Instructor - Huichun Liang

6 credits

This is the second semester of elementary Chinese, and is designed for students who finished elementary Chinese I, or the equivalent. Emphasis will be placed on all four skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). 

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate in Mandarin Chinese regarding everyday topics with a vocabulary of about 800 words. Students will also show a solid foundation in the character writing skills, linguistic structures, listening skills, and pronunciation necessary for further study of the language.  

Instructor - Michael Volz

The goal of this course is for students to gain a basic understanding of the people, culture, and nation of present-day China.  Since the present cannot be understood without knowledge of the past, we will approach this goal by building knowledge of China's history, traditional religions, philosophy, arts, literature, food, customs, and language with a focus on how these traditional aspects of Chinese culture are manifested in and influence modern day China.  

The course is divided into 3 broad themes: Traditional China, Modern China, and Life and Arts in China. Since this is a survey course, it is also hoped that students will come away with a desire to explore the subject more deeply. 

Instructor - Michael Volz

Introduction to Chinese A

This is a 3-credit course that covers the equivalent of the first half of Elementary Chinese 1 (Chinese 1100).  It is for students who might be planning to study or travel in China, and want to get a taste of the language before going there.  It is also appropriate for students who are interested in studying Chinese, but prefer to do so at a more moderate pace. 

Instructor - Michael Volz

This course is a continuation of Intermediate Chinese 1 (3rd semester Chinese) and builds on the basic vocabulary and language skills learned in that class. In this course students will be introduced to more complex grammatical constructions, and will extend their ability to use those constructions for both written and oral communication.

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to communicate in Mandarin Chinese regarding everyday topics with a vocabulary of just over 1600 words. 

Instructor - Huichun Liang

3 credits

This course is the second semester of advanced Chinese, and is designed for those who finished Advanced Chinese I or the equivalent.  This course aims to develop student’s ability in advanced Chinese with an emphasis on the improvement of the four language skills. Different meaningful contexts will be created and provided.

Students will be encouraged to be actively involved and be engaged in different kinds of communicative tasks that require the use of the vocabulary words, grammatical patterns, discourse device, and cultural information learned in this class. Through learning and discussing the topics, such as music, crime, and cultural discussion, students learn to express themselves descriptively, persuasively, critically, and philosophically.

After successful completion of the course, students should be able to have a vocabulary of 2100 words, demonstrate Chinese grammar appropriate for advance level, and use more cohesive devices to link sentences, form paragraphs, and have broader knowledge about Chinese culture and modern Chinese society.

Instructor - Huichun Liang

This is an introductory course to Chinese poetry, both classical and contemporary, in English. It will explore issues in the intercultural and interlingual interpretation of foreign literature through the study of Western translations of and scholarship on selected Chinese poets.

FRENCH 1100 is a beginner French course devoted to the acquisition of basic communicative structures and vocabulary for daily life.  It will be conducted in French with emphasis on practical and meaningful communication.  French 1100 will also introduce the student to the culture of France and Francophone regions of the world. 

The aim of the course is to develop the ability to communicate in French through listening, reading, writing and speaking with a particular emphasis on oral communication. Class time will be primarily devoted to oral activities (conversations, surveys, partner-work, group discussions, etc.) while the time outside of class will be spent preparing for classes, reviewing materials, grammar and vocabulary exercises, and practicing your written French skills.

FRENCH 1200 is the continuation of French 1100 and is designed for those who have taken French 1100 or who have studied some French elsewhere. You must have earned at least a C- in French 1100 to continue to French 1200. In this course, you will continue to progress in speaking, listening reading and writing in French.

Since using the language is the goal of the course, rather than mere passive knowledge of the rules, participation in class is essential. The course is conducted primarily in French, and you will be expected to ask and answer questions, interact with other students, and participate actively in French. Because the study of a foreign language is cumulative – with each new lesson building on structures and vocabulary from previous lessons – it is extremely important that you do not fall behind in your work in French.

You will usually have online homework that will prepare you for class. After each class, other required online and assigned homework will help you to practice the new lesson. The online work will help you memorize structures and vocabulary. Verb conjugations will need to be memorized at home. Finally, additional classroom practice will help you to actively use the vocabulary and structures you have worked on at home and to get out of it. Your participation is what will make the class fun! 

