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Romance Languages
and Literatures
Faculty
*Year of initial appointment at Binghamton
Boswell, Richard E., Assistant Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1964, Yale University:
Grammar, phonetics, methods, civilization. (1969)*
Coates, Carrol F., Professor, PhD, 1964, Yale University: 19th century French
poetry and novel; Francophone literature (Canadien, Caribbean, African),
comparative literature.(1963)
Cocozzella, Peter, Professor, PhD, 1966, St. Louis University: Castillian
and Catalan literatures of the 15th and 16th centuries; generation of '98.
(1970)
Erdman, E. George, Jr., Associate Professor, PhD, 1966, Johns Hopkins University:
Language and civilization of contemporary Spain. (1967)
Fajardo, Salvador, J., Professor and Department Chair, PhD, 1968, University
of Chicago: Cervantes, Spanish poetry, 20th­p;century Peninsular. (1990)
LaValva, Rosemarie, Associate Professor, PhD, 1986, Rutgers University:
19th and 20th Century Italian literature, Italian theatre; film. (1987)
O'Connor, Thomas A., Professor, PhD, 1971, State University of New York
at Albany: Spanish literature of the Golden Age: drama, narrative, poetry;
Hermeneutics; mythology. (1988)
Pellegrini, Anthony L., Professor Emeritus, PhD, 1951, Harvard University:
Italian literature: medieval and early Renaissance; 19th and 20th century
poetry and novel. (1962)
Sobejano-Moran, Antonio, Associate Professor, PhD, 1987, Michigan State
University: Contemporary Spanish literature; Picaresque narrative; literary
theory. (1986)
Stewart, Dana, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1994, Stanford University: Dante,
Early Italian lyric poetry, medieval and Renaissance literature. (1994)
Sticca, Sandro, Professor, PhD, 1966, Columbia University: French literature
of the Middle Ages and Renaissance; Latin, Italian, and French drama and
lyric; philology, comparative literature. (1964)
Van Baelen, Jacqueline R., Professor Emerita, PhD, 1963, University of California
at Los Angeles: 17th century French literature; 20th century French drama
and film; comparative literature. (1968)
Vogely, Anita, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1990, University of Texas at Austin:
Foreign language teaching methodology. (1990)
Xaubet, Horacio, Assistant Professor, PhD, 1992, University of California
at Berkeley: Contemporary Latin American prose fiction, Latin American studies.
(1992)
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Undergraduate
Programs
The major programs in French, Italian, and Spanish impart traditional skills
in the language of specialization, provide a comprehensive knowledge of
its literature and culture, and develop critical insights. In view of the
diversity of student interests, the department offers various options for
the major, each within the standard pattern of 10 required courses in the
departmental specialization.
Students who intend to pursue a major are urged to make their declarations
as early as possible, before the beginning of the junior year, whereupon
they are assigned departmental advisors. Any variations from program requirements
must be approved by the undergraduate committee.
Majors typically spend a semester abroad in programs in France, Italy, Mexico,
or Spain. Work done there is applied toward the major in consultation with
departmental advisors.
Courses taken under the pass/fail grading option do not normally count toward
the major.
Of the 10 courses required of all majors, a minimum of three 400-level courses
in French and Spanish and two 400-level courses in Italian must be taken
at this university.
For language courses 491 and 492 (Teaching College French, Italian, or Spanish),
permission of the instructor is mandatory. These courses are intended for
students who are well advanced in the study of the language and who have
studied abroad. They do not count toward the major.
French Major
OPTION 1. LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
The standard major in French consists of 10 courses above the elementary
(French 111-115) level. At least five must be at the 400 level, with a minimum
of two from each sub-group, language and literature. Courses deemed the
equivalent of 400-level courses but taken outside Binghamton University
may be counted toward the major, provided they are approved by the advisor
and at least three 400-level courses are taken on campus.
OPTION 2. LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS
This major consists of:
Advanced courses in French language, such as 445 (Phonetics), 451 (Grammar),
453 (Stylistics), and 457 (Business French)/3
LING 118 (Introduction to Linguistic Structures), and three other courses
in linguistics, chosen in consultation with advisors in French and linguistics/4
Courses in French literature and civilization, taught in French, such as
351 (Grammar, Composition, and Civilization) 361 and/or 362 (Masterworks),
any 460 or 480-series course/3
Italian Major
The major in Italian, which consists of 10 courses, accommodates both students
with no preparation in the language and those with some previous knowledge.
A combined major with French or Spanish is also possible.
OPTION 1.
Students beginning at 111 or 115 (if both are taken, they count as one)
will take three courses from among 211, 215, 241, and 344; two from among
360, 361, 370, 375, and 397; and four at the 400 level.
OPTION 2.
Students beginning at 211 or 215 will take one or two more courses at the
200 level, three at the 300 level, and four at the 400 level.
