Course Offerings - All courses are 4 credits
If you are a new student to our department, you must take a placement exam first, regardless of how many years of any foreign language you took previously.
Note: All courses contingent upon sufficient enrollment and faculty availability.
Check SUNY Geneseo class search for course offerings at these levels each semester.
100-level courses
101 Elementary I [Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish]
Introductory communication-based language course. Develops the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Intensive practice of real-world communication and cultural knowledge.
102 Elementary II [Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin, Russian, Spanish]
A continuation of 101. Prerequisite: 101 or its equivalent.
200-level courses
213 - Intermediate Grammar, Culture and Communication [French, German, Spanish]
An exploration of cultural and contemporary topics at the intermediate level via a variety of materials (such as print, film, internet, and/or music) and activities that enable students to continue developing the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course must be taken in residence.
Prerequisite: 102 or its equivalent.
300- and 400-level courses [French, German, Spanish]
All advanced courses are conducted in the target language.
301 Oral and Written Communication (FREN, SPAN, GER)
This course offers practice in expository writing with emphasis on clarity, structure and idiomatic expression, focusing on a variety of topical and practical issues. Students are introduced to practical applications and provided a review of selected grammar topics. This course must be taken in residence.
Prerequisite: SPAN 213 with a grade of C- or above at Geneseo or proficiency in SPAN 213 by placement exam.
SPAN 302 Transatlantic Hispanic Cultures and Readings
An introduction to textual analysis and critical thinking via a variety of materials (websites, television/radio programs, films, literary texts, podcasts, etc.) from both Spain and Latin America. This course must be taken in residence. Prerequisite: SPAN 301.
SPAN 307 - Topics in Hispanic Studies: (subtitle)
This course explores literary and cultural topics in the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SPAN 302. May be repeated once for credit with different subtitles.
SPAN 308 - Communication and Culture in Spain (Study Abroad)
This course immerses students in a deep exploration of the diverse communities of Spain through the study of the history and the cultures that played a role in the formation of the country and its identity today. Real-world communication and applied grammar via various daily oral, written, and cultural activities in Spain is the primary focus. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.
SPAN 309 - Language Field School in Afro-Hispanic Societies (Study Abroad)
This course will explore how language plays a role in constructing ethnic difference, social inequality and raciolinguistics in Afro-Hispanic societies. Topics may include but are not limited to: linguistic colonization, transatlantic trade of people and languages, official and vernacular languages in multiglossic contexts, history and status of Pidgins and Creoles, standard language ideology, literature and literacy, language policy, and language maintenance and loss. Students will learn and apply sociolinguistic methods to design and conduct research in the field. This course includes 4 online teaching modules and field work/on site research with an immersive learning component. The course work includes in-depth discussion, regular face to face tutoring, and preparation of a major research project. Prerequisite: SPAN 213 or proficiency in SPAN 213 by placement exam or permission of the instructor.
SPAN 314 - M/Latin American Civilizations: (subtitle)
This course presents major aspects of Latin American societies and cultures and is complemented by a study of key historical events from the past and the present. May be repeated once for credit with different subtitles. Prerequisite: SPAN 301. May be repeated once for credit with different subtitles.
SPAN 316 - Applied Grammar: (subtitle)
This course reviews complex grammatical structures through in-depth analysis of morphology and syntax and intense practice for a better knowledge of the structure of the Spanish language. An emphasis on the contrasts and relationships between Spanish and English language structures prepares students for using written and oral Spanish with a high degree of accuracy and flexibility. This class will prepare students for higher-level courses in Hispanic linguistics and others in which Spanish is used in formal academic contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN 301. May be repeated once for credit with different subtitles.