FRENCH 2100 is the continuation of French 1200 and is designed for those who have taken French 1200 or who have studied Elementary French elsewhere. You must have earned at least a C- in French 1200 to continue to French 2100. It offers further introduction to the French language and the many cultures it encompasses.

Your course work will allow you to develop all four language skills: reading, speaking, listening and writing along with cultural background necessary to help you to communicate effectively in French. In order to expose you to as much French as possible and to develop your listening and speaking skills, this class is conducted in French. You will see that your ability to understand and to respond will develop quite rapidly.

By the end of the semester, you should be able to understand authentic dialogues and texts, engage in conversations on everyday topics and write compositions. Learning a new language can be very rewarding. We all hope that your experience will be positive and productive.

This course is the gateway course leading to a major or minor in French and is designed to further develop written and oral communication skills in French. Structured review of linguistic essentials (grammar, syntax, usage, phonetics) are achieved via systematic review, guided compositional production, and targeted exercises focusing on both fundamentals and enhancements.

Videos on France’s major cities and on cultural topics of interest provide students with authentic models, which, in turn, sharpen aural acuity and verbal facility. Coursework includes relevant exercises, oral presentations, written compositions, and frequent quizzes, all geared to ensure mastery of essentials and contextualized applications.

Prerequisite: French 2100 or equivalent.

Instructor - Megan Moore

T/Th 11-12:15

Instructor - M.J. Muratore

Tu/Th 9:30AM-10:45AM

Instructor - M.J. Muratore

T/Th 11-12:15

French 3160 is the gateway to advanced conversation and composition skills in French, and in this course, students build upon advanced grammar concepts to refine their language skills to talk in complex conversation about real-world events, the news, films, and French and Francophone culture. 

Emphasis is on pairing grammar with lots of conversation and introduction to practicing more advanced reading and composition. 

Instructor - Valerie Kaussen

M/W/F 11-11:50

In this course you will begin to acquire skills that will help you to develop and defend critical perspectives. By critical perspectives, I am referring to a position of reasoned understanding concerning the world around us, especially as it is represented in literature, media, and popular culture. In this course you will refine this crucial skill by learning how to read, analyze, and write about cultural objects. You will find that these skills are useful in almost every area of life.

A critical perspective differs from a mere opinion in these important respects: one arrives at it through an adherence to rules of discovery and analysis; it proposes widely-accepted, reproducible methods; and its outcomes are communicated, for the most part, through stylistic and rhetorical conventions.

Of course this is not to say that, when looking at cultural objects, we can somehow plug data into analytical formulae and arrive at a “correct” answer; what it does imply for us, however, is that, as we consider the cultural field, there are definitely some perspectives that more clearly demonstrate this reasoned understanding of the objects and phenomenon under consideration. In this course you will therefore:

• develop a basic structural understanding of four major genres of cultural expression (prose, poetry, theater, film), their commonalities and differences;
• acquire analytical tools and critical vocabulary for analyzing each of these genres;
• learn to write a coherent analytical essay using techniques of self- and peer correction, dictionary usage, and electronic spell-check;
• refine your mastery of complex grammatical structure and stylistics;
• … and all of this EN FRANÇAIS!

Instructor - Vanessa Awa

T/TH 11:00AM-12:15PM

In this course, we will explore iconic French texts from Classicism to Post-modernism (with selections from novels, theater and poetry). Works under consideration will be examined in terms of their impact on world literature. Principal emphasis will be accorded to the ways in which such masterpieces retain relevance today, the eternal human enigmas they bring to light, the artistry which has contributed to their status as sustained models of literary prominence.

We will question in what inspiring ways such writings have shaped views of human nature, social justice, and humanistic-moral values - and how these bespeak issues of our contemporary world. Students will be exposed to the essential techniques of critical reading and interpretation and will apply analytical skills acquired and honed to a broad spectrum of written assignments.

Instructor - Rebecca Grollemund

Tu/Th 2:00-3:15PM

An introductory presentation of the phonological and syntactic systems of contemporary standard French. Prerequisites: French 3160 or equivalent or instructor's consent.

