Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
Chinese
Comparative Literature
French
German
German Area Studies
Italian
Japanese
Literature
Russian
Spanish
201 Guilford House
Phone 368-3071; Fax 368-2216
David P. Benseler
David P. Benseler, Ph.D. (University of Oregon)
Louis D. Beaumont University Professor of Humanities and Chair
German literature, emphasis on drama and prose; modern German culture; popular culture; methods and bibliography; history of the profession
Ann Dundon, M.A. (Washington University)
Assistant Professor of Japanese and Comparative Literature
Premodern Japanese literature; comparative poetics
Marie-Pierre Le Hir, Ph.D. (University of Iowa)
Associate Professor of French and German
19th-century literature; literary criticism & theory; cultural history; women's studies
Katherine Riker, Ph.D. (University of New Mexico)
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Latin American Literature, Latin American Women Authors,
Feminist literary theory; psychoanalytic theory; Chicano literature
Sharon Guinn Scinicariello, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)
Jesse Hauk Shera Assistant Professor of French
Romance philology; media-assisted language instruction; medieval literature; general literature; business French
Ann Sherif, Ph.D. (University of Michigan)
Assistant Professor of Japanese
Classical and modern Japanese literature, emphasis on modern period
Walter Strauss, Ph.D. (Harvard University)
William and Elizabeth Treuhaft Professor Emeritus of Humanities
19th- and 20th-century French literature; 19th- and 20th-century German literature; comparative literature, modern period; history of ideas from the Renaissance to the present
Armando F. Zubizarreta Ph.D. (University of Salamanca, Spain)
Professor of Spanish
20th-century Spanish literature; 20th-century Latin American literature; literary theory
Denise Caterinacci, M.A.(Kent State University)
Lecturer in Italian
Christa Eckert, M.A.(Kent State University)
Lecturer in German
Jutta Ittner, M.A.(University of Munich)
Lecturer in German
Mary Virginia Jones, Ph.D. (Indiana University)
Lecturer in French and Spanish
Olga Kipnis, I.M.B.A. (Baldwin Wallace College)
Lecturer in Russian
Yuxiu Liang, M.A.(Beijing Foreign Language Institute)
Lecturer in Chinese
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is committed to helping today's students become informed and liberally educated citizens of a diverse world, able to function in and enjoy themselves in a wide variety of linguistic, multicultural, and global contexts. To those ends, the department offers courses of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts with majors in comparative literature, French, German, and Spanish. A minor is available in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. The Master of Arts degree may also be earned with concentrations in comparative literature and in French.
The department enjoys strong interdisciplinary ties with the programs in Asian Studies, German Studies, International Studies, and Women's Studies and is establishing programs of study abroad. Career opportunities are available in college and university teaching, diplomatic and other government service, and business. A program leading to both a major in French and teaching certification is also available.
The principal objectives of the department are: 1) to help students prepare for lifelong learning in an increasingly multilingual, multicultural world by enabling them to learn to understand, speak, read, and write the language of their choice; 2) to teach selected foreign cultures and their literatures, both in the original language and in translation; 3) to encourage students to study abroad in order to reinforce and strengthen their language skills and to acquire new cultural perspectives and appreciation; 4) to prepare students for graduate study in a number of disciplines; 5) to work as closely as possible with other CWRU departments to provide their majors with useful ancillary skills in languages.
The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures participates in the Integrated Graduate Studies Program, which makes it possible to complete both a B.A. and an M.A. in Modern Languages and Literatures within about five years of full-time study. The department particularly recommends the program to qualified students who are interested in seeking admission to highly competitive professional schools or Ph.D. programs. Interested students should note the general requirements and the admission procedures listed elsewhere in this publication.
Majors in Comparative Literature must complete the following requirements. 1) One sequence: CMPL 211-212; ENGL 255-56; LITR 290-291. 2) Language (minimum of four hours): 202 in any language taught in the department. 3) Electives in literature (24 hours): these are to be selected with the approval of the student's advisor from CMPL, ENGL, JAPN, LITR, FRCH, GRMN, and SPAN offerings. At least 21 hours of electives should be at the 300- level or above, including four 300-level courses in FRCH, GRMN, or SPAN as available. They should be distributed as follows: (a) Historical Coverage: as approved by the student's advisor, at least 6 hours of electives in literature before 1800; (b) Methods and Approaches: as approved by the student's advisor, at least 3 hours should be in courses concerned with methods and concepts of literary study (e.g. ENGL 365g) or with the nature of genre (e.g. CMPL 321, ENGL 257, or ENGL 368a).
