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Courses
- American Sign Language
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Spanish
- World Languages & Cultures
American Sign Language
ASL 001: BEGINNING AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE I, 3 credit hrs.
The central focus of this course is the development of basic expressive and receptive ASL communication skills. The course introduces ASL syntax, grammar and idiomatic usage. Students begin to develop the visual-spatial acuity and non-manual skills necessary for communication in ASL. Students will be exposed to Deafness and Deaf Culture. A Levels of Competence specific for ASL linguistic development will be available on Blackboard. Students are encouraged to video themselves practicing their signs as it will help them expressively and receptively in their practicing on their own time. Students are also encouraged to use the book’s DVD for additional receptive practice as well as research several online signing clips for additional practice and use of technology. Mango is utilized by the Department of World Languages and Cultures and provides critical opportunity for ASL language acquisition. At times, the online course will be incorporated within class practice but, at all times, students are encouraged to utilize this language tool through the Cowles Library at Drake.
ASL 002: BEGINNING AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE II, 3 credit hrs.
This course introduces students to American Sign Language (receptive and expressive), the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture. Instruction is given using the “natural” approach, which allows learners to develop communicative and cultural competence very quickly. Class activities will include class conversations and collaborative activities, study and analysis of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, discussion of information given in the Signing Naturally Student Workbook and other distributed reading assignments, signed questions and answers to questions based on course content. Supplemental video tapes, written materials and occasional Deaf guest speakers (as can be arranged), will be used to reinforce and augment class content. Prerequisite: ASL 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
ASL 070: DEAF CULTURE, 3 credit hrs.
In this course, students will develop the ability to understand how Deaf people perceive themselves; appreciate the differences between the traditional views of Deafness held by hearing people (medical model) and those held by Deaf people (socio-cultural model); understand the criteria for membership in Deaf Culture; understand the rules of behavior, values, beliefs and etiquette of Deaf Culture; relate to Deaf people with the attitude that they are equals; reject paternalism as a basis for dealing with Deaf people; and recognize the diversity of individuals within the Deaf Community. There is no prerequisite. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
Arabic
ARAB 001: BEGINNING ARABIC I, 3 credit hrs.
This course will lay down the foundation of modern standard Arabic; starting with learning the alphabet, the sound of each letter, learning vocabulary, listening, reading and writing skills. The course then will cover some basic knowledge in Arabic grammar, pronouns, and conversation in daily life topics, such as meetings and greetings, countries and languages, and managing conversations about travel using Arabic language in the conversation.
ARAB 002: BEGINNING ARABIC II, 3 credit hrs.
This course will continue building the foundation of modern standard Arabic, including some more grammar, listening, reading and writing, and conversational skills in more topics, such as daily activities, clothing, foods and meals, adjectives and house-related conversations. Prerequisite: ARAB 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
To learn about Arabic culture, see WLC 153 below.
Chinese
CHIN 001: BEGINNING MANDARIN CHINESE I, 3 credit hrs.
CHIN 001 will help you develop functional language ability – the ability to use Mandarin Chinese in linguistically and socially appropriate ways by covering the topics in daily life. A Chinese environment will be created in the classroom setting and through communicative group activities so that you will develop confidence with your language skills. Specifically, the course will be taught in a proficiency-oriented and task-based communicative approach. Students will also focus on learning Chinese characters. This approach helps to build two dimensions of competency: linguistic and cultural. By the end of the semester, students are expected to possess the linguistic competence to ask and answer questions to obtain/provide information related to daily activities and immediate needs and also to take part in simple face-to-face conversations.
CHIN 002: BEGINNING MANDARIN CHINESE II, 3 credit hrs.
This course is a continuation of CHIN 001. Students continue to engage in and enhance their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students become more experienced in using Chinese to interact with classmates. In addition, the course will continue to focus on various aspects of Chinese culture. This approach helps to build two dimensions of competency: linguistic and cultural. By the end of the semester, students are expected to possess the linguistic competence to ask and answer questions to obtain/provide information related to daily activities and immediate needs and also to take part simple face-to-face conversations. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: CHIN 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
To learn about Chinese culture, see WLC 154 below.
French
FREN 001: BEGINNING FRENCH I, 3 credit hrs.
