Curriculum Action Notice

From:

Academic Affairs Committee

Date:

November 23, 2004

This is a bulletin from the Academic Affairs Committee concerning proposed curricular actions. Please forward any comments or concerns in the next 10 days to the AAC chair, Flor Blanco, Belknap Hall 110A, Ext. 4604, fblanco@mnsfld.edu.

The Department of Languages and Literature has requested the following curricular action:

#1 Action
Program Change: English BA

Rationale for change:
The proposed change will allow for additional collaboration between English and modern languages and will serve to further knowledge and respect for the original body of literature

List all changes:
An upper level (3000-4000) French, German, or Spanish literature course may be used by an English BA major to fulfill the World/Minority requirement.

#2 Action:
Program Change: English BSE

Rationale for change:
The proposed change will allow for additional collaboration between English and modern languages and will serve to further knowledge and respect for the original body of literature

List all changes:
An upper level (3000-4000) French, German, or Spanish literature course may be used by an English BSE major to fulfill the World/Minority requirement.

#3 Action:
Course Change: FR 2205 Phonetics Pronunciation

Purpose and nature of change:
To Bring course into compliance with NCATE standards; to raise number of credits; to change course title; to revise course description and prerequisites.

New Course Title: Phonetics and Pronunciation
OLD Credit(s) __1__ Undergraduate
NEW Credit(s) __3__ Undergraduate

Course Description for Catalog:
A study of the speech organs, place and manner of articulation of French phonemes and their phonetic realizations, along with extensive practice exercises on pronunciation, intonation, stress and sentence rhythm. The numerous changes occurring in connected and rapid speech will be studied as well. Students will also be introduced to some French dialects and regional pronunciation patterns.
Prerequisites: FR 1102 or equivalent; FR 2201 or higher is preferred.

#4 Action
New Course: FR 3310 Introduction to French Literature

Purpose and Nature of Course:
Introduce students to literature and give them tools to work with a range of literary texts, genres, periods, and authors

Course Description for Catalog:
The course is designed to introduce students to important periods, genres, literary movements, and authors. It is based on the most recent French practices in teaching literature at an introductory level, with a concentration on poetry, essay, theatrical works, and autobiographical writings. It is designed to give students a sense of what constitutes a literary text as well as a capacity for analyzing texts, discussing themes and ideas, and improving their reading and writing skills. The course will cover examples of texts from poetry to the novel, from the Renaissance to the end of the XXth century, from tragedy to comedy, from entertainment to questioning and discussing major themes.
Prerequisites: (Courses which MUST be completed prior to taking this course) FR 2202 or permission of instructor

#5 Action:
Program Change: French Education (BSE)

Rationale for change:
1) Comply with NCATE requirements,
2) Have a more flexible program to accommodate exchange of courses with Lock Haven University

List all changes:

1. Change credit hour for FR 2205 Phonetics and Pronunciation from 1 to 3
2. Change course number in ER for Teaching Secondary Foreign Languages from ED 3311 to ED 3317
3. Drop from major requirements FR 3300 Conversation French and Civilization, FR 3330 Survey of French Literature I, FR 3331 Survey of French Literature II
4. Add to major requirements: FR 3300 Conversation French and Civilization OR FR 3305 Advanced French Conversation; FR 3310 Intro to French literature AND one of the following literature courses: FR 3330/FR 3331 Survey of French Literature I and II, FR 3339 French Literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, FR 3340 French Classical Literature, FR 3341 French Literature of the Enlightenment, FR 3342 Currents in Nineteenth-century French Literature, FR 3343 Aspects of Twentieth-century French Literature, FR 3350 Development of French Poetry, FR 4400 (Senior Seminar), FR 4405 (Honors), FR 4497 (Ind. St), based on content; FR 3306 Topics in French Civilization (History) AND one of the following culture courses: FR 3307 Topics in French Civilization (Geography), FR 3308 Topics in French Civilization (Afro-French Lit and Civ), FR 3309 Topics in French Civilization (Contemporary Problems), FR 3310 French Business, FR 4400 (Senior Seminar), FR 4405 (Honors), FR 4497 (Ind. St), based on content
5. Require ENG 2225 English Grammar in Group II of Gen Ed

#6 Action:
Program Change: French BA

Rationale for change:

