placement test or GRMN 2605. 3 s.h.
3750. Cultural Heritage 1. A survey of German civilization from the beginnings to 1949, including such topics as literature, history, music, and art. Prereq.: Any 3700 German course. 3 s.h.
3751. Cultural Heritage 2. A survey of German civilization since 1949, including such topics as literature, history, music, and art. Prereq.: Any 3700 German course. 3 s.h.
3762. Translation 2. A continuation of Translation 1 with more advanced texts from students’ fields of interest including natural sciences, social sciences, business, and humanities. Prereq.: GRMN 2610 and any GRMN at 3700 level. 3 s.h.
3785. Special Topics. Studies in German language, literature, or civilization ranging from medieval to modern times. Topic announced each time course is offered. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 s.h. Prereq.: 6 s.h. GERMAN at 3700 level. 3 s.h.
4861. Literary Trends Since 1950. Study of a major author or a genre since World War II using appropriate German films. Prereq.: GRMN 3750 or 3751. 3 s.h.
4880. Research and Writing. A thorough investigation of a problem in German or German-American language, literature or culture, or in German-language education. Extensive oral and written reporting or research results. Capstone course. Prereq.: GRMN 3750 or 3751. 3 s.h.
Greek (Ancient)—GRK
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary Ancient Greek. Introduction to Ancient Greek with emphasis on those aspects of grammar most essential for developing the ability to read Greek. Translation of simple Ancient Greek texts into English. Assignments in the Language Learningand Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Continuation of GRK 1550 with emphasis on more complex aspects of Ancient Greek grammar. Translation of more advanced Ancient Greek texts, including some authentic passages. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or GRK 1550. 4 s.h.
2603. Directed Reading 1. Reading of selections from an Ancient Greek author or genre with emphasis on translation. Review of Ancient Greek grammar and introduction of some advanced grammatical constructions not covered in Ancient Greek 1550 or 2600. May be repeated once if topic is different. Prereq.: Placement test or GRK 2600 or permission of department chairperson. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3753. Directed Reading 2. Reading of selections from an Ancient Greek author or genre with emphasis on translation and interpretation of text. Review of Ancient Greek grammar. Introduction to relevant modern scholarship. Writing of evaluative essays. May be repeated once if topic is different. Prereq.: GRK 2603 and permission of department chairperson. 3 s.h.
4883. Directed Reading 3. Reading of selections from an Ancient Greek author or genre with emphasis on translation and interpretation of text. Review of Ancient Greek grammar. Writing of a research paper. May be repeated once if topic is different. Prereq.: GRK 3753 and permission of department chairperson. 3 s.h.
Hebrew—HBRW
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary Hebrew. Beginning training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hebrew. Geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the culture of its speakers, are studied. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Hebrew; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the culture of Hebrew speakers. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or HBRW 1550. 4 s.h.
2605. Advanced Intermediate. Reading and discussion in Hebrew of selections from the Old Testament. Prereq.: Placement test or HBRW 2600. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3706. Readings in Hebrew Scripture. Reading and discussion in Hebrew of selections from the Hebrew Scriptures. May be repeated once if the texts studied are different. Prereq.: HBRW 2605. 3 s.h.
3799. Study Abroad in Hebrew. An individually arranged program of foreign study in the Hebrew language. Programs can be of two general types: (1) trips or residential programs sponsored by consortial universities, and (2) independent academic coursework through institutions with which YSU does not have a consortial agreement. A written statement detailing the student’s academic plan must be approved by a member of the Hebrew faculty, the chair of Foreign Languages and the dean of CLASS prior to the trip. May be repeated up to a total of 15 s.h., if specific course content changes. Note: study abroad generally requires about one year’s advance planning. Prereq.: Sophomore status and approval of the chair of Foreign Languages. 1-15 s.h.
Italian—ITAL
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary Italian. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Italian. Geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the culture of its speakers, are studied. Students should achieve an intermediate-low level of proficiency. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Italian; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the cultures of Italian speakers. Students should achieve an intermediate-mid level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or ITAL 1550. 4 s.h.