Depending on the availability of advanced courses, students may occasionally
be allowed to substitute 370 for a 400-level course.
OPTION 3. COMBINED MAJOR
Students take 211 and 215; two courses from among 344, 360, 361, 370 and
375; two at the 400 level; and in French or Spanish two at the 200 level
and two at the 300 level.
Spanish Major
The major in Spanish consists of 10 courses above the level of 115 (exclusive
of 397, 491, and 492), five of which must be at the 400 level. Students
who begin at 211 may substitute 360 or 370 for one of the 400-level courses.
Students are encouraged to explore their interests in Spanish literature,
Latin American literature, and language and culture. Special courses are
also offered for Spanish­p;English bilinguals.
Honors Program
The department offers an honors program to students of demonstrated motivation
and ability, within the fields of language and literature. For details please
consult the department.
Minors
The minor in French, Italian, and Spanish consists of six courses beyond
the level of 115, one must be in literature, two must be at the 300 or 400
level. Of the six courses, three must have been taken at this University,
one at the 300 or 400 level.
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Course Offerings/
Undergraduate
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all undergraduate courses carry 4 credits.
French
FREN 111. FRENCH I
Communicative introduction to the language and its culture, with attention
to aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. No prerequisites.
FREN 115. FRENCH II
Continuation of a communicative introduction to the language and its culture,
with attention to aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite:
FREN 111 or one or two years of French in high school.
FREN 118. FRENCH FOR READING COMPREHENSION Open to graduate students for
no credit; and, for credit, to undergraduate students who have either no
prior instruction in French, or college instruction (not beyond FREN 211,
third semester) which has been interrupted for at least two years. French
grammar and various readings to develop comprehension of written French.
Preparation for foreign language proficiency exam. No speaking, no laboratory,
no prerequisite. Three hours a week.
FREN 211. FRENCH III
Final semester of a communicative introduction to the language and its culture,
with attention to aural comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Prerequisite:
FREN 115 or two or three years of French in high school.
FREN 215. FRENCH IV
Intermediate level language and culture course with emphasis on the reading
of literary and non­p;literary texts, grammar, and writing. Prerequisite:
FREN 211 or three or four years of French in high school.
FREN 241. CONVERSATION, COMPOSITION, CIVILIZATION
Introduction to contemporary French culture. Written and audiovisual materials
are the basis of individual and group activities. Prerequisite: FREN 215
or equivalent.
FREN 251. GRAMMAR, COMPOSITION, CIVILIZATION
Readings and discussions on cultural topics of contemporary France and the
Francophone world. Special attention to grammar and to writing skills. Prerequisite:
FREN 215 or equivalent.
FREN 341. CONVERSATION
Contemporary France and its problems. Topics and vocabulary related to social,
political, cultural life of French people. Prerequisite: FREN 241 or equivalent.
FREN 344 (formerly FREN 244). INTRO TO CRITICAL READING
An introduction to the critical reading analysis of literary works of different
genres by a wide range of authors. Prerequisite: FREN 215 or equivalent.
FREN 351. GRAMMAR, COMPOSITION, CIVILIZATION
Writing practice based on topics drawn from contemporary France and the
French-speaking world. Together with a re-examination of grammar. Prerequisite:
FREN 251 or equivalent.
FREN 361. MASTERWORKS OF FRENCH LITERATURE
Middle Ages through the 17th century. Readings, oral reports, compositions.
Prerequisite: FREN 351.
FREN 362. MASTERWORKS OF FRENCH LITERATURE
18th through 20th centuries. Readings, oral reports, compositions. Prerequisite:
FREN 351.
FREN 397. INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent reading and research on selected topic in consultation with
major advisor. Open to majors but may not count among required 10 courses
of major program (except, in special circumstances, by written consent of
major's advisor).
FREN 399. JUNIOR HONORS
This program can be completed in one or two semesters for a maximum of 4
credits.
FREN 445. FRENCH PHONETICS
Study of French sound system, pronunciation practice, discussion of articles
and videos dealing with contemporary France, writing. Prerequisite: one
300-level course.
FREN 451. ADVANCED GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION
In-depth examination of French grammar, syntax, and stylistic constructions,
idiomatic usage, compositions. Prerequisite: at least one 360-level course.
FREN 453. STYLISTICS
Original writing based on stylistic analysis of modern authors. Guided practice
in various forms of prose writing. Prerequisites: at least one 360-level
course and FREN 451.
FREN 457. BUSINESS FRENCH
Introduction to business French. A survey of basic procedures of typical
business settings in France, mastery of entry-level vocabulary of Francophone
world of commerce. Special emphasis on language of career areas most likely
to be pursued: banking services, import-export operations, office management,
communications. Prerequisites: one 300-level course and FREN 451.
FREN 461. TOPICS IN FRENCH DRAMA
Genre course dealing with period, movement, tradition, or theme. Topic to
be announced. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: two 360-level courses
or consent of instructor.
