( ) Year of initial appointment at Binghamton
Chen, Zu-yan, Associate Professor Emeritus of Chinese, PhD, 1989, University of Wisconsin at Madison: Chinese literature. (1987)
Cho, Sungdai, Assistant Professor of Korean Studies and Anthropology, PhD, 1995, University of Hawaii, Manoa: Korean linguistics, second-language acquisition pedagogy, CALL, Korean civilization.
Majer, Ingeborg, Assistant Professor of German, PhD, 1988, University of Texas: Comparative literature and German; cinema and women’s studies. (1996)
Morewedge, Rosmarie Thee, Associate Professor of German and Department Chair, PhD, 1974, University of California at Los Angeles: Medieval literature, folklore, literary criticism, pedagogy. (1969)
Oda, Keiko, Lecturer in Japanese, MA, 1998, University of Wisconsin at Madison: Pedagogy, Japanese language. (1999)
Pages, Neil Christian, Visiting Assistant Professor of German and Comparative Literature, PhD, 1999, New York University: 19th- and 20th-century German, Austrian and Scandinavian literature, literary theory, history of criticism.
Snyder, William H., Bartle Professor of German and Linguistics, PhD, 1964, University of Tübingen: Comparative linguistics, Germanic languages, Sanskrit. (1966)
Sode, Rumiko, Assistant Professor of Japanese, PhD, 1999, Ohio State University: Japanese linguistics. (1999)
Tittler, Nancy, Lecturer in Russian, PhD, 1981, Yale University. (1981)
Zhang, Hong, Lecturer in Chinese, MM, State University of New York at Binghamton: Voice. (1990)
Grünzweig, Walter, Adjunct Professor of German, PhD, 1984, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz and Dortmund University: American studies and German. (1988)
Maierhofer, Roberta, Adjunct Assistant Professor of German, Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz: American studies and German. (1996)
The department emphasizes acquisition, proficiency and cultural fluency at all levels of study. A focus on culture in the broadest sense — literature, language, visual arts, history, philosophy — allows students to explore myriad aspects of life in the German-speaking countries. When choosing a major, students consult with a faculty adviser and develop a program tailored to their needs. The department encourages interdisciplinary work; students may pursue joint programs in German and history, German and philosophy, German and management, German and engineering or German and computer science. An undergraduate major in German may be combined with graduate study in the School of Management by entering a Harpur College/School of Management 3-2 program. Engineering and Germanmay also be correlated in a five-year dual-degree program leading to a BS and a BA, involving an internship abroad and study at the technical university of Chemnitz or Dresden. A minor in German is also available, which allows students to acquire language proficiency and to explore aspects of culture in some depth.
The department directs a highly regarded study-abroad program at the University of Graz in Austria that is open to students in all disciplines. Students normally participate in the program in their junior or sophomore year. Prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA and two years of training in German for the traditional junior year/semester abroad program, or one year for the language, culture, general education program at the sophomore level. Students with advanced language proficiency may also participate in an exchange program with the University of Leipzig. This program may be of special interest to students in the social sciences, business and management.
The requirements for the major are:
• Ten German courses at the 200 level or above. GERM 221, 222, 321 and the teaching practicum (GERM 491 or 492) may be counted only once toward the major. Three courses (12 credits) must be in German literature and cultural studies. Only one literature course taught in English (GERM 241) may be used toward the major.
If students have only a single major in German, then the department additionally recommends, but does not require, the following courses:
• One course in either art, music or theater
• Two upper-division courses in European history
• One course in philosophy
The requirements for a double major in German and in another discipline are:
• Nine German courses at the 200 level or above. GERM 221, 222, 321, and the teaching practicum (GERM 491 or 492) may be counted once toward the major. Three courses (12 credits) must be in literature and may be counted only once. Only one German literature course taught in English (GERM 241) may be counted toward the double major.
Any combination of courses or half courses above GERM 102 amounting to 24 credits. GERM 221, 222, 241 and 321 count only once toward the minor. Transfer credit is counted toward the 24-credit requirement for the minor, but students must still complete at least two upper-level German courses (eight credits) at Binghamton.
German majors who intend to graduate with honors should
contact the department chair at the beginning of their senior year:
Honors are usually awarded on the basis of demonstrated proficiency in German, a
project that reveals an understanding of the development of German culture and
literature, and an A– average in all courses in German, with no more than one
course below an A–.
