Department of World Languages and Cultures
Chair: Dr. Maria Barker (936) 294-1442
Information: (936) 294-1441; ABIV 431; worldlanguages@shsu.edu
Website: Department of World Languages & Cultures
The Department of World Languages & Cultures (WOLC) at SHSU is a multi-lingual department engaged in researching and teaching a host of world languages.
Mission
The Department of World Languages and Cultures (WOLC) offers a wide array of language and culture courses in Arabic/Middle Eastern Studies, American Sign Language, French, German, and Spanish. Our students become leaders, professionals and innovators in community, national and international organizations, and in professions of law, education, and business, and more. Through our commitment to a better understanding of world cultures and languages, we proudly sponsor the Arnaud and Edwards as well as the Mozelle Powell endowment scholarships that have enabled our students to pursue the study of world languages both on the SHSU campus and abroad.
The department’s dedicated faculty conduct cutting-edge scholarship in languages, cultures and literatures as they intersect globally-engaged issues on diversity, multilingualism and multiculturalism. Our faculty have published numerous books and research articles in these areas and beyond. With rigor we devote ourselves to understanding the cultural impact and transformative potential of languages and cultures in a global community.
Highlights
We are invested in innovative inquiry in fields that intersect and complement languages and cultures such as Art, Literature, Cultural Studies, Film, Media, Legal Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Applied Linguistics and Translation Studies. At the forefront of innovative pedagogy and scholarly inquiry, WOLC offers courses at all levels of undergraduate and the MA at the graduate level in a variety of flexible and convenient formats to enable the exploration of the tensile ways and possibilities of learning and studying languages, literatures and cultures.
Our signature study abroad programs in Costa Rica, Germany, and Quebec are led by our own faculty or offer students a chance to enroll in programs directly in host country. Together with our clubs and organizations the Department of World Languages and Cultures organizes campus wide events, performances, lectures, and discussions on a host of topics critical to our understanding of multilingual diversity in a global world.
Suggested Minors
WOLC offers a wide range of language, culture, and professional courses for minors in Business; Communication Studies; Criminal Justice; Elementary and Secondary Education; Health; Latin American and LatinX Studies; Mass Communication; and Political Science. Minors in other fields will also develop essential critical thinking and intercultural communication skills through language and culture study.
Career Opportunities
Studying language(s) and culture(s) provides valuable training for students pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including business, criminal justice and law, education, healthcare, political and public administration, publishing and media industries, and social work, among many others. These expanding career fields seek students with a solid and critical interpretation of multicultural and multilingual communities. Studying language and culture equips students with crucial skills for lifelong learning and professional development. In an increasingly global market, we prepare our students for a bright future in the professional world and in graduate work.
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in French
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Spanish
- Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Education and Spanish
- Minor in American Sign Language
- Minor in French
- Minor in German
- Minor in Latin American and Latinx Studies
- Minor in Middle Eastern Studies
- Minor in Spanish
- Minor in Spanish Interpretation and Translation for Health Professions
Student Organizations and Activities
The World Languages and Cultures Department sponsors many student organizations and activities that enhance Sam Houston State University’s multilingual and multicultural communities.
Study in America/Abroad
WOLC offers faculty-led or affiliated summer study away programs. These intensive courses are designed to improve students' linguistic and cultural competence and offer a fantastic chance to experience the cultures of the world in conjunction with courses of study at SHSU.
Students can complete basic/intermediate courses or major/minor courses, or simply use the study away experience to improve language skills and cultural competency. Visit International Programs for more information about study away.
Scholarships
Scholarships: Students in languages may apply for the Foreign Languages Scholarship, for the Mozelle Powell Spanish Scholarship, and/or for the Seola Arnaud & R.V. Edwards, Jr. Endowed French Scholarship. For more information, apply on line at Scholar X and contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures office or visit World Languages and Cultures. Information on University scholarships may be obtained at the Office of Academic Scholarships or by telephone (936) 294-1672.
Arabic
ARAB 1411. Elementary Arabic I. 4 Hours.
Students with no previous instruction in Arabic discuss and drill Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, vocabulary and basic language codes, stressing an oral approach to the language with emphasis on conversation and oral drill. A weekly one-hour language laboratory is required. Grade of C or better required in ARAB 1411 in order to continue to ARAB 1412.