FREN 463. TOPICS IN FRENCH PROSE FICTION
Genre course dealing with period, movement, tradition, or theme. Topic to
be announced. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: two 360-level courses
or consent of instructor.
FREN 481. SPECIAL TOPICS IN FRENCH LITERATURE
Major problem limited to one or more periods or movements, not restricted
to single genre. Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites:
two 360-level courses or consent of instructor.
FREN 491. TEACHING COLLEGE FRENCH I/variable credit
Participation in team-teaching of elementary French, with experienced personnel.
Teaching, drill instruction, methodology workshops, staff meetings, test
preparation, and grading. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
FREN 492. TEACHING COLLEGE FRENCH II/variable credit
Participation in team-teaching of elementary French, with experienced personnel.
Teaching, drill instruction, methodology workshops, staff meetings, test
preparation, and grading. Prerequisites: FREN 491 and permission of instructor.
FREN 498­p;499. SENIOR HONORS
Student may complete his or her thesis in one, or if necessary, two semesters,
earning four credits per semester.
Italian
ITAL 105. PRACTICAL ITALIAN IN ITS CULTURAL CONTEXT I /2 credits
Basic Italian for everyday use in practical situations. Cultural milieu,
through short lectures, films, and slides; peculiarly Italian aspects which
differ from our own. Two-and-a-half hours per week. No previous knowledge
of Italian assumed.
ITAL 106. PRACTICAL ITALIAN IN ITS CULTURAL CONTEXT II/2 credits
Basic Italian for everyday use in practical situations. Cultural milieu,
through short lectures, films, and slides; peculiarly Italian aspects which
differ from our own. Two-and-a-half hours per week. Prerequisite: ITAL 105
or equivalent.
ITAL 111. ELEMENTARY ITALIAN I
Comprehensive introduction (together with ITAL 115) to all aspects of language.
Basic vocabulary, essentials of grammar, graded readings, oral work; use
of language laboratory. Five hours a week, or equivalent.
ITAL 115. ELEMENTARY ITALIAN II
Continuation of ITAL 111. Five hours a week, or equivalent. Prerequisite:
ITAL 111 or equivalent.
ITAL 211. INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN I
Review of grammar and extensive reading of literary and cultural texts.
Prerequisite: ITAL 115 or equivalent.
ITAL 215. INTERMEDIATE ITALIAN II
Reading and discussion of representative works; grammar review; reports.
Prerequisite: ITAL 211 or equivalent.
ITAL 241. CONVERSATION AND COMPOSITION
A four skills, communicative-oriented intermediate course designed to facilitate
oral and written expression through audiovisual and written materials which
reflect the culture of modern Italy. Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or equivalent.
ITAL 344 (formerly ITAL 244). INTRODUCTION TO CRITICAL READING
Analysis of representative works of Italian literature in different genres
(poems, plays, essays, short stories). Emphasis on study of basic literary
concepts and terminology. Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or equivalent.
ITAL 351. ITALIAN ADVANCED COMPOSITION AND CONVERSATION
Practical problems of Italian grammar and syntax. Composition and translation
into Italian. Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or 241.
ITAL 360. MASTERWORKS OF ITALIAN LITERATURE I
Development of Italian literature from Middle Ages to Late Renaissance,
in context of general intellectual history, coordinated with reading of
representative literary texts. Background lectures and literary analysis.
Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or equivalent.
ITAL 361. MASTERWORKS OF ITALIAN LITERATURE II
Development of Italian literature from Baroque to present, in context of
general intellectual history, coordinated with reading of representative
literary texts. Background lectures and literary analysis. Prerequisite:
ITAL 215 or equivalent.
ITAL 370. CINEMA AND LITERATURE
Introduction to the contemporary novel and its reflection in film. Issues
of faithfulness and betrayal of the literary text; relationship between
the writer and the film director discussed. Works chosen will provide an
overview of Italian culture. Conducted in Italian. Prerequisites: ITAL 215
or equivalent.
ITAL 375. MODERN ITALY AND ITS CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION
Geographic, economic, socio­p;political structures that have affected
the life, history, and culture of Italy from the unification (1870) to the
present. Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or equivalent.
ITAL 397. INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent reading and research on selected topic in consultation with
major advisor. Open to majors but may not count among required courses of
major program (except, in special circumstances, by written consent of major
advisor).
ITAL 399. JUNIOR HONORS
This program can be completed in one or two semesters for a maximum of 4
credits.
ITAL 451. ADVANCED COMPOSITION AND STYLISTICS
Special aspects and problems of grammar, syntax, and style. Prerequisite:
ITAL 215 or equivalent.
ITAL 461. DANTE: DIVINA COMMEDIA
Extensive reading of Commedia, consideration of its place in world literature.
Prerequisite: ITAL 360 or equivalent.
ITAL 462. PETRARCH AND BOCCACCIO
Italian works of Petrarch and Boccaccio and their place in world literature.
