Modern Languages

Si Ud. es hispanohablante o si su competencia lingüística en español es equivalente a la de un hispanohablante, por favor, póngase en contacto con el Departamento para que reciba instrucciones sobre el breve test que debe hacer con el fin de determinar su nivel de lengua y el curso al que puede inscribirse.

If you have:

• No previous training in Spanish, or High School, or CEGEP Introductory Spanish I, register for SPAN 200 or 201.
• CEGEP Introductory Spanish II or CEGEP Intermediate Spanish I, register for SPAN 202.
• CEGEP Intermediate Spanish II or beyond, register for SPAN 240 or 241.

If you do not fall into any of these categories, see the Language testing section below.

Offered in 2026-2027

• SPAN 200 Introductory Spanish: Intensive Course (6 credits)
• SPAN 201 Introductory Spanish I (3 credits)
• SPAN 202 Introductory Spanish II (3 credits)
• SPAN 240 Intermediate Spanish: Intensive Course (6 credits)
• SPAN 301 Grammar and the Process of Writing I (3 credits)
• SPAN 303 Critical Reading of Hispanic Texts (3 credits)
• SPAN 363 Cultures of the Southern Cone and the Andean Region (3 credits)
• SPAN 474 Translation for Specific Fields (3 credits)
• SPAN 490 Honours Project (3 credits) 

The descriptions for these special topics courses do not appear in the Undergraduate Calendar:

SPAN 398 Spanish Culture in North America (3 credits)

Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or 242.

This course examines cultural representations of the historical interactions between Spain and Anglo- and Franco-North America. Topics may include the impact of the Spanish Civil War in Montreal and across Canada, works by writers and artists who fled to Ontario and the Eastern US during the Franco dictatorship, and the role of Spaniards in the construction of North American Hispanism.

SPAN 398 The Spanish American Fantastic Short Story (3 credits)

Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or 242.

Is reality real? What is the fantastic? What is the meaning of the fantastic in Spanish America? This course explores the origins, development, and cultural significance of the Spanish American fantastic short story from the late nineteenth century to the present. Through close readings of key authors such as Rubén Darío, Felisberto Hernández, Julio Cortázar, Jorge Luis Borges, and Gabriel García Márquez, among others, the course explores the specifically Spanish American ways of questioning the boundaries between reality and fiction, and how these narrative strategies reflect broader cultural concerns. Special attention will be given to understanding the emergence and aesthetic function of magical realism as a distinctive form within the region’s literary imagination.

SPAN 398 The Indigenous Dimension of Spanish American Culture (3 credits)

Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or 242.

 This course examines the role and significance of Indigenous cultures in shaping Hispanic American society, both historically and in the present. It explores major tensions, conflicts, and debates surrounding how “the Indigenous” has been understood, represented, and incorporated within the broader Hispanic American world. The course also considers how Indigenous peoples have appropriated elements of dominant cultures as strategies of resistance, adaptation, and continuity—visible in Indigenous and mestizo chronicles, literature, political participation, film, and other forms of cultural expression. Special emphasis is placed on key Mesoamerican cultures of Mexico and Guatemala (including Nahua, Maya, and Zapotec peoples) and on the Andean cultures of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina (such as Quechua, Aymara, and Mapuche groups), highlighting their enduring influence on the region’s languages, traditions, and cultural life.

SPAN 398 Spanish Cinema (3 credits)

Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or 242.

This course is an introduction to the cinema of Spain in its cultural, social, and political context. Authors may include Almodóvar, Buñuel, Erice, and Saura.

SPAN 398 (also listed as SPAN 498) Culture and Memory in Modern Spain (3 credits)

Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or 242.

How does a country deal with a conflictive past? What is memory for? Drawing on memory studies, this course examines the cultural representations of historical memory in 20th- and 21st-century Spain. Emphasis is placed on the aesthetic, political, and emotional responses to the Spanish Civil War and the Franco dictatorship.

NOTE: if taking the course under the SPAN 498 course code the prerequisite requirement is SPAN 301, previously or concurrently.

MODL 398 Medieval Tales in the Mediterranean: Arabic, Italian, and Spanish Traditions (3 credits)

Students will read and analyze works from the Middle Ages that come from Arabic, Italian, and Spanish linguistic and cultural traditions. Through historically and artistically contextualized frameworks, learning outcomes include the decolonialization of persistent ethnic, cultural, and linguistic assumptions and hierarchies through a plurilingual approach to literary and cultural analysis. As such, students will become familiar with the porosity of linguistic and cultural borders in the multidimensional spaces of the Mediterranean. Texts are read in English translation, and the course is conducted in English.