ARAB 1412. Elementary Arabic II. 4 Hours.
A continuation of ARAB 1411. Students discuss and drill language codes with more complexity, stressing aural and oral skills. A weekly one-hour language laboratory is required.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ARAB 1411 or equivalent.
ARAB 2311. Intermediate Arabic I. 3 Hours. [TCCN: ARAB 2311]
A continuation of ARAB 1412. Students add more complex structures as a basis for reading and aural comprehension as well as for oral communication.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ARAB 1411 and ARAB 1412 or equivalent.
ARAB 2312. Intermediate Arabic II. 3 Hours. [TCCN: ARAB 2312]
A continuation of ARAB 2311. Students focus on practical needs for communication, including short cultural reading passages and more complex grammar, with particular emphasis on roots of Arabic words.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ARAB 1411, ARAB 1412, and ARAB 2311 or equivalent.
ARAB 3380. The Contemporary Arab World. 3 Hours.
Students focus on additional skill development in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and cultural knowledge with insights and perspective via the viewpoint and linguistic expression of the native Arabic speaker. Students describe the linguistic and cultural ramifications of historical, political, social and economic situations in Arab countries with some comparison among Arabic countries. Topics may include gender issues, progress and reforms, the rise of fundamentalisms and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Arabic is the language of instruction.
ARAB 4075. Individual Readings in Arabic. 1-3 Hours.
Advanced students engage in an independent study of an area of interest in Arabic Studies. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair.
ARAB 4370. Smnr Sel Tpcs in Arabic Cultur. 3 Hours.
Students conduct an in-depth study of a selected topic. The topic to be explored will change from year to year. This course may be repeated for credit as the content varies.
Prerequisite: Advanced standing in Arabic or consent of instructor.
Deaf Studies and Sign Language
DSSL 3310. Deaf Culture. 3 Hours.
Students explore the influence of Deaf Culture on society as a whole. Students situate Deaf Culture within diversity of cultures through an in-depth discussion of historical, cultural, linguistic, political, and geographical aspects of the Deaf Community.
DSSL 3320. Linguistic Structures of ASL. 3 Hours.
Students use linguistic principles to examine the structure of American Sign Language, including phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. The students integrate ASL skills with linguistic concepts to describe language phenomena within the Deaf Community. Instruction is in ASL. Credit 3
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SGNL 1401, SGNL 1402, SGNL 2311, and SGNL 2312.
French
FREN 1411. Elementary French. 4 Hours.
Students who have no previous instruction in French study an introduction to French pronunciation, vocabulary, and basic language codes stressing an oral approach to the language with special emphasis on conversation and oral drill. A weekly one-hour language laboratory is required. Competent speakers of French or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Grade of C or better required in FREN 1411 in order to continue to FREN 1412. Instruction is in French.
FREN 1412. Elementary French. 4 Hours.
This course is a continuation of FREN 1411. Students discuss and drill language codes with more complexity. Stress is placed on aural and oral skills. A one-hour language laboratory period weekly is required. Competent speakers of French or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411 or equivalent.
FREN 2311. Intermediate French I. 3 Hours. [TCCN: FREN 2311]
A continuation of FREN 1412. Students study readings of medium difficulty as a basis for reading and aural comprehension as well as for oral communication. Competent speakers of French or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411 and FREN 1412 or equivalent.
FREN 2312. Intermediate French II. 3 Hours. [TCCN: FREN 2312]
A continuation of FREN 2311. Students focus on practical needs for communication. Competent speakers of French or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, and FREN 2311 or equivalent.
FREN 3362. Survey of French Literature I. 3 Hours.
Students in this course examine topics and texts in French literature from pre-medieval to the seventeenth centuries. Students read, analyze and discuss the texts that have shaped European history, society, and culture. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 3363. Survey of French Literature II. 3 Hours.
Students in this course examine topics and texts in French literature from the eighteenth century to the present. Students read, analyze, and discuss the texts in French that have shaped European history and society, and culture. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 3365. French Grammar And Stylistics. 3 Hours.
Students focus on fluent usage of oral and written French. Students intensively study selected written work with the purpose of mastering mid-level proficiency skills. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 3367. Fren Phonetics & Conversation. 3 Hours.