Prerequisite: ITAL 360 or equivalent.
ITAL 463. LITERATURE OF THE RENAISSANCE
Selected masterpieces of prose and poetry studied in their cultural context
and European significance. Prerequisite: ITAL 360 or equivalent.
ITAL 469. MODERN POETRY
Italian poetry from Leopardi to Montale. Prerequisite: ITAL 360 or equivalent.
ITAL 481. TOPICS IN ITALIAN LITERATURE
Seminar study of one or two major writers or works. Prerequisite: one 400-level
course in Italian literature. May be repeated for credit.
ITAL 491. TEACHING COLLEGE ITALIAN I /variable credit
Participation in team-teaching of elementary, with experienced personnel.
Teaching, drill instruction, methodology workshops, staff meetings, test
prepartion and grading. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
ITAL 492. TEACHING COLLEGE ITALIAN II/variable credit
Participation in team-teaching of elementary Italian, with experienced personnel.
Teaching, drill instruction, methodology workshops, staff meetings, test
preparation and grading. Prerequisites: ITAL 491 and permission of instructor.
ITAL 498­p;499. SENIOR HONORS
Students may complete their thesis in one, or if necessary, 2 semesters
earning 4 credits per semester.
Spanish Language
SPAN 111. ELEMENTARY SPANISH I
First half of a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the language.
A communicative, interactive classroom approach includes oral practice,
group work, and use of audiovisual materials. Five hours a week. No prerequisite.
SPAN 115. ELEMENTARY SPANISH II
Continuation of SPAN 111. Five hours a week. Prerequisite: SPAN 111 or one
or two years of high school Spanish.
SPAN 211. INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
Intermediate-level work on all aspects of the language. Continues the communicative,
interactive approach of introductory courses, including use of audiovisual
materials. Prerequisite: SPAN 115 or two or three years of high school Spanish.
SPAN 215. INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II
Formal introduction to writing based on literary and non­p;literary texts.
Review of grammar through analysis of its function in spoken and written
discourse. Consolidation of language skills to prepare students for more
advanced work. Prerequisite: SPAN 211 or three or four years of high school
Spanish.
SPAN 250. CONVERSATION AND COMPOSITION
Conversation course based on oral and written analysis of the culture of
Spain and Latin America today. Prerequisite: SPAN 215 or equivalent.
SPAN 251. SPANISH SYNTAX
Practical problems of Spanish grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: SPAN 215
or equivalent.
SPAN 351. ADVANCED SYNTAX AND COMPOSITION
Special aspects and problems of grammar, syntax, and style. Prerequisite:
SPAN 251 or equivalent.
SPAN 480. SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPANISH LANGUAGE
Study of particular aspect of Spanish language. Prerequisite: SPAN 251 or
equivalent. May be repeated for credit if topic is different.
Spanish Language for Students of Hispanic Background
Note: The following courses develop native ability in students of Hispanic
background. Open also to non-Hispanic students who demonstrate unusual proficiency,
for example, through having spent a year of residence in school, or having
lived with a family, in a Spanish-speaking country. Bilinguals should register
for these courses rather than SPAN 111, 115, 211, or 215.
SPAN 212 (formerly SPAN 116). ELEMENTARY SPANISH FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS Designed
especially for students raised in a bilingual environment. Concentrates
on basic grammar, syntax, reading, and writing.
SPAN 213 (formerly SPAN 212). GRAMMAR AND WRITING
For students who have acquired some basic knowledge of Spanish in a bilingual
environment. Should be able to speak and understand Spanish in informal
conversation. Although the class provides an informal review of grammar,
the emphasis is on the improvement of formal writing skills.
Spanish and Latin American Literature
SPAN 344 (formerly SPAN 244). INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC LITERATURE: LITERARY
ANALYSIS
Analysis of representative works of Peninsular and Latin American literature
(poems, plays, essays, narratives), emphasis on study of basic literary
concepts and terminology. Recommended for students planning to take SPAN
360 and/or 370. Prerequisite: SPAN 215 or equivalent.
SPAN 360. SURVEY OF SPANISH LITERATURE
Survey of salient developments in literature of Peninsular Spain, through
reading of representative texts. Prerequisite: SPAN 344 or equivalent.
SPAN 370. SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Selected readings reflecting historical developments of Latin American literature
from colonial to contemporary period. Prerequisite: SPAN 344 or equivalent.
SPAN 397. INDEPENDENT STUDY
Independent reading and research on selected topic in consultation with
major advisor. Open to majors, but may not count as one of 10 courses of
major program (except, in special circumstances, by written consent of major
advisor).
SPAN 399. JUNIOR HONORS
This program can be completed in one or two semesters for a maximum of 4
credits.