1) Keep BA requirements consistent with BSE modifications as required by PED, 2) Have a more flexible program to accommodate exchange of courses with Lock Haven University

List all changes:

1. Change credit hour for FR 2205 Phonetics and Pronunciation from 1 to 3
2. Drop from major requirements FR 3300 Conversation French and Civilization, FR 3330 Survey of French Literature I, FR 3331 Survey of French Literature II
3. Add to major requirements: FR 3300 Conversation French and Civilization OR FR 3305 Advanced French Conversation; FR 3310 Intro to French literature AND one of the following literature courses: FR 3330/FR 3331 Survey of French Literature I and II, FR 3339 French Literature of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, FR 3340 French Classical Literature, FR 3341 French Literature of the Enlightenment, FR 3342 Currents in Nineteenth-century French Literature, FR 3343 Aspects of Twentieth-century French Literature, FR 3350 Development of French Poetry, FR 4400 (Senior Seminar), FR 4405 (Honors), FR 4497 (Ind. St), based on content;FR 3306 Topics in French Civilization (History) AND one of the following culture courses: FR 3307 Topics in French Civilization (Geography), FR 3308 Topics in French Civilization (Afro-French Lit and Civ), FR 3309 Topics in French Civilization (Contemporary Problems), FR 3310 French Business, FR 4400 (Senior Seminar), FR 4405 (Honors), FR 4497 (Ind. St), based on content
4. Require ENG 2225 English Grammar in Group II of Gen Ed

#6 Action:
Course Change: GER 1101 Introductory German I

Purpose and nature of change:
To make course description more accurate.

Course Description for Catalog:
For beginning students and those with less than two years of high school German who wish to review their knowledge starting from the very beginning. Students will learn the most basic communicative skills and will be able to greet people, give personal information, and otherwise form simple sentences and ask questions. Skills taught include pronunciation and speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing and cultural competence, with attention to proper structures. Online language laboratory and other exercises are required weekly.

#7 Action:
Course Change: GER 1102 Introductory German II

Purpose and nature of change:
To make course description and prerequisites more accurate.

Course Description for Catalog:
Continuation of 1101. This course is appropriate for students who have had 1 or 2 years of high school German. Students will strengthen skills in all areas and should be able to survive in a German-speaking environment at a minimum level by the end of the course. Online language laboratory and other exercises are required weekly.

#8 Action:
Course Change: GER 2201 Intermediate German I

Purpose and nature of change:
To make course description and prerequisites more accurate.

Course Description for Catalog:
A review and expansion of topics involving the structure of the German language with additional emphasis on listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Particular attention is given to vocabulary development. Online language laboratory and other exercises are required. The course is appropriate for those with 2-3 years of high school German or equivalent.
Prerequisites: GER 1102 or equivalent.

#9 Action:
Course Change GER 2202 Intermediate German II

Purpose and nature of change:
To make course description and prerequisites more accurate.

Course Description for Catalog:
Increased emphasis on the development of language skills, using materials taken from current events and cultural and literary selections. Online language laboratory and other exercises are required. The course is appropriate for those with 3-4 years of high school German.
Prerequisites: GER 2201 or equivalent.

#10 Action:
Course Change: GER 2205 Phonetics and Pronunciation

Purpose and nature of change:
To bring course into compliance with NCATE standards; to raise number of credits; to revise course description and prerequisites.

OLD Credit(s) 1 Undergraduate
NEW Credit(s) 3 Undergraduate

Course Description for Catalog:
A study of the speech organs and of the place and manner of articulation of German phonemes and their phonetic realizations, along with extensive practice exercises on pronunciation, intonation, stress and sentence rhythm. The numerous changes occurring in connected and rapid speech will be studied as well. Students will also be introduced to major German dialect groups.
Prerequisites: GER 1102 or equivalent; 2201 or higher preferred.

#11 Action:
Course Change: GER 3321 Composition and Stylistics

Purpose and nature of change: To make prerequisites more accurate.
Prerequisites: GER 2202 or equivalent. One previous 3000-level course preferred.

#12 Action:
Course Change: GER 3330 Survey of German Literature I

Purpose and nature of change:
To change course title; to make description and prerequisites more in line with new emphasis of course.