2605. Advanced Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Italian; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the cultures of Italian speakers. By the end of the course students should achieve an intermediate-high level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or ITAL 2600. 3 s.h.
2606. Intensive Italian Review. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Italian. Grammatical structures and vocabulary in context. Prereq.: Placement test or ITAL 2600. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3720. Advanced Grammar and Composition. In-depth study of Italian grammar through exercises and original composition. Prereq.: ITAL 2605. 3 s.h.
3725. Phonetics. Theory and practice in Italian phonetics with special emphasis on improving the pronunciation and intonation of second language learners. Prereq.: Placement test or ITAL 2600. 3 s.h.
3730. Conversation. Designed to develop oral facility through exercises and discussion of assigned topics, and through prepared and extemporaneous situational dialogues. Prereq.: ITAL 2605. 3 s.h.
3735. Civilization. A condensed study of the geography, history, literature, and social heritage of Italy, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the present. Includes class discussion for improvement of oral facility. Prereq.: ITALIAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3743. Topics in Italian Literature I. A study of a genre, author, or literary movement. May be repeated with a different topic. Prereq.: Any ITAL at 3700 level or above. 3 s.h.
3750. Literature of the 20th Century. A study of the literature of the 20th century and its movements and innovations, with concentration on D’Annunzio, Ungaretti, Quasimodo, Montale, Moravia, and Pirandello. Prereq.: ITAL 3720 and 3730. 3 s.h.
3760. Literature of the 19th Century. A study of the literature of the 19th century with concentration on Leopardi, Manzoni, Pascoli, and Carducci. Prereq.: ITAL 3720 and 3730. 3 s.h.
3799. Study Abroad in Italian. An individuallyarranged program of foreign study in the Italian language. Programs can be of two general types: (1) trips or residential programs sponsored by consortial universities, and (2) independent academic coursework through institutions with which YSU does not have a consortial agreement. A written statement detailing the student’s academic plan must be approved by a member of the Italian faculty, the chair of Foreign Languages and the dean of CLASS prior to the trip. Credit toward fulfillment of requirements for the Italian major will be determined by the chair of Foreign Languages and the Italian faculty. May be repeated up to a total of 15 s.h., if specific course content changes. Note: study abroad generally requires about one year’s advance planning. Prereq.: Sophomore status and approval of the chair of Foreign Languages. 1-15 s.h.
4800. “Risorgimento,” Romanticism, and Rome (1800-1860). A study of the historical circumstances and the artistic and literary trends that preceded the “Risorgimento” or the unification of Italy. Prereq.: ITAL 3720 and 3730. 3 s.h.
4825. Viability, “Verismo,” and Verga (1860-1920). A study of the historical and cultural circumstances in addition to the artistic and literary trends that followed the “Risorgimento” or the unification of Italy. Prereq. ITAL 3720 and 3730. 3 s.h.
4850. Literature of the 16th Century. A course dealing with the literature of the Renaissance and concentrating on Ariosto, Bandello, Machiavelli, and Tasso. Prereq.: ITAL 3750 or 3760. 3 s.h.
4860. Literature of the 14th Century. A study of the Italian literature of the 14th century with concentration on Dante’s Divine Comedy. Prereq.: ITAL 3750 or 3760. 3 s.h.
4870. Topics in Italian Literature 2. A study of a genre, author, or literary movement. May be repeated with a different topic. Prereq.: 6 s.h. of Italian at 3700 level or above. 3 s.h.
4880. Research and Writing. In-depth investigation of a topic in Italian language, literature, history, or culture. Research results in extensive oral and written reports. Capstone course. Prereq.: ITAL 3720 and 3730. 3 s.h.
Latin—LATN
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary Latin. Introduction to Latin, with emphasis on those aspects of grammar most essential for developing the ability to read Latin. Translation of simple Latin texts into English. Introduction to the culture of the late Roman Republic, including reading selected primary sources in English. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Continuation of Latin 1550 with emphasis on more complex aspects of Latin grammar. Translation of more advanced Latin texts, including some authentic passages. Introduction to the culture of the Augustan Age, including reading selected primary sources in English. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or LATN 1550. 4 s.h.