SPAN 460. MEDIEVAL LITERATURE
Such well-established masterpieces as Poema de Mio Cid, Libro de buen amor,
La Celestina, representative of Spanish literature from origins through
15th century. Instructor announces area of concentration. Prerequisite:
SPAN 360 or equivalent.
SPAN 461. LITERATURE OF THE RENAISSANCE AND THE BAROQUE
Readings from Spanish prose, poetry, drama of 16th and 17th centuries. Instructor
announces area of concentration. Prerequisite: SPAN 360 or equivalent.
SPAN 462. CERVANTES
In-depth study of Don Quijote within context of Cervantes' literary production.
Prerequisite: SPAN 360 or equivalent.
SPAN 463. LITERATURE OF 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
Study of author, movement, genre, or topic which characterizes development
of Spanish literature from Age of Enlightenment to post-Romantic realism.
Readings and subjects to be announced. Prerequisite: SPAN 360 or equivalent.
SPAN 464. GENERATION OF '98
Texts from works of Ganivet, Unamuno, Valle-Inclán, Antonio Machado,
Baroja, Azorín, Ortega y Gasset. Prerequisite: SPAN 360 or equivalent.
SPAN 465. 20TH-CENTURY LITERATURE OF SPAIN
Representative works of contemporary poetry, drama, and fiction. Prerequisite:
SPAN 360 or equivalent.
SPAN 471. LATIN AMERICAN NOVEL
Principal development from independence to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN
370 or equivalent.
SPAN 472. CONTEMPORARY LATIN AMERICAN POETRY
Principal movements from modernismo to present. Selected readings include
Darío, Martí, Storni, Vallejo, Nicolás Guillén,
Paz, Neruda. Prerequisite: SPAN 370 or equivalent.
SPAN 473. LATIN AMERICAN THEATRE
Emphasis on the contemporary period. Key authors and movements. Prerequisite:
SPAN 370 or equivalent.
SPAN 474. LATIN AMERICAN SHORT STORY
Principal development from independence to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN
370 or equivalent.
SPAN 475. LATIN AMERICAN ESSAY
Emphasis on the contemporary period. Key authors and movements. Prerequisite:
SPAN 370 or equivalent.
SPAN 476. LATIN AMERICAN WOMEN WRITERS
Emphasis on contemporary period with references to historical development.
Prerequisite: SPAN 370 or equivalent.
SPAN 477. LITERATURE OF THE CARIBBEAN
Literary and historical developments of Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic,
and Cuba in contemporary period. Prerequisite: SPAN 370 or equivalent.
SPAN 481. SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPANISH LITERATURE
Study of writer or movement not otherwise available at upper-division level.
Subjects to be announced. Prerequisite: SPAN 360 or equivalent. May be repeated
for credit.
SPAN 483. SPECIAL TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE
Significant period, literary movement, or group of authors. Specific subject
to be announced. Prerequisites: SPAN 344 and 370 or equivalent. May be repeated
for credit.
SPAN 491. TEACHING COLLEGE SPANISH I/variable credit
Participation in the team­p;teaching with more experienced personnel
of lower-division courses in order to gain practical and theoretical knowledge
of language learning. Pass/fail grading option only. The course does not
count towards the major. Normally only for advanced majors who have spent
a semester abroad. Prerequisite: consent of the supervisor.
SPAN 492. TEACHING COLLEGE SPANISH II/variable credit
For students who have already received credit for SPAN 491 and want to continue
team­p;teaching, normally in a more advanced lower-division course. Provisos
and prerequisite same as for SPAN 491.
SPAN 498­p;499. SENIOR HONORS
Student may complete his or her thesis in one, or if necessary, two semesters,
earning four credits per semester.
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Graduate
Programs
The Romance Languages and Literatures Department provides instruction in
the French, Italian, and Spanish languages and their literatures. The programs
leading to the MA degree primarily provide advanced training for teaching
at the secondary school and junior college level, or for continuing on to
the doctorate. While these programs are concentrated in the field of Romance
languages and literatures, the student is expected to have some acquaintance
with related disciplines, such as history, philosophy, and general literature.
Students with their departmental advisors work out programs of study tailored
to their own needs and objectives, within the general framework described
herein. While the normal pattern of requirements for the MA degree is as
outlined below, students may, with consent of the department, have certain
courses waived by presenting themselves for examination in the relevant
material. All applicants are expected to submit scores for the Graduate
Record Examination aptitude test.
Teacher Training Program
Recognizing that most recipients of higher degrees in Romance languages
and literatures make a career of teaching as well as research, the department
provides a teacher-training program for its graduate assistants. The program,
under the direction of faculty supervisors, begins with a workshop before
the start of classes in the fall, during which methodological issues are
discussed and the trainees are given a chance at practice teaching. During
the first semester, the trainees attend a formal course in methodology and
teach in the elementary course. There are regular staff meetings, and classes
are visited by a teaching supervisor who offers criticism and suggestions.