Minor in Comparative Literature (Bachelor of Arts): five 200 and 300 courses in CMPL or LITR, including at least one of the following sequences--CMPL 211-212; ENGL 255-56; LITR 290-291. Total hours required for the minor: 15.
Minor in Comparative Literature (Bachelor of Science): two of the following sequences: CMPL 211-212; ENGL 255-56; LITR 290-291. Total hours required for the minor: 12.
Majors in French, German, and Spanish are expected: 1) to acquire the ability to understand, speak, read, and write the language(s) of their choice; 2) to develop a sound understanding of their cultures and literatures. The major in French, German, or Spanish consists of 30-32 hours of course work and will vary based on students' background in the language. Individual counseling and placement tests are provided by the department.
For students placed into the 200-level: either 201 or 202 and six courses at the 300-level taught in the target language; two MLIT or CMPL or other related courses. Related courses are those outside the DMLL offerings which are closely related to French, German, or Spanish culture as well as those inside DMLL offered in another language or literature.
For students placed into the 300-level: eight 300-level courses taught in the language; two MLIT or CMPL courses or other related courses.
The Departmental Honors Program is for specially talented and dedicated majors. Requirements for Honors in Modern Languages and Literatures are: 1) a grade point average of at least 3.5 in the major; 2) an honors thesis (six semester hours of CMPL, FRCH, GRMN, or SPAN 399 beyond the 30-32 hours required for the major) devoted to the investigation of a literary, linguistic, or cultural topic. The thesis must be read and approved by two readers and will be accepted for honors only if it achieves a grade of B or better. Students who qualify receive their degree "with Honors in Modern Languages and Literatures." A registration form for students electing Honors in Modern Languages and Literatures is available in the departmental office.
The academic policy of Case Western Reserve University is to award credit for a 101 course in any language only upon completion of 102 or 112 in that language.
For students placed at the introductory level (no previous knowledge of the language): 101, 102, 201, 202 and one 300-level course.
For students placed at the 200-level or higher: five courses at the 200 and 300 levels.
Students may complete a sequence in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish. A sequence consists of 12 hours of coursework at an appropriate level of placement.
Literature Major (See listing for the Department of English). The literature major is intended for students interested in European or world literature as well as Anglophone literature. In that sense, it is an expanded and enriched English major with a two-year language requirement.
Placement Testing. Students with prior experience, however acquired (e.g. in high school; in another university; via study abroad, etc.), in French, German, or Spanish must take the department's computer-adaptive placement examination before the end of the first week of the semester in which they enroll in one of those languages. Exact information on placement testing is available in the Department office, 201 Guilford House.
CHIN 101. Elementary Chinese I (4).
Introductory course; speaking, understanding, reading, and writing Chinese. Students are expected to achieve control of the sound system and basic sentence patterns of standard Mandarin Chinese. The course emphasizes speaking and aural comprehension. Students must attend language lab and/or drill sessions in addition to class meetings.
CHIN 102. Elementary Chinese I (4).
Continuation of CHIN 101.
CHIN 201. Intermediate Chinese I (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Emphasizes basic structures of Standard Mandarin Chinese and helps students improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Chinese culture, society, and people are introduced through supplementary materials and activities. Prereq: CHIN 102 or consent of department chair.
CHIN 202. Intermediate Chinese II (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Continuation of CHIN 201. Students must attend language lab in addition to class meetings.
CHIN 301. Advanced Chinese I (4).
Students work to achieve fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Supplemental materials emphasize culture of China. Students must attend language lab in addition to class meetings. Prereq: CHIN 202 or consent of department.
CHIN 302. Advanced Chinese II (4).
Continuation of CHIN 301. Prereq: CHIN 301 or consent of department.
CHIN 303. Topics in Chinese (3).
