Academic Catalog
In an increasingly interdependent world, knowing a second language has become the necessary means for traversing boundaries, for understanding other peoples and cultures, and for becoming knowledgeable and broad-minded world citizens. Language study has also been shown to generally improve academic performance and cognitive skills. Certainly career opportunities for those who have mastered another language are greatly enhanced. At Manhattanville College learning a second language is understood to be an integral part of preparing students to achieve Manhattanville’s mission of creating leaders for the global community. A year of second language study is a general education requirement for all Manhattanville students, but the hope is that most students will go beyond this minimum to study one or more languages in greater depth. There are many opportunities for doing so. Language instruction is available in French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, and through a cross-registration program with neighboring Purchase College, in Chinese. Students can major in French and Spanish and minor in French, German, Italian and Spanish. Japanese and Chinese courses can count toward a major or minor in Asian Studies. In addition to classroom instruction, there are a variety of extra-curricular activities and events to engage students in active use of the language and to help them deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the world’s languages and cultures. These include guest lectures, language tables, language clubs, an annual international film festival, a languages holiday party in December, and study trips to New York City and neighboring towns. Students studying languages beyond the introductory level are encouraged to study abroad for a summer or an academic semester.
Faculty: Binita Mehta Chair, World Languages and Literatures
Language Coordinators:
Binita Mehta - French
Gabriele Wickert, - German
Alessandro Daniele - Italian
Maria José Lujan - Spanish
(*** As of February 2016, new students cannot declare a minor in Classical Civilizations. This minor has been suspended until further notice. Current students will be able to continue their progression in this program.*** )
We offer two Classics courses:
CSS 1010 Greek and Latin Roots of English
CSS 1020 Introduction to Classical Mythology
Both courses count for Liberal Arts credit
Program Administrators
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Binita Mehta, 914-323-5407, Binita.Mehta@mville.edu
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Christopher Lauber – Classical Civilizations Courses
Introduction
French is a global language that is spoken today in many parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and North and South America. It is one of the two official languages of the United Nations and its ancillary organizations. If you want to become a citizen of the world, studying French at Manhattanville can start you on your journey. You will not just learn French in the classroom, but will be encouraged to immerse yourself in the language and culture through extracurricular activities and field trips or through our exchange program with the Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier III in the south of France. Studying French at Manhattanville will also serve you well after graduation since employers regard fluency in a foreign language an important skill in today’s global marketplace.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Student can choose to major or minor in French.
Optional Minors
Student can minor in French. There are two different minors offered, French and French Studies.
Career Ideas
Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Agent, Attorney, Bi-lingual Technical Writer, Broadcast News Analyst, Business Professional, College Administrator, Cultural Affairs Manager, Diplomat, Editor, FBI/CIA Agent, Financial Analyst, Foreign Language Translator, Foreign Services Officer, Foreign Student Advisor, French Professor, Global Human Resources, High School French Teacher, Human Resources, Intelligence Specialist, International Development, Interpreter, Language Teacher, Lawyer, Museum Curator, Non-Profit Director, Peace Corps Worker, Tourism Industry, Translator, Travel Agent, Travel Writer, Writer/Author
Program Administrators
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Binita Mehta, 914-323-5407, Binita.Mehta@mville.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Binita Mehta, 914-323-5407, Binita.Mehta@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
FULL-TIME FACULTY
Binita Mehta – All levels of French language and literature. Orientalism in French Literature, Literature in French written outside of France, Postcolonial Literatures in French and English, French Cinema
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Katherine Valdes - Katherine.Valdes@mville.edu
Katarzyna Hollis - Katarzyna.Hollis@mville.edu
Overview
The French program at Manhattanville offers beginning, intermediate, and advanced language instruction. The Program will help you enrich your French language skills through the study of French and Francophone literature and culture.
After graduating with a degree in French you will be able to listen, read, write, and speak fluently, while building an understanding and appreciation of the literature, history, and culture of the French-speaking world. You’ll be able to combine your study of French with other disciplines at Manhattanville, such as art history, communication and media, film studies, history, international management, international studies and music. You can also minor in French, or take a few courses in French to brush up on your language skills.
French Major Requirements
Major Requirements
Students majoring in French are expected to achieve fluency in reading, writing, and speaking French. They are expected to complete 30 credits to fulfill their French major requirements. They will take nine courses (at least 27 credits) at the 2000 and 3000 level and write a 3-credit Senior Evaluation. With approval from the Coordinator in French, one course can be taken in English, provided it deals significantly with French art, literature, music, history, and culture.
