Aquinas College :: Modern Languages

Degrees/Courses

General Education Requirements	Majors	Minors
Certification in Business French	Courses

Projected Language Courses

French (pdf)

German (pdf)

Spanish (pdf)

The Department of Modern Languages offers courses in French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages. Major studies may be pursued in French, German, and Spanish, while a minor may be obtained in French, German, Japanese and Spanish.

Major Requirements (French, German, Spanish)

For French and German, a total of 33 semester hours (exclusive of 101 and 102) including FH/GN301, FH/GN302, three advanced-level courses beyond the 302 level, and at least one literature or culture class are required for French (FH325, 327, 329 or 401), and for German (GN325, 326, 309 or 398). For Spanish, a total of 35 semester hours (exclusive of 101, 102 and 201) including SH301, 302 and 305, two literature courses (SH325 or 326 and 327 or 328) and one culture course (SH320, 363 or 370). At graduation the student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of B (3.0) or higher in those courses used to fulfill the major requirement. Overseas lan guage study is strongly recommended for all majors. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at Aquinas College which may include courses taken while studying abroad. All French, German and Spanish majors and students wishing to enroll in FH/GN/SH496 and/or 497 must demonstrate proficiency at the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standard of Advanced Low in Writing and Speaking as demonstrated by examination in FH/GN/SH301 and 302. This standard may equally be met by French students who pass the DELF B1 or B2 (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française), or the DFP Affaires B2 (Diplôme de français professionnel Affaires), or by German students who pass the ZMP (Zentrale MIttelstufenprüfung Deutsch des Goethe Instituts). Students transferring credits for FH/GN/SH 301 and/or 302 from other institutions will be required to take a proficiency exam and demonstrate proficiency at the ACTFL standard of Advanced Low in Writing (for FH/GN/SH301 credits) and Speaking (for FH/GN/SH302 credits). Stu dents must consult with the department chair to arrange a proficiency exam.

Education students: those seeking either elementary, secondary or K-12 Michigan teacher certification must have a major in Spanish, French, or German. Students planning to become teachers of French in primary and secondary school must successfully complete 30 credit hours of French beyond FH202 including FH301 & 302, and one of the following four courses FH325, 327, 329 or 401. Please contact an Education Department advisor for details.

Minor Requirements

A minor in French, German, or Japanese, may be obtained by completing 21 credit hours (exclusive of 101 and 102 in French and German, and exclusive of 101 in Japanese); including FH/GN/301 and FH/GN302. At least one literature or culture class is required for French (FH325, 327, 329 or 401), and At least one literature class is required for German (GN325, 326, 309 or 398) minors. A minor in Spanish may be obtained by completing 23 credit hours (exclusive of SH101, 102 and 201); including SH301 and 302. At least two literature courses (SH325 or 326, and 327 or 328) and one culture course (SH320, 363 or 370) are required for a Spanish minor. At least 3 credit hours must be taken at Aquinas College. The student must have, at graduation time, a cumulative G.P.A. of B– (2.7) or higher in those courses used to fulfi ll the minor requirement. The language minor is not available to those students seeking teacher certifi cation.

FH/GN/SH496 (Methodology of Teaching Foreign Languages in the Elementary and Middle School, K-8) or FH/GN/SH497 (Methodology of Teaching Foreign Languages in the Secondary School, 9-12) is required of all students seeking teacher certification in French, German, or Spanish. These courses do not count as credit hours toward the foreign language major, but rather as methodology courses for the Education Department.

The Department of Modern Languages works closely with the Education Department for the Bilingual Minor Endorsement and with the Business Department for the International Business Degree. See appropriate departmental chairpersons for details.

The Language Requirement for General Education

Students must successfully complete the second semester (102) in any of the languages offered by the Department, and receive a grade of “C” or better to pass to the next language class. Traditional age freshman and transfer students who have not earned an Associate of Arts degree must take a language proficiency test for correct placement in, or possible waiver from, the required language courses. Students who have not studied a foreign language in high school, or those who choose to study a language other than that taken in high school, will be placed in a 101 level course. Transfer students who have earned an Associate of Arts degree and Continuing Education students are not required to fulfill a language requirement under the General Education Program.