Work with authentic materials to improve proficiency in Chinese. Emphasis on contemporary culture of China. Prereq: CHIN 302 or consent of department.
CHIN 304. Topics in Chinese (3).
Work with authentic materials to improve proficiency in Chinese. Emphasis on contemporary culture of China. Prereq: CHIN 303 or consent of department.
CHIN 398. Independent Studies (1-3).
Directed study for those students who have passed beyond available course offerings. Prereq: consent of department.
CHIN 399. Independent Studies (1-3).
Directed study for those students who have progressed beyond available course offerings. Prereq: consent of department.
CMPL 205. Methods and Modes of Thought in Humanistic Studies (3).
(Same as PHIL 205.) Team-taught.
CMPL 211. Great Books and Ideas in Western Culture: Middle Ages and Renaissance (3).
(Same as HUMN 211.) May be used to satisfy the Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Interrelationship of literature and culture in the Western world, St. Augustine through Cervantes. Medieval epics, romances, and major texts of the Renaissance; special attention is given to Dante, Bocaccio, Chaucer, Montaigne, and Cervantes.
CMPL 212. Great Books and Ideas in Western Culture: 1600 to the Present (3).
(Same as HUMN 212.) May be used to satisfy the Western Reserve Core requirements in Literature and Arts. Readings of major texts, such as Descartes, Pascal, Molière, and selected writers and thinkers from the 18th to the mid-20th century.
CMPL 214. Text and Image in Japanese Culture (3).
(Same as ASIA 214, RLGN 214.) Introduction to major intellectual, artistic, and historical works that have shaped traditional and modern Japanese culture. Special attention given to gender issues. Lectures and discussion focus on primary readings in translation, films, and field trips to the Cleveland Museum of Art.
CMPL 228. Theater History I (3).
(Same as THTR 228.) Designed to acquaint students with major periods in Western theater history, including the Greek, Roman, medieval, and European Renaissance.
CMPL 229. Theater History II (3).
(Same as THTR 229.) Designed to acquaint students with major "modern" periods in Western theater history, from the 17th to the turn of the 20th century.
CMPL 240. Modern Japanese Literature in Translation (3).
(Same as JAPN 240.) Introduction to the prose and poetry of Japan, from the age of the samurai to the modern industrial nation of today. A close reading of texts is enhanced by placing the works read into their historical and social contexts for each age. Readings and lectures in English. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
CMPL 300. Turning Points in Modern Culture: The City in Literature and the Arts (3).
Focus on major west European cities as catalysts and reflectors of cultural and historical change; in- depth study of the theory and practice of Baudelaire, Rimbaud and others, using literature, music, painting, and philosophy: Vienna at the Turn of the Century; Berlin and the Weimar Republic; Paris at the Turn of the Century.
CMPL 305/405. Studies in Poetry: Symbolism and After (3).
Theory and practice of Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Mallarmé, and contemporaries, followed by Valèry, Rilke's Duino Elegies, and the poetry of Wallace Stevens. Reading knowledge of French highly desirable.
CMPL 310. Studies in the Drama: Theatre since 1850 (3).
Outstanding works of European and American theater from Ibsen to the present. Close study of texts and of theories of the stage: Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, Shaw, Pirandello, Synge, Lorca, Brecht, Duerrenmatt.
CMPL 312. Literary Genre I: Comedy (3).
(Same as ENGL 363P). Major comic playwrights and theorists from antiquity (Aristophanes) to present (Stoppard). Old and new comedy in antiquity, Molière, Shakespeare, social comedy, grotesque, and black comedy.
CMPL 314. Love Poetry from Sappho to Shakespeare (3).
(Same as CLSC 314.) Introduction to the love poetry of ancient Greece and Rome; its impact on the later European tradition in such poets as Petrarch, Chaucer, and Shakespeare.
CMPL 320. Studies in a Historical Period: The 17th Century (3).
(Same as SPAN 331.) How 17th-century Europe, despite religious dissensions, philosophical oppositions, and different literary styles, still had common characteristics and developed them along similar lines. The 17th-century roots of contemporary aesthetics.
CMPL 321. Tragedy (3).
