Modern Languages
Department Chair: James G. Mitchell, Ph.D.
Mastery of a foreign language enables students to deepen their understanding of cultural differences and similarities, to exercise their responsibilities as citizens of the world, and to promote meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Language competency is a life skill and a career asset.
French
French courses in language, literature, and culture are designed to provide opportunities for students to achieve aural, oral, reading and writing proficiency in the language. An integral part of the curriculum is an in-depth exposure to French culture and civilization through the study abroad experience as well as study of French literature in its social, historical and cultural contexts. The Department of Modern Languages offers both a major and a minor in French.
Italian
Courses in Italian language, literature, and culture provide opportunities for students to attain significant knowledge of Italian culture and to achieve proficiency in Italian language. An integral part of the curriculum is study abroad in Italy to observe and study Italian culture and civilizations first-hand. The Department of Modern Languages offers a minor in Italian Studies.
Spanish
Spanish courses promote understanding between individuals and nations by exploring the cultures, civilizations, heritage and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world while providing students with opportunities to develop their capacity to speak, understand, read and write Spanish. Students also learn to appreciate the diverse ethnic backgrounds of those who speak Spanish around the globe. The Department of Modern Languages offers a major and two different minors in Spanish.
Language Placement
In French, Italian and Spanish, initial placement in a language class level is done by use of a placement exam in conjunction with a review of a student’s previous language study. The placement exam does not capture every aspect of student ability in French, Italian or Spanish. Thus, the Department of Modern Languages reserves the right to place a student in the appropriate language class level, which may not coincide with language placement exam results.
Other Modern Languages
Opportunities are provided on a regular basis for elementary course work in Arabic, Portuguese, and German. On occasion, other languages such as Mandarin Chinese may be offered at the elementary level.
Modern Languages Student Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Speaking: Describe, narrate, and construct arguments in the major time frames of past, present, and future, in paragraph-length discourse with good control of aspect and mood.
- Listening: Comprehend oral texts that deal with unfamiliar topics with few, if any, gaps in understanding.
- Reading: Understand a variety of written text types on a diverse range of topics in the target language.
- Writing: Construct multipage written texts expressing arguments based on evidence in the target language.
- Cultures: Possess knowledge of historical and contemporary socio-cultural institutions and events in the countries where the language is spoken.
Arabic
In this course students learn the basics of Modern Standard Arabic, the variety of Arabic that is used in formal oral and written communication throughout the Arab world. Teaching method is proficiency oriented and skill-based. Students will communicate in Arabic as much as possible, using all linguistic skills.
In this course learners acquire and activate a variety of vocabulary items in authentic contexts. Grammar covers basic sentence structures, such as verb conjugation, sentence types, and agreement. The combination of activated vocabulary and grammar will result in students' ability to speak, read, and comprehend basic Arabic as well as connect culture to language use in everyday life.
Chinese
In these courses the Hanyu Pinyin system of phonetic notations will be taught and long form Chinese characters will be used. Fundamental skills of Chinese will be developed in reading, listening, speaking and writing.
In this course, building on the foundation of Elementary Chinese I, the Hanyu Pinyin system of phonetic notations will be taught and long form Chinese characters will be used. Fundamental skills of Chinese will be further developed in reading, listening, speaking and writing.
French
This workshop runs in conjunction with Salve's French Film Festival every spring. Students are required to view a specific number of films and complete short writing assignments in English based on the films they see. A short organizational meeting is held early in the spring semester before the festival begins. Films are in French with English subtitles.
This course stresses the development of the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The grammar necessary for spoken and written expression is also studied. In addition, students are introduced to the cultures of French-speaking countries. Conducted primarily in French.
This course, a continuation of Elementary French I, stresses the further development of the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continued study of the grammar necessary for spoken and written expression. In addition, students are introduced to the cultures of French-speaking countries. Conducted primarily in French.
This course continues to develop the four basic skills and provides the student with a comprehensive review of the fundamental principles of grammar necessary for a more advanced level of spoken and written French. Conducted in French.
This course further develops the four basic skills and provides the student with a comprehensive review of the fundamental principles of grammar necessary for a more advanced level of spoken and written French. Conducted in French.
This course seeks to consolidate student learning in the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through engagement with the five critical areas of language-learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Students will review and expand their knowledge of French through class discussion and writing assignments related to film, literature, and media from France and other Francophone countries. Conducted in French
This course continues the work begun in FRN241 to consolidate student learning in the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through engagement with the five critical areas of language-learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Students will review and expand their knowledge of French through class discussion and writing assignments related to film, literature, and media from France and other Francophone countries. Conducted in French.