A maximum of eight credit hours toward the major or minor may be earned through Credit by Examination (CBE) or through Credit for Demonstrating Prior Learning and Competencies (CDPLC). Before applying for CDPLC, students should consult the Student Guide for CDPLC. All CDPLC credits must be approved by the department’s chairperson. Aquinas College conducts a variety of study abroad programs representing each of the modern languages offered by the epartment.Participants on study abroad programs remain registered at Aquinas College and the student’s financial aid package may be applied in full.

Certification in Business French

Aquinas College is an approved examination center of the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Students may take the Diplome de Francais des Affaires ler degre de la Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris at Aquinas College. This French diploma, identical to the one taken in France, is highly respected in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Students who succeed in obtaining this certificate have an in-depth knowledge of the French language and can work in any business related field. The course FH 303 prepares students for the certification in Business French.

*NOTE: FH designates offerings in French; GN, German; JE, Japanese; SH, Spanish; and FL, other language-related courses.

Courses

French

FH 101 First Semester French (4) LCM

Introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and the culture of France and Francophone countries.
Prerequisite: None.

FH 102 Second Semester French (4) LCM

Continuation of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Further exposure to the cultures of French and Francophone countries.
Prerequisite: FH 101 or equivalent.

FH 201 Third Semester French (4) LCM

Expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: FH 102 or equivalent.

FH 202 Fourth Semester French (4) LCM

Further expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: FH 201 or equivalent.

FH 301 Advanced Composition and Grammar Review (4) LCM

Strong emphasis on reading, writing, and grammar review. Students approach writing as a process. Different writing genres are explored, including description, narration, exposition, argumentation and literary analysis. Students study and critique model compositions, and practice the composition process in stages. Emphasis on grammar structures and vocabulary enhancement is designed to improve written communication. Multiple drafts and peer editing of compositions, including a final term paper, are part of the process. Students must demonstrate an ‘Advanced-Low’ level of proficiency in order to pass this course.
Prerequisite: FH202 or equivalent.

FH 302 Advanced French Conversation and Culture (4) LCM

A course designed to assure students’ skills especially in spoken language, through discussion of contemporary social issues in France and francophone culture.Topics include language, politics, family structures, the educational system, gender issues, and traditional foods. Students must demonstrate an ‘Advanced-Low’ level of proficiency in order to pass this course.
Prerequisite: FH301 or equivalent.

FH 303 French for International Business (3)

A course designed for French majors or minors interested in learning about French business concepts, structures in a contemporary context. Various aspects of the French economy (transportation, trade, banks, and the European Union) will be discussed. Students will become familiar with particular firms and how they operate, and will examine everyday French business situations. There will be a focus on active use of business terminology through oral presentations, summaries of articles, and drafting of business letters. This course provides an intensive preparation of the Diplôme de français professionnel Affaires B2 conferred by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: FH301 or equivalent, may be taken concurrently with FH302.

FH 310 Special Topics (Variable)

FH 320/HY320 Modern France (3)

Survey of French History focusing on the French Revolution, the Bourbon Restoration, the July Monarchy, the Second Republic and the Second Empire, the Third Republic, Occupied France, the Fourth Republic, the Gaullist Revolution, after De Gaulle: Pompidou and Giscard and from “La Grande Alternance” to
“Normalisation”. Particular emphasis will be given to the role of political memory, the contribution of women and the impact of colonialism and post- colonialism. Students taking the course for French credit will do reading and writing in French with a prerequisite of FH301.
Prerequisite: FH301 or equivalent. Offered alternate years.

FH 325 Culture and Civilization of France (3)

Taught in French, dealing with the history, ideas and major works of literature from the Middle Ages through the Fourth Republic. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: FH302 or equivalent.

FH 327 Contemporary France (3) AST

Taught in French, dealing with the society, politics, intellectual currents and major works of literature from 1958 to the present. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: FH 301 or equivalent.