Master of Arts Program
Through the program of courses and independent study both in undergraduate
and graduate work, a candidate for the MA is expected to acquire oral and
written proficiency in one Romance language; sound knowledge of the principle
aspects of the literature in that language; and familiarity with various
methods of scholarship and criticism. An elementary knowledge of a second
Romance language and of Latin is desirable. Teaching assistants in the master's
program participate in the pedagogical training seminar conducted by a departmental
supervisor of graduate assistants.
The requirements for the MA in French, Italian, or Spanish may be satisfied
according to Plan A or Plan B described below.
Course Requirements*
MA Plan A
Total courses required-9 (exclusive of 591, 595, and 599)
Requirements:/courses
1. Textual Analysis, Criticism and Theory/1
2. Major literature/6
3. Electives/2
a. FREN 501, or SPAN 501
b. RPHL 501B
c. 500-level courses in another field with the consent of the department.
4. Comprehensive examination
TOTAL 9 courses
MA Plan B
Total courses required-9 (exclusive of 591 and 595)
Requirements/courses
1. Textual Analysis, Criticism and Theory /1
2. Major literature/5
3. Electives/2
a. FREN 501, or SPAN 501, or RPHL 501
b. RLIT 501 or any appropriate course in criticism.
c. 500-level courses in another field with the consent of the department.
d. Courses in another Romance literature.
4. Thesis/1
5. Comprehensive examination
TOTAL 9 courses
*Students majoring in Spanish must consult with their advisors to determine
the required course distribution, currently defined as at least two courses
from Latin-American literature and two from Peninsular literature.
Comprehensive Examination
A written and an oral comprehensive examination in the major language and
literature is offered once a year in January. This examination, based on
an extensive reading list as well as course work, tests the candidate's
familiarity with the masterworks of the major literature, knowledge of the
general historical development of that literature, and ability to use the
language correctly in writing and speaking. The comprehensive examination
is normally taken at the end of the third semester of course work for the
degree and can be taken after the student has completed 20 credit hours
of course work (5 courses). For details regarding the comprehensive examination,
consult the departmental "Graduate Student Handbook."
Thesis
Under Plan B, the student fulfills the thesis requirement by submitting
a thesis, presented through the respective advisors to the chairperson of
the departmental graduate committee, at least eight weeks before the last
day of classes of the semester in which the degree is to be granted. The
student may be required during this time to make corrections, additions,
or other alterations to bring the work up to the standard required for thesis
credit.
Joint MA/PHD Program With Comparative Literature
The Romance Languages and Comparative Literature Departments offer a collaborative
program leading either to 1) the MA in French and PhD in comparative literature
with a major specialization in French literature or 2) the MA in Spanish
and PhD in comparative literature with major specializations in Spanish
or Spanish American literature.
The program recognizes the need to meld traditional foreign language and
literature studies with current developments in contemporary literary theory.
It will give students a strong concentration in language, a national literature,
literary theory, and criticism. Graduates will have the option of a career
in comparative literature and/or traditonal language and literature. Close
cooperation exists between these two departments, with several faculty members
holding joint appointments or associated faculty titles. PhD students in
the Department of Comparative Literature are frequently assigned duties
as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses offered through the Department
of Romance Languages and Literatures.
Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Science in Teaching
The department cooperates with the program in the Division of Education
in offering the MAT (master of arts in teaching) and the MST (master of
science in teaching) degrees in French and in Spanish. For information and
requirements, see the relevant section in this Bulletin. Inquiries about
the programs should be directed to the appropriate advisor, School of Education
and Human Development, Binghamton University. Attention is also invited
to the dual degree possibility of combining the MA and MAT (see the section
on "Double Degree Accounting" in this Bulletin).
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Course Offerings/Graduate
Romance Languages
RLIT 500. PROSEMINAR IN METHODOLOGY/half course
Bibliography; methods and problems of research.
RLIT 501. THEORY OF LITERATURE
Major literary theories from Plato to end of 19th century.
RL&L 589. METHODS IN FL PEDAGOGY AND TESTING
In­p;depth study of current teaching methods, practical application in
all five skills: listening and reading comprehension, speaking, writing,
and culture; methods for evaluating written and spoken langauge.
RPHL 501. INTRODUCTION TO ROMANCE PHILOLOGY
Phonological and morphological development of romance languages, from Vulgar
Latin to their early standards.
French
FREN 501. HISTORY OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE
Development of French language (phonology, morphology, syntax) from Middle
Ages to present. Selected texts.
FREN 505. THE MAKING OF FRENCH CIVILIZATION
Examination of essential features of French civilization; development of
society, state, and family in relation to land and literature; some consideration
of art, religion, philosophy, economics.
FREN 520. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS, CRITICISM, AND THEORY
Elements of critical reading and literary commentary applied to selected
texts. Examination of fundamental topics in contemporary literary and linguistic
theory as applied to the analysis of French literature.
