Foreign Languages
- Department Office: BA 221
- Phone Number: 507-537-7155
- Website: https://www.smsu.edu/academics/programs/foreignlanguages/
The Foreign Language Program seeks to develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing a second language, and to introduce the student to the literature and civilization of another country in order to broaden his/her perspective and increase his/her understanding and sensitivity of a foreign culture. Graduates may enter careers in international business, education, the tourism and hospitality industries, and government service.
Note: Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits in order to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
Beginning Chinese 1 is designed for beginners who have no knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. This course serves as an introduction to Chinese, covering its basic grammar, the pinyin system, vocabulary, usage, and the Chinese writing system. Emphasis is also placed on developing the ability to engage in simple, practical conversations on everyday topics and gaining knowledge of Taiwanese and Chinese culture. Cultural experiences will also be integrated throughout the course.
Beginning Chinese 2 is designed for beginners who have completed Beginning Chinese 1 at SMSU or the equivalent elsewhere. It aims to further students¿ Chinese proficiency through: (1) consolidating the foundation build in students¿ beginning Chinese course; (2) introducing them to more grammatical structures, vocabulary, and cultural information.
This course of Beginning Chinese 3 is designed for beginners who have completed the course of Chinese 2 at SMSU or have the knowledge of PINYIN system and basic grammar. It aims to further develop students¿ Chinese proficiency through: (1) consolidating the foundation built in students¿ beginning Chinese course; (2) Culture immersion is a highlight in this class where students get to experience Chinese/Taiwanese culture first hand.
Introduces students to the basic vocabulary and structures of Spanish, help build communicative competence and introduces students to the interconnectivity of the Spanish-speaking world to the world at large. Placement: for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish, 1 year or less of high school Spanish or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Continues to introduce students to the basic vocabulary and structures of Spanish, helps build communicative competence and introduces students to the interconnectivity of the Spanish-speaking world to the world at large. Placement: for students with 2 years or less of high school Spanish or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Continued development of the four basic language skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) through the study of the cultures and countries of Spanish speakers worldwide. Course assumes basic ability to use Spanish for daily discourse (present tense). This is a logical entry point for heritage Spanish speakers. SPAN 201 counts as an elective in the Spanish minor
Continue the development of communicative competence in Spanish through the study of the cultures and countries of Spanish speakers worldwide. Course assumes basic ability to use Spanish for daily discourse (present tense) and simple narratives (past tenses). SPAN 202 counts as an elective in the Spanish minor
This course continues the development of Spanish communication skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Selected readings and topics will extend student knowledge and appreciation of culture and social issues in the Spanish-speaking world. This course uses the same text and covers the same material as SPAN 201 and 202 combined in one semester (5 credits).
The 1-credit course, SPAN 211 Latin American and Spanish Cinema, will be taught in Spanish. It will use informative and thought provoking films to focus on the contemporary history, literature, and art culture of the Hispanic world. Supplementary texts and articles will provide background historical events and analysis to enhance the understanding of the circumstances and themes that each of the films address. Students will be able to improve their argumentative and analytical skills, and to develop new, more complex, vocabulary through discussions and writing assignments.
This class is open to beginning Spanish-language students as a structured opportunity to practice Spanish in a relaxed setting. The class is based on the idea of Sobremesa, a Spanish word without equivalent in English that describes the conversation that occurs between friends and family after sharing a meal. Students will attend the open Sobremesa event weekly, in order to regularly practice their conversational Spanish skills with others outside a classroom setting.
This course is an entry-level highly specific Spanish language training course for law enforcement and other personnel involved with the U.S. judicial system. There is no prerequisite.
This course is an entry-level highly specific Spanish language training course for persons interested in pursuing a career within the health care system. Focus will be on intake and diagnostic questioning, and providing kinesthetic directions. There is no prerequisite.
Topics in Hispanic Culture and Literature.
Reading practice and discussion based on a novel from contemporary popular literature of a Spanish-speaking country. Intensive vocabulary building.
Written practice based on a variety of comprehensible materials (readings and videos) drawn from contemporary culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Intensive grammar review.
A course designed for students seeking to refine their technical abilities in translating Spanish to English and English to Spanish. Particular attention is given to the linguistic and socio-linguistic issues involved in translation.
A study of selected works from 20th century Iberian and Latin American authors which will stress major themes and movements.
This class is open to intermediate Spanish-language students as a structured opportunity to practice Spanish in a relaxed setting. The class is based on the idea of Sobremesa, a Spanish word without equivalent in English that describes the conversation that occurs between friends and family after sharing a meal. Students will attend the open Sobremesa event weekly and practice their Spanish skills through guiding the conversation and introducing topics of interest, making sure all are included in the conversation.
Work toward proficiency in areas of communication skills required for those who intend to use Spanish as a principal asset in their occupation.
A systematic overview of Iberian culture and civilization. Geography, political, social, and intellectual history will be the basis for reading, writing, and discussion.
Major cultural and historical aspects of Latin America from pre-colonial times to the present will be the basis for reading, writing, and discussion.
For those who have completed basic Spanish or are heritage speakers. Work toward mastery of a specific skill (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) as needed by student. Topic, credits, and hour awarded will be determined by the professor in conjunction with the student.
For students who have completed an approved Spanish educational program in a Spanish-speaking country. The student must request and receive departmental approval prior to departure in order for credits to be transferred or awarded.
For advanced students who have a specific project or topic they wish to pursue. Independent Study projects should be initiated by the student based on their interests outside of a typical classroom course. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated.
Topics in Hispanic Culture and Literature.