The department offers three majors: Plan A, Plan B, and World Literature and Culture Studies. Students who major in other areas of the curriculum, but wish to develop their linguistic skills and knowledge of foreign cultures, may choose to minor in a foreign language.

Course work completed for the major under Plans A or B, or the minor, must receive a C- or better, and students must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in the appropriate language(s). First-year students planning to take a language course (other than 101) must take the placement test, administered during first-year orientation.

Upper-level courses are conducted in the foreign language unless otherwise indicated.

LEARNING GOALS

The language and culture studies department’s learning goals can be found HERE.

REQUIREMENTS

Plan A major: Under this plan, students major in a single foreign language (French, German studies, Hispanic studies, Italian studies, or Russian). Please see listings and descriptions of respective majors. Credit acquired through the Language Across the Curriculum program may be applied to the cognate requirements. Students are also required to complete a project synthesizing coursework taken for the major. Except under exceptional circumstances, this project will be undertaken in the language section’s 401. Senior Seminar; it must be done at Trinity College. See full descriptions under individual language headings.

Plan B major: Under this plan, students may combine any two of the languages taught in the department of language and culture studies and the classical studies department. A minimum of seven courses in a primary language and five in a secondary language is required, as well as two courses in a cognate field or fields. A paper integrating the three fields of study—primary language field, secondary language field, and some aspect of the cognate field(s)—must be completed in one of the primary language upper-level courses. Except under exceptional circumstances this project will be undertaken in the primary language section’s 401 Senior Seminar, which must be done at Trinity College. See full descriptions under individual language headings.

World Literature and Culture Studies: This major is for students who wish to study literature across regional boundaries. Students take four to six language courses; however, literature/culture courses may be chosen from among the department’s courses offered in English translation. Also required—unless arranged otherwise with the major’s coordinator— is LACS 299. Language, Culture and Meaning and three related courses in another department. Please see complete description of requirements and list of courses at the end of the department listing.

Course work completed for the major under Plans A or B, or the minor, must receive C- or better, and students must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in the appropriate language(s). First-year students planning to take a language course (other than 101) must take the placement test, administered during first-year orientation.

Upper-level courses are conducted in the foreign language unless otherwise indicated.

Permission to major under Plan A or B or to opt for the language and culture studies minor must be obtained from the department chair.

Any student wishing to enroll for credit in a lower-level language sequence after having been granted credit for a course in the same language at a higher level must first obtain the written permission of the department chair.

All language skill courses may require extra lab or drill sessions at the discretion of the instructor.

Core courses: Please see listings and descriptions of respective majors.

Capstone/senior project: Students are also required to complete a project synthesizing coursework taken for the major. Except under exceptional circumstances, this project will be undertaken in the language section’s 401. Senior Seminar; it must be done at Trinity College. See full descriptions under individual language headings.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Study away: Majors and other students are urged to spend at least one semester abroad, or to enroll in a summer study-away program or a recognized summer language institute in North America. Special attention is called to the Trinity College programs in Berlin, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Vienna. The departmental contacts for these programs are, respectively, Professors Evelein, Del Puppo, Shen, Izumi, and Evelein. Brochures describing each of these programs in detail are available both through the department and the Office of Study Away.

Honors: Departmental honors are awarded to seniors who have maintained an A- average in all courses to be counted toward their major (including cognate courses). A minimum grade of A- is furthermore required in the senior exercise (401).

Language Across the Curriculum: In addition to majoring in a language through Plan A or Plan B, or choosing a minor, there is also the opportunity to apply language skills to a wide array of courses across the entire college curriculum through the Language Across the Curriculum Program.

This option is generally open to all students who have completed the intermediate level (fourth semester, or equivalent) in any foreign language currently taught at Trinity and who are enrolled in any course outside the department in which the instructor, in collaboration with a member of the language and culture studies faculty, approves a supplementary reading list in the foreign language. For example, those studying European history, the economy of Latin America, or Freud could do supplementary readings in French, Spanish, or German; those studying art history or modern theater might do further readings in Italian or Russian respectively. There are many other possibilities. Upon satisfactory completion of the assigned work, students will be awarded an extra half credit in the course in question. For further information, see any member of the department.