NOTE: MODL 398 can be counted as a 300-level course toward the Spanish program requirements.

Gli studenti che hanno già una conoscenza dell'italiano sono pregati di contattare il Dipartimento per passare un esame on-line al fine di determinare il livello dei corsi ai quali possono iscriversi.

If you have:

• PICAI &/or mother-tongue courses in CEGEP or family background in standard Italian or dialect, register for ITAL 210.
• No previous training in Italian or high-school or CEGEP Introductory Italian I, register for ITAL 200 or 201.
• CEGEP Introductory Italian II or CEGEP Intermediate Italian I, register for ITAL 202.
• CEGEP Introductory Italian II or beyond, register for ITAL 240, 241.

If you do not fall into any of these categories, see the Language testing section below.

Offered in 2026-2027

• ITAL 200 Introductory Italian: Intensive Course (6 credits)
• ITAL 201 Introductory Italian I (3 credits)
• ITAL 202 Introductory Italian II (3 credits)
• ITAL 240 Intermediate Italian: Intensive Course (6 credits)
• ITAL 301 Advanced Grammar and Writing I (3 credits)
• ITAL 308 Italian for Business (3 credits)
• ITAL 310 Survey of Italian Literature I (3 credits)
• ITAL 351 Dramatic Representation in Italian Cinema and Culture (3 credits)
• ITAL 427 Italian Humanism and the Renaissance (3 credits)
• ITAL 452 The Contemporary Italian Novel (3 credits)

The following course does not have a description in the Undergraduate Calendar.

ITAL 398 Magic and Marvels (3 credits)

This course explores the rich and dynamic world of religious belief and imagination in Renaissance Italy. Through close reading of texts and engagement with recent scholarship, students will examine how people in the period 1350-1550 understood the invisible forces shaping their world, from angels and demons to magic, prophecy, and astrology. We will investigate major themes such as evolving Christian ideas about supernatural beings; the lively debates over “irrational” or alternative forms of knowledge; the interplay between elite culture and popular belief; witchcraft and witch hunts, and the influential role of women in prophetic and visionary movements. Along the way, the course invites students to consider how these Renaissance discussions resonate with modern questions about the boundaries between science and religion, reason and imagination, and the ways societies make sense of the unknown. This course is given in English and no prior knowledge of the Italian language is required. The course will be offered in English and all texts will be studied in English translation.

NOTE: Student who have credits for ITAL 427 may not take this course for credit.

MODL 398 Medieval Tales in the Mediterranean: Arabic, Italian, and Spanish Traditions (3 credits)

Students will read and analyze works from the Middle Ages that come from Arabic, Italian, and Spanish linguistic and cultural traditions. Through historically and artistically contextualized frameworks, learning outcomes include the decolonialization of persistent ethnic, cultural, and linguistic assumptions and hierarchies through a plurilingual approach to literary and cultural analysis. As such, students will become familiar with the porosity of linguistic and cultural borders in the multidimensional spaces of the Mediterranean. Texts are read in English translation, and the course is conducted in English.

NOTE: MODL 398 can be counted as a 300-level course toward the Italian program requirements.

إذا كنتَ من أصل عربي، وأتممتَ دراستك بالعربية، أو لديك إلمام باللغة العربية، فاختبار اللغة هو أمر ضروري.

If you have:

• no previous training in Modern Arabic, register for MARA 200.
• knowledge of at least 200 words, register for MARA 206.
• completed primary school education in an Arabic speaking country or knowledge of at least 500 words, register for MARA 240.

If you do not fall into any of these categories, see the Language testing section below.

Offered in 2026-2027

MARA 200 Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic I (6 credits)

This course provides an intensive introduction to the basic elements of Modern Standard Arabic for the student with no knowledge of the language. Instruction addresses all the language competencies of Modern Standard Arabic.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for MARA 203 or 205 or 207 or heritage speakers or students with knowledge of the Arabic script may not take this course for credit.

MARA 203 Modern Standard Arabic for Heritage Speakers I (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the basic elements of Modern Standard Arabic for students with basic or limited knowledge of the language. It is designed for heritage speakers with no reading and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic but with knowledge of dialect vocabulary and oral skills. The course is also for non- heritage students who know the Arabic script but have never studied the Arabic language.

NOTE: Heritage speakers placed into this course can continue with MARA 207 while non‑heritage speakers can continue with MARA 206 upon successful completion of this course. NOTE: Students who have received credit for this topic under a MARA 298 number may not take this course for credit.

