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Department of Modern

Languages & Literature
CAS Building, Room # 329
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539

 

Phone: (956) 381-3441
Fax: (956) 318-5381

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

French Courses

German Courses
MCLL Courses
Spanish Courses

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGES COURSES

FORL 1391- Elementary Studies in Foreign Language I

Beginning studies in critical language of importance to the region. May be repeated for credit up to two times as the language of study varies.

 

FORL 1392- Elementary Studies in Foreign Language II

Continuation of beginning studies in critical languages of importance to the region. May be repeated for credit up to two times as the language of study varies.

 

FRENCH COURSES

FREN 1321 - Beginning French I

A study of the essentials of French grammar, pronunciation, elementary conversation and prose reading. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit for only one of FREN 1321 or FREN 1387.

 

FREN 1322 - Beginning French II

A continuation of FREN 1321. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit for only one of FREN 1322 of FREN 1388. Prerequisite: FREN 1321.

 

FREN 2321 - Intermediate French I

Grammar review, conversation and writing practice based on selected literary and cultural readings. An emphasis on usage of different modes and tenses, as well as complex syntax. Prerequisite: FREN 1322.

 

FREN 2322 - Intermediate French II

Grammar review, conversation and writing practice based on selected literary and cultural readings. An emphasis on usage of different modes and tenses, as well as complex syntax. Prerequisite: FREN 2321.

 

FREN 3321 - French Composition I

Practice in writing expository, narrative and descriptive prose. Prerequisite: FREN 2322.

 

FREN 3322 - French Composition II

Practice in writing critical appreciations of selected literary works. Prerequisite: FREN 3321.

 

FREN 3323 - Business French

French for international business majors. A French practice in all areas: procedures, job and business cultures from French and Francophone countries. Prerequisite: FREN 3321.

 

FREN 4120 - Practicum on Location

Special programs designed by UTPA French faculty and taught in France or a French-speaking country. The course will familiarize students with specific aspects of the host country’s culture. Students will be immersed in a French-speaking environment and will partake in numerous activities such as lectures, visits to museums and monuments, etc., to strengthen their language skills and develop their knowledge of Francophone culture. The course may be repeated if the location and topic changes. Prerequisite: Four semesters of French or the equivalent.

 

FREN 4321: French Literature Through Genres

The course introduces literature through literary genres (drama, poetry, novels or essays). Students will have the opportunity to study in depth the evaluation of a genre as well as the literary devices used by writers in the production of the genre. This course can be repeated according to the genre for study. Course taught in French. Prerequisite: FREN 3321 or equivalent. 

 

FREN 4322: Survey of French Literature

The course cover a survey of French literature from the medieval period until the Enlightenment. it introduces students to the foundations of French and European thought and literatures. Course taught in French. Cannot be repeated. Prerequisite: FREN 3321 or equivalent.

 

FREN 4324 - French Civilization I

A study of French culture and civilization from the Roman conquest of Gaul by Julius Caesar to the French Revolution of 1789. Prerequisite: FREN 3321.

 

FREN 4325 - French Civilization II

A study of French culture and civilization from the French Revolution of 1789 to the present. Prerequisite: FREN 3321.

 

FREN 4326: Survey of French Literature II.

This course offers a overview of French Literature. It introduces students to some masterpieces of the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Course taught in French. Cannot be repeated. Prerequisite: FREN 3321 or equivalent.

 

FREN 4331: Theater Practice in French.  

This course will cover a brief history of French and European theater from its classic origins in today's international trends. Students will read several excerpts of French theater and discuss different possibilities of interpretation and performance techniques (phonetics, tongue twisters, breathing techniques, etc.) This course familiarize students with an important cultural component of French and European tradition and increases their listening and speaking skills to a nearer native speaking fluency. Students will also stage, perform and present their work. Prerequisite: FREN 2322 or equivalent.

  

FREN 4339 - Special Topics

Special topics from the field of French language and literature. Prerequisite: FREN 3321.

 

FREN 5321: French and Francophone

This course will study topics and masterpieces in French and/or Francophone (French-speaking countries) literature. The course may be taken three times as the topic varies. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and a minimum of 12 advanced hours in French.

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GERMAN COURSES

GERM 1331 - Beginning German I

A study of the essentials of German grammar, pronunciation, elementary conversation and prose reading.

 

GERM 1332 - Beginning German II

A continuation of German 1331, focusing on German grammar, pronunciation, elementary conversation, and prose reading. Prerequisite: GERM 1331.