Arabic

REQUIREMENTS

Core courses: Students choosing a Plan B major in language and culture studies may elect Arabic as their secondary language. Students who do so are required to take five courses in Arabic beyond ARAB 101, including at least one course in Arabic literature and culture (ARAB 224, 225, 226, 227, 228).

Capstone/senior project: Students are also required to complete a project synthesizing aspects of courses taken for the major and its cognates. Except under exceptional circumstances, this project will be undertaken in the language section’s 401. Senior Seminar; it must be done at Trinity College.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors: Departmental honors are awarded to seniors who have maintained an A- average in all courses to be counted toward their major (including cognate courses). A minimum grade of A- is furthermore required in the senior exercise (401).

Chinese

REQUIREMENTS

Core courses: Students choosing a Plan B major in language and culture studies may elect Chinese as the primary or secondary language.

Students who choose Chinese as the primary language are required to take seven courses beyond the 101 level. These seven courses must include at least one course from offerings in Chinese literature and culture (INTS/CHIN 237), and CHIN 401/INTS 395. Two courses in a cognate field or fields are also required as is a paper linking some aspect(s) of the two languages and the cognates; this paper must be completed in CHIN 401/INTS 395.

Students who choose Chinese as the secondary language are required to take five courses beyond the 101 level including at least one course from offerings in Chinese literature and culture (INTS/CHIN 237).

Capstone/senior project: Students are also required to complete a project synthesizing aspects of courses taken for the major and its cognates. Except under exceptional circumstances, this project will be undertaken in the language section’s 401; it must be done at Trinity College.

The Writing Intensive Part II requirement in this major is fulfilled by one of the following courses: CHIN 401/INTS 395 or INTS/CHIN 237.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors: Departmental honors are awarded to seniors who have maintained an A- average in all courses to be counted toward their major (including cognate courses). A minimum grade of A- is furthermore required in the senior exercise (401).

Francophone Studies

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

Students may major in Francophone studies (Plan A major) or Francophone studies and a second language (Plan B major).

REQUIREMENTS

Plan A majors in Francophone studies are required to have 11 courses beyond FREN 102.

Plan B majors whose primary concentration is Francophone studies are required to have seven courses in Francophone studies beyond FREN 102.

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is Francophone studies are required to have five courses in Francophone studies beyond FREN 102.

Plan A majors:

Core Courses: All Plan A majors in Francophone studies are required to have 11 courses beyond FREN 102. The following five are required: FREN 241. Advanced Composition and Style; any two of the following four courses: FREN 247. Race and Empire; FREN 248. Revolts and Revolutions; FREN 251. Language and Identity; FREN 252. Creative Writing in French (no more than one of these four may be by transfer credit); at least one 300-level course whose language of instruction is French (to be taken at Trinity College); and FREN 401.

Electives: Six electives are required. Three electives can be taken in English in another discipline (numbered at other than the 100 level), focusing on topics related to the Francophone world. These courses may be found, for example, among the offerings of such departments or programs as English, history, fine arts, international studies, music, philosophy, political science, the other sections of the language and culture studies department, or the equivalents of such offerings in any approved foreign study program.

Plan B majors:

Plan B majors whose primary concentration is Francophone studies are required to have seven courses in Francophone studies beyond FREN 102; the following are required: FREN 241, two courses chosen from FREN 247, FREN 248, FREN 251, and FREN 252, at least one 300-level course conducted in French (to be taken at Trinity College), and FREN 401. Among the remaining two elective courses, one course in English not offered under a Francophone studies rubric (numbered at other than the 100 level) focusing on topics related to the Francophone world may be counted toward the major (see examples under Plan A major above).