High Honors: Requirement for Honors, plus a grade of A on a major research paper written in the Senior Seminar.
The program offers language instruction from the beginning through the advanced level. Instruction stresses the basic skills — comprehension, speaking, reading and writing — and aims primarily to develop practical competency. Each year the program offers courses in Russian literature in translation. For information, contact the program director.
An individual Russian studies major may be developed under the auspices of the Innovational Projects Board.
Required for the minor in Russian studies are six courses from the following:
• RUSS 101, 102, 131, 203, 204, 240 or 241, 305, 380; HIST 225, 226, 481C, 486C, 567A, 569C; PLSC 269, 312, 355. Non-natives must complete 101-204 or equivalent.
Students with a high proficiency in Russian may attend the SUNY semester in Moscow.
The objective of the Japanese program is to offer a solid foundation of Japanese language skills including reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. The courses are ideal for students who wish to attain practical communicative skills as well as for those who plan to further specialize in Japanese studies such as literature, culture and art. For information on related cross-disciplinary concentrations, see the Asian and Asian American Studies concentrations in the Cross-Disciplinary Concentrations section of this Bulletin, as well as the East Asian Management Studies concentration offered through the School of Management.
The objectives of this program are twofold: to offer a solid foundation in the language and cultural fluency to heritage and non-heritage students and to encourage heritage students to develop a high level of professional proficiency in the language. For information on related cross-disciplinary concentrations, see the Asian and Asian American Studies concentrations in the Cross-Disciplinary Concentrations section of this Bulletin, as well as the Asian Management Studies concentration offered through the School of Management.
GERM 101. ELEMENTARY GERMAN I
Basic vocabulary, essentials of grammar, graded readings, oral work,
listening comprehension, use of language cassettes. Consideration of how the
United States and German-speaking countries have influenced and interacted with
each other. Normally offered fall only.
GERM 102. ELEMENTARY GERMAN II
Continuation of GERM 101. Prerequisite: GERM 101, or one year of high school
German, or equivalent. Language cassettes. Consideration of how the United
States and German-speaking countries have influenced and interacted with each
other. Normally offered spring only.
GERM 197. ELEMENTARY ACCELERATED
INDEPENDENT STUDY var. cr.
Transitional course from first- to second-year German, allowing for independent
work (computer-assisted instruction, comprehension exercises, readings, use of
audio-visual materials, etc.) under regular faculty supervision.
GERM 203. INTERMEDIATE GERMAN I
Continued development of language skills introduced in GERM 101 and 102.
Emphasis on comprehension (listening and reading) and speech production
(speaking and writing). Some grammar review and introduction to business and
technical German. Prerequisite: GERM 102 or 103 or equivalent.
GERM 204. INTERMEDIATE GERMAN II
Continued development of language skills using a variety of written and aural
texts of intermediate difficulty. Emphasis on reading and speaking. Some
discussion of grammar, as well as business and technical German. Prerequisite:
GERM 203 or equivalent.
GERM 210. GERMAN CULTURE
AND CIVILIZATION every other yr.
Study of history and culture of Germany, beginning with political and
religious consequences of the Reformation and concluding with post-World War II
Germany. Basic understanding of political, social, religious forces and ideas
that shaped civilization in Germany. Readings and lectures in English.
GERM 221. INTERMEDIATE
GERMAN CONVERSATION I every fall, 2 cr.
Informal instruction and practice in colloquial German. Primarily for
students who have completed GERM 102 or 103. Discussion based on variety of
cultural, commercial and some technical materials provides practice in more
advanced conversational speech patterns and vocabulary. Prerequisite: GERM 102,
103 or equivalent.
GERM 222. INTERMEDIATE
GERMAN CONVERSATION II every spring, 2 cr.
Continuation of GERM 221, primarily for students who have completed GERM 203
or 221. Discussion based on variety of cultural, commercial and some technical
materials; provides oral practice in German idioms and more advanced vocabulary.
Prerequisites: GERM 203 and 221 or equivalent.
GERM 230. SPECIAL TOPICS IN
GERMAN CULTURE 2 cr.
Courses dealing with particular aspects of German culture, such as cultural
geography, religious institutions, gender construction/educational systems, Nazi
Period in post-war literature. Lectures and readings as determined in German or
English.