 

GERM 2331 - Intermediate  German I

A study of more complex patterns of German grammar and prose reading to facilitate written and oral communications. Prerequisite: GERM 1332.

 

GERM 2332 - Intermediate German II

A study of more complex patterns of German grammar and prose reading to facilitate written and oral communication. Prerequisite: GERM 2331.

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MCLL COURSES

MCLL 2301 - Special Topics in Modern/Classical Literature
This special topics course explores the literary manifestations of the Classical and Modern world. The objective of this course is to expand the student's knowledge of the human condition and human cultures, especially in relation to behaviors, ideas and values expressed in literary works.

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SPANISH COURSES

SPAN 1301 - Beginning Spanish

A course designed to develop the ability to understand, speak, read and white the Spanish language. Open only to persons who are monolingual. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit in only one of SPAN 1301, SPAN 1303 or SPAN 1387.

  

SPAN 1302 - Beginning Spanish

A continuation of SPAN 1301. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit in only one of SPAN 1302, SPAN 1304 or SPAN 1388. Prerequisite: SPAN 1301.

 

SPAN 1303 - Beginning Spanish

A course designed to develop the ability to read and to write the Spanish language. For students who are bilingual. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit in only one of SPAN 1301, SPAN 1303, or SPAN 1387.

 

SPAN 1304 - Beginning Spanish

A continuation of SPAN 1303. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit in only one of SPAN 1302, SPAN 1304 or SPAN 1388. Prerequisite: SPAN 1303.

 

SPAN 1387 - Beginning Spanish (Honors Plan)

A beginning Spanish course designed to meet the needs of Honors students interested in learning to read and write Spanish fluently at an accelerated pace. Some readings and culture will be introduced. Open to students needing systematic introduction to the Spanish language. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit in only one of SPAN 1301, SPAN 1303 or SPAN 1387.

 

SPAN 1388 - Beginning Spanish (Honors Plan)

A beginning Spanish course designed to meet the needs of Honors students interested in learning to read and write Spanish fluently at an accelerated pace. Some readings and culture will be introduced. Open to students needing systematic introduction to the Spanish language. Credit Restriction: A student may receive credit in only one of SPAN 1302, SPAN 1304 or SPAN 1388.

 

SPAN 2301 - Technical Spanish I

In this course we will review grammatical structures and introduce the student to technical terminology in Spanish. The student will read and translate technical texts. We will discuss cultural aspects affecting technology in the Hispanic world. Prerequisite: SPAN 1302 or 1303.

 

SPAN 2302 - Technical Spanish II

This course is a continuation of SPAN 2301. The student will apply the knowledge acquired in Spanish technical terminology to the writing of technical and business reports related to engineering and science. Prerequisite: SPAN 2301.

 

SPAN 2307 - Intermediate Spanish for Native Speakers

A comprehensive review of Spanish grammar with special emphasis on writing. Prerequisite: SPAN 1304.

 

SPAN 2308 - Intermediate Spanish for Native Speakers

A continuation of SPAN 2307. prerequisite: SPAN 2307.

 

SPAN 3301 - Spanish Literature (from 1100 to 1750)

A survey of the literature of Spain from El Cid to the middle of the 18th century. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3302 - Spanish Literature (1750 to the present)

A survey of the literature of Spain from Romanticism to the Modern period. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3303 - Advanced Spanish Composition

Intensive training in Spanish composition. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3304 - Advance Spanish Composition

Additional work in composition. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3306 - Basic Concepts of Spanish Phonetics and Phonology

An analysis of the phonetic and phonological system of Spanish with special emphasis on the relationship between the phonetic system and writing. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3309 - Techniques of Literary Analysis

A study and practical application of the fundamentals of literary criticism. Several different approaches to literary analysis will be presented in order to construct a solid basis for the interpretation of literature. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3310 - Masterpieces of Spanish-American Literature I

An investigation of the literary works of the principal narrators, poets and dramatists of Spanish America from the beginnings of Spanish colonialism to modernism. Analysis of form and content and study of the historical background and literary currents in each work. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3311 - Masterpieces of Spanish-American Literature II

An investigation of the literary works of the principal narrators, poets and dramatists of Spanish America from modernism to the present. Analysis of form and content and study of the historical background and literary currents in each work. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3316 - The Mexican Novel

The study of the major novels of Mexico. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3319 - Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

An overview of the scientific study of the Spanish language. A general introduction to linguistic theories followed by application to the phonology, morphology, syntax and language variation and change in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3330 - Spanish Grammar

A study of grammatical concepts with concentration on basic sentence structure, the paragraph, principles of punctuation and functional grammar. Course designated for Spanish majors and minors as well as those interested in bilingual endorsement. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308. Prerequisites for aspirants to bilingual/bicultural endorsement: SPAN 2308 and ENG 3319.