This course is designed for students with no previous experience with French. Students develop abilities in speaking, writing, reading, listening and intercultural competence. Cultural topics include those from both France and the Francophone world.
FREN 002: BEGINNING FRENCH II, 3 credit hrs.
This course builds on the skills introduced in FREN 001. An emphasis is placed on interpersonal speaking, presentational speaking, reading, writing and listening in French. Additionally, the cultures of France and the Francophone world are examined with a specific focus on how differences and similarities between cultures affect how one experiences the world. Students will thus become aware of their own cultural biases and realize the power dynamics behind being able to or not being able to communicate in a language other than their native one. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: FREN 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
FREN 003: INTERMEDIATE FRENCH I, 3 credit hrs.
Designed for those with one year of college-level French or the equivalent, this course develops all the language skills with an emphasis on listening and speaking. Activities include role playing, self-expression and discussion of cultural and literary texts. Emphasis on grammar review and acquisition of vocabulary. Frequent audio and video exercises. Prerequisite: FREN 002 or equivalent.
FREN 004: INTERMEDIATE FRENCH II, 3 credit hrs.
The goal of this course is that students will be able to read, speak and understand French and will develop enhanced understanding of the cultures in which French is used. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: FREN 003 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
FREN 140: FRENCH PRACTICAL SPEAKING & WRITING, 3 credit hrs.
This course focuses on practical/authentic written and oral communication skills and students are expected to be able to function in the target language environment utilizing the basic knowledge they have learned in the previous courses. Prerequisite: FREN 004 or equivalent.
FREN 150: TOPICS, 3 credit hrs.
This course is open to those who have successfully completed five semesters of French study (the equivalent of FREN 004). It concentrates on further developing and refining proficiency in all four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, in addition to strengthening overall cultural competency. Students will acquire vocabulary and usage for more complex interactions with native speakers as well as skills that will allow them to approach and analyze a wider range of texts. Topics vary depending on the instructor’s and the students’ interests. Students may repeat this course as the topic varies. Prerequisite: FREN 004 or equivalent.
German
GERM 001: BEGINNING GERMAN I, 3 credit hrs.
A beginning content- and task-based course that focuses on the acquisition of spoken and written communication skills as well as on the development of cultural awareness and of foundations in grammar and vocabulary. Topics include areas such as school, family life and housing. Course materials include a variety of authentic readings, a feature film and shorter video clips.
GERM 002: BEGINNING GERMAN II, 3 credit hrs.
This is a content- and task-based course that focuses on the acquisition of communicative competence in speaking, reading, writing and listening as well as on the development of strong cultural awareness. As students realize what their competencies are or are not, they will become aware of how speaking another language provides one with significant privileges. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Topics include areas such as multiculturalism, food, childhood and travel, units on Switzerland and Austria, etc. Course materials include a variety of authentic readings and short video clips. Prerequisite: GERM 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
GERM 003: INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I, 3 credit hrs.
This course builds on and expands knowledge acquired in GERM 002. It is a content- and task-based course that helps students improve their oral and written linguistic skills and their cultural awareness through a variety of materials related to German literature, culture, history and politics. Course materials include authentic readings, a feature film and shorter video clips. Prerequisite: GERM 002 or equivalent.
GERM 004: INTERMEDIATE GERMAN II, 3 credit hrs.
This course builds on and expands knowledge acquired in GERM 003. It is a content- and task-based course that helps students improve their oral and written linguistic skills and their cultural awareness through a variety of materials related to literature, culture, history and politics of German-speaking countries. The history of Germany renders it one of the best examples demonstrating the role of language in terms of power dynamics and privilege. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: GERM 003 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
GERM 140: GERMAN PRACTICAL SPEAKING & WRITING, 3 credit hrs.
German 140 is a course in German in which spoken and written communication are emphasized in order to develop the reading and writing skills necessary to comprehend, discuss and produce authentic-sounding German texts. Students will be able to comfortably and accurately express themselves in German after being introduced to a series of cultural readings including some literary selections. Prerequisite: GERM 004 or equivalent.
GERM 150: TOPICS, 3 credit hrs.
A course for language learners with advanced skills that aims to enhance fluency in the target language and develop greater knowledge of its culture. Students research a specific topic in the language under study, then present and explore their findings. Students may repeat this course as the topic varies. Prerequisite: GERM 004 or equivalent.