GERM 241. TOPICS IN GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE IN TRANSLATION
Study of authors, works, films, periods, genres and/or themes from
German-speaking literature and culture after 1700. Lecture and discussion. May
be repeated for credit.
GERM 297. INTERMEDIATE
INDEPENDENT STUDY var. cr.
Independent reading course for students who have either completed or are
currently enrolled in GERM 203 or 204. Several written reports on the readings
and/or a final examination.
GERM 305. ADVANCED READING
AND COMPOSITION I every fall
Short readings in German from many areas, literary and non-literary, with
emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, writing practice, listening comprehension.
Practical problems of German grammar, syntax, style. Discussion and group work.
Prerequisite: GERM 204 or equivalent or consent of instructor. Closed to
returning Graz students. Three hours per week.
GERM 306. ADVANCED READING
AND COMPOSITION II every spring, var. cr.
Continuation of GERM 305 with heavy emphasis on composition and stylistics.
Prerequisite: GERM 305 or equivalent.
GERM 341. TOPICS IN GERMAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE IN TRANSLATION
Study of authors, works, films, periods, genres, and/or themes from German
speaking literature and culture.
GERM 380. TOPICS IN GERMAN
LITERATURE var. cr.
Study of particular periods, genres, topics, authors and/or works of
literature; cinema and feminism; cultural studies; Holocaust studies; topics in
criticism, etc. from various theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: GERM 204 or
equivalent.
GERM 395. INTERNSHIP
Topic determined by student and faculty member.
GERM 397. ADVANCED INDEPENDENT
STUDY var. cr.
Advanced independent work for students who have completed GERM 305 or
equivalent.
GERM 480. SENIOR SEMINAR var. cr.
Special topics in German language, literature and culture. Research paper
required. May be repeated for credit if topic differs. Intended for senior
German majors. Required for high honors. Prerequisite: senior standing or
consent of instructor.
GERM 491. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING GERMAN every fall
Language teaching experience (teaching GERM 121 and 122, Elementary
Conversation) supplemented with in-class guidance, weekly pedagogical seminar
sessions, visitations in classes taught by faculty and apprentice teachers,
self-evaluation of teaching performance. Prerequisite: ordinarily, study abroad
and consent of department.
GERM 492. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING GERMAN every spring
More advanced language teaching experience for apprentice teachers teaching GERM
122 under supervision of departmental faculty. Apprentice teachers continue to
receive regular instruction in language pedagogy. Prerequisite: ordinarily,
study abroad and consent of department.
GERM 497. SENIOR INDEPENDENT
STUDY var. cr.
Independent study under direct supervision of faculty member. Prior to
registration, student must consult proposed supervisor, receive approval of
subject of study and of course credit. Prerequisite: consent of department.
GERM 707. RESEARCH SKILLS:
READING GERMAN TEXTS spring, var. cr.
Instruction in decoding German texts. Focus on building comprehension; stress on
vocabulary, syntax and structure. Graduate students are expected to translate
texts approved by their departmental director of graduate studies.
Russian
RUSS 101. ELEMENTARY RUSSIAN I every fall
Introduction to basic vocabulary and grammar. Emphasis on speaking, oral
comprehension and reading.
RUSS 102. ELEMENTARY
RUSSIAN II every spring
Continuation of RUSS 101.
RUSS 131. RUSSIAN CIVILIZATION
Course taught in English. Examination of the development of Russian culture
from the beginnings 1,000 years ago to the fall of the Romanov dynasty and the
revolution of 1917. Discussion of artifacts of Russian culture: folklore,
religious, literary and philosophical texts, art, architecture, music, dance,
rituals and social conventions.
RUSS 203. INTERMEDIATE RUSSIAN I every fall
Completion of basic grammar and learning the language of everyday life.
Prerequisite: RUSS 102, two years of high school Russian, or equivalent.
RUSS 204. INTERMEDIATE
RUSSIAN II every spring
Continuation of intermediate Russian emphasizing conversation, conclusion of
basic grammar, reading and retelling of selected materials. Prerequisite: RUSS
203 or equivalent.