Senior Evaluation
Students register for a 3-credit Senior Evaluation in the fall of their senior year and write on a topic or theme related to French literature, history, or culture. The French major can choose to write the senior evaluation in French or English.
French Minor Requirements
There are two options for minoring in French: the regular French minor and the French Studies minor.
French Minor
Students who minor in French must take five courses (at least 15 credits) above the introductory level, one of which must be at the 3000-level. All courses must be in French.
French Studies Minor
Students who minor in French Studies must take six courses. Four of the six courses must be in French, above the introductory level, and one must be at the 3000-level. Two courses can be taken in English provided they deal significantly with French art, literature, music, history or culture (see list below).
Current courses in English that can count toward the French Studies minor (maximum of two) with approval from the French Coordinator:
AFS/HIS 3125: Europeans and Americans through African Eyes
ARH 2009 – 19th Century European Art
ARH 3032 – Impressionism
ARH 2018- 20th Century Painting
ENG 3107: Writing Africa: Col/Post Col
ENG 2077: Caribbean Literature
HIS 2044: French Revolution and Napoleon
FRN 2055: French Cinema: From the Nouvelle vague to the cinéma de banlieue (3 credits) (taught in English)
FRN 2055A – French Cinema: Readings and Discussion (1 credit) (taught in French, for French majors and minors and to be taken in conjunction with FRN 2055).
FRN 3122: City of Light: Paris in Literature and Film (taught in English)
PHL 2067: 20th-Century Philosophy
PHL 3014: Descartes
PHL 3029: Heidegger and Sartre
Note: All course work counted toward the major and minor must be taken for a letter grade and must receive a grade of C- or better.
Student Learning Outcomes for French Majors
1. Students must demonstrate the ability to read, write, listen, and speak at the advanced level according to American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. http://www.actfl.org/files/public/ACTFLProficiencyGuidelines2012_FINAL.pdf
2. Students must develop conversational skills in everyday and specialized contexts and integrate the development of advanced conversational language skills with literature and culture.
3. Students must be able to write interpretive and expository essays, and/or develop creative work related to the French-speaking world and its history, recognizing key periods, genres, modes and techniques in the literature of the French-speaking world.
4. Students must describe, contextualize, and interpret French texts, films, and cultural and historical documents in written and oral reports developing critical thinking skills by establishing connections between literary works and/or films and their cultural/historical traditions.
5. Students must be able to write interpretive and expository essays on literary texts, films and their aesthetic, cultural and historical contexts, as well as interpret and explain the texts of one major literary movement, historical period in French cinema, or cultural period.
6. Students must demonstrate information literacy skills with the Internet and other multimedia in French.
French Departmental Honors
French Honors are conferred upon graduating seniors with a French major who have maintained a minimum grade point average in French of 3.5 and have received a minimum grade of A- for the senior evaluation.
Study Abroad
The French Department currently has an exchange program with the University Paul-Valéry Montpellier III, located in Montpellier, France. Interested students should consult as early as possible with the Coordinator for French and with the Study Abroad advisor.
French Placement Exam
Please take this exam if you have any background in speaking or reading French and you want to continue to study it at Manhattanville, or to see whether you can already use it to fulfill your language requirement. You need not take the test if you have never studied this language.
Examination Information:
The French Placement Exam is an online Web-based program that will be made available through Blackboard at Orientations in July and August and at certain times during the academic year. Normally, within 48 hours, placement scores and their Manhattanville course equivalences (if applicable) will appear in your WebAdvisor account. Click the "Placement Exams, Non Course and Transfer Course Equivalences" link.
-- Students may take the French placement exam only once --
Introduction
Often referred to as "das Land der Dichter und Denker" (the land of poets and thinkers) Germany and other German speaking countries have made significant contributions to Western civilization, especially in the areas of literature, music and philosophy. In contemporary times Germany has emerged as a political and economic leader within the European Union, and has become the envy of many because of its stable economy.
Degree
German is offered as a Minor only
Optional Minors
German is offered as a Minor only
Career Ideas
German fluency can be a distinct asset for students seeking jobs in the global business, banking, diplomatic and humanitarian sectors.
Program Administrators
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Binita Mehta, 914-323-5407, Binita.Mehta@mville.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Gabriele Wickert,914-323-5478, Gabriele.Wickert@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
FULL-TIME FACULTY
Gabriele Wickert - Language teaching, literature/culture of post-unification Germany, German film
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Camilla Chiappari - Camilla.chiappari@mville.edu
Overview
Given the historical and current significance of Germany, Manhattanville encourages the study of German.