Italian
ITAL 001: BEGINNING ITALIAN I, 3 credit hrs.
This is a beginning course with extensive practice in speaking, reading, writing and listening and a thorough introduction to Italian grammar. Activities include work in groups and pairs, role-playing and conversation. This course provides an introduction to Italian culture through readings and films.
ITAL 002: BEGINNING ITALIAN II, 3 credit hrs.
ITAL 002 is the second semester of an introduction to Italian language and culture. The course focuses on fundamental communication skills in the areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It also expands students’ basic cultural understanding of Italian culture. Speaking and pronunciation receive particular emphases. Prerequisite: ITAL 001 or equivalent.
Japanese
JAPN 001: BEGINNING JAPANESE I, 3 credit hrs.
Japanese 001 is for students with no previous experience with the Japanese language. The course covers hiragana, katakana, greetings, self-introductions, basic Japanese structures and expressions used to describe directions and locations. Students have opportunities to explore Japanese life and culture through Japanese cultural learning weblogs.
JAPN 002: BEGINNING JAPANESE II, 3 credit hrs.
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Japanese 001 or students with the equivalent Japanese proficiency. This course focuses on basic communication skills in modern Japanese with an emphasis on grammatical accuracy and socio-cultural appropriateness. Emphasis is also placed on cultural learning and critical thinking skills. Students will read about and analyze socio-cultural and sociopolitical issues related to modern Japan, including power dynamics, institutional exclusion and a self-examination of cultural biases. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: JAPN 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
JAPN 003: INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE I, 3 credit hrs.
Japanese 003 covers the last four chapters of the beginning level Japanese text book, Nakama 1. Thematic foci include: restaurants, invitations, family members, seasons, weather, annual events, and past experiences. While exploring the given themes, students learn vocabulary and sentence structures related to making choices, making proposals, making inferences, expressing opinions, expressing hearsay, and so on. This course introduces over 70 new Kanji related to the assigned themes. Emphasis is also placed on cultural learning through assignments and activities both in and out of the classroom. Prerequisite: JAPN 002 or equivalent.
JAPN 004: INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE II, 3 credit hrs.
This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Japanese 003 or students with the equivalent Japanese proficiency. This course will reinforce and expand on communication skills acquired through elementary level courses with an emphasis on linguistic accuracy and socio-cultural appropriateness. Emphasis is also placed on cultural learning and critical thinking skills. Being able to communicate interculturally in a culturally appropriate fashion is a key concept of this course. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: JAPN 003 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
JAPN 140: JAPANESE PRACTICAL SPEAKING & WRITING, 3 credit hrs.
Japanese 140 is for students who have mastery of basic Japanese. Through the given themes, students learn vocabularies and sentence structures to express purposes, possibility, desires, favors, request for permission, and so on. Thematic foci include: future plan, directions, gifts, and employment. Cultural learning is also emphasized. Prerequisite: JAPN 004 or equivalent.
JAPN 150: JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE, 3 credit hrs.
Japanese 150 is for students who are prepared to move to advanced level Japanese. Through given themes, students will explore variety of expressions, sentence structures, and socio-cultural issues in comtemporal Japan. Thematic foci include: complaints, environments, and other selected current social topics. Students may repeat this course as the topic varies. Prerequisite: JAPN 140 or equivalent.
JAPN 153: JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE ISSUES I, 3 credit hrs.
Japanese 153 is designed for students who have successfully completed Japanese 140 or students with equivalent Japanese proficiency. This course focuses on complex grammatical structures, vocabulary, expressions, and kanji to appropriately interact and function in various situations. By the end of the semester, students will be able to engage in daily communications such as customs and regulations, performance of favor, express complaints, express respect to social superiors, etc. While reinforcing the communication skills acquired through previous courses, this course will also prepare students to comprehend and discuss Japanese materials related to socio-cultural issues of modern Japan. Prerequisite: JAPN 140 or equivalent.
JAPN 154: JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE ISSUES II, 3 credit hrs.