FH 329 The Contemporary Francophone World Through Its Literature (3)

Selected works in French from the Caribbean, Africa, and Quebec. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: FH 301 or equivalent.

FH/FL/SY 370 Service Learning (3)

Course taught in conjunction with the Service Learning trips to Mexico during Winter Break and the Caribbean in early summer. Students prepare for their experience abroad and analyze the concepts of service and social justice. Classes are interdisciplinary and include art, government, and history, to encourage students to appreciate the lives, values and backgrounds of the people they will encounter. Students taking the courses for language credit will do reading and writing in Spanish or French. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

FH 398 Readings in French (Variable)

Individually negotiated program of readings on selected topics established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

FH 399 Independent Project (Variable)

Individually negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

FH401 Seminar in French Studies (3)

Variable topics in French literature and culture, in seminar form for students with advanced skills in French reading and speaking.
Prerequisite: FH302 or equivalent. Offered alternate years.

FH415 French Translation: Concepts and Practice (3)

Introduction to the methods, techniques, and problems involved in translating from French into English. Emphasis is on the practice of translating general material with some consideration of the translation of specialized material. The course will also involve the discussion of translation problems, recognition of appropriate solutions, and the use of specific translation strategies in French to English translation.
Prerequisite: FH301 or equivalent.

FH 499 Study Abroad (Variable)

Prerequisite: A French major or minor.

German

Click here to view the German Department's Web site.

GN101 First Semester German (4) LCM

Introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and German culture.
Prerequisite: None.

GN102 Second Semester German (4) LCM

Continuation of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Further exposure to German culture.
Prerequisite: GN101 or equivalent.

GN201 Third Semester German (4) LCM

Expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: GN102 or equivalent.

GN202 Fourth Semester German (4) LCM

Further expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: 201 or equivalent.

GN301 Advanced Composition and Grammar Review (4)

GN302 Advanced German Conversation and Culture (3)

This course is designed to assure students’ language skills at an advanced level, especially in spoken language, through discussion of contemporary social, cultural and political issues in German-speaking countries. Topics include (but are not limited to) language change and tendencies, national and personal identities, diversity issues, foreigners, minorities, the educational system, religion, gender issues, and the role of the European Union. Students must demonstrate an ‘Advanced-Low’ level of proficiency in order to pass this course.

Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent.

GN303 Business German (3)

This course is designed for German majors and minors and International Business majors interested in learning about economic issues in a business context in Germany. Introduction of specialized vocabulary for business, economics and politics and concentration on various text types (e.g. business letters encountered in specific business situations). Course emphasizes contemporary social, economic, and political issues using authentic texts (i.e. newspapers, magazines, video clips, Internet). Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent.

GN309 Studies in German Culture and Society Through Film (3)

Intensive Study of German culture and society through the viewing and discussion of representative German feature and documentary films from both East and West Germany, and Post-Wende Cinema. Credits may be earned under different specific titles, based on the focus of the course.
Prerequisite: GN 301 or equivalent. For students from other disciplines: Instructor approval.

GN 310 Special Topics

GN325 Seminar in German Literature: 17th and 18th Centuries (3)

An introduction to major German literary works from the Baroque and Enlightenment to the Classical Period in Germany. Reading, discussionn and analysis of literary works as par of their larger cultural and socio-historical contexts. Exploration of literary movements, genres, themes and authors. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent.

GN326 Seminar in German Literature:19th/20th Century (3)

An introduction to major German literary works from the Romantic Period to Post-War German Literature. Reading, discussion, and analysis of literary works as part of their larger cultural and socio-historical contexts. Exploration of literary movements, genres, themes, and authors. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: GN301 or equivalent.

GN398 Readings in German (Variable)

Individually negotiated program of readings on selected topics established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

GN399 Independent Project (Variable)

Individually-negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

GN499 Study Abroad (Variable)

Prerequisite: A German major or minor.

