The Language and Culture Programs will provide you with intercultural knowledge, experience and tools to create positive change and help to build strong, diverse communities.
- Cultural studies combines the strengths of both social sciences and humanities by connecting language, history, anthropology, literary studies, and the arts.
- Language study provides not only the skills to communicate in another language, but also the ability to collaborate with another culture from the inside.
Programs
The Language and Culture Programs offers these programs:
Secondary Education
A B.A. in Spanish K-12 Education is also available.
Contact Information
American Sign Language Courses
Introduces basic signing skills of comprehension and communication. Emphasizes active use in communicative context as well as cultural analysis.
Expands students' ability to communicate through introduction of more complex linguistic structures. Completes beginning level sequence.
Courses not a part of the regular curriculum but taught because of a special need, interest or opportunity.
This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence of Intermediate American Sign language study. Students continue to learn sentence structures and patterns and develop intermediate expressive communication. Focus is on expressive and receptive skills.
This is the second semester sequence of Intermediate American Sign language study. Students continue to learn sentence structures and patterns and develop intermediate expressive communication. Focus is on expressive and receptive skills.
Is an introduction to various aspects of the deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority group. Designed for individuals who may or may not have had prior experience with Deaf people, the course raises questions concerning the nature of sign language and its varieties, the education of Deaf people, the historical treatment of Deaf people, the sociological and cultural issues important to the deaf community, and political activism.
An introduction to various aspects of the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority group. It will focus on topics in the culture of Deaf people including studies of their beliefs, practices and language throughout the world. Designed for individuals who may or may not have had prior experience with Deaf people, this course raises questions concerning the nature of sign language and its varieties, education of D/deaf people, historical treatment of D/deaf people, sociological and cultural issues important to the Deaf community, and political activism.
Courses not a part of the regular curriculum but taught because of a special need, interest or opportunity.
Conducted solely in American Sign Language, this course is an overview of the history of Deaf people and their cultures from the time of Aristotle to contemporary society in order to understand the concept of colonization as an integral part of the “Deafhood” philosophy. That is, the development of a “deaf centered philosophy” in reference to this group of individuals since the traditional idea of “deafness” is seen as restrictive due to the colonization process. The focus will be on how societies have perceived Deaf people, and how those perceptions have shaped their destiny. This course will provide a background of Deaf people, especially as they relate to developing group and personal empowerment. All Deaf people journey toward defining and refining their “Deaf selves.” Students will gain an understanding of these concepts through study of this journey from deafness to Deafhood. Following a historical trajectory, topics covered will include such things as education, Deaf organizations, social welfare, sports, religion, community support systems, and famous Deaf people in the arts and sciences.
Courses not a part of the regular curriculum but taught because of a special need, interest or opportunity.
Offers study of subjects not covered in the regular ASL curriculum.
Internship
Courses not a part of the regular curriculum but taught because of a special need, interest or opportunity.
Offers study of subjects not covered in the regular ASL curriculum.
French Courses
First semester sequence of French language study, focusing on the basic structures necessary for asking and answering simple but meaningful questions concerning directions, family life and school.
Expands students’ ability to communicate through introduction of more complex linguistic structures. Completes beginning level sequence.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Completes basic study of linguistic components necessary for participation in meaningful discussion and dialogue in the French language.
Studies French culture and society from the Gallic era to the 21st century. Focus on the evolution and development of social behaviors, cultural norms, and social institutions. Course also counts toward major/minor in LIS.
Studies Francophone culture and society in Africa, Quebec, and the Caribbean. Focus on the influence of colonialism and decolonization on traditional social institutions, behaviors, and cultural norms. Course also counts toward major/minor in LIS.
Studies short literary texts from different periods and regions. Emphasis on developing skills in reading comprehension and analysis.
Reinforces linguistic skills through practical review of basic grammar components.
Topics.
Surveys major aspects in the development of France as a modern European nation. Course also counts toward major/minor in LIS.
Opportunity to read and discuss works of major French poets from medieval to modern times. Relationship of versification techniques to meaning is emphasized.
Studies different genres of literature, such as novels, drama, and autobiography, through close reading and interpretation of significant literary works from various francophone countries.
Focuses on greater fluency in speaking. Emphasis on expanded vocabulary and more complex structures.
Focuses on greater fluency in speaking. Emphasis on expanded vocabulary and more complex structures.
Strengthens writing skills in French through applied grammar exercises which relate to narration, description, dialogue and personal and professional correspondence.
Students have the opportunity to practice sounds, intonation and rhythm patterns that are specific to the French language.
Students learn the vocabulary and cultural materials necessary to plan, prepare and serve a complete French meal.
French language courses not part of the regular French curriculum. Topics will be based on relevance to both the French and the International Studies curriculum.
Topics.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for student whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the department.
German Courses
Introduces basic oral, listening comprehension, reading and writing skills. Emphasizes active use in communicative contexts based on daily life as well as cultural analysis.
Introduces more complex linguistic features and continues the development of the oral, listening comprehension, reading and writing skills within culturally contrastive contexts.
Topics in German.
Promotes the synthesis of the basic language skills through a grammar review, vocabulary building, the use of authentic texts, hands-on projects, films and native speakers to generate discussion and deepen cultural understanding.
Continues the language skills and cultural understanding synthesis of the previous course, adding historical and literary texts to help develop the pragmatics of opinion formation and more complex discourse.