 

SPAN 3334 - Business Spanish

Review of basic principles and Spanish nomenclature of political economy, accounting, marketing, management and finance. Theory and practice of commercial and civil registers. Difference between U.S. and Latin American business government practices. Correspondence and report writing.

 

SPAN 3340 - Introduction to Latin American Literature

An introduction to the major literary movements and figures of Latin America from pre-Columbian times to the present. Focuses on the roles of race, class, gender and ethnicity of literary canons in Latin America. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3341 - Introduction to Spanish Literature

An introduction to the major literary movements and figures of Spain from medieval times to the present. Highlights major works that have influenced world literature. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 3343 - Spanish Language Media Studies

Introduction to the methods and styles of coverage of new trends and events in Spanish focusing on both writing and diction. Practice in writing newspaper articles and newscast scripts for radio and television. Practice in English and Spanish translation for the media.

 

SPAN 4303 - Spanish Civilization

A survey course covering the entire range of Iberian history outlining the major differences between Spanish culture and the cultures of other Western nations. Given in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4304 - Spanish Lyric Poetry

A survey of lyric poetry from the beginning to the present. Given in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4305 - Cervantes

A survey of the principal works of Miguel de Cervantes with particular emphasis on Don Quixote. Given in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4306 - History of the Spanish Language

A detailed study of the Spanish language from the beginning to the contemporary period. Historical aspects of each period will be discussed to relate the contributions of different people whose language contributed to the development of the Spanish language. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4307 - Spanish-American Novel

Begins with a study of literary and historical influence in the 19th century Spanish-American Gaucho and Costumbrista novels and those showing European influence: Guiraldes, Blest Gana, Gamboa. Examination of recent literary trends; Mallea, Sabato, Roa Bastos, Vargas Llosa. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4308 - Medieval Spanish Literature

A study of the principal literary works of Spain from El Cid to the Romancero. Given in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4309 - Contemporary Spanish Literature

A study of the principal literary works of Spain from the Generation of 1898 to the present. Given in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4311 - Mexican Literature I

A study of the principal works of Mexican literature beginning with the period of the Spanish conquest until 1850. Prerequisite:  SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4316 - Problems and Issues Related to Language

Concentrated study of language theory, language acquisition, functions and role of language in society, and current trends and problems related to the topic. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4317 - Golden Age Prose

A critical study of the most representative works of Golden Age Spain. Given in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4318 - Theater and Poetry of the Golden Age

Study of the principal dramatists and poets of the Golden Age such as Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, Juan Ruíz de Alarcón, Garcilaso de la Vega, Fernando de Herrera, Luis de Góngora and others. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4325 - Caribbean Literature

A critical review and analysis of Caribbean literature with emphasis on the literary techniques and the cultural reflection in the literature.

 

SPAN 4329 - Mexico’s Contemporary Literature

An investigation of Mexico’s latest literature taking into account the psychological effects stemming from the industrial surge, the problems of the migration of the poor, the rebirth of the malinchista spirit, the new identity and the erosion of old traditions in the last two decades. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4331 - Problems in Grammar, Dialects and Language Performance

A study of the second language learner’s transition from regional Spanish to standard English. Emphasis on the particular characteristics of the English and Spanish dialects of the region and the manner in which they interrelate.

 

SPAN 4335 - Spanish-English Legal Translation

Intensive practice in the translation from Spanish to English and English to Spanish of selected documents from legal, business and medical fields.

 

SPAN 4336 - Grammar and Composition

The study of the Spanish language applicable to the concerns of secondary school classroom teachers and the acquisition of skills and knowledge essential to testing and teaching advanced grammar and composition are the goals of this course. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4337 - Eighteen Century Spanish Literature

A survey of the literature of Spain covering the neoclassic from Feijoo to Fernández de Moratín. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4338 - Nineteenth Century Spanish Literature

A survey of the literature of Spain covering the two main literary movements: Romanticism and Realism. Prerequisite: SPAN 2308.

 

SPAN 4339 - The Spanish-American Short Story

A study of the evolution of this genre in Spanish-American literature themes, techniques and literary movements will be investigated. The writers studied in this course will include: Echeverría, Palma, Gutiérrez Nájera, Quiroga, Borges, García Márquez, Fuentes and others.

 

SPAN 4340 - The Spanish-American Essay

A study of this genre in Spanish-American literature. Themes, content, style and literary movements will be studied.