2603. Directed Reading 1. Reading of selections from a Latin author or genre with emphasis on translation. Review of Latin grammar and introduction of some advanced grammatical constructions not covered in Latin 1550 or 2600. May be repeated once if topic is different. Prereq.: Placement test or Latin 2600. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3753. Directed Reading 2. Reading of selections from a Latin author or genre with emphasis on translation and interpretation of text. Review of Latin grammar. Introduction to relevant modern scholarship. Writing of evaluative essays. May be repeated once if topic is different. Prereq.: LATN 2603 and permission of department chairperson. 3 s.h.
4883. Directed Reading 3. Reading of selections from a Latin author or genre with emphasis on translation and interpretation of text. Review of Latin grammar. Writing of a research paper. May be repeated once if topic is different. Prereq.: LATN 3753 and permission of department chairperson. 3 s.h.
Russian—RUSS
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary Russian. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Russian. Geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the culture of its speakers, are studied. Student should achieve a novice-high level of proficiency. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Russian; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the culture of Russian speakers. Students should achieve an intermediate-low level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or RUSS 1550. 4 s.h.
2605. Advanced Intermediate 1. Russian phonetics and conversation. Focus on sounds, intonation, and forms of speech etiquette. Prereq.: Placement test or RUSS 2600. 3 s.h.
2606. Advanced Intermediate 2. Reading and listening. Focus on morphology and syntax. Topics will vary according to the student’s major area of interest. May be repeated if topic is different. Prereq.: Placement test or RUSS 2605. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3700. Directed Study. Readings or independent language study work relating to the students' major. May be repeated up to a total of 6 s.h. Prereq.: RUSS 2605. 1-3 s.h.
3799. Study Abroad in Russian. An individually arranged program of foreign study in the Russian language. Programs can be of two general types: (1) trips or residential programs sponsored by consortial universities, and (2) independent academic coursework through institutions with which YSU does not have a consortial agreement. A written statement detailing the student’s academic plan must be approved by a member of the Russian faculty, the chair of Foreign Languages and the dean of CLASS prior to the trip. May be repeated up to a total of 15 s.h., if specific course content changes. Note: study abroad generally requires about one year’s advance planning. Prereq.: Sophomore status and approval of the chair of Foreign Languages. 1-15 s.h.
Spanish—SPAN
Lower-Division Courses
1550. Elementary Spanish. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. Geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the culture of its speakers, are studied. Students should achieve an intermediate-low level of proficiency. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish; knowledge of geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the cultures of Spanish speakers. Students should achieve an intermediate-mid level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or SPAN 1550. 4 s.h.
2605. Advanced Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the cultures of Spanish speakers. By the end of the course students should achieve an intermediate-high level of proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or SPAN 2600. 3 s.h.
2655. Conversation for Proficiency 1. Techniques of oral expression to develop fluency and accuracy. Practical strategies to help students communicate effectively in a variety of social contexts. Listening comprehension, pronunciation drills, functional vocabulary. Laboratory practice. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
Upper-Division Courses
3724. Spanish Pronunciation. Theory and practice of Spanish pronunciation. Description of production of Spanish speech sounds and general characteristics of Spanish pronunciation. Topics on intonation. Audiolingual practice in class and in language laboratory. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3735. Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition. A systematic study of Spanish morphology, sentence structure, and usage applied to a variety of written discourse styles such as description, narration, and exposition. Discussion of contrasts with English discourse styles, and effective grammatical use. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3736. Introduction to Spanish Linguistics. Examines some of the basic concepts and issues of modern Spanish linguistic theory in the areas of phonology, morphology, syntax and pragmatics, including readings and discussion on these topics. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3737. Translation and Composition. Study of translation techniques, and practice in translating from Spanish into English and from English into Spanish, working with a variety of texts from the social sciences, natural sciences, and technology. Emphasis on interpretation of vocabulary and idioms. Prereq.: SPAN 3735 or 3736. 3 s.h.