Instructor - Daniel Sipe

Register for this online capstone in conjunction with our passeport culturel series of events, lectures, films & Zoom meetings offered in French throughout the year. After completing 12 events, enroll in the course to complete and present your final capstone project in French and get credit towards completing your French major or minor. 

Instructor - Rebecca Grollemund

T/Th 2:00-3:15

A graduate course on the phonological and syntactic systems of contemporary standard French.  

Instructor - Dawn Heston

Tu/Th 9:30-11:00AM

Global analysis of the study of Bilingualism from a combined sociocultural, sociolinguistic and psycholinguistic perspective based on current research and examination of various phenomena of language contact (graduate course taught in English).

This fun and interactive course will help you develop the foundational skills for using German as a means of communication in personal and professional life. You will explore culture, acquire vocabulary pertaining to day-to-day life, and develop oral, listening, reading, and writing skills.

Credit Hours: 5, various times available

A continuation of German 1100. This participation-centered course builds on German 1100 and will help you develop the skills you need to use German as a means of communication in personal and professional life. You will explore German culture, learn grammatical basics, practice speaking, listening, reading and writing, while engaging with your classmates. Es macht Spaß! In spring, an online, semester-based asynchronous section is also available.

Credit Hours: 5, various times available. 

Recommended: C- or better in German 1100, or equivalent

Instructor - Megan McKinstry

This course is designed for students who took German 1100H or are placed into German 1200 as honors-eligible students. The professor-taught course emphasizes further development of communication skills in a full-immersion setting. Honors students will have the opportunity to work on special projects related to their own personal interests while adding more nuanced cultural and sociolinguistic competencies.The participation-centered course will hone grammar, speaking, listening, oral, reading skills, as well as intercultural competency.

Credit Hours: 5, M/W/F, 2-3:15

Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required

A continuation of German 1200, this highly interactive course helps learners develop the skills they need to use German as a means of communication  in their personal and professional life. Students improve their speaking, listening, reading, and skills, their accuracy, and their intercultural competency while engaging with their classmates and learning to express their opinions in another language! Media, government, environmental issues, and social engagement in the German-speaking countries are explored through projects and film. Es macht Spaß! 

Credit Hours: 3, various times available

Recommended: C- or better in German 1200, or equivalent

Instructor - Megan McKinstry

As a bridge course, this participation-centered, fun-focused class will give students the skills they need to thrive in advanced-level German courses. Students will become more comfortable expressing themselves in German; hone their grammatical savvy; develop oral and writing skills and work with texts and videos which provide insight into contemporary German culture.

Credit Hours: 3

Recommended: C- or better in German 2100, or equivalent

Instructors - Seth Howes

Conducted entirely in English, this course introduces students to important moments in German cultural history and is designed to serve as a road map for future study of the modern era. Lectures on German colonialism and imperialism, modern art movements, cultural pessimism and the theory of history, the politics and aesthetics of the Nazis' racial state, World War II and its aftermath, and many other historical benchmarks are joined by guided explorations of a wide variety of cultural artifacts with lessons on “how to read a painting,” “how to read an architectural masterpiece,” “how to read Nazi propaganda,” and other useful guides to analyzing cultural products.  

May be taken independently of German 2310. No foreign language credit, but does have three writing-intensive (WI) sections and will count toward a German minor or major. Meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00-11:00, with discussion sections that meet on Fridays from 10:00-11:00 or 11:00-12:00.

Instructor - Sean Franzel

Have you ever been to an Oktoberfest in the Midwest or wondered why so many Missourians like Bratwurst? In this course we will seek to answer these and many more questions by delving into the cultural history of Germans and German immigration to the state from the nineteenth century to the present. The purpose of this course is to learn about the cultural history of the state and region and its connections to global histories. This course will speak to students interested in regional tourism and commerce; state and US history; German studies; international studies; refugee and migration studies; and more. We will explore the forces that shaped the lives of German immigrants and their descendants in Missouri: large numbers of German immigrants play formative roles in local and state governments; they are involved in transforming much of the landscape into farmland; they create a wide range of businesses, most notably the many breweries that blanketed the state; they found a variety of churches, settle in religious communities, and establish most of the early synagogues. They are involved in debates about the Civil War and in the build up to the World Wars of the twentieth century. The history of Missouri, in this sense, is part and parcel of both German and American history, and the goal of this class is to allow students to participate in writing it.

