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 this term

• 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 305 Communicative Strategies and Oral Communication for Non-Native Speakers (3 credits) 
• SPAN 306 Introduction to Translation (3 credits)
• SPAN 307 Translation Practice (3 credits)
• SPAN 320 Defining Difference in Spanish America: Literature from 1500 to 1880 (3 credits)
• SPAN 363 Cultures of the Southern Cone and the Andean Region (3 credits)
• SPAN 490 Honours Project (3 credits) 

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

SPAN 398 Creative Writing in Spanish: Narrative

Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or 242 or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.

Through this introduction to creative writing in Spanish, students will improve their writing skills in Spanish and switch their approach to literature from a reader’s to a writer’s point of view. Coursework may include theoretical readings on short narratives, writing short stories, a hands-on examination of the main rhetorical strategies in the history of Spanish narrative, and in-class discussions. This course is taught in Spanish.

SPAN 398 (also listed as SPAN 498) Intro to Second Language Pedagogy

The course provides an introduction to the most prominent teaching methods that have shaped the field of second language teaching and learning over the years. It also covers basic concepts and strategies in teaching and integrating the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), lesson planning, and assessment. Activities may include observing university language courses, analyzing language textbooks, preparing a demonstration lesson and developing a statement of teaching philosophy. The language of instruction is English, and no prior knowledge of the Spanish language is required.

SPAN 498 (also listed as SPAN 398) Intro to Second Language Pedagogy

Prerequisite: SPAN 301.

The course provides an introduction to the most prominent teaching methods that have shaped the field of second language teaching and learning over the years. It also covers basic concepts and strategies in teaching and integrating the four main language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), lesson planning, and assessment. Activities may include observing university language courses, analyzing language textbooks, preparing a demonstration lesson and developing a statement of teaching philosophy. The language of instruction is English, and no prior knowledge of the Spanish language is required. Advanced level students—i.e., students placed at the 300-level or higher in Spanish—must hand in all their work in Spanish

SPAN 498 Don Quixote

Prerequisite: SPAN 303.

Imperial Fictions: Don Quixote in the New World Order. To understand the existential threat that disinformation poses, we need to examine it in its multiple contexts: cultural, political, economic, militaristic, etcetera. In this course, I propose a deep dive into Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quixote, specifically with an eye towards his unveiling of the contexts of production and consumption of disinformation to understand who benefits from it and who loses in the first age of inflationary media (1500s-1600s), and why and how it works. Course requirements will include short analytical essays, small group participation and a final analytical essay. English program students will read the novels and write their essays in English. Spanish program students will read the novels and write their essays in Spanish. Class discussions are conducted in English.

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 this term

• 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 305 Communicative Strategies and Oral Communication (3 credits)
• ITAL 365 Italian Civilization: Italy from Dante to Today (3 credits)
• ITAL 367 Cultural Views of Italy (3 credits)
• ITAL 398 Italy and the Making of Antiquity (3 credits)
• ITAL 463 (also listed as ITAL 398) Language, Politics and Ideology (3 credits)
• ITAL 490 Honours Essay Tutorial (3 credits)

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

ITAL 398 Italy and the Making of Antiquity

(3 credits)

The course will explore the cultural reception and ideological appropriations of Antiquity through a range of case studies, from the end of Antiquity to the present time, with a focus on literary and philosophical texts and artistic representations.

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.

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.

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

(3 credits)

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 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.

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.

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 310 Introduction to Modern Chinese Literature

(3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to the works of some of the major writers of contemporary Chinese culture. The course is taught in English and reading materials are 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.

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: The following course must be completed previously: 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: The following course must be completed previously: 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: The following course must be completed previously: 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: The following course must be completed previously: 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 305 (also listed as GERM 298) Conversational German

(3 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 240 or GERM 242 or equivalent.

This course is offered to non-native speakers of German. Its main goal is for students to improve their oral proficiency in German. This course aims to increase students’ competence levels in listening, reading, and writing.

NOTE: Students who have received credit for GERM 270 or 370 may not take this course for credit.

GERM 306 Introduction to Translation

(3 credits)

Prerequisite: GERM 240 or 242.

This course examines German and English grammar in a comparative context in order to provide a basis for translation between the two languages. It also aims to develop lexical and semantic knowledge of the German language through analysis of textual materials, with special focus on words and idiomatic expressions that are essential to clear and effective communication. Students translate short texts from a variety of fields, primarily from English to German.

GERM 398 (also listed as GERM 498) Echoes of History: German Art and Literature after 1945

(3 credits)

This course explores Germany’s complex and evolving relationship with its history since the end of the Nazi regime in 1945. It focuses on how German artists—through literature, film, and visual art— have addressed the horrors of the past and their effects on contemporary German identity. The course examines several historical contexts, including the devastation of the post-war period, the dynamics of the Cold War, and the student movements that advocated for social justice and the reunification of Germany. Through critical analysis and close readings, students will gain insights into how collective memory is constructed and represented. The language of instruction is English, and no prior knowledge of the German language is required.

GERM 410 Cyborgs, Robots and Automata in German Literature, Film and Video Games

(3 credits)

This course examines the figure of the android and explores representations of artificial beings in German literature, cinema, and video games. A focus is on issues of technology, art, gender, race, and class. Students receive insights into narrative constructions as well as ludology (including game history, design and reception) by exploring how video games challenge traditional models of understanding and approaching texts. 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.

GERM 498 (also listed as GERM 398) Echoes of History: German Art and Literature after 1945

(3 credits)

This course explores Germany’s complex and evolving relationship with its history since the end of the Nazi regime in 1945. It focuses on how German artists—through literature, film, and visual art—have addressed the horrors of the past and their effects on contemporary German identity. The course examines several historical contexts, including the devastation of the post-war period, the dynamics of the Cold War, and the student movements that advocated for social justice and the reunification of Germany. Through critical analysis and close readings, students will gain insights into how collective memory is constructed and represented. 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.

HEBR 210 Introductory Course in Hebrew

(6 credits)

A beginners’ course in Hebrew, with readings of classical and modern texts. Component(s): Lecture

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

HEBR 241 Intermediate Hebrew I

(3 credits)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: The following course must be completed previously: 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.