Introduces the study of language and its subcomponents: syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology. Focuses on how these components of language work and interact to inform linguistic systems from various world languages. Applies this knowledge to the study of language use in social contexts and human interaction, writing systems, language change, and language acquisition. Conducted in English.
Continued development of oral skills in pronunciation, everyday vocabulary, discussions, reports on articles read in periodicals and newspapers, and short speeches. Conducted in French.
An advanced course in contemporary written French. Grammatical concepts and the linguistic means to express them are developed through frequent compositions and critiques with emphasis on stylistic devices. Conducted in French.
French civilization as it developed from traditional customs to the political, economic, cultural, and social issues of the present day. Conducted in French.
Surveys and explores one of more cultures in which French is a primary means of communication. The course may cover anything from traditional customs to the political, economic, cultural, and social issues of the present day. Conducted in French.
Explores theories of second language acquisition and presents language teaching methodologies and their applications with regard to the concepts of proficiency and the communicative language classroom. Concepts will be applied through crafting, sharing and discussing individual classroom activities, assessments, lesson and unit plans. Teaching demonstrations by students provide practical experience in the classroom setting for future language teachers. Conducted in English. French and/or Spanish major or minor is required.
General survey of French authors and literary forms from the late 11th century through the 18th century, with attention to literary trends, genres, and influences, techniques of literary study and particularly "explication de texte." Conducted in French.
General survey of French authors and literary forms from the 19th and 20th centuries including the major romantics, realists, symbolists, novelists, dramatists, and techniques of literary study, particularly "explication de texte." Conducted in French.
This clinical experience at the elementary level enables teacher education candidates to observe in local classrooms for evidence of the elements and principles learned in prior education courses required for the major. In addition, students will be able to contrast this experience with previous experience at the middle and secondary levels in SCD-298 and SCD-321 respectively. Candidates are required to write formal reflections of observations, as well as to engage in and reflect upon initial teaching experiences, employing principles learned in SCD-320.
Special topics courses are offered as electives on a cyclical basis and include such subjects as Business and Administrative French, French for Diplomacy and Political Science, French Cinema, French Drama, Francophone African Literature and Principles of Translation.
An introductory study of the French sound system incorporating articulatory and phonetic principles. Includes a study of phonemes and suprasegmentals. Conducted in French.
The French Capstone course engages the skills that students have developed in earlier Core courses in the Liberal Arts and in University Seminars to analyze texts (books, films, articles, etc.) and to write and speak about those texts in French. In addition, this capstone course will study a culture or cultures outside of the United States. Students will also engage Core themes. Cross-listed with appropriate upper-level French course.
For the advanced student, individual research and reports on areas of special interest not offered in the curriculum. Advanced standing, acceptance of project by a member of the faculty, and permission of department chair is required.
German
For students with little or no high school experience with German. This course stresses the development of the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The grammar necessary for spoken and written expression is also studied. In addition, students are introduced to the cultures of German-speaking countries. Conducted primarily in German.
This course, a continuation of Elementary German I, stresses further development of the four basic skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Continued study of the grammar necessary for spoken and written expression. In addition, students are introduced to the cultures of German-speaking countries. Conducted primarily in German.
Italian
For students with little or no high school experience with Italian. This course stresses the development of the four basic skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The grammar necessary for spoken and written expression is also studied along with cultural components. Conducted primarily in Italian.
A continuation of Elementary Italian I. This course stresses the further development of the four basic skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Continued study of the grammar necessary for spoken and written expression along with cultural components. Conducted primarily in Italian.
Course for students who have pursued Italian in high school for three or four years or who have completed ITL-112. The aim of this course is to consolidate previous language study into a functional body of knowledge, supplementing the review of Italian grammar with cultural reading, increased oral proficiency and writing skills. Conducted in Italian.
Course for students who have pursued Italian in high school for three or four years or who have completed ITL-205 or equivalent. The aim of this course is to consolidate previous language study into a functional body of knowledge, supplementing the review of Italian grammar with cultural reading, increased oral proficiency and writing skills. Conducted in Italian.
An overview of contemporary Italian civilization as it developed from Roman antiquity through the Middle Ages to the political, economic, cultural, and social issues of the present day. Conducted in Italian.
This course focuses on learning and applying techniques of literary analysis to Italian literature chosen by the instructor. Instructor choices can range from such works as Dante's Divine Comedy to Boccaccio's Decameron to modern novels/short stories/theatre. Conducted in Italian.
This course, taught in English, offers the opportunity for in-depth study of additional areas in Italian Studies, including but not limited to Italian film, Italian literature, and the Italian-American experience.
These courses offer the opportunity for in-depth study of additional areas in Italian Studies, including but not limited to Italian film, Italian literature, and the Italian-American experience. Conducted in Italian.