SPAN 320 - Workshop in Spanish
This course helps students acquire background knowledge and develop skills necessary to conduct effective communicative lessons within Spanish-language cultures. Students will review and practice communicative and grammatical structures necessary to conduct class in Spanish. Students will also build background knowledge to provide a cultural context to communicative lesson plans through the study of authentic cultural resources related to topics of interest to middle and high school students. Within the scope of the course students will present two peer micro-teach lessons and will create instructional resources using a variety of technological applications. Content and skills required for success on the Spanish Content Specialty Test (CST) and ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) provide a secondary focus of this course. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 or permission of the instructor. Corequisite: INTD 302. Restricted to Spanish Adolescence Education Majors.
SPAN 323 - Introduction to Linguistics
Linguistics is the empirical and systematic study of language. This course is a study of phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, as well as the evolution of the different Spanish varieties (historic, regional, and social). Combines discussion of theoretical issues with linguistic analysis of Spanish. SPAN 316 is recommended to take prior to this course. Prerequisite: SPAN 301.
SPAN 335 - Spanish for the Professions: (subtitle)
This course will explore significant concepts essential to the practical uses of Spanish in a professional field in the context of the Hispanic community in the U.S. It will expound on the culture and practices of professions such as business, medical and other health professions, arts, law and other legal professions or translation services. It will focus on the acquisition of vocabulary; the development of oral skills through public presentations; and the mastery of writing legal and/or professional documents. Prerequisite: SPAN 301. May be repeated once for credit with different subtitles.
SPAN 401 - Advanced Oral and Written Communication
This course enables students to fine-tune their oral and written skills in preparation for the department’s exit writing examination as well as the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Both exams are embedded into the course. This course must be taken in residence. Prerequisite: SPAN 301.
SPAN 424 - Spanish Linguistics Seminar: (subtitle)
This course will explore a particular topic in Spanish linguistics and will often consider issues of sociolinguistic interest. Topics may include but are not limited to: Bilingualism in the Spanish-speaking World, Spanish in the US, or Spanish Pragmatics. Prerequisite: SPAN 323 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated once for credit with different subtitles.
FREN 302 - Introduction to Literature
An introduction to textual analysis based on representative literary texts from France and the francophone world. The course covers principles of literary criticism that are central to the analysis and discussion of narrative, poetry, and drama. This course must be taken in residence. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 312 - M/Modernity in West Africa (Study Abroad)
This four-week summer course takes place in the port city of Dakar in Senegal, one of the more successful postcolonial democratic transitions in Africa. The course is intended to enhance students’ understanding of history, ideas, and critical issues pertaining to modern west African societies in general, and to Senegal in particular as is expressed through multiple languages, literature, politics, customs, and religion. These components are fundamental in getting to know and appreciate contemporary west African cultures from the inside. The main aspects of past and modern lives (institutions, society, way of life) of Senegal in particular, and of other West African nations, will be studied through lectures in class, notes from field visits, literary texts, excursions, interview discussions, intensive use in class of authentic documents (local newspaper articles and magazines) and homestay experience. Prerequisite: FREN 213 or permission of the instructor.
FREN 313 - Contemporary French Civilization
Study of the social institutions and ways of life in present-day France, focusing on cultural and linguistic identity as well as changing family structures and the challenges in an increasingly multiethnic society. Discussions are based on authentic sources: internet, magazines, books, reviews, recordings, and interviews. Aural/oral skills emphasized. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 314 - M/Contemporary Francophone Civilizations
This course is a study of the main aspects of modern institutions and ways of life in the French-speaking world outside Europe (e.g., Africa, North America, and the Caribbean). Discussions are based on authentic sources from the Internet, books, magazines, recordings, and interviews. Aural and oral skills are emphasized. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 317 - Phonology
Linguistic analysis of the French sound system with emphasis on problem areas for English speakers. Intensive practice in phonetics and corrective drills for the improvement of pronunciation and intonation. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 320 - Workshop in French
This course helps students acquire knowledge and develop skills necessary to conduct communicative lessons within French-language classrooms. Students explore culture and current events topics of interest to middle and high school students, review and practice grammatical structures necessary to conduct class in French and present two peer micro-each lessons. Content and skills required for success on the French CST and oral OPI provide a secondary focus of this course. This course offers non-certification students the opportunity to develop instructional skills that are essential to serving as a graduate teaching assistant, Fulbright Teaching Assistant, TAPIF Teaching Assistant in France, ESL instructor, Teach for America instructor or Peace Corps volunteer. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 325 - French Civilization
A study of the social, political, intellectual, and cultural life of France from ancient times to the present. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 326 - M/Early Non-European Francophone Civilizations
Analysis of major trends, issues, and movements in francophone civilizations from colonial and early post-colonial periods. A broad range of elements, including art, architecture, religion, education, family life and roles of women are highlighted. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 335 - French for the Professions: (subtitle)
Contemporary French language as it applies to professional operations with attention to understanding and composing business letters and other professional documents. Oral communication and elements of French culture related to good business practices is emphasized. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 416 - Advanced Grammar and Syntax
Study of complex structures and related grammatical concepts. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 423 - Selected Topics in Linguistics: Sociolinguistics
This course is an introduction to regional and social variation of French in the francophone world with a focus on culturally influenced pronunciation patterns, vocabulary items, and sentence structures. The course provides an overview of fundamental assumptions about French language change through time and place. Prerequisite: FREN 301.