Japanese 154 is designed for students who have successfully completed Japanese 153, or students with equivalent Japanese proficiency. This course introduces higher-level grammar and expressions while reinforcing previously-learned materials. Students will comprehend authentic Japanese materials regarding Japanese daily lives and appropriately express themselves in various formats and in various social settings. Students also will enhance their understanding of Japanese society and be able to analyze and discuss cultural issues of modern Japan. Prerequisite: JAPN 153 or equivalent.
JAPN 170: INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1 to 3 credit hrs.
Students enrolled in this course utilize their language skills to pursue an area of interest while working directly with a professor of the language.
Spanish
SPAN 001: BEGINNING SPANISH I, 3 credit hrs.
Spanish 001 is the first semester of an introductory course to Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. This course emphasizes communication and the improvement of your listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. You will also become increasingly familiar with the cultures of Spain and Latin America. The approach used to reach these goals requires consistent participation and interaction with your classmates, your native speaker and your professor. Class time will be used primarily to engage in activities that will include active physical participation, dialogues, skits, group work and conversations with classmates.
SPAN 002: BEGINNING SPANISH II, 3 credit hrs.
This is the second semester of an introduction to Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. This course emphasizes communication and the improvement of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in Spanish. The approach used to reach these goals requires consistent participation and interaction with your classmates and the professor. Class time will be used primarily to engage in activities that will include active physical participation, dialogues, skits, group work and conversations with classmates. Students will also become increasingly familiar with the cultures of Spain and Latin America. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Students will examine cultures other than their own and simultaneously examine their own cultural biases and ethnocentrism. Prerequisite: SPAN 001 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
SPAN 003: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I, 3 credit hrs.
This is a course designed to promote communicative competence. Students are expected to learn to use Spanish for communication in real, meaningful situations and to develop an appreciation of all the different cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. To attain these goals, this course focuses on using Spanish as much as possible during the seminars with the professor and also when interacting in small groups with a conversation tutor (a native speaker). Prerequisite: SPAN 002 or equivalent.
SPAN 004: INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II, 3 credit hrs.
This course is content-based and designed to promote communicative and cultural competence. Students will develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills as they discuss current affairs, short films, films and literary prose. This course focuses on using Spanish as much as possible during class with classmates and the professor, and it encourages students to apply Spanish outside the classroom setting. Students will also develop an appreciation of all the different cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. Students will examine how learning a language enables access to, or exclusion from, various types of privilege. Course materials, exams and assignments will also enable students to reflect on how becoming a new language learner encourages empathy and understanding in a variety of local and global contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN 003 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
SPAN 135: SPANISH MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY, 3 credit hrs.
A course designed to help anyone interested in healthcare to communicate with those patients whose native language is Spanish. Learn how to quickly address health-specific issues like medical complaints and insurance information, comprehending symptoms described by Spanish-speaking patients, and much more. Even more important, understanding key Spanish phrases assures the health and safety of everyone involved. Spanish Medical Terminology and Healthcare is designed for students in the fields of nursing, pre-medical programs, biology, and pharmacology students in the fields of nursing, knowledge of medical terms and basic human anatomy. Upon completion, students should be able to communicate at a functional level with native speakers and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity. Prerequisite: SPAN 004 or equivalent.
SPAN 136: BASIC METHODS OF BILINGUAL MEDICAL INTERPRETING, 3 credit hrs.
(Previously known as Bilingual Medical Interpreting I.) This course is an introduction to the practical aspects of interpreting. Students will become proficient with basic concepts in interpreting including profession-specific terminology, interpreting as a profession, the various settings in which interpreters work, the role of the interpreter, and processing the information related to management skills and professional standards. The student will learn how to perform efficiently as a bilingual medical interpreter by engaging in several role-play sessions throughout the semester, thereby applying their linguistic and cultural skills. Prerequisite: SPAN 004 or equivalent.
SPAN 139: APPLIED SPANISH MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY, 3 credit hrs.