Latin
A study of the forms and essential principles of syntax in classical Latin. There is an introduction to composition, and some attention is given to classical pronunciation.
A continuing study of the structures and syntax of classical Latin. Some attention is given to composition and to differing stylistic traditions.
Linguistics
This course delves into issues in language and culture from a linguistic perspective. It explores the complex intersections of language, culture, race, ethnicity, and gender through social interactions and their dynamics. Students learn about and discuss the tools and techniques that inform inquiry in these frameworks in order to better understand issues of language and inequality, language and power, language ideology, and the construction of social relationships. Students also consider language change, including language shift, pidgins, creoles, and language endangerment. Conducted in English.
Introduces the study of language and its subcomponents: syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology. Focuses on how these components of language work and interact to inform linguistic systems from various world languages. Applies this knowledge to the study of language use in social contexts and human interaction, writing systems, language change, and language acquisition. Conducted in English.
Explores theories of second language acquisition and presents language teaching methodologies and their applications with regard to the concepts of proficiency and the communicative language classroom. Concepts will be applied through crafting, sharing and discussing individual classroom activities, assessments, lesson and unit plans. Teaching demonstrations by students provide practical experience in the classroom setting for future language teachers. Conducted in English. French and/or Spanish major or minor is required.
Introduces major issues related to intercultural communication in order to develop skills to build and maintain positive communication and relationships across cultures. Students will explore the definition, nature, and manifestation of culture while examining their own values, traditions and beliefs. Students will develop skills necessary to analyze episodes of intercultural interaction, and to reflect on their own communication behavior in intercultural settings, exploring similarities and differences in language usage, nonverbal style, and pragmatic issues such as politeness in order to see how these influence face-to-face communication between individuals of different cultural backgrounds. Conducted in English.
This course introduces theories and research associated with second language acquisition (SLA). It presents the major research issues, both theoretical and empirical, of the field, and identifies the principles and processes that govern second language learning and use. Important factors in SLA are discussed with attention to understanding their impact on language learning. Topics include but are not limited to: second-language development, variability in learner language, input/output, social, cognitive, and affective factors influencing acquisition, naturalistic vs. tutored SLA, and language pedagogy. Conducted in English.
These courses offer the opportunity for in-depth study of additional areas of linguistics, including but not limited to subfields of linguistics, such as phonetics/phonology, syntax, morphology, historical linguistics, or applied fields such as psycholinguistics, language acquisition, or forensic linguistics.
Portuguese
This course is for students who have not previously studied Portuguese. Students engage in activities and exercises designed to develop skills in oral/aural proficiency, as well as reading and writing Portuguese. Emphasis is also placed on increasing the student's awareness of Lusophone countries and cultures. Conducted primarily in Portuguese.
Continuation of Elementary Portuguese I. Students engage in activities and exercises designed to further develop skills in oral/aural proficiency, as well as reading and writing Portuguese. Continued emphasis is also placed on increasing the student's awareness of Lusophone countries and cultures. Conducted primarily in Portuguese.
An accelerated course in Portuguese for speakers of Spanish, this course will cover significant grammatical and cultural material in Portuguese and will provide a strong foundation for both written and spoken communication.
Spanish
The aim of these courses is to facilitate the learning of the Spanish language through total immersion. Emphasis is on building a practical vocabulary and the ability to function in Mexico, in Spain or in other variety Spanish-speaking countries. Offered only through Study Abroad Programs.
The aim of these courses is to facilitate the learning of the Spanish language through total immersion. Emphasis is on building a practical vocabulary and the ability to function in Mexico, in Spain or in other Spanish-speaking countries. Offered only through Study Abroad Programs.
For those students who have not previously studied Spanish. This course provides opportunities for the development of the fundamental skills: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Students are also introduced to the cultures of the 21 Spanish speaking countries. Conducted primarily in Spanish.
This course, a continuation of SPA-111, provides further opportunities for the development of the fundamental skills: reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Continued introduction to the cultures of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. Conducted primarily in Spanish.
For students who have pursued Spanish in high school for three to four years, or who have completed SPA-112. The aim of this course is to consolidate previous language study into a functional body of knowledge, supplementing the review of Spanish grammar with cultural readings, increased oral proficiency, and writing skills. Conducted in Spanish.
This course continues the work begun in SPA-205 consolidating previous language study into a functional body of knowledge, supplementing the review of Spanish grammar with cultural readings, increased oral proficiency, and writing skills. Conducted in Spanish.
This course focuses on issues related to delivering healthcare and service to Spanish-speakers, including the acquisition of specialized vocabulary and grammar contextualized in real-world scenarios. Required for those in the Spanish for the Health and Services Professions minor and for those participating the Salve short-term study abroad in the Dominican Republic. Conducted in Spanish.