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is Francophone studies are required to have five courses in Francophone studies beyond FREN 102; the following are required: FREN 241, two courses chosen from FREN 247, FREN 248, FREN 251, and FREN 252.

Capstone/senior project: The Writing Intensive Part II requirement for Plan A majors and Plan B majors whose primary concentration is Francophone studies is fulfilled by FREN 401. Senior Seminar. This course culminates in a 20-25 page research paper. Students double-majoring in Francophone studies and another discipline are encouraged to combine research interests; however, no part of their senior project can be translated material from coursework in another department.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Study away: All Plan A and Plan B majors are encouraged to study in an approved program in some part of the Francophone world.

Honors: Students qualifying for honors in their Francophone studies majors must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses counting toward the major, including FREN 401.

German Studies

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

The major in German studies offers an interdisciplinary and interdepartmental approach to the study of the German-speaking world. Its goal is to develop students’ German language skills, to explore German literature both in original German and in translation, and to foster the study of a broad array of subjects in which the influences and contributions of German-speaking peoples are evident, including philosophy, history, religion, art history, performing arts, music, politics, and economics. A background in German studies provides preparation for the exploration of many fields. Knowledge of the German language may also be helpful for graduate study in a number of disciplines of the humanities, the sciences, music, and art history.

Students are encouraged to design programs of study that are coherent and meaningful, as well as diverse and innovative. They have to work closely with the adviser in planning their program.

REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to take a total of 11 credits, seven of which must be earned within the German studies section of the department of language and culture studies. Students counting both introductory German language courses (GRMN 101 and 102) toward the major must earn a total of 12 credits, eight of which in the German studies section. German studies requires a C or higher for a course to count toward the major.

Core courses:

  • Students are required to take a total of 11 credits, seven of which must be earned within the German studies section of the department of language and culture studies. Students counting both introductory German language courses (GRMN 101 and 102) toward the major must earn a total of 12 credits, eight of which in the German studies section.
  • Required courses are GRMN 201, 202, at least one 200-level course taught in English, two 300-level GRMN courses, and 401, which serves as the senior exercise; students may enroll in a second course, GRMN 200-level course taught in English, or LACS 299 in lieu of one 300-level GRMN course.
  • GRMN 200-level taught in English may be applied toward the major if a substantial portion of the assignments is completed in German and the student meets regularly with the instructor.
  • The remaining credits shall be earned in other departments with the major adviser’s approval and with no more than two credits chosen from the same department.
  • As an alternative to the credits taken in other departments, students are encouraged to enroll in the Trinity-approved program with Baden-Württemberg (Heidelberg, Tübingen, Freiburg, Konstanz, and other universities), Trinity-in-Vienna or Trinity-in-Berlin summer. Courses taken in Baden-Württemberg or Vienna count toward the major with the condition that their content be relevant to German studies and approved in advance by the major adviser. For courses to be approved, they must require a substantial amount of reading and writing in German.
  • The Writing Intensive Part II requirement in the German major is fulfilled by: Any GRMN 200-level course taught in English, any 300-level GRMN course, or GRMN 401. Senior Seminar: Special Topics.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Study away: To maximize exposure to German language and culture, students are strongly encouraged to spend at least one semester at the Trinity-approved program of study in Baden-Württemberg or at Trinity’s Global Learning Site in Vienna. Both study-away programs provide opportunities for language immersion at a major German university, as well as the chance to pursue independent study or community service while residing in a culturally and historically rich Germanic setting. For more information, visit the Baden-Württemberg website or the Trinity-in-Vienna website.

Honors: Students qualifying for honors in the German studies major must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses required for the major, including GRMN 401. The topic for the final project for GRMN 401 will be agreed upon in consultation with the adviser.

Language Across the Curriculum: German studies majors are encouraged to take advantage of the Language Across the Curriculum opportunity and earn an additional .5 credit toward the major. In collaboration with a member of the department, students may select supplementary readings in German that complement one or more of the courses below. Enrollment in Language Across the Curriculum follows the guidelines for independent study registration.

