Modern Languages
Career Possibilities:
Teaching, translation, foreign or diplomatic service, editing and publishing, media (film, radio, etc.), banking, business (purchasing, marketing, advertising, etc.), and travel services. Consult with faculty members about your interests.
Department Overview
In this time of internationalization and globalization, knowledge of a second language and the culture in which that language operates is a fundamental qualification necessary to many professions. The Modern Languages Department at UW-Parkside offers courses in the French, Italian and Spanish languages, literatures, and cultures. Modern Languages courses also fulfill requirements in other academic areas on campus including international studies, ethnic studies, humanities, women’s studies, business management, and music. The department encourages all students to pursue study-abroad programs and assists students in finding a program suitable for their needs.
Preparation for Graduate School
Students who intend to do graduate work in the modern languages should be aware that graduate programs often expect specific course work/concentrations from their applicants. Consult your faculty advisor.
Internships
The Modern Languages Department offers internships in collaboration with area businesses, governmental agencies and not-for-profit agencies.
General Enrichment Courses Offered in English
The following courses, when taught in English, do not fulfill language requirements. They are offered occasionally for general enrichment.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MODL 218 | French Life and Culture | 3 |
| SPAN 225 | Contemporary Hispanic Writers in the U.S.A. | 3 |
| SPAN 440 | Advanced Studies in Hispanic Literature in Translation | 3 |
Spanish
The Spanish program, which offers a Spanish major and a Spanish minor, develops students’ proficiency in Spanish in reading, writing and oral communication. For students wishing to broaden their proficiency, the Spanish program offers a variety of advanced Spanish-language courses which deal with aspects of both Peninsular and Latin American literature and culture. Students have an opportunity in these courses to sharpen their linguistic proficiency while at the same time gaining a better understanding of the contributions made by Spanish-language philosophers, artists, and writers.
French
The French program, which offers a French minor, seeks to give students the requisite linguistic skills with which to read, discuss, and write intelligibly in French. For students wishing to broaden their proficiency, the French program offers advanced French language courses which deal with various aspects of French literature and culture.
Students have an opportunity in these courses to sharpen their linguistic proficiency while at the same time gaining a better understanding of the contributions made by French-language philosophers, artists, and writers. The French program’s course offerings can be supplemented by a number of courses from other departments as part of the French studies major. Students who wish to pursue the study of French at the graduate level are encouraged to take as many French program courses as possible.
Courses in French Studies
Students entering from high school must have placement test results (UW System placement tests offered at regional testing and at UW-Parkside) in order to enter French 104, 203, 204, and 301. The Modern Languages Department reserves the right to refuse access to any language class (including 103) to any student under the following circumstances:
- the student has not taken the placement exam or
- the student’s previous experience in the study of the language makes enrollment in the class in question inappropriate.
ONCE STUDENTS HAVE TAKEN A COURSE IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE SEQUENCE (103-301) THEY MAY NOT AFTERWARDS TAKE A LOWER COURSE IN THE SEQUENCE FOR CREDIT.
FREN D391 | Represent Love and French Culture | 3 cr
FREN D422 | Literature Middle Ages-18th Century/UWM | 3 cr
FREN 103 | Introductory French I | 3 cr
Develops basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French.
Prerequisites: Placement or no prior knowledge of French.
Offered: Fall.
FREN 104 | Introductory French II | 3 cr
Continues to develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French. Lab fee required.
Prerequisites: FREN 103 or equivalent or placement.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy, CL-C Communication - Language
FREN 111 | French for Singers | 1 cr
To help university vocal and choral students gain theoretical understanding and practical mastery of diction in French as it pertains to specific, select songs and choral pieces being learned with texts in those languages. Does not count for credit toward French major or minor.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in vocal music.
FREN 203 | Intermediate French I | 3 cr
Reviews and further develops listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: FREN 104 or equivalent or placement.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
FREN 204 | Intermediate French II | 3 cr
Reviews and further develops listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in French at the intermediate level.
Prerequisites: FREN 203 or equivalent or placement.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
FREN 290 | Special Topics in French | 1-3 cr
Special topics in French Studies will be examined. May not be counted toward French Studies major when taught in English.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
FREN 301 | French Conversation and Composition | 3 cr
Provides advanced training in conversation and composition with emphasis on acquiring communicative skills in colloquial French.
Prerequisites: FREN 204 or equivalent or placement.
Offered: Fall (odd years).