Tragic theory and practice beginning with Greek tragedy to modern times.
CMPL 325/425. The Epic and its Transformations (3).
Oral and mythical foundations of epic literature. Building on Homeric and Vergilian models, the course examines the transformation brought about by historical, political, and theological changes and their aesthetic counterparts. The conclusion examines the decline of the epic and attempts to channel the epic impulse into different directions.
CMPL 330. Studies in Fiction: TheNovella (3).
Development of the novella since Boccaccio and Cervantes; emphasis on 19th and 20th-century German and Russian authors (Goethe, Mann, Kafka, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and others); some French, Spanish, and Italian novellas.
CMPL 338. Trends in Recent Fiction (3).
Variable topics. Major novels, short stories, and novellas since 1945.
CMPL 341. Japanese Women Writers (3).
(Same as JAPN 341.) The social and cultural contexts of contributions of women authors to the literature of premodern and modern Japan; examination of the ways their works exemplify "mainstream" canonical literature and diverge from it. Readings and lectures in English. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
CMPL 370. Dante (3).
(Same as ITAL 370.) A study of one of the major works of world literature, La divina commedia, beginning with a reading of La vita nuova as background. Discussion centers on: 1) the social, literary, political, philosophical, and theological contexts of the work; 2) its enduring impact on Western literature and thought.
CMPL 371. Philosophy of Literature (3).
(Same as PHIL 370 and ENGL 365D). Affinities and tensions between philosophy and literature and issues that arise in their interface. Topics: philosophical use of literary devices, literary use of philosophical ideas, literary philosophy and philosophical literature, and hermeneutics of literature and philosophy. Readings in philosophy and literature from both traditional and contemporary sources. Team-taught by faculty in philosophy and literature.
CMPL 373/473. The Novel since 1945 (3).
Comparison and analysis of developments in French, Italian, German, Latin-American, and North American (U.S.) novel since 1945. Scrutiny of experiments and technical innovations that aid the discussion of implicit or explicit new theories of the novel.
CMPL 380. One Hundred Years of Russian Fiction (3).
Major Russian fiction from Pushkin to Dabel, including Trgenev, Gogol, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and others.
CMPL 399. Independent Studies (1-3).
For qualified students with special interests and commitments not fully addressed by regular courses. Directed readings and meetings with instructor by arrangement.
FRCH 101. Elementary French I (4).
Introductory course; emphasis on conversational skills. Students are expected to achieve control of sound system and basic sentence structures of French. Students practice both in class and in the language laboratory.
FRCH 102. Elementary French II (4).
Continuation of FRCH 101.
FRCH 201. Intermediate French (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Based on a direct approach to language learning, FRCH 201 stresses communicative uses to enhance all basic skills. Taught in French. In addition to regular class meetings, individually-paced practice is provided in language lab setting. Prereq: FRCH 102 or equiv.
FRCH 202. Introduction to Contemporary Civilization (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Focused on every-day life in modern France, FRCH 202 develops cultural awareness while enhancing communicative skills. A video lab designed for self-paced instruction, provides students with supplementary authentic material on contemporary France. Prereq: FRCH 201 or equiv.
FRCH 300. Translation Techniques (3).
Contrastive grammar analysis and stylistics are used to foster linguistic awareness and to introduce students to the methods and skills of translation. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equivalent.
FRCH 301. Technical Translation (3).
Following a brief review of translation techniques, FRCH 301 provides intensive training and practice in the area of technical and commercial translation. Authentic documents in English and French are used as source material. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 302. Business French (3).
Primarily a language course for third-year students; also serves as an introduction to the basic concepts and terminology of the business world and economic life. While acquisition of specific vocabulary and style is essential, the emphasis on the cultural dimension of this aspect of French life is stressed. Conducted in French. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 303. Studies in French Civilization I (3).
Designed to promote cultural understanding through cross-cultural analysis. Authentic materials (from the press, television, etc.) are studied and discussed to highlight issues of relevance to contemporary French and American societies. Taught in French. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equivalent.
FRCH 304. Studies in FrenchCivilization II (3).
Examination through texts, films, and other media of major historical, intellectual, and artistic influences that have shaped the evolution of French civilization. Students will attempt to identify the values and myths that have contributed to the formation of modern France and continue to influence French actions. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 305. French Cinema (3).
