Catalog

Modern Languages and Cultures

Helene Laroche-Davis
Chair
(650) 508-3558
hdavis@ndnu.edu

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures offers minors in French Studies and Spanish Studies and the opportunity to create interdisciplinary majors and minors.

Students are encouraged to gain practical experience outside the classroom by engaging in internships with international companies and agencies both in the USA and abroad to prepare for future careers in international business, education, diplomacy, travel and translation.

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Learning Outcomes

By providing a range of courses in the language, culture, literature, film, and business of the French- and Spanish-speaking worlds, the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures enables all NDNU students to:

  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of foreign cultures including foreign languages, societies, art, religion, history and politics.
  • Develop improved communication skills in a language other than English and acquire proficiency in the target language.
  • Understand and respect differences in diverse societies and critically evaluate his or her personal responsibility and role in working toward a just society.
  • Apply information technology skills to research languages and cultures, preparing for professions in a high tech, global world.
  • Understand the personal and professional value of international travel and internships.

Please see the Common Core section of the Core Curriculum Requirements for more information concerning the Culture and Language Requirement.

Study Abroad

Study Abroad, which may be undertaken for a summer, a semester, or a whole year, is highly recommended and a popular way for students to hone their language skills, experience living in another culture, and undergo significant personal growth. Study Abroad programs are available in the French- and Spanish-speaking areas of the world and are open to all Notre Dame de Namur University students. Students minoring in French Studies or Spanish Studies will be encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. Courses
taken abroad may be applied to a student's degree at NDNU as appropriate. Financial aid is usually available.

Culture and Language

Culture and Language Courses (CUL) are taught in English and offer students basic language content in addition to a study of the cultural heritage of a specific area of the world. They are specifically for students studying for a Bachelor of Science degree who decide that they prefer to substitute two Culture and Language courses for regular language courses in French or Spanish.

Note: BS students may not use the same coursework to satisfy both the Culture and Language and the Cultural Diversity Core Curriculum Requirements.

Minor in French Studies

French Studies minors have the option of concentrating in literature, culture, or business culture. Students may choose to double-minor, combining French with such disciplines as business, sociology, psychology, communications, political science, or history. These combinations prepare students for future work in companies with ties in Canada, Europe, and Africa, as well as in government organizations and teaching institutions.

Minor Requirement Units 12
Twelve units chosen from the following:  
CUL2100 Introduction to French Literature in Film (1-3)  
CUL2108 French Cinema, Culture, and Language  
CUL2124 Modern France: Culture and Language  
CUL2135 Business Culture of France vs. USA (1-3)  
CUL2140 Business French II (1-3)  
CUL2400 African Cinema, Culture, and Language  
FRE2100 Advanced Conversation I (1-3)  
FRE2108 Advanced Conversation II (1- 3)  
FRE2116 Pronunciation in Cultural Context (1-3)  
FRE2124 French Society in Texts and Films  
FRE2132 French Today (1-3)  
FRE2134 Introduction to French Civilization (1-3)  
FRE2140 Women in French Literature  
FRE2886 Special Topics (1-3)  
FRE2994 Teaching Assistant (1-3)  
HST2200 History, Culture, and Language of France I  
HST2210 History, Culture, and Language of France II  
     
Total Unit Requirement   12

Latin American Studies

Students interested in Latin American Studies may choose from the following courses that combine proficiency in the Spanish language with the study of the history, politics, literature, art, music, culture, and values of the Spanish-speaking people of Mexico, South and Central America, and the United States.

Latin American Studies courses include:

CUL2200 Mexico: Politics, Culture, and Language  
CUL2208 Central America: Politics, Culture, and Language  
CUL2216 Andean Nations: Politics, Culture, and Language  
CUL2224 Indigenous Cultures of Latin America  
CUL2232 Latino/Hispanic Experience in the USA  
CUL2240 Mexican American Literature, Language, and Film  
CUL2248 Culture and Language of Latin America through Film  
CUL2500 Service Learning: Spanish Community Service Project
CUL2999 Independent Study in Latin American Studies (1-3)  
SPA2106 Spanish Conversation through Theatre  
SPA2108 La herencia cultural de latinoamérica  
SPA2116 “Reel” Latin America: A Continent through Film**  
SPA2124 Spanish for a Bilingual World: Community Service and Business (1-3)
SPA2135 Introducción a la literatura latinoaméricana  

Minor in Spanish Studies

The Minor in Spanish Studies emphasizes building skills and fluency in the Spanish language, especially for career purposes.

Minor Requirements Units  
     
Complete 12 upper-division units from the following, of which at least six units must be taught in Spanish: 12
     
CUL2232 Latino/Hispanic Experience in the USA  
CUL2240 Mexican American Literature, Language, and Film  
CUL2248 Culture and Language of Latin America through Film  
CUL2250 Literature of Latin America  
CUL2500 Service Learning: Spanish Community Service Project (1-3)
SPA2100 Advanced Spanish: Composition and Grammar Review
SPA2106 Spanish Conversation through Theatre  
SPA2108 La herencia cultural de latinoamérica  
SPA2116 “Reel” Latin America: A Continent through Film**  
SPA2124 Spanish for a Bilingual World: Community Service and Business
SPA2125 Spanish for Professionals  
SPA2135 Introducción a la literatura latinoaméricana  
     
Total Unit Requirement 12