Course Descriptions

The semesters listed after course descriptions indicate when courses are expected to be offered. Schedules are subject to change; students should confirm semester offerings with the department when planning degree programs. If you would like to look at course descriptions for certain languages, please select from the following links: Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, American Sign Language, English as a second language or special and advanced courses. 

Arabic (MLCA)

101,102. Arabic I and II (4, 4) (LANGUAGE) (NON-WESTERN)

Two semester sequence of courses designed as an introduction to the Arabic Language. The focus is on language proficiency in all areas of the language including speaking, reading, and writing. The course also introduces students to aspects of Arabic culture and life in the Middle East. FALL, SPRING.

201.  Arabic III (4)

Review and further development of speaking, listening, reading, and cultural understanding skills.  Reading and discussion on the cultures of Arabic-speaking peoples.  Paragraph-length writing assignments.  (Prerequisite:  MLCA 102 or equivalent).  OFFERED AS NEEDED.

202.  Arabic IV (4)

Additional development of the four language skills in Arabic, through reading, longer writing assignments, films, television, and discussion of current events.  (Prerequisite: MLCA 202). OFFERED AS NEEDED.

French Courses

101, 102. French I and II (4,4) (LANGUAGE) 

Development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French and the foundation for understanding the cultures of French-speaking countries. Activities include readings and in-class discussions. 

201. French III (4)

Review and further development of speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural understanding skills. Readings on cultures of French-speaking peoples and representative French-language literary works. (Prerequisite: MLCF 102 or equivalent). FALL.

210. French-speaking Cultures of Africa and the Caribbean (4) (NON-WESTERN) 

An introduction to the countries of Africa and the Caribbean formly colonized by France. TOpics include colonization and decolonization; political, economic, and social life; changing identities; linguistic diversity; globalization and relationship with the West. Taught in English.  Open to freshmen.  FALL.

215.  Business French (4)

Continued development of the four language skills through the specialized terminology used in the business world and other professional situations, including office practices, postal and banking services, transportation and travel.  Cultural differences between French and American workplaces will be highlighted. (Prerequisite: MLCF 204 or equivalent). OFFERED AS NEEDED.

220. Intermediate French Conversation (2)

Development of speaking and comprehension skills in French, through pronunciation practice, review of grammar and structures, vocabulary-building activities, dialogues, individual reports, discussions, enhanced with use of audio-visual aids. Open to freshmen. (Prerequisites: MLCF 102 or equivalent). FALL.

310. Contemporary Francophone Cultures and Literatures (4) (HUMANITIES) 

A cross-cultural perspective on French-speaking areas of the world today, including France, Quebec, Africa and the Caribbean. Representative examples of francophone literature and film since the era of World War II. May be repeated once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCF 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

320. French Literature and Culture through 1850 (4) (HUMANITIES) 

The development of French civilization, language and literature from their origins through the Renaissance, Classical Age, Age of Enlightenment, the French Revolution and the Romantic generation. May be repeated once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCF 202 or equivalent). SPRING. 

330. French Literature and Culture from 1850 to 1950 (4) (HUMANITIES) 

The development of modern society, literature and the arts, including film, from Realism, Naturalism and Symbolism through the surrealist revolution and existentialism in the context of the emergence of science and industry and two world wars. Authors may include Flaubert, Zola, Maupassant, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Gide, Proust, Apollinaire, Colette, Eluard, Sartre and Camus. May be repeated once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCF 202 or equivalent). FALL.

340. The French-Speaking World (4) 

Overview of the history, geography, societies and institutions of the French-speaking peoples throughout the world. This course will help students to prepare for the Michigan Teacher Certification Test in French, although participation is not limited to Teacher Education students. (Prerequisite: MLCF 202). SPRING.

350. Advanced French Language (4)

Process and steps for writing successfully in French, including help with peer coaching and peer editing. Listening, speaking and reading skills integrated with writing skills. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCF 202 or equivalent; ENGL 101 when taken for writing intensive credit). FALL.

360. Advanced French Conversation (2) 

Pronunciation practice, oral review of complex structures, vocabulary building, individual reports, and dialogues. Discussions of current events in French-speaking countries, using French-language newspapers and videos as source materials. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCF 201 or equivalent). SPRING.

German (MLCG)

101, 102. German I and II (4,4) (LANGUAGE)

Development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in German, while investigating the cultures of the new Germany, Austria and Switzerland. (Prerequisite: MLCG 101 or equivalent for 102). FALL, SPRING.