An exploration of contemporary France, its images and values as presented in French films of the last ten years. French press reviews are used for discussion. A unique linguistic and cultural immersion. Taught in French. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 311. Advanced Conversation (3).
Students work to improve fluency in spoken French. Topics include contemporary issues; stress on current vocabulary. Practice using speech appropriate to different situations. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 312. Reading Literary Texts (3).
A transition course which prepares students for advanced courses in French. Its purpose is to develop reading skills and to expose students to a wide variety of literary styles and forms. Readings include literature from various historical periods, various genres and various areas of Francophone expression. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 313. Introduction to French Literature (3).
Major literary movements, principal writers, and outstanding works of French literature. Prereq: Frch 202 or equiv.
FRCH 331. Seventeenth-Century French Literature (3).
The Age of Classicism, from Descartes to Mme de Lafayette; emphasis on Baroque literature and Classical drama. Authors, works, and topics vary. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 341. Eighteenth-Century French Literature (3).
Le siècle des Lumières in representative texts of the Enlightenment and pre-Romanticism. Authors, works, and topics vary. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 351. Nineteenth-Century French Literature (3).
Romanticism, realism, and naturalism in the novel and the drama. Authors, works, and topics vary. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 361. Twentieth-Century French Literature (3).
Study of representative novelists (e.g. Proust, Gide, Colette, Sartre, Beauvoir, etc.) and playwrights (e.g. Claudel, Beckett, Genet) in historical context. Authors, works, and topics vary. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 371. Topics in French Poetry (3).
Nineteenth- and twentieth- century poetry. Topics include French romanticism, symbolism, surrealism. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 376. Images of Women in French Literature (3).
Examination of literary texts by French women writers; emphasizes women's important contributions to French literature. Critical essays are also studied to address women's relation to literature and to evaluate its importance from historical and theoretical perspectives. Prereq: FRCH 202 or equiv.
FRCH 399. Directed Reading (1-3).
For students who wish to work independently on a topic, literary or non-literary, in French. Prereq: Consent of instructor.
GRMN 101. Elementary German I (4).
Introductory course; emphasis on conversational skills. Students achieve control of sound system and basic sentence structures of spoken and written German. Students must attend language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings.
GRMN 102. Elementary German II (4).
Continuation of GRMN 101; emphasis on conversational skills. Students must attend language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: GRMN 101 or equiv.
GRMN 112. Elementary German for Science Students II (4).
Continuation of GRMN 101, emphasizing conversational skills and scientific vocabulary. Students are expected to achieve control of the sound system and basic sentence structure of spoken and written German. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: GRMN 101 or equiv.
GRMN 201. Intermediate German (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Emphasizes both language and culture; taught in German. Review of grammar and usage of German while studying texts and videotapes on contemporary life in Germany. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: GRMN 102 or equiv.
GRMN 202. Introduction to Contemporary Civilization (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Continuation of GRMN 201; conducted in German. Study of texts and videotapes which focus on contemporary life in Germany. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: GRMN 201 or equiv.
GRMN 203 Business German I (3).
A language course for third-year students; also serves as an introduction to the basic concepts and terminology of the business world and economic life. While acquisition of specific vocabulary and style is essential, the emphasis on the cultural dimension of this aspect of German life is stressed. Conducted in German. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 204 Business German II (3).
Continuation of GRMN 203. Prereq. GRMN 203 or equiv.
GRMN 301. Special Problems in Translation (3).
Theory-based framework for translation. Texts are analyzed for translation. Practice translating from English into German and from German into English. Conducted in English. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 302. Advanced Written and Spoken German (3).
Written and oral presentations of assigned topics. Intensive translation and comparative study of usage to enhance expository style in written German.
GRMN 303. Studies in German Civilization I (3).
Aspects of contemporary Germany, Austria, and Switzerland including political and social systems and cultural life through study of text, films, and other media. Taught in German. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 304. Studies in German Civilization II (3).
Texts, films, and other aspects of major historical, intellectual, and artistic events in German civilization. Students learn to identify major influences on German thought and culture. Taught in German. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 311. Advanced Conversation (3).