Students study the basic theory of French pronunciation and intonation. With ample opportunity for drill, students achieve an intermediate level of oral proficiency. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 3380. French Culture & Civilization. 3 Hours.
Students portray the overall picture of the role played by French culture and civilization throughout the world. This course will provide cultural background for French majors or minors. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4075. Individual French Readings. 1-6 Hours.
Individual students who may need study of a particular era or genre or author can enroll. Enrollment in this course is restricted and approval for such must be obtained from the Program Coordinator. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1-3).
Prerequisite: Advanced standing in French or consent of instructor and department chair.
FREN 4364. Mod French Usage & Conversatn. 3 Hours.
Students of all levels, including those seeking oral proficiency focus on extemporaneous speech and conversation dealing with modern topics. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4370. Seminar in Selected Topics of Literacy, Language, and Civilization. 3 Hours.
Students conduct an in-depth study of a selected topic by which French majors and minors, tracking specific skills, may acquire the necessary knowledge of francophone culture and/or the ability to speak, read, and write the French language at an advanced level. The topic to be explored will change from semester to semester. The course may be repeated for credit as the content varies.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4377. French for Business Comm. 3 Hours.
Students focus on vocabulary, expressions and language used in oral and written business communication in French. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4379. Francophone Literature. 3 Hours.
Students survey the major topics in Francophone literatures and film from the French-speaking regions of the world. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4380. French in North America. 3 Hours.
Students examine linguistic variations of French in North America by examining phonological, lexical, syntactic, and morphological variations. North American Francophone communities, such as Quebec, Caribbean Islands (e.g., Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti), and Louisiana, are examined through history, social context, political situations, and demographic context. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4381. Translation and Interpretation. 3 Hours.
Students examine translation and interpretation strategies from French into English and vice-versa. Students analyze and practice methods, techniques, and practical situations where French translation and interpretation into English, and English translation and interpretation into French, are required for communication. Instruction is in French.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
FREN 4382. French for Healthcare. 3 Hours.
Students examine vocabulary and idiomatic expressions used in healthcare. Students acquire fluency in oral and written French in topics relevant to healthcare professionals, such as the human body, diseases, illnesses, therapies, medication, and healthcare administration. Instruction is in French. Credit 3
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FREN 1411, FREN 1412, FREN 2311, and FREN 2312 or equivalent.
German
GERM 1411. Elementary German. 4 Hours.
Students who have had no previous instruction in German develop vocabulary acquisition, international cultural components, pronunciation, drills, sentence formation, and everyday conversation leading to proficiency. A weekly one-hour language laboratory period is required. Competent speakers of German or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Grade of C or better required in GERM 1411 in order to continue to GERM 1412. Instruction is in German.
GERM 1412. Elementary German. 4 Hours.
A continuation of GERM 1411. Students add more speaking and writing toward advancing proficiency. A weekly one-hour language laboratory period is required. Competent speakers of German or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in German.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411 or equivalent.
GERM 2311. Intermediate German I. 3 Hours. [TCCN: GERM 2311]
A continuation of GERM 1412. Students add emphasis on written and oral skills. Competent speakers of German or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in German.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411 and GERM 1412 or equivalent.
GERM 2312. Intermediate German II. 3 Hours. [TCCN: GERM 2312]
Students focus on fluent usage of oral and written German. Students study selected written work with the purpose of mastering midlevel proficiency skills. Competent speakers of German or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in German.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411, GERM 1412, and GERM 2311 or equivalent.
GERM 2364. Multicultures Of Amer-German. 3 Hours.
Students increase awareness of Central European culture in America with particular emphasis on the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries. This course may be conducted in English or German. Credit for this course may be applied to the major or minor only with permission of department chair.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411, GERM 1412, GERM 2311, and GERM 2312 or equivalent.
GERM 3368. German Media. 3 Hours.
Students study German Media by focusing on conversational, listening, reading, and vocabulary skills. Students watch German television programs and read articles from major German magazines and newspapers. Includes a review of German grammar.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411, GERM 1412, GERM 2311, and GERM 2312 or equivalent.
GERM 3380. Modern German Culture. 3 Hours.