Hebrew

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

Students may major in Hebrew and a second language (Plan B major).

The major in Hebrew studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Jewish world. Its goal is to develop students’ Hebrew language skills, explore Israeli culture and Jewish heritage, and provide students with an opportunity to experience a myriad of perspectives on Israeli culture and society. Students are exposed to ongoing societal issues that influence the development of the contemporary Hebrew language and the culture in which it evolves.

REQUIREMENTS

Core courses: Students choosing a Plan B major in language and culture studies may elect Modern Hebrew as their secondary language. Students who do so must take five courses in Modern Hebrew beyond the 101 level, including at least one course from the literature and culture offerings (such as JWST 220. Modern Israeli Literature and Jewish Heritage or JWST 229. Israeli Art and Culture).

Capstone/senior project: Students must complete a project synthesizing aspects of courses taken for the major and its cognates. Except under exceptional circumstances, this project will be undertaken in the language section’s 401. Senior Seminar; it must be done at Trinity College.

Honors: Departmental honors are awarded to seniors who have maintained an A- average in all courses to be counted toward their major (including cognate courses). Furthermore, a minimum grade of A- is required in the senior exercise (401).

Hispanic Studies

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

The major in Hispanic studies is designed to foster a detailed understanding of the vast and complex mix of cultural systems that constitutes the Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian World, a space that includes the United States of America. In pursuing this goal, students work with a wide range of creative traditions. While most of the textual artifacts we work with are in Spanish, Portuguese is an important element in these areas. The overarching aim of this analytical work is to enhance students’ ability to understand the multiple manifestations of Hispanic cultural production and the social and historical contexts in which they arise.

Students may major in Hispanic studies (Plan A major) or Hispanic studies and a second language (Plan B major).

REQUIREMENTS

Plan A majors in Hispanic studies are required to have a total of 12.5 courses beyond HISP 102.

Plan B majors whose primary concentration is in Hispanic studies are required to take 7.5 credits beyond HISP 102.

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is in Hispanic studies are required to take a total of five courses in Hispanic studies beyond HISP 102.

Plan A majors:

Core courses:

All Plan A majors are required to have a total of 12.5 courses beyond HISP 102. The required courses (totaling 9.5 credits) are to be distributed in the following manner: two courses at the 26X-level; HISP 270; HISP 280; HISP 290 (0.5); one course from another department/program related to the Hispanic world or any course in LACS; three courses at the 300 level; and HISP 401.

The rest of the credits within the major are earned through elective courses. No more than three courses taken abroad can be counted towards the major. One 300-level course taken abroad is counted for the major. All other required courses within the major must be taken with faculty at Trinity’s Hartford campus. Electives could include 201, 202, 214, 215, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 229, 240 245, or extra 26X-level courses, certain approved courses taken abroad, or extra 300-level courses. Teaching assistant credits may not count towards the major or minor.

Spanish majors are expected to study in one of the official Study Away sites or in any other program approved by the Hispanic studies section in Spain or Latin America (see the Office of Study Away website). All students wishing to receive credit toward the major for courses taken abroad, must have taken at least one thematically appropriate (Iberian or Latin American) civilization and culture course (HISP 26X) before their departure. Careful planning in coordination with the student’s adviser and, if applicable, the department’s faculty sponsors of the sites is therefore essential. Students who spend a year abroad in one of the official Study Away sites or in any other program approved by the Hispanic studies section in Spain and/or Latin America may petition to have more than 3 courses count towards the Major.

Students who are unable to study abroad must take an extra 300-level course to substitute for HISP 290.