Although a traditional major in German is not feasible, students may complete a minor in German Studies and in conjunction with this, are encouraged to spend a summer or semester abroad in one of the German speaking countries.
German Studies Minor Requirements
The German Studies minor requires the completion of six courses beyond the introductory level, at least four of which must come from the following German offerings:
GER 2001 – 2002: Intermediate German I + II
GER 4001 – 4002: Improving German I + II
GER 3009: Art + Politics of German Cinema
GER 4495: Independent Study
Two further courses may come from other departments, as long as they deal significantly with German culture or history, such as the following:
HIS 2023: Traditional Europe
HIS 3035: The Third Reich
HIS 3048: World War II Revisited
HOLC 3042: Literature of the Holocaust
HOLC 3036: The Holocaust and Film
Note: All course work counted toward the minor must be taken for a letter grade and must receive a grade of C- or better.
Study Abroad
Students, especially those intending to complete the German Studies minor, are encouraged to spend a summer or semester studying in a Germany-speaking country, for which they can usually receive academic credit. They are urged to speak to the German coordinator and the Study Abroad advisor about the possibilities.
German Placement Exam
Please take this exam if you have any background in speaking or reading German and you want to continue to study it at Manhattanville, or to see whether you can already use it to fulfill your language requirement. You need not take the test if you have never studied this language.
Examination Information:
The German Placement Exam is an online Web-based program that will be made available through Blackboard at Orientations in July and August and at other times during the academic year. Normally, within 48 hours, placement scores and their Manhattanville course equivalences (if applicable) will appear in your WebAdvisor account. Click the "Placement Exams, Non Course and Transfer Course Equivalences" link.
-- Students may take the German placement exam only once --
Introduction
The relevance of Italian culture, both past and present, is readily apparent. Dante, Galileo and Michelangelo are household names, signifying the highest achievements in the arts and sciences, the influence of which has extended across time and space, deeply influencing European culture.
Studying Italian is thus a gateway to understanding masterpieces of Italian literature, opera, cinema and theater, but it also means becoming a part of the global community. With Italy one of the top five economies in the world and given the growth of American ties with Italian companies, studying Italian also opens up opportunities in international business and trade.
Degree
Students can choose to minor in Italian or Italian Studies.
Optional Minors
Italian Minor and Italian Studies Minor
Program Administrators
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Binita Mehta, 914-323-5407, Binita.Mehta@mville.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Alessandro Daniele, (914) 323-5167 Alessandro.Daniele@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Binita Mehta
ITALIAN LANGUAGE COORDINATOR
Alessandro Daniele – Language teaching
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Frank Rakas – Language teaching
Overview
Although a traditional major in Italian is not feasible, students may complete a minor in Italian or Italian Studies.
The Italian minor is more focused on learning the language,with all courses taught in Italian, while Italian Studies allows students to take some courses in English dealing with Italian. Students are also encouraged to spend a summer or semester abroad in Italy.
Italian Requirements
Although a traditional major in Italian is not feasible, students may choose to self-design a major in Italian. A self-designed major usually consists of 10 courses (30 credits) at the 2000 and 3000 level, as well as a senior thesis, and includes courses in Italian language and literature, as well as courses on Italian subjects originating in other departments (for example, art history or history). Students are referred to the special form "Directions for Applying for Approval of a Self-Designed Major", available online and in the Academic Advising Office.
Italian Minor Requirements
Italian Minor
Students who minor in Italian must take five courses (at least 15 credits) in Italian above the introductory level, one of which must be at the 3000-level.
Italian Studies Minor
Students choosing the Italian Studies minor must complete 6 courses (18 credits). Four of the six courses must be taken in Italian, above the introductory level, and one of them must be at the 3000-level.
Two courses may be on Italian culture, history or literature taught in English out of other departments (for example, art history or history).
Courses in English that can count toward the Italian Studies minor with approval from the Italian Coordinator:
ARH 2038: Baroque Art & Architecture in Italy (3 cr.)
HIS 2030: Italy Since 1800 (3 cr.)
CSCH 3002: Decoding da Vinci (4 cr.)
HIS 1050: Traditional Europe (3 cr.)
HIS 2098: European Culture 1848-1945 (3 cr.)
Note: All course work counted toward the minor must be taken for a letter grade and must receive a grade of C- or better.
Italian Placement Exam
Please take this exam if you have any background in speaking or reading Italian and you want to continue studying it at Manhattanville, or to see whether you can already use it to fulfill your language requirement. You need not take it if you have never studied this language before.