Students overview the cultures of German speaking countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) from 1780 to the present.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411, GERM 1412, GERM 2311, and GERM 2312 or equivalent.
GERM 4075. Individual Readings in German. 1-3 Hours.
Individual students who may need study of a particular era, genre, or author may enroll. Enrollment in this course is restricted and approval of such must be obtained from the department chair. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair.
GERM 4360. Modern German Literature. 3 Hours.
Students overview the literatures of German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) from 1770 to the present.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411, GERM 1412, GERM 2311, and GERM 2312 or equivalent.
GERM 4370. Seminar in Sel German Topics. 3 Hours.
Students conduct an in-depth study of a selected topic. The topic to be explored will change from year to year. This course may be repeated for credit as the content varies. Enrollment for this course must be granted by the Department Chair.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GERM 1411, GERM 1412, GERM 2311 and GERM 2312 or equivalent.
Latin American and Latinx Studies
LALS 2311. LatAm & Latinx Studies. 3 Hours.
Students apply core interdisciplinary concepts to examine a complex and diverse range of themes and perspectives. Topics may include language, culture, civil rights, and social and political identities in Latin America, Spain, and the United States. Credit: 3.
LALS 2321. LatAm & Latinx Lit & Culture. 3 Hours.
Students analyze selected literary genres and cultural themes across the national boundaries of Latin America, Spain, and the United States. Topics may include migration, exile, and native literatures. Students access the Hispanic World through select texts written in or translated to English.
LALS 2331. LatAm & Latinx Ling & Culture. 3 Hours.
Students integrate interdisciplinary research methodologies in applied linguistics through a cultural lens to investigate linguistic phenomena in contemporary Latin America, Spain, and the United States. Topics include language use in specific cultural contexts such as civil rights and politics, language variation, and linguistic identity.
LALS 3340. LatAm & Latinx Gender Studies. 3 Hours.
Students apply key interdisciplinary concepts to critique the meanings of sex and gender in Latin America, Spain, and the United States. Topics may include contemporary and historical approaches to investigate issues of gender and sexuality, and the multiple ways that sex and gender intersect with race, class, nationality and other social identities.
LALS 3350. Span/Eng Cross-Culture Comm. 3 Hours.
Students examine the complex relationship between language usage and cultural influences through a study of the linguistic, social, and contextual factors affecting communication in Spanish. Students also research the relationship between English and Spanish in contact through individual and group-based projects. Topics may include conversational norms, pragmatic variation, and cross-cultural comparisons between varieties of Spanish and English.
American Sign Language
SGNL 1401. Elementary Amer Sign Lang I. 4 Hours.
Students who have had no previous instruction in American Sign Language develop vocabulary acquisition, cultural components, drills, sentence formation, and everyday conversation leading to proficiency. Language laboratory period weekly is required. Grade of C or better required in SGNL 1401 in order to continue to SGNL 1402. Instruction is in American Sign Language.
SGNL 1402. Elementary Amer Sign Lng II. 4 Hours.
A continuation of SGNL 1401. Students add more speaking and writing toward advancing proficiency. Weekly language laboratory period is required. Instruction is in American Sign Language.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SGNL 1401 or equivalent.
SGNL 2311. Intermediate American Sign Language I. 3 Hours.
A continuation of SGNL 1402. Students focus on more advanced skills. Instruction is in American Sign Language.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SGNL 1401 and SGNL 1402 or equivalent.
SGNL 2312. Intermediate American Sign Language II. 3 Hours.
A continuation of SGNL 2311. Students focus on fluent usage of American Sign Language with the purpose of mastering mid-level proficiency skills.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SGNL 1401, SGNL 1402, and SGNL 2311 or equivalent.
SGNL 3301. Adv. American Sign Language. 3 Hours.
As a continuation of Intermediate ASL II, students develop a high level of fluency in American Sign Language, using both expressive and receptive skills in regular weekly communications with persons in the Deaf Community. Students learn idioms and expansion features and discuss current events in the Deaf Community. Instruction is in American Sign Language.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SGNL 1401, SGNL 1402, SGNL 2311, and SGNL 2312 or equivalent.