201. German III (4)

Continued development of the four skills with a deeper investigation and review of the structure of German.  Thematic vocabulary topics will be used to increase conversational fluency.  Regular readings and discussion, in German, of German history from Roman times to the nineteenth century.  (Prerequisite: MLCG 102 or equivalent). FALL.

202. German IV (4) 

Further development of the four skills. Current German media used to develop vocabulary and fluency. Development of professional and business langiage as needed. Regular readings and discussion, in German, of German history from the nineteenth century to the present. (Prerequisite: MLCG 201 or equivalent). SPRING.

220. Intermediate German Conversation (2)

Development of speaking and comprehension skills in German, through pronunciation practice, review of grammar and structures, vocabulary-building activities, dialogues, individual reports, discussions, enhanced with use of audio-visual aids. Open to freshmen. (Prerequisite: MLCG 102 or equivalent). SPRING.

310. German Literature and Culture (800-1850) (4) (HUMANITIES) 

Historical and cultural survey of German literature from its medieval beginnings to Romanticism and the age of revolution. Literature will be chosen to trace a cultural theme through history. Readings and overarching theme change. Repeatable once for credit with new content.  (Prerequisite: MLCG 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

320. German Literature and Culture (1850-1932) (4) (HUMANITIES)

Historical and cultural survey of German literature from emergence of the German nation state to the Weimar Republic. Literature will be chosen to trace a cultural theme through history. Readings and overarching theme change. Repeatable once for credit with new content. (Prerequisite: MLCG 202 or equivalent). FALL.

330. German Literature and Culture after 1933 (4) 

A literary examination of the Holocaust, Third Reich, and divided Germany. The impact of this history on contemporary German literature and scoiety will also be explored. Readings will change every other year. Repeatable once for credit with new content. (Prerequisite: MLCG 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

340. The German-Speaking World (4) 

Overview of the history, geography, societies and institutions of the German-speaking peoples throughout the world. This course will help students to prepare for the Michigan Teacher Certification Test in German, although it is not limited to Teacher Education students. (Prerequisite: MLCG 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

350. Advanced German Language (4) 

Special problems in German language acquisition, including structural and vocabulary issues. Thematic focus on scientific and business German. Content changes every other year. Repeatable once for credit with new content. (Prerequisite: MLCG 202 or equivalent; ENGL 101, when taken for writing intensive credit). FALL.

360. Advanced German Conversation (2)

Contemporary problems and events in the German-speaking countries of Europe, as contrasted with those of the United States, through use of newspapers, magazines, radio and television broadcasts. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCG 202 or equivalent.) FALL.

Japanese (MLCJ)

101, 102 Japanese I and II (4,4) (LANGUAGE) (NON-WESTERN) 

Development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Japanese, with an introduction to Japanese culture.  (Prerequisite: MLCJ 101 or equivalent for 102). FALL, SPRING.

201, 202. Japanese III and IV (4,4) (NON-WESTERN) 

Further development of aural-oral, reading, writing, and cultural recognition skills in Japanese.  Topical essays and literature selections will form the basis for written work and discussion. (Prerequisite: MLCJ 102 or equivalent for 201; or MLCJ 201 equivalent for 202). FALL, SPRING.

210.  Japanese Literature in Translation (4) (HUMANITIES, NON-WESTERN)

We will read Japanese literature in English, including epic, novels, short stories, and manga.  We investigate Japan as it moves from isolation to impact with the West through the literature that both reflects and shapes that society.  We read “high” literature and “pop” literature, including anime, manga, and feature films. OFFERED AS NEEDED.

215.  Japanese Film (4) (HUMANITIES, NON-WESTERN)

This course investigates the language and culture of Japan through its films.  Surveying Japanese films from a variety of genres, students are exposed to a non-Western version of a quintessentially Western art form.  No prior knowledge of Japanese language necessary. OFFERED AS NEEDED.

350. Advanced Japanese Language (4) (NON-WESTERN) 

Listening, reading, and speaking skills integrated with writing. Emphasis is on kanji acquisition and writing in Japanese. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCJ 201 or equivalent). OFFERED AS NEEDED.

Spanish (MLCS)

101, 102. Spanish I and II (4,4) (LANGUAGE) 

Development of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in Spanish, with an introduction to Hispanic cultures. (Prerequisite: MLCS 101 or equivalent for 102). FALL, SPRING.

201. Spanish III (4)

Review and continued development of the four skills, now with topical essays and literature selections as the basis for written work and discussion. (Prerequisite: MLCS 102 or equivalent). FALL.