New Course Title: Introduction to German Literature

Course Description for Catalog:
This course will examine both the main literary movements from the 19th century to the present as well as the major authors representing them. Students will read selections from many of these authors’ works and discuss them in their historical context. The course also aims to familiarize students with methods of literary analysis.
Prerequisites: GER 2202 or equivalent. One previous 3000-level course recommended.

#13 Action:
Course Change: GER 3331 Survey of German Literature II

Purpose and nature of change:
To change course title; to make course description and prerequisites more accurate.

New Course Title: Early German Literature

Course Description for Catalog:
A cross section of literary movements and significant writers from the earliest periods into the 18th century, with readings of representative texts. Students will also be introduced to earlier forms of the German language along with modern German translations.
Prerequisites: GER 2202 or equivalent. GER 3330 recommended.

#14 Action:
Course Change: GER 3335 Deutschlandkunde

Purpose and nature of change: To change course title and add prerequisites.
New Course Title: Deutsche Landeskunde
Prerequisites: GER 2202 or equivalent.

#15 Action:
Course Change: GER 3341 Proseminar

Purpose and nature of change:
To make course description and prerequisites more accurate.

Course Description for Catalog: Variable topic. Course may be repeated with different topics.
Prerequisites: GER 2202 or equivalent; at least one previous 3000-level GER course preferred.

#16 Action:
Program Change: GER BSE

Rationale for change:
1) Comply with NCATE requirements; 2) offer students greater choice and flexibility; 3) allow for more scheduling flexibility and accommodation of course exchanges in distance collaborations; 4) increase retention of German majors.

List all changes:

1. Change credit hours for GER 2205 German Pronunciation and Phonetics from 1 to 3
2. Change course number on ER for Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages from ED 3311 to ED 3317 (correction of incorrect number on ER)
3. Drop from major requirements: GER 3300 Conversational German; GER 3320 Advanced German Structure; GER 3330 Survey of German Literature I; GER 3331 Survey of German Literature II; GER 3335 or 3336 or 3360
4. Add to major requirements: GER 3300 Conversational German or GER 3305 Advanced German Conversation; GER 3320 Adv German Structure or GER 3321 Composition and Stylistics; GER 3330 Introduction to German Literature; one elective course in German literature; two courses chosen from GER 3335 or 3336 or 3360, or other approved culture course
5. Change German Electives from 12 SH to 9 SH
6. Change German Major total credits from 31 to 33
7. Require ENG 2225 English Grammar in Group II of Gen Ed

#17 Action:
Program Change: German BA

Rationale for change:
1) Keep BA requirements consistent with BSE modifications as required by PED; 2) offer students greater choice and flexibility; 3) allow for more scheduling flexibility and accommodation of course exchanges in distance collaborations; 4) increase retention of German majors.

List all changes:

1. Change credit hours for GER 2205 German Pronunciation and Phonetics from 1 to 3
2. Drop from major requirements: GER 3300 Conversational German; GER 3320 Advanced German Structure; GER 3330 Survey of German Literature I; GER 3331 Survey of German Literature II; GER 3335 or 3336 or 3360
3. Add to major requirements: GER 3300 Conversational German or GER 3305 Advanced German Conversation; GER 3320 Advanced German Structure or GER 3321 Composition and Stylistics; GER 3330 Introduction to German Literature; one elective course in German literature; two courses chosen from GER 3335 or 3336 or 3360, or other approved culture course
4. Change German Electives from 12 SH to 9 SH
5. Change German Major total credits from 34 to 36
6. Require ENG 2225 English Grammar in Group II of Gen Ed

#18 Action:
Course Deletion: SPA 3305 Spanish Conversation and Composition

Rationale for deletion:
The content of SPA 3305 is being folded into two new courses, SPA 3301, a conversation-only course with a focus on contemporary Hispanic issues, and SPA 2225, a grammatical review course that will aim at improving the grammatical skills of high intermediate students. The later of the two is replacing SPA 3320. The Dept. has decided to fold SPA 3305 into the others and separate its conversation component from its composition component, because it sees the need to realign the grammar sequence so as to reinforce grammar earlier in course sequence and also recognize the demand of both BSE. and BA Spanish majors for a class that addresses the present-day issues faced in Latin America and in Spain. The conversation class format seems best suited to address this need. The level of student demand for this type of course became apparent after polling student interest before the last Departmental Review Process began.