Spanish
SPAN 1411. Elementary Spanish I. 4 Hours. [TCCN: SPAN 1411]
Students who have had no previous instruction in Spanish develop Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary, and basic language codes stressing an oral approach to the language with special emphasis on conversation and oral drill. A weekly one-hour language laboratory period is required. Competent speakers of Spanish or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in Spanish. Native Spanish speakers should take the CLEP for placement. Grade of C or better required in SPAN 1411 in order to continue to SPAN 1412. Native Spanish speakers should take the CLEP or register for SPAN 2312.
Prerequisite: For non-native speakers of Spanish.
SPAN 1412. Elementary Spanish II. 4 Hours. [TCCN: SPAN 1412]
This course is a continuation of SPAN 1411. Students discuss and drill language codes with more complexity. Stress is placed on listening and speaking skills. A weekly one-hour language laboratory period is required. Competent speakers of Spanish or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in Spanish. For non-native speakers of Spanish. Native Spanish speakers should take the CLEP for placement.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411 or equivalent.
SPAN 2311. Intermediate Spanish I. 3 Hours. [TCCN: SPAN 2311]
Students use materials of medium difficulty as a basis for reading, listening comprehension, and oral communication. Competent speakers of Spanish or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411 and SPAN 1412 or equivalent.
SPAN 2312. Intermediate Spanish II. 3 Hours. [TCCN: SPAN 2312]
Continuation of SPAN 2311. Students focus on practical needs for communication. Competent speakers of Spanish or those with considerable knowledge of the language should take the CLEP prior to registering. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, and SPAN 2311 or equivalent.
SPAN 2350. Spanish for Heritage Speaker. 3 Hours.
Designed for students with a Spanish language and/or cultural background, the course builds on existing Spanish language skills to develop literacy through intensive formal and academic reading and writing which emphasizes the Latinx experience in the U.S. and throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Topics include spelling, verb tenses, registers, and transfers from English. This course is taught predominantly in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.
SPAN 3330. Principles of Health Care Interpretation. 3 Hours.
Students apply linguistic and cultural knowledge to accurately interpret Spanish and English oral communication. Students learn essential skills and demonstrate professional standards for effective interpreting in health care settings. This course is taught predominantly in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.
SPAN 3340. Principles of Health Care Translation. 3 Hours.
Students apply linguistic and cultural knowledge to translate Spanish and English written communication products that are common in a variety of health care settings. Students develop reading and writing techniques for accurate and appropriate written translations. This course is taught predominantly in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.
SPAN 3361. Spanish Grammar & Composition. 3 Hours.
Students study the grammatical characteristics of the Spanish language with emphasis on developing the ability to write in Spanish. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3362. Survey Of Spanish Literature I. 3 Hours.
Students study the development of the literature of Spain from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Topics include various eras, genres, and authors. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3363. Survey Of Spanish Lit II. 3 Hours.
Students examine the literature of Spain beginning with the eighteenth century to the present. Selections from drama, poetry, and narrative will be read, discussed in Spanish, and analyzed in written reports. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312 with a grade of C or higher.
SPAN 3367. Principles Of Span Linguistics. 3 Hours.
Students study descriptive, applied, and contrastive linguistics. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3368. Conversational Spanish I. 3 Hours.
Students focus on extemporaneous speaking and conversation. Topics may include reading materials from Spanish speaking countries as a basis for conversation and composition. Competent speakers of Spanish or those with considerable knowledge of the language should seek instructor permission to take the course. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3369. Conversational Spanish II. 3 Hours.
Students focus on extemporaneous speaking and conversation. Topics may include reading materials from Spanish speaking countries as a basis for conversation and composition. Competent speakers of Spanish or those with considerable knowledge of the language should seek instructor permission to take the course. Instruction is in Spanish. Offered only during Study Abroad or Study Away programs.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3374. Intro-Lit Of Spanish America. 3 Hours.
Students study the texts of Spanish-American writers from the European colonization of the Americas to the present with emphasis given to the historical, cultural, and political factors which influenced their writing. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3375. Genres In Spanish American Lit. 3 Hours.
Students study themes and techniques of outstanding Spanish-American poets, dramatists or novelists. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3380. Spanish Culture & Civilization. 3 Hours.
Students overview the culture and civilization of Spain. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3381. Spanish Lit for Children. 3 Hours.