RUSS 232. RUSSIA AND THE WORLD
An examination of Soviet and post-Soviet Russian cultural identity through
analysis of Russian and American literature and film. Consideration of how
Russians’ self-representation in literature and cinema has been interconnected
with representations of Russians by others and with Russian representations of
the Western "other." Study of how 20th-century Russian and American
cultures have shaped one another and how other nations (such as Cuba) have
figured as "third parties" in the relationship.
RUSS 240. INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION I
Development of 19th-century Russian literature, from romanticism to
symbolism. Analysis of works by major authors such as Pushkin, Gogol, Lermontov,
Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov. Lecture and discussion.
RUSS 241. INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION II
Development of Russian literature during and after the Soviet era. Analysis
of prose works by major authors such as Babel, Bulgakov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsyn,
Nabokov, Tolstaya. Lecture and discussion.
RUSS 297. INTERMEDIATE
INDEPENDENT STUDY var. cr.
Independent reading course for students who have either completed or are
currently enrolled in RUSS 203 or 204. Several written reports on the readings
and/or final examination.
RUSS 305. ADVANCED READING
AND COMPOSITION I every fall
Acquisition of substantial vocabulary from various aspects of daily life:
description of surroundings, character traits, interpersonal relations, cops and
robbers, etc. Intensive speaking and writing practice, focus on developing a
Russian writing style. Prerequisite: RUSS 204 or equivalent.
RUSS 306. ADVANCED READING AND COMPOSITION II
Continuation of RUSS 305 with similar emphasis on reading, writing and retelling
skills. Additional focus on understanding Russian news media, including
newspapers and broadcasts. Prerequisite: RUSS 305 or equivalent.
RUSS 380. TOPICS IN RUSSIAN
LITERATURE AND CULTURE var. cr.
Studies of particular authors, periods, genres, aspects of Russian culture.
May be repeated for credit if topic varies. Prerequisite: varies according to
topic.
RUSS 492. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING COLLEGE RUSSIAN var. cr.
Independent study through teaching in a particular course in Russian.
Various assignments closely directed by instructor in that course, including
development of syllabi and other course materials; construction and reading of
examinations; lecturing and/or discussion leadership; laboratory supervision and
academic counseling of students. May be repeated for total of no more than eight
credits. Credit may not be earned in conjunction with course in which student is
concurrently enrolled. Does not satisfy major or all-college requirements.
Prerequisites: consent of instructor and department. P/F only.
RUSS 497. ADVANCED INDEPENDENT STUDY var. cr.
Independent study under direct supervision of faculty member. Prior to
registration, student must consult proposed supervisor and receive approval of
subject.
Chinese
CHIN 101. ELEMENTARY CHINESE I every fall
Foundation course aimed at enabling students to communicate in Chinese for
everyday purposes. Introduction to Chinese characters. For students with no
previous formal training in Chinese.
CHIN 102. ELEMENTARY
CHINESE II every spring
Continuation of CHIN 101 with emphasis on formal mastery of basic sentence
patterns, with practice in usage for real-life situations.
CHIN 111. ELEMENTARY
WRITTEN CHINESE every fall, 2 cr.
Designed for students with some background in conversational Chinese (Mandarin,
Cantonese, or other dialects) who require instruction in learning to write
Chinese characters and in Chinese grammar. Students with no prior formal
language instruction in Chinese are eligible for this course. Upon completing
this class, students may enroll in CHIN 102. Prerequisite: Knowledge of
conversational Chinese and consent of instructor.
CHIN 202. SINGING CHINESE
Language acquisition and music appreciation through songs. Emphasis on
diction, voice projection and language expression through singing practice.
Analysis of cultural background and stylistic features in song lyrics. Students
learn 25-30 Chinese songs, including art songs, folk songs and popular songs
from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
CHIN 203. INTERMEDIATE CHINESE I every fall
Third-semester course in the Chinese language. Completes study of first 1,000
words and all main grammar points continued from CHIN 101 and 102.
CHIN 204. INTERMEDIATE
CHINESE II every spring
Fourth-semester course in the Chinese language. Emphasis on reading, with
continued spoken-language exercise. Practice reading newspapers.
CHIN 241. CLASSICAL CHINESE
LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION
Survey of Chinese literature from 12th century BC through AD 19th century,
dealing with major writings of each period, their aesthetic and formal
components, and cultural/historic contexts. Equal emphasis on evolution of
poetry genres and development of story themes, supplemented with background in
Chinese theories of literature and comparative study between Chinese and Western
literature. Knowledge of Chinese language not required.