Concentration on improvement of accent and current vocabulary in German. Topics include contemporary issues and etiquette. Practice speech appropriate to differing situations. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 313. Introduction to German Literature (3).
Continue development of communicative ability in German; familiarization with necessary vocabulary for informed discussion of literature based on reading, understanding, and discussion of outstanding examples of drama, prose, and poetry. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 330. The German Novella (3).
Study of exemplary short prose fiction by authors from the eighteenth to the twentieth century. Continues development of communicative ability in German; introduces students to German literature's arguably richest genre. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 365. Literature of the Storm and Stress (3).
Drama, prose, and poetry of a brief, turbulent decade of social and political engagement in eighteenth-century German literature. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 366. From Lessing to Young Goethe (3).
Theory and literature of the mid-eighteenth century. Focus on the works of Lessing, young Goethe and young Schiller. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 367. German Classicism/Romanticism (3).
Selected works of Goethe, Schiller, Hoelderlin, von Kleist, and others. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 368N. German Film (3).
(Same as English 368N.)
GRMN 375. 19th-Century German Literature (3).
Major works chosen to present prominent themes and problems and/or important developments within the period; topic varies. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 380. 20th-Century German Literature I (3).
Study of major works chosen to present themes and problems in naturalism, expressionism, and other important literary and cultural developments within the period before World War II.
GRMN 386. 20th-Century German Literature II (3).
Post World War II German literary and cultural developments. Focus on efforts to come to grips with German history from 1933 to German reunification. Prereq: GRMN 202 or equiv.
GRMN 395. Special Topics in German (1-3).
For majors and advanced students upon presentation of a written plan of investigation. Prereq: Consent of department.
GRMN 399. Independent Studies (1-3).
For majors and advanced students under special circumstances. Prereq: consent of department.
ITAL 101. Elementary Italian I (4).
Introductory course; stress on mastery of the sound system and basic sentence structure of spoken and written Italian. Attendance in the language laboratory is required in addition to scheduled class meetings.
ITAL 102. Elementary Italian II (4).
Continuation of ITAL 101. Attendance in the language laboratory is required in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: ITAL 101 or equiv.
ITAL 370. Dante (3).
(Same as CMPL 370.) A study of one of the major works of world literature, La divina commedia, beginning with a reading of La vita nuova as background. Discussion centers on: 1) the social, literary, political, philosophical, and theological contexts of the work; 2) its enduring impact on Western literature and thought. Prereq: consent of department.
JAPN 101. Elementary Japanese I (4).
Introductory course; focus on speaking, understanding, reading, and writing Japanese (hiragana and katakana). Students are expected to achieve control of the sound system and basic structure of the language. Emphasizes aural comprehension and speaking. Students must attend the language lab in addition to class meetings.
JAPN 102. Elementary Japanese II (4).
Continuation of JAPN 101. Emphasizes aural comprehension, speaking, and the reading of hiragana, katakana, and approximately 100 kanzi. Students must attend the language lab in addition to class meetings.
JAPN 201. Intermediate Japanese I (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Emphasizes basic structure of Japanese and helps improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Students acquire about 200 new kanzi. Students must attend the language lab in addition to class.
JAPN 202. Intermediate Japanese II (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Continuation of JAPN 201. Students learn about 200 more new kanzi. Students must attend the language lab in addition to class meetings. Prereq: JAPN 202 or permission of department.
JAPN 240. Modern Japanese Literature in Translation (3).
(Same as CMPL 240.) Introduction to the prose and poetry of Japan, from the age of the samurai to the modern industrial nation of today. A close reading of texts is enhanced by placing the works read into their historical and social contexts for each age. Readings and lectures in English. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
JAPN 301. Advanced Japanese I (4).
Emphasizes conversational proficiency and reading. Students must attend the language lab in addition to class meetings. Prereq: JAPN 202 or permission of department.
JAPN 302. Advanced Japanese II (4).
Continuation of JAPN 301; emphasizes conversational proficiency and reading. Japanese life and culture introduced through supplemental materials and activities. Students must attend the language lab in addition to regular scheduled class meetings. Prereq: JAPN 301 or permission of department.