Japanese

JE 101 First Semester Japanese (4) LCM

Introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and the culture of Japan.
Prerequisite: None.

JE 102 Second Semester Japanese (4) LCM

Continuation of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Further exposure to the culture of Japan.
Prerequisite: JE 101 or equivalent.

JE 201 Third Semester Japanese (4) LCM

Expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: JE 102 or equivalent.

JE 202 Fourth Semester Japanese (4) LCM

Further expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: JE 201 or equivalent.

JE 301 Fifth Semester Japanese (4)

Conversation, advanced grammar, and writing of Kanji. Students read stories in Japanese and write short letters and compositions.
Prerequisite: JE 202 or equivalent.

JE 302 Sixth Semester Japanese (3)

Conversation, emphasizing "honorific" expressions in business settings and cross-cultural communication. Continued learning of Kanji for reading and writing.
Prerequisite: JE 301 or equivalent.

JE 398 Readings in Japanese (Variable)

Individually negotiated program of readings on selected topics established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

JE 399 Independent Project (Variable)

Individually negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

Spanish

SH101 First Semester Spanish (4) LCM

Introduction to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, and Hispanic culture.
Prerequisite: None.

SH102 Second Semester Spanish (4) LCM

Continuation of SH101.
Prerequisite: SH101 or equivalent.

SH201 Third Semester Spanish (4) LCM

Expansion of the four language skills and cultural knowledge at an intermediate level.
Prerequisite: SH102 or equivalent.

SH202 Fourth Semester Spanish (4) LCM

Continuation of SH201.
Prerequisite: SH201 or equivalent.

SH301 Advanced Composition (4) LCM

Strong emphasis on reading and writing in Spanish. Students read authentic literary texts for language comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and understanding literature as art. Mastery of key grammar topics through self-study and discussion in class. Organizational skills in writing and correct grammar will be
emphasized within various exercises such as multiple drafts and peer editing of several short compositions. Students must demonstrate an ‘Advanced-Low’ or higher level of proficiency in writing as according to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) profi ciency guidelines in order to pass this course.
Prerequisite: Spanish 202 or equivalent.

SH302 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Diction (3) LCM

A course designed to integrate the four basic language skills: speaking, listening, writing and reading. The main focus of this course is based on controlled conversations correlated with readings, reports, debates, discussions and presentations. Topics include, among others, language, politics, national and personal identities, diversity issues, foreigners, minorities, the educational system, religion and gender issues. Students must demonstrate an ‘Advanced-Low’ or higher level of proficiency in speaking as according to the (ACTFL) profi ciency guidelines in order to pass this course. This course may be repeated if taken abroad and on campus.
Prerequisite: SH 301 or equivalent.

SH303 Spanish in the Business World (3)

A course designed for International Business majors and other Spanish majors or minors interested in learning about economic issues and culture in a business context in Spain and Latin America. Concentration on various types of texts (e.g. business letters), vocabulary, past/current issues and developments frequently encountered in particular business professions.
Prerequisite: SH301 or equivalent.

SH305 Spanish-English Linguistics (3)

Examination of major phonetic, morphological, and syntactic differences between Spanish and English. The history of Spanish, dialectal differences among various Spanish-speaking regions and practical applications of linguistic knowledge are also discussed. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: SH301 or equivalent.

SH320 Hispanic Film and Literature (3)

Study of full length feature films produced originally in Spanish from Spain, Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Includes film viewing, discussion, in-class essays, weekly response papers, oral presentations, and essay examinations. Organizing themes vary, as does the selection of films to be viewed. Emphasis is on language acquisition, historico-cultural understanding, character and plot analysis, discussion, and self expression. Course may be taken only once for credit.
Prerequisite: SH202 or equivalent.

SH325 Seminar in Spanish Literature: Medieval and Early Modern Spain (3) AST

Reading, discussion, and analysis of Peninsular works in prose, poetry, and/or theater from the 12th century to the 17th century. The course’s organizing theme and its selection of genres may vary.
Prerequisite: SH301 or equivalent.