(Previously known as Bilingual Medical Interpreting IV.) The course covers medical terminology via asynchronous discussions in class, text reading assignments, homework problems, and assessments in the Spanish language. Emphasis will be to recognize, evaluate and deduce meanings of medical words by applying word-building rules. Study will be directed to define parts of words and to apply word-building rules to form words from suffixes, prefixes, and roots in the combining form. An additional focus of study will be to define and use words pertaining to the digestive system, reproductive systems, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, blood, lymphatic and immune systems, musculoskeletal system and skin, sense organs, endocrine system, oncology, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, pharmacology, and psychiatry in the Spanish language. Students will learn how to ask and answer questions crucial to quality healthcare. By taking this course, students will gain the skills to effectively communicate with their Spanish-speaking patients. Prerequisite: SPAN 004 or equivalent.
SPAN 140: SPANISH PRACTICAL SPEAKING & WRITING, 3 credit hrs.
Spanish 140 is a course in Spanish spoken and written communication that emphasizes the development of reading and writing skills necessary to comprehend, discuss and produce authentic Spanish texts. Students will be able to fully express in Spanish after being introduced to a series of readings about literature and culture, and convey what is on their minds, both in writing and speaking. Emphasis is also placed on technology-based learning, learning strategies and critical thinking skills that will enhance your language learning. Prerequisite: SPAN 004 or equivalent.
SPAN 141: SPANISH FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, 3 credit hrs.
(Previously known as Bilingual Medical Interpreting II.) This course focuses on the role of the healthcare provider as it relates to patient care in the triadic encounter between healthcare provider, patient, and bilingual medical interpreter. This course introduces the student to examples of medical procedures within the context of real-life triadic situations. Students taking this course will learn different types of memory techniques, engage in intense instruction on cultural competency, and engage in an introduction to medical terminology for interpreters and an introduction to specific sections on anatomy and physiology, including the digestive and skeletal systems. The student will learn how to perform efficiently as a bilingual medical interpreter by engaging in several role-play sessions throughout the semester, thereby applying their linguistic skills. Prerequisite: SPAN 004 or equivalent and SPAN 140.
SPAN 142: SPANISH FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, 3 credit hrs.
(Previously known as Bilingual Medical Interpreting III.) This simple and enjoyable Spanish for Medical Professionals course will give students the basic tools they need to bridge the “communication gap.” This course complements the career of students interested in various medical fields of study by interacting with Spanish-speaking patients. The course focuses on the skills necessary to perform as a bilingual medical interpreter, covering the medical terminology of anatomy and physiology pertaining to the reproductive and respiratory systems in the target language. Furthermore, the student will learn and apply knowledge related to mental health encounters, triadic encounters in the emergency room and the rules and regulations that are required to work proficiently as a professional in the field of medical interpretation. The student will learn how to perform efficiently as a bilingual medical interpreter by engaging in several role-play sessions throughout the semester, thereby applying their linguistic skills. Prerequisite: SPAN 004 or equivalent and SPAN 140.
SPAN 150: TOPICS, 3 credit hrs.
A course for language learners with advanced skills that aims to enhance fluency in the target language and develop greater knowledge of its culture. Students research a specific topic in the language under study, then present and explore their findings during practice sessions which are held 3 hours per week with a native-speaker language partner. Students may repeat this course as the topic varies. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent.
SPAN 151: NATIONAL IDENTITY IN A TRANSNATIONAL AGE, 3 credit hrs.
Spanish 151 is a course designed to introduce students to the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Students explore the cultural issues in the Spanish-speaking countries that arise as their national identities are challenged by the strengthening of transnational and sub-national identities. As students explore Spanish- speaking countries' historical development, they will analyze aspects and issues of their social, economic, artistic, intellectual, and political life in an attempt to build global awareness and understanding among citizens of the world. This course is taught in Spanish. Students may take this course twice as the topic varies. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
SPAN 152: SPANISH FILM, 3 credit hrs.
Students view, discuss, and write about Spanish-language films in Spanish. Students demonstrate knowledge of the culture necessary for a broader understanding of the films through discussion and writing. Students may take this course twice as the topic varies. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding, Artistic Experience.
SPAN 153: CULTURE AND SOCIETY, 3 credit hrs.
The Spanish language interacts with many languages around the world, such as Mayan, Amerindian and other indigenous languages in Latin America; and Basque, Catalan and Galician in Europe. In the United States, multiple varieties of Spanish interact with English. This course explores societal, religious, historical and political contexts that arise within the shared spaces and cultures. Students may take this course twice as the topic varies. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent. AOI: Historical Foundations, Engaged Citizen.