Required courses for the Plan A major

  • Three electives beyond HISP 102
  • One related field course in another department/program or any LACS course
  • Two culture courses (HISP 261, 262, 263 or 264)
  • HISP 270. Introduction to Cultural Analysis
  • HISP 280. Hispanic Hartford
  • HISP 290. Studying in the Hispanic World Colloquium (0.5 credits)
  • Three HISP 300 level (upper-level seminars in Spanish)
  • HISP 401 (senior seminar)
  • Study abroad

Plan B major (students who combine two of the languages taught in the department of language and culture studies and the classical studies department):

Plan B majors whose primary concentration is in Hispanic studies have to take 7.5 credits beyond HISP 102): two courses at the 26X level, HISP 270, HISP 280, HISP 290 (0.5), two courses at the 300 level, and HISP 401. In this final exercise, if possible, the student will engage in in-depth study of a theme that integrates material from the primary and secondary fields of linguistic and cultural competence. The remaining five credits for the major will be taken in the student’s secondary area of linguistic and cultural competence. Students who do not study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country must take an extra 300-level course to substitute for HISP 290.

Majors whose primary competence is Spanish are expected to study study in one of the official Study Away sites or in any other program approved by the Hispanic studies section in Spain or Latin America (see the Office of Study Away website). All students wishing to receive credit toward the major for courses taken abroad must have taken at least one thematically appropriate (Iberian or Latin American) civilization and culture course (HISP 26X) before their departure. Careful planning in coordination with the student’s adviser and, if applicable, the department’s faculty sponsors of the sites is therefore essential. Students who are unable to study abroad must take an extra 300-level course to substitute for HISP 290.

Requirements for the Plan B major with primary competence in Hispanic studies

  • Two culture courses (HISP 261, 262, 263, or 264)
  • HISP 270. Introduction to Cultural Analysis
  • HISP 280. Hispanic Hartford
  • HISP 290. Studying in the Hispanic World Colloquium (0.5 credits)
  • Two HISP 300-level courses (upper-level seminars in Spanish)
  • HISP 401 (Senior Seminar)

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is in Hispanic studies are required to take a total of five courses in Hispanic studies beyond HISP 102. Of these, the following must be taken with faculty at Trinity’s Hartford campus: two courses in civilization and culture (26X) and two 300-level courses. In certain cases, students may request that one upper-level course taken at an approved study-away program count toward the required number of 300-level courses. Certain prerequisites for 300-level courses may be waived for Plan B majors with secondary competency in Hispanic studies at instructor’s discretion.

  • One elective
  • Two culture courses (HISP 261, 262, 263 or 264)
  • Two HISP 300 level courses (upper level seminars in Spanish)

Capstone/senior project:

The Writing Intensive Part II requirement for students in either the Plan A or Plan B Hispanic studies major is fulfilled by HISP 401. Senior Seminar.

Plan A Majors: HISP 401. Senior Seminar. In this final exercise, students will engage theoretical and critical readings around a common theme related to the Spanish-speaking world and require an analytical research paper on a specific topic related to the common theme.

The Plan B major (primary concentration is in Hispanic studies)—HISP 401. In this final exercise, if possible, the student will engage in an in-depth study of a theme that integrates material from the primary and secondary fields of linguistic and cultural competence.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Study Away:

Plan A Majors are expected to study in in one of the official Study Away sites or in any other program approved by the Hispanic studies section in Spain or Latin America.

Students who are unable to study abroad must take an extra 300-level course to substitute for HISP 290.

Plan B Majors whose primary competence is Spanish are encouraged to participate in a study away program approved by the Office of Study Abroad.

Honors: To qualify for honors in Hispanic studies majors must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses counting toward the major and achieve an A- or better in the HISP 401.

Italian Studies

REQUIREMENTS

Plan A majors in Italian are required to have 12 courses in Italian language, literature, and civilization.

Plan B majors whose primary concentration is Italian are required to have seven courses.

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is Italian are required to have five courses.