Examination Information:
The Italian Placement Exam will be made available through Blackboard at Orientations in July and August and at certain times during the academic year. Normally, within 48 hours, placement scores and their Manhattanville course equivalences (if applicable) will appear in your WebAdvisor account. Click the "Placement Exams, Non Course and Transfer Course Equivalences" link.
-- Students may take the Italian placement exam only once --
Japan is a country rich in ancient culture and tradition, but it also has the contemporary world’s second largest and most prosperous economy and is a world-wide model for efficiently-run companies that market their products globally. Additionally, Japan is the successful cultural exporter of origami, sushi, anime, manga, karaoke, martial arts, and Hello Kitty. There are thus many reasons to learn Japanese. We offer two semesters of elementary Japanese –Introduction to Japanese I and II. Courses in Japanese can be used as part of the Asian Studies major or minor.
Faculty and Staff
Adjuncts
Ann Imai Tarumoto - Japanese language
ann.tarumoto@mville.edu
Introduction
Spanish
In view of the widespread use of Spanish in the United States and around the world, and considering the increasing economic and cultural relations between Spain, Latin America and the U.S., the Spanish program offers a wide range of courses that introduce students to the language, culture and literature of Spanish-speaking countries.
Latin American Studies
Latin America, a region of numerous nations where indigenous, European, and African cultures interact, offers broad opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The Latin American Studies minor is interdisciplinary and designed to integrate courses from a variety of academic departments in an effort to acquaint students with the Latin American region, its history, politics, economics and literature, as well as its social and cultural background.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts. All students who wish to major or minor in Spanish, or to minor in Latin American Studies, must register with the coordinator for Spanish.
Optional Minors
Spanish
Latin American Studies
Career Ideas
Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Agent, Archivist, Area & Cultural Studies Professor, Conciliator, Customs Inspector, French Professor, Foreign Exchange Trader, Foreign Service Officer, Foreign Student Advisor, High School French Teacher, Historian, Intelligence Specialist, Interpreter, Librarian, Scientific Linguist, Social Service Volunteer, Travel Agent, Translator, Travel Writer
Program Administrators
WLL DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Binita Mehta, 914-323-5407, Binita.Mehta@mville.edu
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
María José Luján, Spanish Language Coordinator, 914-323-5190, MariaJose.Lujan@mville.edu
Overview
The Spanish and Latin American Studies program at Manhattanville College believes that well-prepared Spanish students should be able not only to speak, read, write and understand the Spanish language at an advanced level of proficiency, but also to acquire a better knowledge and understanding of Spanish and Latin American culture and literature.
The program allows students to develop programs according to their needs and goals, including language for general purposes, a concentration in literature, and teaching Spanish as a second language. Teacher certification is also available. A semester abroad in Spain or Latin America is recommended.
In addition, the Latin American Studies Program hosts symposia, concerts, cinema and art exhibitions, as well as lectures by distinguished experts on the Latin American region. A semester abroad in Latin America is recommended.
Faculty and Staff
FULL-TIME FACULTY
María José Luján — Peninsular and Latin American Literature, Spanish Language and Spanish and Latin American Literature & Film
Carolina Rodríguez — Lecturer, Language, carolina.rodriguez@mville.edu
ADJUNCT FACULTY
Bruno Casanova —Bruno.cassanova@mville.edu- Spanish Language
Marguerite Cattan —marguerite.cattan@mvillle.edu - Spanish Language
Ángeles Dam —angeles.dam@mville.edu -Spanish Language
Julie Dolphin —Julie.dolphin@mville.edu- Spanish Language
Carol Stroud —carol.stroud@mville.edu- Language and Literature
Spanish Major Requirements
A student majoring in Spanish is expected to achieve fluency in reading, writing and speaking Spanish. Students fulfill the major by taking courses in both Latin American and Spanish Literature. The chosen program of study is to be discussed and planned with the Spanish Coordinator at the time of the declaration of the major. All courses for the major must be conducted in Spanish. A semester abroad is highly recommended for all majors at a time discussed with the Coordinator. Eleven courses, including the senior evaluation, are required (33 credits), distributed as follows:
Courses required of all majors (4):
For students coming in with fluency in Spanish (1 course):
SPN 2012: Written Contemporary Spanish
OR
SPN 2016: Spanish Creative Writing
OR
SPN 2018: Spanish Translation
For students coming in without fluency in Spanish (1 course):
SPN 2023 Speaking about Movies: Advanced Spanish Conversation
OR
SPN 3047: The Art of Public Speaking
PLUS the following 3 courses:
SPN 2032: Analysis of Spanish American Literary Texts
SPN 3016: Latin American Civilization Past and Present
SPN 3020: Spanish Civilization Past & Present
Elective Courses (total of 6 required)
3 courses in Spanish Literature selected from the following:
SPN 3056/5056: Short Stories from Spain
SPN 3011/5011: The Spanish Golden Age
SPN 3012/5012: Spanish Literature and Film
SPN 3026/5026: The Modern Spanish Novel
SPN 3027/5027: Spanish Women Writers
SPN 3032/5032: Spanish Theatre
SPN 3041/5041: Twentieth Century Spanish Poetry
and
3 courses in Latin American Literature selected from the following:
SPN 3010/5010: The Latin American Novel and Film
SPN 3014/5014: Magic Realism Writers
SPN 3031/5031: Women's Writings in Latin America
SPN 3034/5034: Latino Literature in the United States
SPN 3038/5038: Spanish Caribbean Literature
SPN 3046/5046: Literature and Film in Cuba
Senior Evaluation: SPN 3998
Taken in Fall or Spring of senior year, in this course students write a thesis, in Spanish, on a cultural or literary topic approved by the Spanish Coordinator.