SPAN 154: CULTURAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES, 3 credit hrs.
This course aims to arm future healthcare providers with the communicative strategies and cultural and linguistic competency necessary for effective communication with Hispanic populations to create positive health outcomes and to eliminate health barriers and disparities. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent. AOI: Critical Thinking. Equity and Inclusion Designation.
SPAN 155: SPANISH FOR BUSINESS, 3 credit hrs.
Spanish 155 is a contemporary Spanish business language course that seeks to develop written and spoken language skills of intermediate to advanced students, focusing on real business situations from the Spanish-speaking world. This course provides functional vocabulary and discourse used in Spanish for relevant business-related topics, including protocol, international markets, labor organizations, banking, health systems, customer service, import-export, mass media, tourism, real estate, and social responsibility. Students in this course participate in formal and informal conversations on practical and socio-cultural topics about the Spanish language and relevant themes from authentic readings and listening materials from the business environment of Spain and Latin America. Emphasis is also placed on technology-based learning, cultural learning, learning strategies, and critical thinking skills that will enhance students’ language learning. Student final projects will include an experiential component that applies socio-cultural themes studied during the semester. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent.
SPAN 156: WOMEN OF INFLUENCE, 3 credit hrs.
This interdisciplinary course highlights women's impact on society in areas such as health, business, environment, education, media, politics, and the arts (art, music, film, literature). Through primary and secondary sources including newspaper articles, documentaries, art, films, literature, and testimonials, students will expand their understanding of ways women have resisted and broken societal norms that suppress human rights and advancements in the region. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent.
SPAN 157: LEGENDS AND MYTHS, 3 credit hrs.
This course will introduce students to primary and secondary sources to comprehend the historical and cultural value of legends and myths, encouraging students to further their language skills through the study of oral tradition. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent.
SPAN 160: SPANISH LITERATURE, 3 credit hrs.
This course aims to develop a deeper understanding of language, literary analysis, terminology and concepts of literature in Spanish. Literary texts, oral tradition and genres such as narratives, poetry, drama, testimonials, mythology and legends and urban literature will provide a basis to explore social and historical contexts of Spanish-speaking regions and cultures. Students may take this course twice as the topic varies. Prerequisite: SPAN 140 or equivalent. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
SPAN 165: CAPSTONE PROJECT FOR SPANISH MAJORS, 3 credit hrs.
Each student pursuing the Spanish major must complete a capstone project through this course that demonstrates proficiency in Spanish language and competency in the culture(s) of the Spanish-speaking world. This is a directed-study course that requires a project in which the student, in close consultation with the course's faculty member, selects a topic related to Spanish, Latin American, or US Latino cultural studies, history, literature, or linguistics; carries out a project on that topic; develops and presents the results of this project in Spanish; and engages in scholarly and collegial discussion with peers and faculty. Prerequisite: senior status or instructor's approval.
SPAN 170: INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1 to 3 credit hrs.
Students enrolled in this course utilize their language skills to pursue an area of interest while working directly with a professor of the language.
World Languages & Cultures
WLC 080: THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE I, 1 credit hr.
This course prepares students for their study abroad experience through familiarization with the 10 most important cultural stress factors (cultural differences, ethnocentrism, cultural immersion, cultural isolation, language, prior cultural experience, expectations, visibility and invisibility, status and power and control; Paige [1993]). Students' examining their own identity and culture is integral to this familiarization process. Students will also examine their own learning styles so as to facilitate their increased competence in language and culture. Finally, students plan ahead for their re-entry into the Drake environment.
WLC 081: THE STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE II, 1 credit hr.
This course encourages students studying abroad to interact with members of the culture by requiring them to complete a variety of functions. Completion of each of the functions will be required for passing the course. The students then blog about their experiences and read the blogs of other students studying abroad and taking the course. Prerequisite: WLC 080.
WLC 082: STUDY ABROAD EXPERIENCE III, 3 credit hrs.
Students enrolled in the course engage in interdisciplinary work while examining global/local issues with a holistic approach. Students attend weekly class meetings; prepare, present and attend end-of-term student presentations on their capstone projects; and write a reflective report relating their internationally-oriented coursework, language courses, study-abroad experiences, capstone project and related studies to their overall education and personal and career goals.