Plan A Majors:

Core courses: The following is a list of required courses for the major:

  • Five language courses: ITAL 101, 102, 201, 202, and 228.
  • Two 200-level interdisciplinary courses on Italian culture and civilization that are taught in English. These courses may be applied toward the major if a substantial portion of the assignments is completed in Italian.
  • Two courses from the literature offerings: ITAL 314, 335, and 375.
  • Two courses, one of which is at the 300 level, from other departments on an Italian-related subject. Students must consult with their faculty adviser as to which courses they can count toward the major.
  • Senior seminar, ITAL 401. Special Topics.

In consultation with the faculty adviser in Italian, students matriculating at Trinity College who have background in Italian language will enroll at a more advanced level than first-year Italian (101 and 102). Students must take three interdisciplinary courses on Italian culture and civilization and three literature survey courses to complete the required 12 courses.

Capstone/senior project: The capstone/senior project is completed in ITAL 401.

All majors are required to pass an Italian language proficiency examination. This requirement is waived for students gaining a B or better in one of the Italian 300-level courses.

The Writing Intensive Part II requirement is fulfilled by: ITAL 314. Contemporary Italian Literature (in Italian), ITAL 335. Dante (also LACS 335), or ITAL 401. Senior Seminar: Topics in Italian Studies (in Italian).

Plan B majors:

If Italian is the primary language, students are required to take seven courses, including ITAL 228, a 300-level literary survey, and ITAL 401. Special Topics.

If Italian is the secondary language, students are required to take five courses. ITAL 228 is required. For students with prior background in Italian, at least one 300-level survey course is required.

All majors are required to pass an Italian language proficiency examination. This requirement is waived for students gaining a B or better in one of the Italian 300-level courses.

The Writing Intensive Part II requirement is fulfilled by: ITAL 314. Contemporary Italian Literature (in Italian), ITAL 335. Dante (also LACS 335), or ITAL 401. Senior Seminar: Topics in Italian Studies (in Italian).

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

AP credit: Students with AP credit in Italian may count AP credit toward general degree requirements, but not for the Italian major or the Italian minor. AP credit serves as an indicator for placing students in the appropriate level courses.

Study away: Students majoring in Italian are encouraged to attend one of the programs at the Trinity College Rome Campus; they can apply courses taken at the Rome Campus toward the Italian major subject to approval of the faculty adviser. Please see the Rome Campus program and course descriptions in the global programs section.

Honors: Students qualifying for honors in the Italian major must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses counting toward the major, including ITAL 401.

Japanese

REQUIREMENTS

Core courses: Students choosing a Plan B major in language and culture studies may elect Japanese as either their primary or secondary language.

Students who choose Japanese as the primary language are required to take seven courses, including at least one course from offerings in Japanese literature and culture (JAPN 234, JAPN 236, and JAPN 238), and JAPN 401 (Senior Seminar: Special Topics in Japanese). Two courses in a cognate field or fields (such as Japanese history, religion, art history) are also required, but when they are not available, students can take JAPN 234, JAPN 236, and/or JAPN 238 to fulfill this requirement. As the last step, a thesis linking some aspect(s) of the two languages and the cognates; this paper must be completed in JAPN 401.

Students who choose Japanese as the secondary language are required to take five courses, including at least one course from offerings in Japanese literature and culture (JAPN 234, JAPN 236, and JAPN 238). No more than two transfer credits may be applied to the major.

Capstone/senior project: The Writing Intensive Part II requirement for a Japanese Plan B major is fulfilled by JAPN 401 (Senior Seminar: Special Topics in Japanese).

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Study away: Students in the Japanese program are urged to spend a semester or a year studying in Japan. Trinity exchanges one to two students annually with Rikkyo University in Tokyo. IES Japan programs are also approved for credit transfer. Visit Trinity’s Office of Study Away website for more information.

Honors: Departmental honors are awarded to seniors who have maintained an A- average in all courses to be counted toward their major (including cognate courses). A minimum grade of A- is furthermore required in JAPN 401.

Russian

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

Students may major in Russian (Plan A major) or Russian and a second language (Plan B major).

REQUIREMENTS

Plan A majors are required to complete 12 credits in Russian.