This is not a typical course based on lectures and discussions. It is based on a joint effort to learn more about German Missouri with a strong component of project-based learning. Students will be encouraged to explore parts of the state and its history, and when applicable, to explore their own family backgrounds as immigrants. As a final project, students will do a history of a specific cultural object, working in tandem with Missouri Humanities and the German Heritage project. Anything used will be credited to students in the displays. Meets Tuesday/Thursday 2:00-3:15. Includes regular, writing-intensive, Honors, and Honors writing-intensive sections.

Instructor - Yannleon Chen

This content-driven course provides insights into essential subjects of German history and contemporary society, using a variety of literature, journalistic sources and film.  The course will improve German conversation and literacy skills, and will strengthen critical reading and writing, as well as interpretative abilities.  Significant grammatical concepts will be thoroughly reviewed  throughout the semester.  Conducted in German.  

Meets MWF 12:00-12:50.

Instructor - Yannleon Chen

This course will introduce students to a wide range of Germanophone literature, including various eras of literary history and major literary genres such as poetry, drama, the short story, and the novella. The course will culminate in the reading of a contemporary novel. Conducted in German.

Meets Tuesday/Thursday 11:00AM - 12:15PM.

Instructors - Monika Fischer, Carsten Strathausen

(same as Pea-St 3510W/3510HW and TAM 3010W)

Taught online/hybrid in English, no German language skills required. Writing Intensive - Honors - meets A&S Diversity requirement

This inter-departmental course focuses on dynamics of globalization and its impact on cultures around the world from various interdisciplinary perspectives.  Lectures and discussion sessions will address and evaluate the roles of social, entrepreneurial, non-profit and for-profit organizations and their use of transformational technologies in a global setting as well as introduce students to fundamental problems and concepts of today’s global society. Emphasis is placed upon cultural diversity, life in an interconnected and precarious world, and the analysis of new media environments.

A primary concern of the course will be the examination of the contradictions and paradoxes of globalization, which, on the one hand, generates economic and geographical processes with significant social consequences due to rapid growth, population movements, political change, and creation of a vast gap between global wealth and poverty.  Yet, on the other hand, globalization can present new opportunities for groups and individuals (mostly in developing countries) who have struggled historically to find a viable place in the world economy.

Instructor - Monika Fischer

(same as PeaSt 4810 and TAM 4810)

Taught online/hybrid in English, no German language skills required. Satisfies A&S Diversity requirement.

This course examines the ways in which people across the globe are affected every day by an unprecedented array of linkages that defy geographic and political boundaries. As our point of reference, we will concentrate on three case studies. The first is an analysis of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular SDG Goal One that addresses ending extreme poverty. We will analyze the goals, look at how and where they are implemented and analyze their future impact with the spotlight on Africa and its relations with former colonial powers.

The second case study looks at strategic visions and shifting alliances in the Middle East and how history and global relations have reshaped that region in the 20th and 21st century. We will analyze the mixed reputation of geopolitics and compare current geopolitical developments in Iran and Turkey to Kinzer’s “grand strategy” for the Middle East.

The third case study analyzes the presence of Islam in Europe and how it plays out in politics and culture in particular in regards to Europe’s border crisis and the new changing configurations of migration from Africa. Another focus is on gender issues in Northern-African Islamic societies, which is becoming a prominent socio-political issue in European politics due to the influx of Muslim immigrants. 

Instructor - Timothy Langen

Taught in English and cross-listed with Russian, this course offers a historical and global survey of the rise of modern revolution, from France to Haiti to Russia to the Black Power movement and beyond. Drawing on media studies and cultural studies, we will explore how revolutions are tied up in specific medial environments. This entails asking how media spread revolution, whether in print and visual culture, in the broadcast media of the twentieth century, or in the digital landscapes of the twenty-first century, and how revolutions can be understood themselves as media events. In the process students will develop a critical vocabulary for discussing the role of media in political and cultural revolution and counter-revolution in a global perspective. Graded on A-F basis only.  

Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:45PM.

Instructor - Sean Franzel

Required of all senior German majors; usually taken in the senior year. Focuses on contemporary Germany and brings together aspects of German literature and culture studies during the degree program. Prerequisites: senior standing or departmental consent.

Meets Tuesday/Thursday 2:00-3:15PM

Instructor - Kristin Kopp

M/W 2:00-3:15PM

Conducted in German.

Instructor - Yannleon Chen

T/TH 2:00-3:15PM

Conducted in German.

Instructor -Lisa Bragg

Sec 01  MoTuWeThFri 10:00-10:50am in person  – Lab: online asynchronous (6 credits)

Sec 02  MoTuWeThFri. 11:00-11:50am in person – Lab: online asynchronous (6 credits)

The purpose of this course is to continue the development of your communication skills in Italian. The speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities you acquired in ITAL 1100 will be deepened and strengthened with new vocabulary and more complex grammatical structures, while also learning various aspects of Italian culture. The 5-hour option is open ONLY to Bachelor of Music students.

Prerequisites: C- or better in ITAL 1100, or equivalent.

Instructor - Roberta Tabanelli 

100% E-learning asynchronous

In this course students will focus on a broad range of Italian achievements, socio-political events, and artistic and literary movements from the past to the present. Open to any student interested. No knowledge of Italian required. Meets Humanities Requirement for Gen Ed.

Instructor - Roberta Tabanelli

Tu-Th 3:30-4:45PM

Tu 5:00-7:00PM

Cross-listed with Film Studies and Peace Studies, this course aims to introduce students to the concept of transnational cinema by discussing international circulation and reception of films and by analyzing issues of migration and ethnicity in contemporary films, media, and culture. The course may be focused on the transnational production of one national cinema and/or discuss films from a variety of countries. Meets Humanities Requirement for General Education and Arts & Science Diversity Requirement. Graded on A-F basis only.

For beginners with some prior knowledge of Japanese. Three hours of lecture instruction and three hours of practice/drill per week in small groups.

Credit Hours: 6

Prerequisites: C- or better in JAPNSE 1100, or equivalent

Further develops oral and written command of Japanese as well as listening comprehension and further essay writing skills.

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites: C- or better in JAPNSE 2160

This course aims 1. to develop communicative skills based on the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary and conversational expressions. 2. to develop speaking and listening proficiency to carry out simple conversation. 3. to develop reading skills to understand short and simple materials. 4. to develop writing skills to be able to write short essays. 

Prerequisite: C - or better in Japanese 3160 or permission of instructor

Survey and analysis of selected Japanese films from the 1940s to present. Films will be viewed and discussed in terms of history, techniques, artistry, and social impact. English subtitles. No foreign language credit. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or instructor's consent.

Continues development of reading, listening, speaking, writing skills, with attention to vocabulary acquisition, expansion of knowledge of kanji, and understanding of complex grammatical structures.  Authentic readings in Japanese literature, exercises using authentic multi-media materials.  Encourages development of student autonomy in language learning with introduction and use of appropriate reference materials.  Prerequisites:  JAPNSE 3380 or equivalent, or instructor's consent.

In Elementary Korean II, students will extend their Korean vocabulary and grammar as an extension of Elementary Korean I. Based on what they learned in class, students will learn how to make more complex sentences. They will have various games to develop and check their vocabulary and grammar skills. These games will also teach the importance of collaboration.

In Elementary Korean II, students will be expected to read more advanced Korean stories and learn more Korean songs. Each week, there will be composition homework assignments with a different topic. Students should be able to write a paragraph based on what they have learned each week and will exchange their thoughts and comments about their writing in class. 

Instructor - Sanghun Chun

This course is designed to provide students with a broad overview of Korean society by exploring the story of historical, political, economic, and cultural characteristics after the Korean War.  South Korea is known as a country that has successfully transformed itself into both an economic and cultural powerhouse and its democracy in a short period of time.  In my opinion, though South Korea is known for a homogeneous and distinctive culture and identity it is also experiencing many paradoxical aspects and changes in the rapid process of economic development and democratic consolidation.   I assume this also applies to Inter-Korea relations (North and South Korea).