WLC 148: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION, 3 credit hrs.
This course focuses on the applied understanding of basic concepts and principles regarding communication between people from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds/cultures in the context of both the globalizing world and the U.S. Through reading, discussing, writing about, and reflecting on relevant texts and films, you will become acquainted not only with some of the theory and research in the area of intercultural communication, but also with how to apply that knowledge with the goal of understanding and improving human interactions in both global and domestic contexts. Special attention will be paid to the barriers that exist between cultures that may potentially disrupt attempts at fluid intercultural communication, as well as the means to circumvent those barriers. By developing insights into the social, cultural, and historical dimensions of relations among racial, ethnic, and gender groups, you will make progress toward achieving one of the course’s major goals: becoming aware of “cultural relativism” as an ethical guiding principle that results in respecting other cultures more than is the case when ethnocentrism is the guiding principle. Cultural relativism is the practice of examining or considering a culture other than one’s own culture through the lens of that culture prior to evaluating or judging it. We will also consider in some depth the role of the media in creating and diffusing information that affects intercultural communication. Thinking critically about issues such as these will help you demonstrate what Drake’s Mission Statement refers to as “responsible global citizenship.” AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Designation.
WLC 150: TOPICS, 1 to 3 credit hrs.
The topic of this course will vary. Students may take the course more than once if the topic has changed.
WLC 151: INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN DIASPORA STUDIES, 3 credit hrs.
This course examines the varied experience of the African diaspora in the United States. It is an interdisciplinary review of the different paths of past and recent waves of African immigrants from the causes of their migration to the social, cultural, and economic adaptation in the fabric of the United States. We will map out the heterogeneous mosaic of "People of African descent" in America and discuss how they adjust, integrate, assimilate, resist, and adapt to the many forces that affect their lives. We shall pay special attention to identity formation, ethnic culture and community challenges and successes. We will also discuss the historical links between Africa and America, as well as the contemporary American perceptions and misperceptions towards Africa. This course is taught in English. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
WLC 152: INTRODUCTION TO POST-COLONIAL AFRICA, 3 credit hrs.
This course is designed to provide students with an informed understanding of postcolonial Africa’s key issues. Through lectures, readings, films, discussions, case studies, reportage of current events and independent research, we challenge some American/Western reductionist and stereotyped narratives and images about Africa and Africans, and emphasize the way Africans (ordinary people, writers, artists, etc.) represent themselves, their continent -- its beauty and its challenges -- and their experiences. Selected topics include postcolonial African worldview, sociohistorical foundations of Western misconceptions about Africa, young people’s lifestyle, common cultural practices and perspectives, ethnicity and racial identity, emigration, women’s issues, art and music, challenges and transformations in the continent, etc. Through this interdisciplinary perspective and our “postcolonial” approach, students will develop tools of critical inquiry and increase awareness of themselves compared to others as citizens of a globalized world. This course is taught in English.
WLC 153: INTRODUCTION TO MODERN ARAB CULTURE, 3 credit hrs.
This course will help students better understand the main characteristics of the Arab people, their culture, and their society. The course will closely examine Arabs origins, identities, and values as well as the importance of family and language. Many other things will be examined including: classic and contemporary poetry, music, Arab thought, and the novel. The course will also include a discussion of the Arab Spring, the Syrian Refugee tragedy, and the contemporary crisis of the Arab Culture, including the social, intellectual, and political issues connected to modern Arab culture and thought. In addition, an understanding of Islam and Islamic community is necessary to fully appreciate this region of the world and its people. This course is taught in English. AOI: Global and Cultural Understanding.
WLC 154: INTRODUCTION TO CHINESE CULTURE, 3 credit hrs.
The course will cover social, cultural, political and economic aspects of China. It will not only help the students better understand an otherwise mystifying country, but, more importantly, stimulate the students’ thinking in regard to China. The ultimate goal is for the students to shape a more sophisticated strategy in their future career encounters, both in international relations, business negotiations, and general familiarity with China. This course is taught in English.
WLC 170: INDEPENDENT STUDY, 1 to 3 credit hrs.
Students enrolled in this course utilize their language skills to pursue an area of interest while working directly with a professor of the language.
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