JAPN 303. Topics in Japanese I (3).
Work with authentic materials to improve proficiency in Japanese. Subject matter varies, but emphasizes contemporary culture of Japan. Prereq: JAPN 302 or permission of department.
JAPN 304. Topics in Japanese II (3).
Work with authentic materials to improve proficiency in Japanese. Subject matter varies, but emphasizes contemporary culture of Japan. Prereq: JAPN 303 or permission of department.
JAPN 341. Japanese Women Writers (3).
The social and cultural contexts of contributions of women authors to the literature of premodern and modern Japan; examination of the ways their works exemplify "mainstream" canonical literature and diverge from it. Readings and lectures in English. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
JAPN 390. Japanese Language Teaching Methods (3).
Introduction to numerous approaches, methods, and techniques used in teaching Japanese at secondary and postsecondary institutions to current and future teachers of Japanese; evaluation of methods and techniques. Prereq: Intermediate-high level proficiency in all four skills in Japanese or permission of department.
JAPN 398. Independent Studies (1-3).
Directed study for students who have progressed beyond available course offerings. Prereq: Permission of department.
JAPN 399. Independent Studies (1-3).
Directed study for students who have passed beyond available course offerings. Prereq: Permission of department.
RUSN 101. Elementary Russian (4).
Introductory course; emphasis on conversational skills. Students achieve control of alphabet, sound system and basic sentence structures of spoken and written Russian. Students must attend language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings.
RUSN 102. Elementary Russian II (4).
Continuation of RUSN 101, emphasizing practice listening and speaking. Students must attend language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: RUSN 101 or equiv.
RUSN 201. Intermediate Russian (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Raises ability in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Stress on grammar and vocabulary enhancement. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: RUSN 102 or equiv.
RUSN 202. Introduction to Contemporary Civilization (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Continuation of RUSN 201; contemporary Russian culture through readings and discussion. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: RUSN 201 or equiv.
RUSN 303. Studies in Russian Civilization I (3).
Aspects of contemporary Russian life, including political and social systems; cultural life through study of texts, films, and other media. Prereq: RUSN 202 or equiv.
RUSN 304. Studies in Russian Civilization II (3).
Major historical, intellectual, and artistic influences in the evolution of Russian civilization. Major influences on the formation of modern Russia. Prereq: RUSN 202 or equiv.
RUSN 311. Advanced Conversation (3).
Intended to improve fluency in spoken Russian. Topics of conversation include aspects of contemporary civilization; stress on current vocabulary.
RUSN 313. Introduction to Russian Literature (3).
Introduction to major literary movements, principal writers, and outstanding works of Russian literature. Prereq: RUSN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 101. Elementary Spanish I (4).
Introductory course; emphasis on conversational skills. Students achieve control of the sound system and basic sentence structures of spoken and written Spanish. Students must attend language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings.
SPAN 102. Elementary Spanish II (4).
Continuation of SPAN 101; emphasis on conversational skills. Students must attend language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: SPAN 101 or equiv.
SPAN 201. Intermediate Spanish (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Intensive review of grammar and usage through readings, discussions, and other activities. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: SPAN 102 or equiv.
SPAN 202. Introduction to Contemporary Civilization (4).
May be used to satisfy Western Reserve Core requirement in Literature and Arts. Contemporary Hispanic civilization. Continue grammar review of 201 with an emphasis on subjunctive mood. Taught in Spanish. Study of texts and cultural documents with focus on contemporary life in Hispanic countries. Students must attend the language lab in addition to scheduled class meetings. Prereq: SPAN 201 or equiv.
SPAN 301. Practice of Translation (3).
Provides necessary skills and techniques for solving main linguistic problems in translation. Varied texts, including articles from the current press, will be translated from English into Spanish and occasionally from Spanish to English. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 303. Latin American Civilization (3).
Major aspects of contemporary Latin American life, including political and social systems and cultural life. Study of selected texts, films, and other media. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 304. Spanish Civilization (3).
Major historical, intellectual, and artistic influences in the shaping of Spanish civilization. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 311. Advanced Spanish Conversa-tion (3).