By the end of the semester, students will have a contextual background of Korean society and culture nowadays.  Students will also be able to further develop this insight to understand and discuss major issues of Korean studies in other upper level classes.

Intermediate Korean II is designed to increase your advanced Korean ability as an extension of Intermediate Korean I. To increase your language ability, it is important to be exposed to many different situations. With this in consideration, this class provides different themes each week, such as a song week, and a literature week to give students exposure to different situations.

This class will especially focus on speaking and writing. It is important for students to actively participate in small groups during class and in individual projects. There will be composition homework assignments each week with different topics. Students should be able to do their homework based on what they have learned each week. 

Instructor - Wang Sik Kim

This course is designed to help student understand the dynamics of North Korean politics. North Korea can be described as an exceptional country in many ways.  First, the transfer of power in the North Korea was made through the hereditary succession like a monarchy even though it claimed to be a socialist country.  Second, North Korea has survived as a socialist country, while most of the communist countries including the Soviet Union and East European countries collapsed in the late 1980s and the early 1990s. Third, the North Korea, one of the poorest countries, has developed the nuclear weapons as well as other weapons of mass destruction, threatening the international security.

For critical understanding of the North Korean politics I will trace the Korean communist movement, and deal with the North Korean political history since 1945. I am also planning to deal with the ideology and important governmental structure including the Korean Workers’ party, the Military and the social control structures. Then I will examine the current issues including economic reforms, the nuclear challenge, and the several issues with the South Korea like unification questions and the conclusion of the peace treaty to end the Korean War.

Cross-listed with Black Studies and Peace Studies.Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 1:45P.

Cross-listed with Film Studies. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00A to 12:15P, with screenings on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:00P.

Russian 2160 is the second course in the two-semester intermediate Russian sequence. By the end of the course you will be able to: converse with ease and confidence when dealing with the routine tasks and social situations; communicate information about work, school, recreation, particular interests, and areas of competence in sentences or series of sentences; narrate and describe in different time frames about everyday events and situations; understand, with ease and confidence, simple sentence-length speech in basic personal and social contexts; understand fully and with ease short, non-complex texts that convey basic information and deal with personal and social topics; understand some connected texts featuring description and narration.

How does the Russian-speaking world see itself? This asynchronous, second 8-week online course will use film to explore how Russian speakers themselves understand Russia. We will watch 13 major Russian-language films from the post-Soviet era (starting in 1990) that depict moments in Russian history from the middle ages to the present. And we will critically consider what these representations of Russian history and culture suggest about Russian identity today, with special attention to how these films present difference (ethnic, political, religious, gender, sexual, etc.), or “otherness.” Instructional components will include film viewings, informational video lectures, online student discussion and remote small-group work.

The final group project is a website for a film festival. All films have English subtitles. No prerequisites.

Russian 3160 is the second course in the two-semester advanced Russian sequence. By the end of the course, you will have developed the ability to engage with native sources (people, texts, websites, videos, etc.) on topics of interest in depth and with sophistication.

This course offers a historical and global survey of the rise of modern revolution, from France to Haiti to Russia to the Black Power movement and beyond. Drawing on media studies and cultural studies, we will explore how revolutions are tied up in specific medial environments. This entails asking how media spread revolution, whether in print and visual culture, in the broadcast media of the twentieth century, or in the digital landscapes of the twenty-first century, and how revolutions can be understood themselves as media events. In the process students will develop a critical vocabulary for discussing the role of media in political and cultural revolution and counter-revolution in a global perspective. Graded on A-F basis only.

Cross-leveled with Russian 4850. This course offers a historical and global survey of the rise of modern revolution, from France to Haiti to Russia to the Black Power movement and beyond. Drawing on media studies and cultural studies, we will explore how revolutions are tied up in specific medial environments. This entails asking how media spread revolution, whether in print and visual culture, in the broadcast media of the twentieth century, or in the digital landscapes of the twenty-first century, and how revolutions can be understood themselves as media events. In the process students will develop a critical vocabulary for discussing the role of media in political and cultural revolution and counter-revolution in a global perspective. Graded on A-F basis only.