CHIN 305. ADVANCED CHINESE I
Development of overall language proficiency through extensive reading, with
emphasis on vocabulary acquisition, oral expression, and writing practice. Texts
include screenplays and short stories. Discussion in Chinese. Prerequisite: CHIN
204 or equivalent.
CHIN 350. BUSINESS CHINESE
Introduction to Chinese business language. Equal emphasis on oral
communication in Chinese in business context as well as reading printed material
that focuses on commerce and economics. Class conducted in Chinese.
Prerequisite: CHIN 305 or equivalent.
CHIN 491. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING CHINESE every fall
Language teaching experience supplemented with in-class guidance, visits in
faculty-taught classes, pedagogical discussion with faculty and self-evaluation
of teaching performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and department. P/F
only.
CHIN 492. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING CHINESE every spring
More advanced language teaching experience supplemented with in-class guidance,
visits in faculty-taught classes, pedagogical discussion with faculty and
self-evaluation of teaching performance. Prerequisite: consent of instructor and
department. P/F only.
Japanese
JPN 101. ELEMENTARY JAPANESE I every fall
Foundation course in the Japanese language, including listening
comprehension exercises, structured conversation, reading, grammar study.
Introduction to Japanese characters. For students with no previous formal
training in Japanese.
JPN 102. ELEMENTARY JAPANESE II every spring
Continuation of JPN 101 with emphasis on listening comprehension, structured
conversation, reading, grammar study, practice writing Japanese characters.
JPN 203. INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE I every fall
Third-semester course in the Japanese language, including reading, listening
comprehension, conversation, grammar study, writing Japanese characters. For
students who have taken JPN 102 or have an equivalent exposure to Japanese.
JPN 204. INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE II
Instruction in learning to read and write 200 new kanji. Continued emphasis
on basic grammar. Development of conversational ability and listening
comprehension. Introduction to levels of discourse. Prerequisite: JPN 203 or
equivalent.
JPN 305. ADVANCED JAPANESE I
Reading of texts in various disciplines, as basis for oral practice,
composition, analysis of more complex aspects of the language and acquisition of
substantial vocabulary.
JPN 306. ADVANCED JAPANESE II
Continuation of skill development begun in JPN 305. Reading of texts in
various disciplines as basis for oral practice, composition, analysis of more
complex aspects of the language and acquisition of substantial vocabulary.
Prerequisite: JPN 305 or consent of instructor.
JPN 491. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING JAPANESE every fall
Language teaching experience in elementary Japanese supplemented with
in-class guidance, pedagogical seminar sessions, visits in classes taught by
faculty and apprentice teachers, self-evaluation of teaching performance.
Prerequisite: consent of department.
JPN 492. PRACTICUM IN
TEACHING JAPANESE every spring
More advanced language teaching experience for apprentice teachers teaching
Japanese under supervision of departmental faculty. Prerequisite: consent of
department.
Korean
KOR 101. ELEMENTARY KOREAN I every fall
Course is designed to give the student a beginning knowledge of Hangul
through the study of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. The major objective is to
prepare the student for the more advanced grammar and, especially,
communicational skills in Korean language study. Students who possess slight
conversational skills in Korean but require basic instruction in learning to
read and write Hangul will be admitted.
KOR 102. ELEMENTARY KOREAN II every spring
Continuation of KOR 101. Course is designed to give the student a basic
knowledge of Hangul through the study of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. The
major objective is to prepare the student for more advanced grammar and,
especially, to develop communicational skills in Korean. Not for native
speakers.
KOR 203. INTERMEDIATE KOREAN I every fall
Third-semester course in the Korean language designed to develop reading and
listening comprehension, conversation and writing skill through the introduction
of complex grammatical structures and idioms. For students who have taken KOR
102 or have equivalent exposure to Korean.
KOR 204. INTERMEDIATE
KOREAN II every spring
Fourth-semester course in Korean language, with continued emphasis on reading,
writing, conversation, and listening comprehension. Materials include folk songs
(sung with the instructor) and text from Korean literature. For students who
have taken KOR 203 or have equivalent exposure to Korean.