Students discuss ways to teach Spanish and Spanish-American literature for children, its rhetorical and narrative characteristics, its development, and its symbolism in relation to the needs of the child and the culture. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 3385. Span-Amer Culture & Civilizatn. 3 Hours.
Students study the culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4051. Applied Health Care Interpretation and Translation. 1-3 Hours.
Students practice hands-on interpretation and translation to prepare for certification exams. Students test their knowledge of standards of practice and ethics, regulations, and other discipline-specific information. Students prepare a plan for certification and future professional development. This course is taught predominantly in Spanish. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: SPAN 3330 and SPAN 3340, or equivalent.
SPAN 4075. Individual Readings in Spanish. 1-6 Hours.
Individual students take this course if they need to study a particular era, genre, or author. Enrollment in this course is restricted and must be granted by department chair. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1 to 6).
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and department chair.
SPAN 4361. Advanced Spanish Grammar. 3 Hours.
Students conduct an in-depth study of the usage of the Spanish language as it relates to creative writing and scholarly reports. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4362. History of Spanish Language. 3 Hours.
Students outline the history of the Spanish language over the last two millennia, focusing on the formal development of its phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312 and SPAN 3367 or equivalent.
SPAN 4364. Spanish American Prose. 3 Hours.
Students study selected authors, short stories, essays, or novels. Emphasis on themes, techniques, and current literary themes. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4365. Pablo Picasso & Spanish Art. 3 Hours.
Students examine the interplay between Spanish culture and Spanish art using Pablo Picasso as a central unifying figure in order to relate past, present, and future aspects of Spanish heritage. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4366. Spanish Phonetics. 3 Hours.
Students discuss the scientific study of the sounds of Spanish. The two essential goals of the course are to discuss the ways in which English and Spanish sounds differ, and to help improve pronunciation of the Spanish language. This course is intended for student with advanced Standing in Spanish. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411,SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312 and SPAN 3367 or equivalent.
SPAN 4370. Seminar in Selected Topics Literacy, Language, and Civilization. 3 Hours.
Students conduct an in-depth study of a selected topic. The topic to be explored will change from year to year. This course may be repeated for credit as the content varies. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4371. Spanish for Criminal Justice. 3 Hours.
Students study Spanish and Spanish-related issues and topics for Criminal Justice, criminology, law enforcement, and Sociology. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4372. Spanish for Business. 3 Hours.
Students study business terminology in Spanish related to banking, accounting, international trade, marketing, management, and finance and of cultural aspects of Latin America and Spain, with practice in speaking, reading, and translating business Spanish. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent.
SPAN 4373. Spanish for Mass Communication. 3 Hours.
Students examine the Spanish language as it relates to radio, television, newspaper, and other media sources in the context of Hispanic culture. Students survey the history of journalistic genres in Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Students build language proficiency using a contextualized, content-based approach. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, SPAN 2312, and SPAN 3361 or equivalent.
SPAN 4374. Spanish for Health Professions. 3 Hours.
Students develop Spanish-language ability for professionals in the health care industry. The close relationship between language and culture will also foster the heightened awareness of ethnic, gender, and multicultural consciousness. Instruction is in Spanish.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPAN 1411, SPAN 1412, SPAN 2311, and SPAN 2312 or equivalent, or instructor's approval.
World Language and Cultures
WOLC 1411. Beginning Foreign Language I. 4 Hours.
Students study the first half of an elementary course focused on spoken and written language designed for beginning students. Grade of C or better required in WOLC 1411 in order to continue to WOLC 1412.
WOLC 1412. Beginning Foreign Language II. 4 Hours.
Students study an elementary course on spoken and written language designed for students that have some basic language knowledge, but want to improve their level in speaking, listening, writing and reading. Topics may include cultural knowledge.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in WOLC 1411 or the equivalent.
WOLC 2311. Intermediate Foreign Language. 3 Hours.
Students focus on oral, listening, writing and reading skills. Topics may include oral drills on pronunciation, as well as listening comprehension exercises. Additional activities will consist of reading exercises to improve intonation, pronunciation with the objective of making students comfortable and confident in speaking and writing correctly.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in WOLC 1411 and WOLC 1412 or equivalent.
WOLC 2312. Intermed Foreign Language II. 3 Hours.