Spanish Minor Requirements
For students starting in Fall 2016, the requirements for the Spanish minor will be as follows:
Students who minor in Spanish must take five courses (at least 15 credits) above the introductory level, one of which must be at the 3000-level.
All courses must be in Spanish.
Latin American Studies Minor Requirements
Students who minor in Latin American Studies must take a total of six courses. Four of these courses must be in Spanish, while 2 others may be courses on Latin American politics, history or culture from other departments (e.g., Art History, History, Sociology). Two of these courses must be at the 3000 level.
Courses available for the Latin American Studies Minor:
ARH 2023: 20th Century Latin American Art
ARH 3077/5077: Mexican Muralists: Picturing Revolution (4 cr.) (In English)
HIS 1021: History of the Caribbean (3 cr.) (In English)
HIS 1025: Indigenous & Colonial Latin America (3 cr.) (In English)
HIS 3127/5127: Latin American Economic History (3 cr.) (In English)
SOC 3000/5000: Latin American Social Movements (3 cr.) (In English)
SOC 3040/5040: Sociology of Latinos in the USA (3 cr.) (In English)
SPN 3010/5010: Latin American Novel and Film (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
SPN 3014/5014: Magic Realism Writers (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
SPN 3016/5016: Latin American Civilization Past and Present (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
SPN 3031/5031: Women's Writings in Latin America (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
SPN 3034/5034: Latino Literature in the US (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
SPN 3038/5038: Spanish Caribbean Literature (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
SPN 3046/5046: Literature and Film in Cuba (3 cr.) (In Spanish)
Note: All course work counted toward the major and the minor must be taken for a letter grade and must receive a grade of C- or better.
Student Learning Outcomes for Spanish Majors
1. Language: Students must understand Spanish in most social and professional settings, communicating verbally (with correct grammar) in most social and professional settings, writing grammatically correct essays and papers exhibit various forms of writing including literature, journalism and non-fiction.
2. Literature: Students should use literary terms and concepts which are commonly used in explaining and interpreting texts. Must be able to contrast and discuss a diverse range of literary genres, recall how social, historical, political, philosophical and cultural factors informed the writing of specific texts & exhibit an understanding of relevant literary criticism.
3. Culture: Students must understand the people in Spanish and Latin American cultures both geographically and historically, be able to identify the contemporary social structures within Spanish and Latin American cultures, exhibit how music, sports, religion, marriage, politics and other social and cultural factors are uniquely Spanish or Latin American, and identify and discuss painting, architecture, sculpture, music, and literature.
Spanish Departmental Honors
Departmental Honors are conferred upon graduating seniors with a Spanish major who have maintained a minimum grade point average in Spanish of 3.5 and have received a minimum grade of A- for Senior Evaluation.
Study Abroad
Students with at least a B average are encouraged to apply for study in Spain or Latin America. No more than half of the courses for the major, and half of the courses for the minor may be taken in a foreign country. Students who are interested in study abroad should consult with the Coordinator of Spanish and the Study Abroad Advisor.
Spanish Placement Exam
Please take this exam if you have any background in speaking or reading Spanish and you are considering continuing to study it at Manhattanville to fulfill your language requirement. You need not take it if you have never studied this language.
Examination Information:
The Spanish Placement Exam is an online Web-based program that will be made available through Blackboard during Orientations in July and August and at certain times during the academic year.Normally, within 48 hours, placement scores and their Manhattanville course equivalences (if applicable) will appear in your WebAdvisor account. Click the "Placement Exams, Non Course and Transfer Course Equivalences" link.
-Students may take the Spanish placement exam only once-
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