 

SPAN 4391 - Special Topics in Hispanic Linguistics

A capstone seminar designed for focused study of a single topic of importance in the field of Hispanic linguistics. Topics may include Spanish in the United States, History of Spanish in the Americas, Heritage Language Teaching, Language Policy, etc. (May be repeated twice for credit as topic varies.)

 

SPAN 4392 - Special Topics in Hispanic Literatures

A capstone seminar designed for focused study of a single topic of importance in the field of Hispanic literature. Topics may include in-depth study of a single author, a group of authors or a literary movement. (May be repeated twice for credit as topic varies.)

 

SPAN 6300 - Bibliography and Research Methods

A study of research methods and major literary and linguistics sources. This course will culminate with the successful completion of a research project.

 

SPAN 6301: Fundamentals of Spanish Linguistics

Introduces students to fundamental issues in the field of Spanish linguistics and increases awareness of the processes involved in linguistic analysis and theory building. Covers topics in Spanish phonology, Spanish morphology, Spanish syntax and pragmatics and Spanish sociolinguistics.

 

SPAN 6302: Literary Criticism and Cultural Theory

Covers the main theoretical approaches to literary and cultural phenomenon in their textual and contextual dimensions. Analyzes contributions from Aristotle to the present giving special attention to the critical approaches of the 20th and 21st centuries.

 

SPAN 6307 - Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition for the Classroom Teacher

An examination of the Spanish language concerns of public educators as applicable to the elementary classroom. Skills and knowledge in basic communication, its theoretical principles and the varieties of language function and style in the school and communities are elements of this study. A strong application to the Spanish of the bilingual classroom is stressed.

 

SPAN 6313 - History of the Spanish Language

A detailed study of the evolution of the Spanish language from Latin to contemporary Spanish.

 

SPAN 6339 - Special Studies in Spanish-American Literature

Special topics from the field of Spanish-American literature. This course may be taken three times as the topic varies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

 

SPAN 6341 - Special Studies in Spanish Literature

Special topics from the field of Spanish Literature. This course may be taken three times as the topic varies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

 

SPAN 6344 - Problems and Issues Related to Language

An examination of Spanish historical linguistics, Hispanics phonology, Spanish-English contrastive analysis and Spanish dialectology. Selected topics on language psychology and acquisition will be discussed. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

  

SPAN 6345 - Latino Literature in the U.S.

In this course, students will read representative works of Puerto Rican, Cuban and Chicano writers in the United States. Students will explore issues of culture, ethnicity and identity in the works of Latino writers writing in Spanish. Possible topics include: Chicano Literature, Cuban-American Literature, Latina Literature and Chicano Popular Culture. Can be repeated up to three times as the topic changes.

 

SPAN 6346 - Special Studies in Spanish Civilization

An examination of the culture and lifestyle of the Spanish people with emphasis on the historical, intellectual, artistic and social development of contemporary Spain. Readings, discussions and audio-visual materials will be presented and viewed. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

 

SPAN 6347 - Special Studies in Grammar and Composition

An intensive study of Spanish grammar with special work on problem areas such as mood, syntax, orthography and punctuation. This course will also offer the opportunity of improving Spanish writing skills through practice of developing an awareness of style and of making the student conscious of the differences between the written and spoken language. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

 

SPAN 6350 - Special Topics in Spanish Linguistics

Special topics oriented to the field of Spanish linguistics (Applied Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics).Can be repeated up to three times as topics vary.

 

SPAN 6351: Spanish Peninsular Poetry and Drama for AP Teachers

This course will analyze the poetic and dramatic works required for Advanced Placement Literature Courses written by Spanish Peninsular authors from the Middle Ages to the present.

 

SPAN 6352 Latin American Prose for AP Teachers

This course will analyze the prose works required for Advanced Placement Literature Courses written by Latin American authors from the colonial period to the present.

 

SPAN 6353 Latin American Poetry and Drama for AP Teachers

This course will analyze the dramatic and poetic works required for Advanced Placement Literature Courses written by Latin American authors from the colonioal period to the present.

 

SPAN 6354 Spanish Peninsular Prose for AP Teachers

This course will analyze the prose works required for Advanced Placement Literature Courses written by Spanish Peninsular authors from the Middle Ages to the present.

 

SPAN 7100 Directed Research in Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Individual research or creative project in language, literature or culture under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. The required outcome is an original work of substantive quality.

 

SPAN 7300 - Thesis I

 

SPAN 7301 - Thesis II

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