Plan B majors whose primary concentration is Russian are required to complete nine courses in Russian.

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is Russian are required to complete seven courses in Russian.

The Plan A Major: Plan A majors are required to complete 12 credits in Russian as follows:

  • Seven courses in Russian, to be chosen from among the following: RUSS 101, 102, 201, 202, 210, 270, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 320.
  • Two courses in Russian literature and culture.
  • A senior thesis, RUSS 497.
  • Two cognate courses in Russian studies from outside the department.

Credit acquired through the Language Across the Curriculum program may also count toward the cognate requirement. Students who begin Russian in their sophomore year are encouraged to do summer work off campus at an approved program.

The Plan B Major: Plan B majors whose primary concentration is Russian are required to complete nine courses in Russian, as follows:

  • Seven courses from the language sequence.
  • One literature and culture course in translation (RUSS 284, 285, 286, 288, 357).
  • The senior exercise (RUSS 497. Senior Thesis). The thesis must explore a topic that joins Russia with the student’s secondary concentration.

Plan B majors whose secondary concentration is Russian are required to complete five courses in Russian from the Russian language sequence. Literature courses taught in English and cross-listed with a LACS prefix may not be counted.

Please note that some aspect of Russian literature or culture must be an integral part of the senior exercise required for the student’s primary concentration.

All Russian majors (Plan A and Plan B) are required to pass the department’s Russian language proficiency examination.

The Writing Intensive Part II requirement for the Plan A or Plan B Russian major is fulfilled by RUSS 497.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors: To qualify for honors in the Russian major students must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses counting toward the major, including RUSS 497.

World Literature and Culture Studies

To declare this major, please see the Coordinator, Senior Lecturer Julia Goesser Assaiante.

OVERVIEW OF MAJOR

Under this track, students major broadly in literary studies, and may draw upon a wide range of courses on literature and culture in translation. Using methods of literary criticism, students situate texts within their original cultural context, and also probe the act of linguistic and cultural translation that occurs when these same texts are read across cultural boundaries. Students furthermore join their study of literature to another mode of inquiry (philosophy, religion, history, psychology, or others), understanding literature in dialogue with intellectual currents, and gaining other methodological tools to help in analyzing literary texts.

To receive a proper grounding in the role of language and culture in the production and reception of literature, all students are required to take LACS 299. Study of texts need not be done in the original language; however, since all culture is language-based, students undertake language study in order to become informed interpreters of literary and cultural texts. Through language study and the foundational course, students will learn to identify blind spots in translated texts and gain the tools for an informed study of literature. The amount of required language study varies from four to six semesters and is determined by the adviser in accordance with the student’s program of study. Students with strong foreign language skills are encouraged to do some or all of their textual study in the original.

Note: All courses with the LACS prefix are offered “in translation”—all readings and class sessions are in English—and no foreign language knowledge is required. Courses with prefixes such as FREN, HISP, CHIN, RUSS, etc., require foreign language knowledge.

REQUIREMENTS

Twelve courses in fulfillment of categories A through E below:

  • A. LACS 299. Between the World and You: Language, Culture and the Creation of Meaning.
  • B. Four to six language courses in a single language, the exact number to be determined in consultation with the adviser. (Two upper-level courses focusing on textual study may be double-counted toward the requirement C.)
  • C. Three courses in literature/culture in the department of language and culture studies.
  • D. Three appropriate courses in one of the following departments: philosophy, religion, psychology, English or history. Courses in other departments may be possible with the approval of the adviser. Normally all three courses will be in a single department, but one course from another department may be approved at the discretion of the adviser.
  • E. LACS 401. Senior Project. This project will normally be done in English. Students with strong language skills may elect instead to take the appropriate 401 class in the LACS department.

Note: At least three of the courses taken in the department of language and culture studies must be at the 300 level or higher.

Students may double major within the department of language and culture studies, but no more than two courses may be double counted.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors: Students qualifying for honors must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses counting toward the major, including LACS 401.