Students undertake a middle course on spoken and written language designed for students that have some basic language knowledge, but want to improve their level in speaking, listening, writing and reading. Topics include cultural knowledge.
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in WOLC 1411, WOLC 1412, and WOLC 2311 or the equivalent.
WOLC 3010. Applied Language Practicum. 1-3 Hours.
Students apply practical language skills as they observe and practice language in a professional context related to their field of study. Practicum topics and activities will vary based on student needs. This course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.
WOLC 3061. Individual Readings. 1-3 Hours.
An advanced-level student may undertake this course for individual study of a particular topic. Enrollment in this course is restricted and approval of such must be obtained from the department chair. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Variable Credit (1 to 3).
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor and Department Chair.
WOLC 4363. Lang Learn: Concepts & Methods. 3 Hours.
Students develop working knowledge of foreign language teaching methods. Topics may include theories of language acquisition; comparisons between first and second language (L2) acquisition; individual differences in SLA (age, aptitude, motivation, etc.); the nature of learner grammars; the development of L2 fluency, and contextual factors influencing the quality and quantity of the input available to language learners.
Director/Chair: Maria Hasler Barker
Miriam Ama Bima Akoto, PHD, Assistant Professor of French, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Texas A&M - Commerce; MA, Univ of Arizona; BA, Kwame Nkrumah University
Tatiana Vyacheslavovna Artamonova, PHD, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Purdue University; MA, Texas Tech University; MED, Texas Tech University; BA, Russian State Social Univ
Maria Hasler Barker, PHD, Associate Professor of Spanish, Chair of World Languages & Cultures, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Indiana University; MA, Indiana University; BA, Brigham Young University
Arlinda Suzanna Boland, MA, Lecturer of American Sign Language, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Univ of Bristol
Silke Bugge, MA, Lecturer of World Languages and Cultures, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Humboldt University of Berlin; BSED, Humboldt University of Berlin
Maria M Feu Lopez, PHD, Associate Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Univ of Houston-Main; MA, Hood College; BA, Universidad de Barcelona
Jamile Marmitt Forcelini, PHD, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Florida State University; MA, Florida State University; BA, University of Passo Fundo
Leif M French, PHD, Professor of World Languages and Cultures, Sr. Associate Dean, CHSS, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Universite Laval; MA, Universite Laval; BA, California St Un-Sacramento
Vianey Gutierrez, MA, Lecturer of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Sam Houston State University; BBA, Institute of Tech of Chihuahua
Tracy Rouly Knight, EDD, Associate Professor of American Sign Language, Department of World Languages & Cultures, EDD, Lamar University; MS, Lamar University; BA, Gallaudet University
Enrique Mallen, PHD, Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Cornell University; MA, Cornell University; MA, Universidad de Sevilla
Julio Cesar Medina Lopez, MA, Lecturer of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Sam Houston State University; LICEN, Universidad Contemporanea
Rebecca Myers, MED, Lecturer of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MED, Sam Houston State University; BS, Utah State University
Sujey C Myers, MA, Lecturer of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Sam Houston State University; BA, Sam Houston State University
Lillie Vivian Ka Padilla, PHD, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Arizona State University; MA, Arizona State University; BA, University of Ghana; BA, University of Ghana
Kristen Marie Kennedy Terry, PHD, Assistant Professor of French, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Univ of Calif-Davis; MA, Saint Mary's-Ca; BA, Univ of Calif-Los Angeles
Manuel Triano-Lopez, PHD, Associate Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Indiana University; MA, Indiana University; BA, Universidad de Sevilla
Rosti Frank Vana, PHD, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Arizona State University; MA, Arizona State University; BA, Univ of Calif-Riverside; BA, Univ of Calif-Riverside
Edna Viviana Velasquez, PHD, Assistant Professor of Spanish, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, Univ of Houston-Main; MA, Univ of Houston-Main
Tabitha M Venable, MA, Lecturer of American Sign Language, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Gallaudet University; BA, Gallaudet University
Chris Kiskinis Warmack, MA, Lecturer of American Sign Language, Department of World Languages & Cultures, MA, Gallaudet University; BA, Gallaudet University
Samar M Zahrawi, PHD, Associate Professor of Arabic, Department of World Languages & Cultures, PHD, University of Leeds; BA, Al-Ba'ath University