Development of oral proficiency. Based on the reading of short essays and newspaper articles dealing with contemporary Hispanic life, brief short stories and fables. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 313. Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3).
Introduction to major literary movements, principal writers, and outstanding works of Hispanic literature. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 330. Quixotic Spain & European Existence (3).
Contributions of Spanish literature to European existentialism. Emphasis on the person-oriented approach and a positive search for a meaning of life that characterizes this literature. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 331. Studies in a Historical Period: The 17th Century (3).
Reinterpreting the Classical tradition, European art of the 17th century reveals national idiosyncrasies in a variety of artistic goals and social contexts. Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderón, Velázquez, El Greco, in the creation of modern art, laid the foundations of contemporary aesthetics. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 340. Contemporary Latin-American Narrative (3).
Students explore the most significant narrative techniques since 1945 in Latin-American fiction: Cortázar, García Márquez, Vargas Llosa. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 341. Hispanic Drama (3).
From 17th-century Spanish tragicomedy (Lope de Vega, Calderón, Tirso) to 20th-century playwrights (Valle-Inclán, Arrabal, Buero Vallejo). Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 350. Hispanic Spanish Fiction (3).
Narrative masterpieces from Cervantes and the picaresque (El Lazarillo) to the short stories of 19th- and 20th-century authors. Prereq: SPAN 202 or equiv.
SPAN 399. Independent Studies (1-3).
Prereq: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Faculty from the departments of English and Modern Languages and Literatures teach in the graduate program in Comparative Literature. Built on the particular strengths in English and the foreign language fields, this curriculum concentrates on the inter-relationships among English, American, and French, German, Japanese, and Spanish literatures. The program is based on the premise that literature may be studied systematically, but across national boundaries.
Applicants should have a strong background in literature and proficiency in French, German, Japanese, or Spanish. Three years of college instruction in one language--or its equivalent--are required for admission. Acquaintance with an additional foreign language is recommended, though not required.
Interested students develop their program of study in consultation with the faculty. Courses are chosen from current offerings in English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish in addition to the comparative literature courses listed below. The Master of Arts degree is awarded upon successful completion of 27-30 semester hours of work and a comprehensive examination.
Graduate students registered for 400-level courses share classes with undergraduates registered for the corresponding 300-level courses. Students registered at the 400 level may be expected to attend an additional seminar and/or meet additional requirements beyond those demanded of students registered at the 300 level.
CMPL 405. Studies in Poetry: Symbolism and After (3).
(See CMPL 305).
CMPL 410. Studies in the Drama: Theatre Since 1850 (3).
(See CMPL 310).
CMPL 412. Literary Genre I: Comedy (3).
(Also listed as ENGL 463P.) (See CMPL 312).
CMPL 420. Studies in a Historical Period: The 17th Century (3).
(See CMPL 320.)
CMPL 421. Tragedy (3).
(See CMPL 321).
CMPL 425. The Epic and its Transformations (3).
(See CMPL 325).
CMPL 430. Studies in Fiction: The Novella (3).
(See CMPL 330).
CMPL 438. Trends in Recent Fiction (3).
Variable topics.
CMPL 470. Dante (3).
(Also listed as ITAL 370).
CMPL 473. The Novel since 1945 (3).
(See CMPL 373).
FRCH 431. Seventeenth-Century French Literature (3).
(See FRCH 331).
FRCH 441. Eighteenth-Century French Literature (3).
(See FRCH 341).
FRCH 451. Nineteenth-Century French Literature (3).
(See FRCH 351).
FRCH 461. Twentieth-Century French Literature (3).
(See FRCH 361).
FRCH 471. Topics in French Poetry (3).
(See FRCH 371).
FRCH 476. Images of Women in French Literature (3).
FRCH 601. Independent Studies (credit as arranged).
For individual students or larger groups with special interests. Prereq: Consent of instructor.
FRCH 701. Dissertation (Ph.D.) (credit as arranged).
JAPN 490. Japanese Language Teaching Methods (3).
(See JAPN 390).
SPAN 430. Quixotic Spain & European Existence (3).
(See SPAN 330).
SPAN 440. Contemporary Latin-American Narrative (3).
(See SPAN 340)
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