Foreign Language

About the Major

The Department of Foreign Languages at Wilson College offers majors and minors in French and Spanish, as well as minors in German and Latin.  We also offer literature and culture courses in translation.

Our courses are designed to provide students with rigorous training in both oral and written expression.  Through critical study and analysis of  foreign literatures, philosophies, and cultures from ancient times to the present , our students learn not only about worlds outside their own, but also develop new perspectives on their own cultures and communities.

The Department sponsors weekly Language Tables for French and Spanish, a wonderful opportunity for all members of the Wilson Community to come together and practice their conversational skills over a meal.  The Department also organizes Foreign Film Nights, with regularly scheduled French, German, and Spanish language films, and other cultural activities ( such as the Cervantes/Don Quijote celebration, on the 400th anniversary of the novel’s publication).

Language students are strongly encouraged to travel to foreign countries and to participate in Study Abroad programs sponsored either through Wilson or other approved institutions.
 
Students who major in French should attain a reasonable knowledge of both French and Francophone worlds. Students will be provided with a suggested reading list. In addition, it is highly recommended that students in this major spend time working or studying in a country where French is a primary language.

Students who major in Spanish should attain a reasonable knowledge of both Spanish and Spanish- American worlds. Students will be provided with a suggested reading list. In addition, it is highly recommended that students in this major spend time working or studying in a country where Spanish is the primary language.

French

The French major is designed to provide training in linguistic expression and literary analysis as well as a good understanding and appreciation of the culture and civilization of both France and Francophone countries. The courses of the French curriculum examine the significant thinkers, themes, movements, and ideologies (analyzed within their sociohistorical context) which have contributed to shape the French and Francophone identities. Continuous use of French is expected and travel abroad is strongly recommended. A major in French will normally consist of eight courses within the department above French 202. Of these, at least one will be in the area of culture and civilization and three at the 300-level. Two 200-level literature courses are required before the student can take advanced literature courses. At the minimum, students who major in French should attain a reasonable knowledge of the history of ideas and literature in France from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Students will also increase awareness and understanding of modern Francophone cultures and literature.

Spanish

The Spanish major provides instruction in the language, the literature, and the cultures and civilizations of Spain and Spanish-America. Introductory courses offer panoramic overviews of the cultural and literary developments; the more advanced courses examine major authors, significant works, and important themes. At any level, representative literature is studied both as artistic achievement and as cultural expression within a socio-historical context. Secondary

certification in Spanish is also available—see Education.

Note: Students who major in Spanish should attain a reasonable knowledge of both Spanish and Spanish- American worlds. Students will be provided with a suggested reading list. In addition, it is highly recommended that students in this major spend time working or studying in a country where Spanish is the primary language.

Special Major

A Special Major in German is also available by application to the Chair of Foreign Languages and with the approval of the Committee on Academic Policy and Procedures.

Course Requirements

French Major

FRN 207: Introduction to Francophone

Comprehensive overview of Francophone literature from its beginnings to contemporary movements and writers (Africa, the Caribbean and Quebec). LIT

FRN 208: Masterpieces in French Literature from the Middle Ages through the 17th Century

Critical and historical analysis of literary genres and problematics of the periods in question. LIT, WI

or

FRN 211: Masterpieces in French Literature from the 18th through the 20th Centuries

Critical and historical analysis of literary genres and problematics of the periods in question. LIT, WI

FRN 209: French Conversation and Phonetics

Development of listening and speaking competency through extensive use of multimedia (text, audio and visual materials). Intensive participation is required in order to improve freedom and proficiency of oral expression. Special attention is given to spoken French and includes intensive concentration on pronunciation, intonation, rhythm and phrasing.

FRN 210: Advanced French Grammar and Composition

Special problems in French grammar and syntax; a writing-intensive course directed toward the improvement of stylistic skills and lexical expansion through translation exercises, literary analysis (emphasis on explication de texte, resumé, commentaire composé and dissertation) and composition. WI, FT

FRN 218: Introduction to French and Francophone Culture and Civilization

Critical analysis of French and Francophone culture with emphasis on political, social, economic, intellectual and artistic currents through the reading and discussion of historical and literary texts from the Middle Ages to the present. HWC

Three additional courses in French at the 300 level, which may include FRN 399 Senior Thesis.

Spanish Major

SPN 203: Introduction to Peninsular Spanish Literature

Comprehensive overview of Spanish literature, with analysis and discussion of selected representative texts. This is a course designed to develop or enhance critical and analytical skills in the appreciation of literature. LIT

SPN 207: Introduction to Spanish-American Literature

Comprehensive overview of Spanish- American literature, with analysis and discussion of selected representative texts. This course is designed to develop or enhance critical and analytical skills in the appreciation of literature. LIT

SPN 209: Spanish Conversation and Phonetics

Intensive practice in conversation with special emphasis on correct pronunciation and greater fluency. Reading, writing and oral presentations required.

SPN 210: Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition

Short texts in a variety of modes (expository, narrative, descriptive, persuasive, etc.) will be used as models for weekly compositions: personal essays, journals and letters, creative compositions, business correspondence, etc. There will also be intensive practice in translation from English into Spanish. This course will aim at correctness of expression, vocabulary acquisition and some basic stylistic sophistication. FT

SPN 220: Culture and Civilization of Spain

This course will trace the evolution of Spanish civilization from its beginnings to the present. The focus will be on the major intellectual, artistic, political and social manifestations that can be considered the basis of Spain’s cultural identity. HWC

or

SPN 221: Culture and Civilization of Spanish-America

This course will trace the development of Spanish-American civilization from its pre- Columbian periods to the present. The focus will be on the major intellectual, artistic and political attempts at articulating a self-consciously Spanish-American identity. FWC, NWC

Three additional Spanish courses at the 300 level, which may include SPN 399 Senior Thesis

Student Learning Objectives

French

1. Oral Competency: The student can converse and present information orally in French about important literary and/or cultural topics. (W1c)
2. Written Competency: The student can compose a well-structured essay in French about important literary and/or cultural topics, including a thesis statement and organized argument. (W1a/b)
3. Grammatical Competency: The student demonstrates command of the French language through correct usage of grammar and syntax.
4. Literary Competency: The student can identify and interpret French and Francophone literary works of importance. (W2b/c)
5. Cultural Competency: The student demonstrates knowledge of the cultures of France and the Francophone world. (W2b/c)
6. Diversity Competency: The student demonstrates awareness of historical issues of diversity and inequality (specifically in the areas of gender and race) within French and Francophone cultures. (W5b) 
   

Spanish

1. Oral Competency: The student can converse and present information orally in Spanish about important literary and/or cultural topics. (W1c)
2. Written Competency: The student can compose a well-structured essay in Spanish about important literary and/or cultural topics, including a thesis statement and organized argument. (W1a/b)
3. Grammatical Competency: The student demonstrates command of the Spanish language through correct usage of grammar and syntax.
4. Literary Competency: The student can identify and interpret literary works of importance for peninsular Spain and/or Latin America. (W2b/c)
5. Cultural Competency: The student demonstrates knowledge of the cultures of peninsular Spain and/or Latin America. (W2b/c)
6. Diversity Competency: The student demonstrates awareness of historical issues of diversity and inequality (specifically in the areas of gender and race) within Hispanic cultures. (W5b)
7. Research Competency: The student demonstrates the ability to conduct literary analysis and compose a research paper in Spanish that integrates a creative and innovative thesis with the original work of other literary scholars. (W3a/b)
8. Disciplinary Competency: The student demonstrates general proficiency in Hispanic studies through a capstone experience (senior thesis / comprehensive exam). (W6a); (W7a/c)