Encourages the development of language functions on a higher level, such as opinion formation and abstraction in both written and oral use. Texts include a broad range of cultural topics, including current events and internet information, music, literature and history.
Encourages the development of language functions on a higher level, such as opinion formation and abstraction in both written and oral use. Texts include a broad range of cultural topics, including current events and internet information, music, literature and history.
Rotating one-credit courses offer students a context based course enabling them to continue developing their German language skills on a limited basis. Subjects offered include German current events, conversation, film, cuisine and pronunciation.
Courses offer in-depth study of subjects not covered in the general language sequence. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the German and the Global, Cultural and Language Studies curriculum.
Independent Study.
Topics.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for students whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the department.
Russian Courses
Introduction to basic grammar of Russian. Practice using all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Introduction to basic grammar of Russian. Practice using all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Continuation of Russian grammar and vocabulary building. Classes include reading of intermediate texts. Attention is given to perfecting basic language skills covered in the beginning courses.
Continuation of Russian grammar and vocabulary building. Classes include reading of intermediate texts. Attention is given to perfecting basic language skills covered in the beginning courses.
A minimum of four weeks of formal Russian language training at the Karelian Pedagogical University in Petrozavodsk, Russia. In addition to the four weeks at the university, the camp includes some touring of other parts of Russia, including major cities.
Russian language courses not part of the regular Russian curriculum. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the Russian and the International Studies curriculum.
Independent Study.
Sequence offering the opportunity to practice the application of skills learned at the intermediate level while encouraging the development of higher level functions of language communication such as opinion formation and abstraction. This sequence includes grammar review as well as reading of selected classical and contemporary Russian texts. All four language skills are given attention.
Sequence offering the opportunity to practice the application of skills learned at the intermediate level while encouraging the development of higher level functions of language communication such as opinion formation and abstraction. This sequence includes grammar review as well as reading of selected classical and contemporary Russian texts. All four language skills are given attention.
Topics in Russian.
Russian language courses not part of the regular Russian curriculum. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the Russian and the International Studies curriculum.
Self-determined program of study under faculty direction for a student whose interests extend beyond the curricular offerings of the department.
Spanish Courses
The first semester sequence of beginning Spanish language study. Students learn basic sentence structures and patterns and develop basic oral communication. Focus is on listening and speaking skills.
The second semester sequence of beginning Spanish language study. Students learn more complex structures and continue developing oral communicative abilities with increased emphasis on reading and writing.
Topics.
Independent Study.
Intermediate course that deals with the more sophisticated elements of Spanish grammar and communication. All four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - are emphasized.
Intermediate conversational Spanish. Taught as a component of the Semestre en México Program.
Topics.
Independent Study.
This course is part of a two-semester in-depth examination of Spanish grammar with substantial vocabulary building. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are all practiced in conjunction with cultural and situational contexts.
This course is part of a two-semester in-depth examination of Spanish grammar with substantial vocabulary building. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are all practiced in conjunction with cultural and situational contexts.
Intensive conversational Spanish. Taught as a component of the Semestre en México Program.
This course focuses on developing speaking skills through analysis and discussion of contemporary texts in Spanish including short films, music, readings (short essays, newspaper articles and short literary works) and current events. Classes will be conducted in Spanish.
Cross-listed with LIS 3303. Taught in English. A course designed to introduce the student to the complex issues concerning contemporary Latin America. Students will explore current topics and events from a multi disciplinary point of view.
This course is required for students pursuing a Minnesota K-12 license to teach Spanish. Explores various techniques for teaching Spanish, curriculum development, instructional planning strategies, and assessment of student progress.
Discover the beauty of the Spanish language through poetry. Approach and appreciate cultures of the Spanish speaking world through reading and reciting of works by contemporary and classic authors. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Enter literary worlds created by contemporary and classic Spanish language authors. Expand knowledge of cultural and historical contexts through short stories. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Journey through the rich history and culture landscapes of Spain. Explore major historical events, philosophical movements, political and economic changes as reflected in such cultural expressions as art, music, dance, cinema, cuisine, literature and current events. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Journey through the rich history and culture landscapes of Spain. Explore major historical events, philosophical movements, political and economic changes as reflected in such cultural expressions as art, music, dance, cinema, cuisine, literature and current events. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Explore the histories and cultures of Latin@s in the U.S. Through a lens of cultural expressions, consider themes of migration, culture, and identity. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Offers in-depth study of subjects not covered in the general language sequence of the curriculum. Topics chosen will be based on relevance to both the Spanish and the International Studies curricula.
Analyze issues of inequality, oppression, and discrimination in the Spanish-speaking world through literature. Reflect upon the role of literature in drawing attention to social justice issues and stimulating change. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish. Students should have an advanced proficiency level of Spanish for this course; consult the instructor for a proficiency assessment.
Examines development, government policies, and social participation in political processes in Ecuador through HECUA. Students learn about the difficulties of implementing changes, and how various social actors participate in the political process through an immersive study-abroad experience. No knowledge of Spanish is required.
Discover the development, influences, and historical trajectory of literature written by women in Latin America. Critically analyze works from various genres as cultural and literary expressions of women in Latin American cultural contexts. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Enter the world of myths and legends from the Spanish speaking world to explore their cultural and personal significance. Develop and practice oral storytelling techniques. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Independent Study.
Develop communicative competency, linguistic and cultural, with regard to practitioner-patient communication within a latinx context. Improve interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills in Spanish.
Internship.
Topics.