SH326 Seminar in Spanish Literature: 18th Century to Present Day Spain (3)

Reading, discussion, and analysis of Peninsular works in prose, poetry, and/or theater from the 18th century to the present. The course’s organizing theme and its selection of genres may vary. Prerequisite: SH301 or equivalent. Recommended: SH302.

SH327 Seminar in Latin-American Literature (3) AST

Reading, discussion, and analysis of several texts related to a given theme, period, genre, or author. May be taken more than once. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: SH301 or equivalent.

SH 329 Chicano/a and Latino/a Literature (3)

In this course we will develop skills in speaking, listening, and writing; the means of which will be acquired through reading Chicano/a or Latino/a literature. Through this study, we will gain a perspective on multicultural and multilingual life in the Spanish-speaking diasporas and places of origin. Class lecture and discussion will be conducted completely in Spanish as well as the assignments. There is a travel component to the course. This class will be offered rotating spring semesters. Prerequisite: SH 301

SH333 Spanish for Medical Professionals (4)

This course is primarily designed to assist those students who are currently involved with the medical profession as well as those students wishing to pursue a career related to medicine. This course follows a language needs approach which consists of developing content based on the needs and interests of the students. As a result, students will be placed in groups depending on their level of profi ciency and will be given assignments and evaluated based on their level of proficiency.
Prerequisite: SH201.

SH363 Latin-American Culture and Civilization (3)

Political and social institutions, education, art, architecture, literature, and music from pre-Columbian period to present; contemporary problems and everyday life. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite: SH301 or equivalent.

SH370 Service Learning (3)

Courses taught in conjunction with Service Learning trips to Oaxaca, Mexico during Winter Break and Haiti in early summer. Students prepare for their experience abroad and analyze the concepts of service and social justice. Classes are interdisciplinary and include art, government and history, to encourage students to appreciate the lives, values and background of the people they will encounter. Students taking the courses for language credit will do reading and writing in Spanish or French.
Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

SH398 Readings in Spanish (Variable)

Individually negotiated program of readings on selected topics established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

SH399 Independent Project (Variable)

Individually negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar.
Prerequisite: Approval of chairperson.

SH499 Study Abroad (Variable)

Prerequisite: A Spanish major or minor.

Language-Related

FL110 Semester in a Foreign Language (4)

Introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and the culture of the countries. Course does not count towards the Foreign Language requirement for General Education. Prerequisite: None.

FL120 Second Semester in a Foreign Language (4)

Continuation of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Further exposure to the culture of the countries. Course counts towards the Foreign Language requirement for General Education.
Prerequisite: FL110.

FL230 European Cultures and Identities (3)

The course examines the notions of Europe and the diverse interactive cultures and identities of the people living in Europe. From a multidisciplinary perspective it offers students the opportunity to improve their knowledge of Europe in light of a broad spectrum of cultures. Specifi cally, it explores the development and current state-of-affairs of these cultures in France, Germany and Spain as European Union members. This is not a course about the history of the European Union per se; however, selected readings will demonstrate how historical experiences and memories play a vital role in shaping identities and cultures. Students are encouraged to refl ect upon the different perspectives and issues arising from this cultural diversity and study European cultures within a wider international and global viewpoint.
Note: Strongly recommended for students who wish to fulfi ll their FH/GN/SP major requirement in the DML.

FH/GN/SH 496 Methodology of Teaching Foreign Language in the Elementary and Middle School, K-8 (3)

These courses do not count as credit hours toward the foreign language major, but rather as methodology courses for the Education Department.
Prerequisite: FH/GN/SH 301 & 302 or equivalent

FH/GN/SH 497Methodology of Teaching Foreign Language in the Secondary School, 9-12 (3)

These courses do not count as credit hours toward the foreign language major, but rather as methodology courses for the Education Department.
Prerequisite:FH/GN/SH 301 & 302 or equivalent

FH/GN/SH499 Study Abroad (Variable)

Prerequisite: A French, German, or Spanish major or minor.


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