FREN 318 | French Civilization and Culture | 3 cr
Multi-media presentation and discussion of historical, philosophical, and artistic developments in various periods in France. Readings in French. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: FREN 204 or equivalent.
FREN 320 | Introduction to French Literature: | 3 cr
Study of a major literary genre and/or a cultural/literary period of movement. Development of historical perspective and techniques of critical analysis through the study of selected masterpieces of French poetry, drama or prose. May be repeated with different content.
Prerequisites: FREN 204 or equivalent.
FREN 341 | Teaching a Foreign Language | 3 cr
Current theories, practices, methods and materials pertinent to teaching a foreign language. Off-campus clinical experiences are an integral part of this course.
Prerequisites: TEDU 210, TEDU 230; admission to TEDU; FREN 301; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
FREN 350 | French Phonetics | 3 cr
Theory of French sounds in contrast to English, combined with practical laboratory training in pronunciation and orthography. Required of all intending to be teachers.
Prerequisites: FREN 204 or equivalent.
Offered: Fall (even years).
FREN 402 | Advanced Studies in French | 3 cr
Studies in French language, culture or literature. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: FREN 301 or equivalent or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
FREN 475 | Translation Internship | 1-3 cr
Translation interns work with area businesses and service agencies to furnish translations from and into French. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: FREN 301 or equivalent, French studies major, and consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
FREN 490 | Special Topics in French | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in French studies will be examined.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
FREN 494 | Fieldwork in French | 1-6 cr
Application of French in areas of community concern and in local business and industry. May be repeated for maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
FREN 495 | Senior Project | 3 cr
The senior project in French studies is designed to be a capstone experience which offers graduating students an opportunity to bring together several aspects of their French studies and general undergraduate course work in the form of an independent research project.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in French studies.
Offered: Spring.
FREN 499 | Independent Study | 1-3 cr
Available to qualified students under supervision of individual instructor. Normally, no more than 6 credits of Independent Study may be counted toward the major.
Prerequisites: Junior standing, consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Occasionally.
Courses in Italian
Students entering from high school must have placement test results (UW System placement tests offered at regional testing and at UW-Parkside) in order to enter ITAL 104, 203, and 204. The Modern Languages Department reserves the right to refuse access to any language class (including 103) to any student under the following circumstances:
- the student has not taken the placement exam, or
- the student’s previous experience in the study of the language makes enrollment in the class in question inappropriate.
ONCE STUDENTS HAVE TAKEN A COURSE IN THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE SEQUENCE (103-204) THEY MAY NOT AFTERWARDS TAKE A LOWER COURSE IN THE SEQUENCE FOR CREDIT.
ITAL 103 | Introductory Italian I | 3 cr
Develops basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Italian.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
ITAL 104 | Introductory Italian II | 3 cr
Continues development of basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Italian.
Prerequisites: ITAL 103 or equivalent.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy, CL-C Communication - Language
ITAL 203 | Intermediate Italian I | 4 cr
Develops of intermediate level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Italian. Frequency: Fall. Method: Traditional
Prerequisites: ITAL 104.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
ITAL 204 | Intermediate Italian II | 4 cr
Continued development of intermediate level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Italian.
Prerequisites: ITAL 203.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
Courses in Modern Languages
The program offers occasionally, under MODL 103 and 104, first-year courses in modern languages other than French, Italian or Spanish.
MODL D101 | Modern Language I: | 4 cr
MODL D103 | Modern Language I: | 4 cr
MODL D104 | Modern Language II: | 4 cr
MODL D211 | Modern Language III: | 4 cr
MODL 103 | Modern Language I: | 3 cr
Develops basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in a modern language other than those regularly offered. May be repeated with different language content.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
MODL 104 | Modern Language II: | 3 cr
Continues development of basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in a modern language other than those regularly offered. May be repeated with different language content.
Prerequisites: MODL 103 or equivalent.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy, CL-C Communication - Language
MODL 191 | Culture of Food: The French Case From Croissants to Champagne | 3 cr
Examines French culture, history, the geography, through the lens of French cuisine. Provides Cuisine samples when appropriate. Instruction is in English. Class Fee.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: MODL, CP Civics & Perspectives
MODL 203 | Intermediate Modern Language I | 4 cr
Continued training in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through conversation, composition and grammar review.
Prerequisites: MODL 104 in same language or equiv.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
MODL 204 | Intermediate Modern Language II | 4 cr
Continued training in listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through conversation, composition and grammar review.
Prerequisites: MODL 203 in same language or equiv.