MARA 206 Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic II (6 credits)

Prerequisite: MARA 200 or 203 or equivalent.

This course provides an introduction to the works of  some of the major writers of contemporary Arabic culture. The course is taught in English and readings are in English translation.

MARA 240 Intermediate Modern Standard Arabic I (6 credits)

Prerequisite: MARA 206 or 207 or equivalent.

This course provides a review of the basic elements of Modern Standard Arabic and continues to develop the four language skills within their cultural context. Students prepare brief essays and oral presentations.

MARA 320 Modern Arabic Fiction (3 credits)

This course examines key developments in Arabic fiction related to the contemporary Arabic‑speaking world with the aim of highlighting the distinctive texture of its experiences and identities. The chosen texts cover a wide range of topics and convey the complex and rich cultural diversity of the Arab World. The course is taught in English and knowledge of Arabic is not required.

MARA 365 Culture and Civilization of the Arab World: The Golden Age

(3 credits)

This course provides an overview of the cultural history of the Arab world with an emphasis on the “Golden Age” (eighth to 13th century). Special attention is given to some topics at the core of this period, namely the intellectual dynamics, sciences and arts. The Arab civilization is put into the political, social and religious contexts that allowed it to emerge and flourish. This course is taught in English and no prior knowledge of Arabic is required.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for MARA 365 under a different title may not take this course for credit.

MODL 398 Medieval Tales in the Mediterranean: Arabic, Italian, and Spanish Traditions (3 credits)

Students will read and analyze works from the Middle Ages that come from Arabic, Italian, and Spanish linguistic and cultural traditions. Through historically and artistically contextualized frameworks, learning outcomes include the decolonialization of persistent ethnic, cultural, and linguistic assumptions and hierarchies through a plurilingual approach to literary and cultural analysis. As such, students will become familiar with the porosity of linguistic and cultural borders in the multidimensional spaces of the Mediterranean. Texts are read in English translation, and the course is conducted in English.

NOTE: MODL 398 can be counted as a 300-level course toward the Modern Arabic program requirements.

If you have completed junior high school (9 years schooling) in Hong Kong, Macau, or Singapore, you are not eligible to take any of the Chinese (Mandarin) language courses, with the exception of MCHI 308: Introduction to Business Chinese. You are also welcome to take any of the Chinese (MCHI) literature or culture courses taught in English. Students from mainland China and Taiwan may also take Chinese (MCHI) literature or culture courses taught in English.

如果你来自中国或生于华裔家庭，如果你受过中文教育或有中文背景，那么你需要参加汉语分班测试。

If you have:

• no previous training in Modern Chinese (Mandarin), register for MCHI 200.
• knowledge of at least 200 characters, register for MCHI 206.
• completed primary school education in Singapore or have knowledge of at least 500 characters, regiuster for MCHI 240.

If you completed primary school in other Chinese-speaking regions, an in-person placement evaluation is required: Contact the department.

If you do not fall into any of these categories, see the Language testing section below.

Offered in 2026-2027

MCHI 200 Introduction to Modern Chinese I (6 credits)

This course provides an intensive introduction to the basic elements of Chinese for the student with no knowledge of the language. Emphasis is on basic grammatical concepts, listening comprehension, and sound reproduction. Approximately 300 characters are studied.

NOTES:

• Students whose first language is Chinese, or who have received a substantial part of their education in Chinese, may not register for this course.
• Students who have received credit for MCHI 205 may not take this course for credit.
• Lab practice is compulsory in addition to class time: two hours per week for six-credit sections.

MCHI 206 Introduction to Modern Chinese (Mandarin) II (6 credits)

Prerequisite: MCHI 200.

This course continues the introduction to the basic elements of Mandarin Chinese, adding approximately 300 further characters.

NOTES:

• Students whose first language is Mandarin Chinese, or who have received a substantial part of their education in Mandarin Chinese, may not register for this course.
• Lab practice is compulsory in addition to class time: two hours per week for six-credit sections.

MCHI 240 Intermediate Modern Chinese I (6 credits)

Prerequisite: MCHI 206 or equivalent.

The aim of this course is to consolidate the knowledge acquired in MCHI 200 and 206 and pursue communication skills on basic general topics in all competencies of the language, adding approximately 300 further characters.

MCHI 311 Classical Chinese Literature (3 credits)

Taught in English, this course introduces classical Chinese literature from 1500 BCE to the end of the 19th century in its historical and cultural setting. Covering the four major literary genres of poetry, prose, drama and fiction, students learn both key Chinese aesthetic concepts and Western critical theory, with a view to encouraging cross‑ and intercultural interpretations. Major works are read in English translation.