FREN 551. THEORY AND PRAXIS OF FRENCH GRAMMAR
Analysis of grammatical structures, going beyond usual schemas, emphasizing
psychological aspects, inner dynamics of the language.
FREN 561. THE MIDDLE AGES
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 562. THE RENAISSANCE
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 563. THE 17TH CENTURY
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 564. THE 18TH CENTURY
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 565. THE 19TH CENTURY
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 566. THE 20TH CENTURY
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 570. STUDIES IN FRENCH CRITICISM
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
FREN 581. TOPICS IN FRENCH LITERATURE
Varied topics in French literature. May be repeated for credit when topic
varies. Normally offered as a seminar. Normal grading. Prerequisite: FREN
520 and one century survey course.
FREN 591. THE TEACHING OF COLLEGE FRENCH/variable credit
Required of all teaching assistants. Course credit but no grade.
FREN 595. PEDAGOGICAL TUTORIAL/1 credit
Supervision/mentoring by faculty of advanced graduate students in teaching
courses beyond the intermediate level (fourth semester). Available to teaching
assistants. Course credit but no letter grade. For advanced graduate students
who have taken RL&L 589 and FREN 591 or equivalent.
FREN 597. INDEPENDENT STUDY/variable credit
Reading and research on special topic, evidenced by a paper, under direction
of advisor.
FREN 599. MA THESIS / variable credit
Thesis, equivalent of four-credit course, may be completed in one semester
or two. Course credit, no grade.
FREN 699. DISSERTATION/4­p;12 credits/semester
Research for and preparation of the dissertation.
FREN 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION/1 credit
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No
credit toward graduate degree requirements.
FREN 707. RESEARCH SKILLS /variable credit
Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not
be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite:
approval of relevant graduate program directors or department chairs.
Italian
ITAL 520. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS, CRITICISM, AND THEORY
Elements of critical reading and literary commentary applied to selected
texts. Examination of fundamental topics in contemporary literary and linguistic
theory as applied to the analysis of Italian literature.
ITAL 561. EARLY ITALIAN LITERATURE
Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, Dolce stil novo. May be repeated for credit
with different topics.
ITAL 562. RENAISSANCE ITALIAN LITERATURE
Poetry; prose; drama; chivalric romances. May be repeated for credit with
different topics.
ITAL 563. MODERN ITALIAN LITERATURE
Romanticism; modern poetry; modern novel; Pirandello; The ermetici. May
be repeated for credit with different topics.
ITAL 581. SPECIAL TOPICS IN ITALIAN STUDIES
Topic to be announced. May be repeated for credit.
ITAL 591. THE TEACHING OF COLLEGE ITALIAN /variable credit
Required of all teaching assistants. Course credit but no grade.
ITAL 595. PEDAGOGICAL TUTORIAL /1 credit
Supervision/mentoring by faculty of advanced graduate students in teaching
courses beyond the intermediate level (fourth semester). Available to teaching
assistants. Course credit but no letter grade. For advanced graduate students
who have taken RL&L 589 and ITAL 591 or equivalent.
ITAL 597. INDEPENDENT STUDY/ variable credit
Reading and research on special topic, evidenced by a paper, under direction
of advisor.
ITAL 599. MA THESIS /variable credit
Thesis, equivalent of four-credit course, may be completed in one semester
or two. Course credit, no grade.
ITAL 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION/1 credit
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No
credit toward graduate degree requirements.
ITAL 707. RESEARCH SKILLS/ variable credit
Development of research skills required within graduate programs. May not
be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite:
approval of relevant graduate program directors of department chairs.
Spanish
SPAN 501. HISTORY OF SPANISH-AMERICAN SPANISH
Linguistic situations in Latin America from Spanish conquest to present.
Effects of past and present bilingualism, especially Indian and African;
of linguistic varieties within Spanish immigration; of language contacts
with English, Portuguese, other languages. Pidgin and creole languages,
extinct and living, in Latin America. Effects of language planning. Linguistic
varieties in literature.
SPAN 505. TOPICS IN HISPANIC CIVILIZATION
Main factors of ethnicity, history, politics, intellectual developments
contributing to civilization of modern Spain and Spanish America, as background
for advanced study of Spanish language and literature. May be repeated for
credit with different topic.
SPAN 520. TEXTUAL ANALYSIS, CRITICISM, AND THEORY
Elements of critical reading and literary commentary applied to selected
texts. Examination of fundamental topics in contemporary literary and linguistic
theory as applied to the analysis of Spanish literature.
SPAN 551. THEORY AND PRAXIS OF SPANISH GRAMMAR
Significance and scope of prescriptive norms of traditional Spanish grammar,
their observance and non-observance in modern usage.
SPAN 552. PHONETICS AND VARIETIES OF SPANISH
Analysis of Spanish sound system. Phonetic transcription, drill in pronunciation
and intonation. Varieties of Spanish spoken in Spain and Spanish-America,
Spanish-based pidgins and creoles, Spanish spoken in U.S.