Offered: Occasionally.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy
MODL 218 | French Life and Culture | 3 cr
Explores contemporary French culture and civilization.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Yearly.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: MODL, CP Civics & Perspectives
MODL 319 | Paris: The City and the People (in English) | 3 cr
Examines the city of Paris including the daily life of the people, its monuments, history, culture, and international significance. Taught in English and requires no familiarity with the French language. Requires travel and fees.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101, sophomore standing; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
MODL 347 | Post-1800 World Literature | 3 cr
Explores selected global literary and cultural texts produced after 1800. Emphasizes non-Western works, including those with indigenous foundations. Examines the broad historical context and draws from other fields to deepen our understanding of the human experience, particularly along cross-cultural lines. Cross-listed with: ENGL 347.
Prerequisites: ENGL 101 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
MODL 499 | Independent Study | 4 cr
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Occasionally.
Courses in Spanish
Students entering from high school must have placement test results (UW System placement tests offered at regional testing and at UW-Parkside) in order to enter SPAN 104, 203, 204, and 303. The Modern Languages Department reserves the right to refuse access to any language class (including 103) to any student under the following circumstances:
- the student has not taken the placement exam, or
- the student’s previous experience in the study of the language makes enrollment in the class in question inappropriate.
ONCE STUDENTS HAVE TAKEN A COURSE IN THE SPANISH LANGUAGE SEQUENCE (103-304 AND 303) THEY MAY NOT AFTERWARDS TAKE A LOWER COURSE IN THE SEQUENCE FOR CREDIT.
SPAN 103 | Introductory Spanish I | 3 cr
Develops basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish.
Prerequisites: Placement or no prior knowledge of Spanish.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
SPAN 104 | Introductory Spanish II | 3 cr
Continues development of listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish.
Prerequisites: SPAN 103 or equivalent or placement.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Meets: CL Communication & Literacy, CL-C Communication - Language
SPAN 111 | Spanish for Singers | 1 cr
To help university vocal and choral students gain theoretical understanding and practical mastery of diction in Spanish as pertains to specific, select songs and choral pieces being learned with texts in those languages. Does not count for credit toward Spanish major or minor.
Prerequisites: Enrollment in vocal music.
SPAN 203 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 cr
Reviews and further develops listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish.
Prerequisites: SPAN 104 or equivalent or placement exam.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: MODL, CL Communication & Literacy
SPAN 204 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 cr
Continues to review and further develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish.
Prerequisites: SPAN 203 or equivalent or placement exam.
Offered: Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: MODL, CL Communication & Literacy
SPAN 225 | Contemporary Hispanic Writers in the U.S.A. | 3 cr
An exploration of the literary works on contemporary Hispanic writers. May not be counted toward Spanish major when taught in English.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 275 | Spanish for Healthcare | 3 cr
Introduces language to develop cultural competency for providing healthcare services for the Hispanic community.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
SPAN 290 | Special Topics in Spanish | 1-3 cr
Selected topics in Spanish studies will be examined. May not be counted toward Spanish major when taught in English.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 303 | Spanish Grammar and Composition I | 3 cr
Covers essential points of grammar, emphasizing syntax and development of writing skills.
Offered: Fall.
SPAN 304 | Spanish Grammar and Composition II | 3 cr
Continues SPAN 303. Covers essential themes of grammar, emphasizing syntax of verbs and the acquiring terminology and skills to facilitate analysis.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Spring.
SPAN 307 | Advanced Spanish Conversation | 3 cr
Focus on improving oral proficiency through intensive conversation practice. Topics vary. May be repeated for up to 3 elective credits with different topic. May repeat for maximum 3 credits with different topic.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
SPAN 318 | Spanish Civilization and Culture | 3 cr
Presents and discusses historical, philosophical, and artistic elements of Spanish society. May be offered in Spanish or English.
Prerequisites: None in English, SPAN 303 in Spanish.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 319 | Latin American Civilization and Culture | 3 cr
Presents and discusses historical, philosophical and artistic elements of Latin America. May be offered in Spanish or English.
Prerequisites: None in English, SPAN 303 in Spanish.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 321 | Spanish and Spanish-American Literature to 1700 | 3 cr
Explores literature of the Spanish-speaking world. Includes American Pre-Colombian, Mozarabic, and Andalusian Arabic literature in translation in addition to Spanish literature of the Peninsula and its colonies.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Fall.
SPAN 322 | Spanish Literature Since 1700 | 3 cr
Explores Spanish peninsular literature since 1700.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Spring.