FREN 450 - Medieval and Renaissance French Literature
Close reading of major works from the 11th to the 16th centuries: epic, lyric, poetry, Arthurian romance, theatre, prose. Prerequisite: FREN 302.
FREN 455 - French Literature Classical Period and Enlightenment
Close reading of major works from the 17th and 18th centuries: theatre, prose, poetry, philosophy. Prerequisite: FREN 302.
FREN 460 - French Literature from Romanticism to the Present
Close reading of major works from the 19th century to the present: novels, poetry, theatre, philosophy. Prerequisite: FREN 302.
FREN 474 - Francophone Literature, Africa and the Caribbean
This course is a survey of Francophone literature from North and Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. It covers issues related to tradition, immigration and exile, religion, cultural identity, generation and gender while thoroughly exploring the literary aesthetics embedded in the chosen works. Prerequisite: FREN 302.
FREN 475 - French Canadian Literature
This course surveys francophone literature of Canada, focusing on Quebec, but also including regions associated with the Acadian diaspora and other provinces. Themes such as tradition, exile and immigration, religion, family, identity, and gender will be explored during close reading of works from the 17th to 21st centuries: prose, poetry, theatre. Students will be required to read background information on the history of the francophone community in North America. Prerequisite: FREN 302.
GERM 302 - Introduction to Literature
An introduction to textual analysis based on representative literary texts from Germany, Austria, and other countries of the German-speaking world. The course covers principles of literary criticism that are central to the analysis and discussion of narrative, poetry, and drama. This course must be taken in residence. Prerequisite: GERM 301.
GERM 313 - Contemporary German Civilization
Study of the main aspects of modern life in the target language country (institutions, society, way of life) through discussions based on the use of authentic documents (reviews, magazines, recordings, interviews, information online). Aural/oral skills emphasized. Prerequisite: GERM 213 or proficiency in GERM 213 by placement exam.
GERM 325 - German Civilization
A study of the social, political, intellectual, and cultural life of the target language country from the origins to the present. Prerequisite: GERM 213 or proficiency in GERM 213 by placement exam.
GERM 335 - German for the Professions: (subtitle)
Basic study of German for professions, including business, environmental, medical, and legal. Emphasis will be on vocabulary building via use of documents/literature/videos corresponding to each profession, and correspondence in the target language. Prerequisite: GERM 213 or proficiency in GERM 213 by placement exam.
GERM 382 - Contemporary German Civilization
Study of the literature and culture of various German-speaking nations or peoples. The course will investigate writers, literary history, and/or political/social/cultural topics, which may include Jewish authors, cultural and literary history of a certain era, East German literature, German literature in other lands such as Romania and Russia, or German-language biographies or memoirs. Prerequisite: GERM 301 or GERM 302 or permission of the instructor.
For more information or additional courses, please visit SUNY Geneseo's Undergraduate Bulletin.