3740. Business Spanish. Principles of effective commercial letter and report writing and oral communication in business in the Spanish-speaking world. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3752. Spanish Culture and Literature 1. Introduction to Peninsular culture and literatures from the Middle Ages to the Romantic period in the 19th century through representative selections of key historic and literary figures. Theoretical and critical approaches to help the student interpret key texts. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3753. Spanish Culture and Literature 2. Introduction to Peninsular culture and literatures from the Romantic period to the present through representative selections of key historic and literary figures. Theoretical and critical approaches to help the student interpret key texts. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3755. Conversation for Proficiency 2. Development of oral expression through discussion of current topics in the context of worldwide Hispanic culture, politics, and economics. Expansion of vocabulary. Laboratory work according to individual needs. Prereq.: SPAN 2655 and one 3700-level SPAN course. 3 s.h.
3756. Spanish-American Culture and Literature 1. This course traces the history and cultures of Spanish America from pre-Columbian and colonial times through independence (1820). Describes important literary currents and provides a historical context for the period. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3757. Spanish-American Culture and Literature 2. This course traces the history and cultures of Spanish America from independence (1820) through the 20th century. Describes important literary currents and provides a historical context for the period. Prereq.: SPAN 2605. 3 s.h.
3758. Culture and Literature of Spanish-Speaking Groups in the U.S. Provides an overview of the significant culture and literature of the diverse Hispanic groups in the U.S. The relationship between literature and society broached through an in-depth discussion of several representative texts and their historical and political background. Prereq.: One 3700-level SPAN course. 3 s.h.
3799. Study Abroad in Spanish. An individually arranged program of foreign study in the Spanish language. Programs can be of two general types: (1) trips or residential programs sponsored by consortial universities, and (2) independent academic coursework through institutions with which YSU does not have a consortial agreement. A written statement detailing the student’s academic plan must be approved by a member of the Spanish faculty, the chair of Foreign Languages and the dean of CLASS prior to the trip. Credit toward fulfillment of requirements for the Spanish major will be determined by the chair of Foreign Languages and the Spanish faculty. May be repeated up to a total of 15 s.h., if specific course content changes. Note: study abroad generally requires about one year’s advance planning. Prereq.: Sophomore status and approval of the chair of Foreign Languages. 1-15 s.h.
5855. Topics in Spanish Language and Linguistics. An introduction to the terminology, concepts, bibliography and current issues in Spanish language and linguistics. Major topics include phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, applied linguistics, transformational grammar, and other topics related to language variation and society. May be repeated once when topic varies. Prereq.: Any 3700-level SPAN course. 3 s.h.
5870. Topics in Spanish Literature: Spain. Study of an author, a genre, or a movement in Spanish literature from 1492 to the present. The topic will be announced each time the course is offered. May be taken three times if content is not repeated. Prereq.: SPAN 3752 or 3753. 3 s.h.
5885. Topics in Hispanic Literature and Film. Examines the relationship between the Hispanic narrative discourse and cinema, including film adaptations of literary works. Modern social and cultural issues, as well as Hispanic self-images. May be taken three times if content is not repeated. Prereq.: one of SPAN 3752, 3753, 3756, 3757. 3 s.h.
5890. Topics in Spanish Literature: Spanish-America. Study of an author, a genre, or a movement in Latin America from 1492 to the present. The topic will be announced each time the course is offered. May be taken three times if content is not repeated. Prereq.: SPAN 3756 or 3757. 3 s.h.
Swahili—SWAH
1550. Elementary Swahili. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Swahili. Geography and daily life, as well as appreciation of the culture of its speakers, are studied. Students should achieve intermediate low-level proficiency. Assignments in the Language Learning and Resource Center (LLRC). Grading is ABC/NC. 4 s.h.
2600. Intermediate. Intensive training in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Swahili; knowledge of geography and daily life as well as appreciation of the culture. Students should achieve Intermediate Mid Level proficiency. Assignments in the LLRC. Prereq.: Placement test or SWAH 1550. 4 s.h. |