202. Spanish IV (4) 

Additional development of the four language skills in Spanish, through reading, writing, films and televison, and the discussion of current events. Emphasis will be placed on achieving a greater familiarity with the lingustic diversity and varied cultures of the Spanish-speaking peoples in the U.S., Latin America, and Spain. (Prerequisite: MLCS 201 or equivalent). SPRING.

215. Professional Spanish (4) 

For future professionals who plan to use Spanish in the workplace. While common language functions are practiced together, students also work individually to develop vocabulary and language skills specific to business, social services and education. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

220. Intermediate Spanish Conversation (2) 

Development of speaking and comprehension skills in Spanish, through pronunciation practice, review of grammar and structures, vocabulary-building activities, dialogues, individual reports, discussions, enhanced with use of audio-visual aids. (Prerequisite: MLCS 102 or equivalent). FALL.

310. Peninsular Spanish Literature and Culture (4) (HUMANITIES) 

Reading and discussion of major works of Spain and their cultural relevance. The course addresses higher-level language skills in Spanish while developing a knowledge base of Spanish literature and culture. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

320. Spanish-American Literature and Culture (4) (HUMANITIES) 

Reading and discussion of major works of Mexico and Central and South America and their cultural relevance. The course addresses higher-level language skills in Spanish while developing a knowledge base of Spanish-American literatures and cultures. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent). FALL.

330. Contemporary Hispanic Literatures and Cultures (4) (HUMANITIES) 

An examination of recent and current events as they have influenced the cultures and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world. Includes reading and discussion of contemporary prose, poetry and drama by Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic writers. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent). FALL.

340. The Spanish-Speaking World (4)

Overviews of the history, geop\graphy, societies and institutions of the Spanish-speaking peoples throughout the world. This course will help students to prepare for the Michigan Teacher Certification Test in Spanish, althought it is not limited to Teacher Education students. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

350. Advanced Spanish Language (4) 

Listening, speaking and reading integrated with writing skills. Emphasis is on the process and steps for writing successfully in Spanish. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent; ENGL 101 when offered as a writing intensive course). SPRING.

360. Advanced Spanish Conversation (2) 

Newspapers, magazines, television and radio as source material for topics discussed. Repeatable once for credit. (Prerequisite: MLCS 202 or equivalent). SPRING.

American Sign Language

101. American Sign Language I (4) (LANGUAGE) 

Development of basic to intermediate signing skills, as well as an introduction to the grammar and history of ASL. Readings and discussions will also instill an understanding of the culture of the deaf and signing communities in the United States and abroad. FALL.

102.  American Sign Language II (4) (LANGUAGE)

Development of basic to intermediate signing skills, as well as an introduction to the grammar and history of ASL.  Readings and discussions will also instill an understanding of the culture of the deaf and signing communities in the United States and abroad.  (Prerequisite: MLCH 101 or equivalent.) SPRING.

201.  American Sign Language III (4)

Development of basic to intermediate signing skills.  Readings, writings, and discussions over the culture of the deaf and signing communities in the United States.  (Prerequisite: MLCH 102 or equivalent). OFFERED AS NEEDED. 

202.  American Sign Language IV (4)

Review and further development of intermediate to advanced signing skills.  Readings, writings, and discussions over the culture of the deaf and signing communities in the United States. (Prerequisite: MLCH 201 or equivalent). OFFERED AS NEEDED.

English as a Second Language Classes

101. English as a Second Language I (4) (LANGUAGE) 

For students whose native language is not English. Basic English grammar and classroom practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening. OFFERED AS NEEDED.

102. English as a Second Language II (4) (LANGUAGE) 

Continued study of ESL. Grammar review when necessary. Continued drill in the four basic skills with classroom reports, interviews, discussion and informal conversation to build confidence and proficiency. OFFERED AS NEEDED.

Special and Advanced Courses

199. Exploratory Internship (1-3) 

250. Special Topics (1-4) 

Designed particularly for non-majors, the course can be repeated with a different topic. 

451. Independent Study (1-3)

Advanced study in areas beyond regular course offerings.

490. Study Abroad Capstone Seminar (1) 

Students returning from a study abroad semester will present a portfolio of journals and essays to reflect on their experiecne. Specific topics to be addressed: The relationship between language and culture, the student’s self-understanding as a language learner, and the impact of the study-abroad experience on the student’s chosen career as a teacher or professional. Required for Teacher Ed majors and minors, recommended for other language majors.