MCHI 365 Introduction to Chinese Cultural Traditions (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to the formation and traditions of Chinese culture. Topics may include Confucian and Taoist philosophy, literature, and the arts. This course is taught in English.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for this topic under an MCHI 398 number may not take this course for credit.

MCHI 366 Chinese Visual Culture (3 credits)

Taught in English, this course introduces students to the traditions and achievements of Chinese visual culture. Employing contemporary critical approaches, students explore both mass and high cultures, with a primary focus on the development of Chinese painting from the 10th century to the present, with an emphasis on the interpretation of images.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for this topic under an MCHI 398 number may not take this course for credit.

Offered in 2026-2027

GERM 200 Introductory German: Intensive Course (6 credits)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to most of the basic elements of the German language for the student with no knowledge of German. Practice is provided through short readings, conversation, composition, and lab work.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for GERM 201, 202, or equivalent may not take this course for credit. NOTE: This course covers the same material as GERM 201and 202.

GERM 201 Introductory German I (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the elements of the German language for the student with no knowledge of German. Practice is provided through short readings, conversation, composition, and lab work.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for GERM 200 or equivalent may not take this course for credit.

GERM 202 Introductory German II (3 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 201 with a grade of C or higher.

This course is a continuation of GERM 201 and completes the study of the basic elements of the German language. Practice is provided through short readings, conversation, composition, and lab work.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for GERM 200 or equivalent may not take this course for credit.

GERM 240 Intermediate German: Intensive Course (6 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 200 or GERM 202 with a grade of C or higher.

This course provides a review of German grammar in a single term and furnishes additional details not dealt with in the introductory courses. Practice is provided through readings, discussions, and composition.

NOTES:

• Students who have received credit for GERM 241, 242, or equivalent may not take this course for credit.
• This course covers the same material as GERM 241 and 242.

GERM 241 Intermediate German I (3 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 200 or GERM 202 with a grade of C or higher.

This course provides a review of German grammar and deals with additional details not covered in the introductory courses. Practice is provided through short readings, discussions, and composition.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for GERM 240 or equivalent may not take this course for credit.

GERM 242 Intermediate German II (3 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 241 with a grade of C or higher.

This course is a continuation of GERM 241. It completes the review of the grammar and includes additional details not covered in the introductory courses. Practice is provided through short readings, discussions, and composition.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for GERM 240 or equivalent may not take this course for credit.

GERM 231 German Literature in Translation (3 credits)

This course focuses on reading and discussion of 20th‑century literary works and films from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Works translated from German are used. This course is taught in English, but advanced German students are encouraged to read the texts in German.

GERM 398 High Intermediate-Advanced German (3 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 240 or 242.

This course introduces more advanced aspects of German grammar while continuing to focus on reading, writing, speaking and understanding the language. Materials to be studied may include short stories, articles, podcasts and/or other forms of media content.

GERM 398 (also listed as GERM 498) German Culture (3 credits)

This German culture course focuses on politics, literature, and/or the arts in German-speaking regions. The language of instruction is English, and no prior knowledge of the German language is required. Advanced‑level students — i.e. students placed at the 300 level or higher in German language courses — must submit their work in German and need to register under the GERM 498 number.

GERM 420 Of German Witches, Ghosts, Daemons and Vampires (3 credits)

This course explores how the strange, the magical, the supernatural and the uncanny (Das Unheimliche) are constructed in German texts from 1500 to the present. This course surveys a wide array of texts (novels, short stories, historical documents, fairy tales, films as well as video games) that deal with the phenomena of witches, ghosts, daemons and vampires. The language of instruction is English, and no prior knowledge of the German language is required. Advanced‑level students — i.e. students placed at the 300 level or higher in German language courses — must do the readings and submit their work in German.

Offered in 2026-2027

HEBR 210 Introductory Course in Hebrew (6 credits)

A beginners’ course in Hebrew, with readings of classical and modern texts. 

NOTE: Students who have taken Hebrew at the CEGEO level, or whose schooling has been conducted in Hebrew, will not be admitted to this course.

HEBR 241 Intermediate Hebrew I (3 credits)

Prerequisite: HEBR 210. If prerequisites are not satisfied, permission of the Department is required.

This course includes a comprehensive review of Hebrew grammar and syntax and deals with additional details not covered in the introductory course. Practice is provided through compositions and readings of classical and modern Hebrew texts.