This course seeks to consolidate student learning in the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through engagement with the five critical areas of language-learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Students will review and expand their knowledge of Spanish through class discussion and writing assignments related to film, literature, and media from the Spanish-speaking world. Conducted in Spanish.
This course continues the work begun in SPA-241 to consolidate student learning in the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through engagement with the five critical areas of language-learning: communication, cultures, connections, comparisons and communities. Students will review and expand their knowledge of Spanish through class discussion and writing assignments related to film, literature, and media from the Spanish-speaking world. Conducted in Spanish.
Introduces the study of language and its subcomponents: syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, and phonology. Focuses on how these components of language work and interact to inform linguistic systems from various world languages. Applies this knowledge to the study of language use in social contexts and human interaction, writing systems, language change, and language acquisition. Conducted in English.
This course examines the development of Spanish American nations, from pre- Columbian times through Independence and up to modern times. In addition to the study of their history, economics, and politics, students will explore their social and cultural identities and expression, in both past and contemporary manifestations. This course consists of lectures, readings, student research, and presentations, as well as films and other media resources. Conducted in Spanish.
A course concerned with the study of geography, history, and economic life in Spain as they relate to the literature, fine arts, and life of the people of Spain. Lectures are supplemented by discussions, and the presentation of related cultural materials, videos, newspapers and films. Conducted in Spanish.
The aim of this course is to facilitate the use of the Spanish language in commerce, banking, tourism, and other businesses. Emphasis is placed on economic, managerial, and technical terms most likely to be met in dealing with international markets.
Explores theories of second language acquisition and presents language teaching methodologies and their applications with regard to the concepts of proficiency and the communicative language classroom. Concepts will be applied through crafting, sharing and discussing individual classroom activities, assessments, lesson and unit plans. Teaching demonstrations by students provide practical experience in the classroom setting for future language teachers. Conducted in English. French and/or Spanish major or minor is required.
Master works of Spanish American literature from all genres are explored in their historical context, with a focus on the period from modernism to contemporary pieces. Students refine their language skills through readings, group assignments, dialogue in class, written assignments, and research. Conducted in Spanish.
Master works of the major Spanish writers, including Poema de Mio Cid, Libro de Buen Amor, Libro del Conde Lucanor, la Celestina, el Quijote, and others are studied. Conducted in Spanish.
A one-credit pro-seminar discussing issues of relevance to the Hispanic communities of Rhode Island featuring speakers from both the Salve community and the broader Rhode Island community. Students will dialogue about their experiences in their community placements and gain additional knowledge from that sharing. Must be completing minor in Spanish for the Health and Service Professions.
By means of experiential observation, readings, and research, students engage in discussions of current events in the Spanish speaking world using Spanish. Offered only through study abroad programs.
A study of the culture and society of the Dominican Republic and neighboring Spanish-speaking countries. Conducted in Spanish.
A theoretical and practical course designed to foster the development of students' capacity for action and reflection about the reality, problems, and principle interacting social agents in the Dominican community environment. Conducted in Spanish. Study Abroad.
This clinical experience at the elementary level enables teacher education candidates to observe in local classrooms for evidence of the elements and principles learned in prior education courses required for the major. In addition, students will be able to contrast this experience with previous experience at the middle and secondary levels in SCD-298 and SCD-321 respectively. Candidates are required to write formal reflections of observations, as well as to engage in and reflect upon initial teaching experiences, employing principles learned in SCD-320.
This course is designed to provide students and prospective teachers of Spanish greater facility in oral Spanish and auditory comprehension. Fluency of expression and ease of comprehension will be developed through group discussions, interviews, debates, film and literature. Conducted in Spanish.
These courses offer the opportunity for in-depth study of an area determined by student interest including Hispanic film, contemporary Spain, and Spanish American countries.
This course will provide students with an in-depth study of the three island nations that compose the Hispanic Caribbean. The similarities and differences between these countries will be articulated through the study of their cultures, history, art, music, humor, religion, and literary texts, both historical and contemporary. Conducted in Spanish.
The Spanish Capstone course engages the skills that students have developed in earlier Core courses in the Liberal Arts and in University Seminars to analyze texts (books, films, articles, etc.) and to write and speak about those texts in Spanish. In addition, this capstone course will study a culture or cultures outside of the United States. Students will also engage Core themes. Cross-listed with appropriate upper-level Spanish course. Senior academic standing is required.
For the advanced student, individual researches and reports on areas of special interest not offered in the curriculum. Advanced standing, acceptance of project by a member of the faculty and permission of the department chair is required.