SPAN 325 | Spanish for the Professions | 3 cr
Develops Spanish-language skills needed in various professional fields. Emphasizes specialized vocabulary building, role play, and an understanding of Hispanic culture. Includes Spanish for law enforcement, social services, education, medicine, business, and communications.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
SPAN 335 | Spanish American Literature Since 1700 | 3 cr
Explores Spanish-American literature since 1700.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Spring.
SPAN 341 | Teaching a Foreign Language | 3 cr
Current theories, practices, methods and materials pertinent to teaching a foreign language. Off-campus clinical experiences are an integral part of this course.
Prerequisites: TEDU 210, TEDU 230; Admission to TEDU; SPAN 304 or SPAN 306 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 350 | Spanish Phonetics | 3 cr
Theory of Spanish sounds in contrast to English combined with practical laboratory training in pronunciation and orthography. Required of all intending teachers.
Prerequisites: SPAN 304 or equivalent.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 403 | Advanced Spanish Grammar | 3 cr
Analysis of questions of syntax and style; emphasis on idiomatic Spanish.
Prerequisites: SPAN 304 or equivalent.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 413 | Translation | 3 cr
Acquire techniques for translation from English to Spanish. Discuss general theory about common translation problems and practice translation to increase vocabulary and reinforce the structures of the Spanish language.
Prerequisites: SPAN 204 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 415 | Spanish for Journalism | 3 cr
Refines writing in Spanish through the process of creating and editing newsworthy articles.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 416 | Children's Literature | 3 cr
Examines the oral and written literature for children in the Spanish speaking world from the pre-Hispanic period to the present.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 417 | Spanish for Criminal Justice | 3 cr
Focuses on legal terminology and proceedings in order to help police officers and other professionals in criminal justice.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 419 | Spanish for Business | 3 cr
Focuses on business terminology and procedure for Spanish-speaking countries. Emphasizing written Spanish supplemented by conversational work.
Prerequisites: SPAN 303.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 420 | Topics in Spanish Literature and Culture | 3 cr
In-depth analysis of an aspect of the literature or culture of Spain. Content will vary. May repeat with different topic.
Prerequisites: SPAN 322 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
SPAN 423 | Medical Spanish I | 3 cr
Develops an understanding of the cultural underpinnings of the communicative issues between Hispanic patients and non-Hispanic practitioners in the United States. Focuses on vocabulary and tools necessary for the proper professional medical use of Spanish in clinical settings. Requires participation in clinical settings.
Offered: Fall.
SPAN 424 | Medical Spanish II | 3 cr
Continues the development of the cultural perspectives of Hispanic patients in health care settings. Introduces concepts and information necessary to understand basic principles of diseases and clinical testing. Requires participation in clinical settings.
Offered: Spring.
SPAN 435 | Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture: | 3 cr
In-depth analysis of an aspect of the literature or culture of Latin America. Content will vary. Course may be repeated under different subtitle.
Prerequisites: SPAN 304 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
SPAN 440 | Advanced Studies in Hispanic Literature in Translation | 3 cr
Study of representative Spanish and Latin American works in translation from the standpoint of analytic methods: approaches to critical analysis or problems in the theory of literature (genre theory, comparative study of themes or styles, discussion of literary movements). May be repeated for credit with different subject matters. May not be counted toward Spanish major.
Prerequisites: Junior standing.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 450 | Spanish Second Language Acquisition & Teaching Methods | 3 cr
Introduces field of Spanish second language acquisition. Examines major second language acquisition (SLA) theories and approaches. Focuses on areas of the Spanish language that present significant challenges to learners.
Offered: Fall.
SPAN 475 | Internship | 1-3 cr
Translation interns work with area businesses and service agencies to furnish translations from and into Spanish. May repeat for credit.
Prerequisites: SPAN 304, Spanish major and consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
SPAN 490 | Special Topics in Spanish | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in Spanish studies will be examined.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 494 | Fieldwork in Spanish | 1-6 cr
Application of Spanish in areas of community concern and in local business and industry. May be repeated for maximum of 6 credits.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Offered: Occasionally.
SPAN 495 | Senior Seminar | 1 cr
Students will develop portfolios that highlight their language skills and review/synthesize their course work in the major.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in Spanish and consent of instructor required.
Offered: Spring.
SPAN 499 | Independent Study | 1-3 cr
Available to qualified students under supervision of individual instructor. Normally, no more than 6 credits of Independent Study may be counted toward the major. Freq: Occasionally.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Occasionally.