SPAN 561. TOPICS IN EARLY SPANISH LITERATURE
Poema de Mío Cid, Libro de buen amor; La Celestina; medieval lyric,
medieval drama. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
SPAN 562. TOPICS IN THE SPANISH RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE
A study of the representative literary figures of the siglo de oro (exclusive
of Cervantes), such as Garcilaso, Gongora, Quevedo (in poetry), Lope, Tirso,
Calderon (in drama), the mystical writers, and the masters of the picaresque.
May be repeated for credit with different topics.
SPAN 563. CERVANTES
A study of Cervantes' multiform production in the context of Spanish literature
of the siglo de oro; special emphasis on Don Quijote and on Cervantes' art
of the narrative. Instruction and concommitant class activities conducted
in Spanish.
SPAN 564. TOPICS IN THE SPANISH 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
A study of representative works by Feijoo, Jovellanos, Espronceda, Becquer,
Clarin, Galdos, and others; survey of salient characteristics of Spanish
"Enlightenment," romanticism, and 19th-century realism. May be
repeated for credit with different topics.
SPAN 565. THE GENERATIONS OF '98 AND '27
A study of the outstanding authors-Unamuno, Baroja, Valle-Inclán,
Garcia Lorca, among others-who during the first three decades of 20th century,
contributed to the most significant revival in Spanish literature since
the siglo de oro.
SPAN 566. TOPICS IN SPANISH LITERATURE OF THE POST CIVIL WAR PERIOD
Study of the salient developments in Spanish literature of 20th century
from the Generation of '36 up to the present. Poets, playwrights, novelists,
such as Hernandez, Felipe, Panero, Conde, Buero Vallejo, Sastre, Cela, Delibes,
Matute, the Goytisolo brothers, Benet, among others. May be repeated for
credit with different topics.
SPAN 571. LATIN AMERICAN NOVEL
Readings focus on selected topics, geographical areas, and authors: A) Caribbean:
e.g., Carpentier, Sanchez; B) Mexico and Central America; e.g., Rulfo, Fuentes,
Asturias; C) South America: Cortazar, Garcia Marquez, Donoso; D) Special
topics: e.g., magical realism, boom of the 1960s, novel of Mexican Revolution.
May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
SPAN 572. LATIN AMERICAN POETRY
Readings focus on selected topics, geographical areas, and authors: A) Caribbean;
e.g., Pales Matos, Nicolas Guillén; B) Mexico and Central America:
e.g., Dario, Paz, Sor Juana; C) South America: e.g., Borges, Vallejo, Storni,
Neruda; D) Special topics: Surrealism, poetry of Revolution, Modernismo,
feminist poetry, etc. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
SPAN 573. LATIN AMERICAN THEATRE
Readings focus on selected topics and authors: A) Contemporary theatre:
e.g., Carballido, Marques, Triana; B) Special topics: e.g., existential
theatre, Teatro Campesino, theatre of revolution. May be repeated for credit
when topic varies.
SPAN 574. LATIN AMERICAN SHORT STORY
Readings focus on main trends and principal authors: e.g., Modernismo, Cuento
fantastico, Borges, Cortazar, contemporary trends.
SPAN 575. SPANISH AMERICAN ESSAY
Readings focus on main trends and principal authors: e.g., Positivismo,
modernismo, "Search for Identity," in works of selected authors
such as Montalvo, Hostos, Martí, Rodo, Reyes, Paz.
SPAN 581. SPECIAL TOPICS IN HISPANIC LITERATURE
Intensive examination of specialized topics in Peninsular or Spanish American
studies (e.g., Colonial literature, Third Literatura Social, Chicano and
Puerto Rican studies, images of women). May be repeated for credit when
topic varies.
SPAN 591. THE TEACHING OF COLLEGE SPANISH/variable credit
Required of all teaching assistants. Course credit but no grade.
SPAN 595. PEDAGOGICAL TUTORIAL/1 credit
Supervision/mentoring by faculty of advanced graduate students in teaching
courses beyond the intermediate level (fourth semester). Available to teaching
assistants. Course credit but no letter grade. For advanced graduate students
who have taken RL&L 589 and SPAN 591 or equivalent.
SPAN 597. INDEPENDENT STUDY /variable credit
Reading and research on special topic, evidenced by a paper, under direction
of advisor.
SPAN 599. MA THESIS/variable credit
Thesis, equivalent of four-credit course, may be completed in one semester
or two. Course credit, no grade.
SPAN 700. CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION /1 credit
Required for maintenance of matriculated status in graduate program. No
credit toward graduate degree requirements.
SPAN 707. RESEARCH SKILLS /variable credit
Dvelopment or research skills required within graduate programs. May not
be applied toward course credits for any graduate degree. Prerequisite:
approval of relevant graduate program directors or department chairs.
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