#19 Action:
Course Deletion: SPA 3330 Survey of Spanish Literature I

Rationale for deletion:
This course is being deleted because the course sequence SPA (3330 or SPA 3331) is being replaced by the sequence (SPA 3310 + SPA 3350). The rationale behind this sequence change is to develop an introductory course in literature that can simultaneously lead to more in-depth topically focused course either in Latin American or Peninsular Literature. The strategy that belies this decision is to first stress fundamental literary skills and then amplify student knowledge through a thematically centered course. This type of sequence should help students make the transition to upper level courses more easily (it stress more fundamental skills and less all encompassing reading) and will also help the department to offer a more flexible selection of Pilot Distance Ed. courses.

#20 Action:
Course Deletion: SPA 3331 Survey of Spanish Literature II

Rationale for deletion:
This course is being deleted because the course sequence (SPA 3330 or SPA 3331) is being replaced by the sequence (SPA 3310 + SPA 3350). The rationale behind this sequence change is to develop an introductory course in literature that can simultaneously lead to more in-depth topically focused course either in Latin American or Peninsular Literature. The strategy that belies this decision is to first stress fundamental literary skills and then amplify student knowledge through a thematically centered course. This type of sequence should help students make the transition to upper level courses more easily (it stress more fundamental skills and less all encompassing reading) and will also help the department to offer a more flexible selection of Pilot Distance Ed. courses.

#21 Action:
Course Deletion: SPA 3340 Spanish-American Literature I

Rationale for deletion:
This course is being deleted because the course sequence (SPA 3340 or SPA 3341) is being replaced by the sequence (SPA 3310 + SPA 3360). The rationale behind this sequence change is to develop an introductory course in literature that can simultaneously lead to more in-depth topically focused course either in Latin American or Peninsular Literature. The strategy that belies this decision is to first stress fundamental literary skills and then amplify student knowledge through a thematically centered course. This type of sequence should help students make the transition to upper level courses more easily (it stress more fundamental skills and less all encompassing reading) and will also help the department to offer a more flexible selection of Pilot Distance Ed. courses.

#22 Action:
Course Deletion: SPA 3341 Spanish-American Literature II

Rationale for deletion:
This course is being deleted because the course sequence (SPA 3340 or SPA 3341) is being replaced by the sequence (SPA 3310 + SPA 3360). The rationale behind this sequence change is to develop an introductory course in literature that can simultaneously lead to more in-depth topically focused course either in Latin American or Peninsular Literature. The strategy that belies this decision is to first stress fundamental literary skills and then amplify student knowledge through a thematically centered course. This type of sequence should help students make the transition to upper level courses more easily (it stress more fundamental skills and less all encompassing reading) and will also help the department to offer a more flexible selection of Pilot Distance Ed. courses.

#23 Action:
Course Change: SPA 2205 Pronunciation and Phonetics

Purpose and nature of change:
To bring course into compliance with NCATE standards; to raise number of credits; to change course title; to revise course description and prerequisites.

New Course Title: Phonetics and Pronunciation

OLD Credit(s) __1__ Undergraduate
NEW Credit(s) __3__ Undergraduate

Course Description for Catalog:
A study of the speech organs, place and manner of articulation of Spanish phonemes and their phonetic realizations, along with extensive practice exercises on pronunciation, intonation, stress and sentence rhythm. The numerous changes occurring in connected and rapid speech will be studied as well. Students will also be introduced to some Spanish dialects and regional pronunciation patterns.
Prerequisites: SPA 1102 or equivalent; SPA 2201 or higher is preferred.

#24 Action:
New Course: SPA 2225 Spanish Grammar Review

Purpose and Nature of Course:
Provide students with a transitional grammar course that will review basic and intermediate level grammar and prepare for upper level Spanish courses.

Course Description for Catalog:
Spa 2225 is a transition course between the intermediate and advanced level Spanish courses. It provides intensive Spanish grammar review and practice. It emphasizes the foundations of grammar and their expression in conversation, writing, and reading. In this course, students will increase their grammatical competency and command, as well as, work towards developing a more complex grammatical expression.
Prerequisites: SPA 2201, SPA 2202 or permission of the instructor

#25 Action:
New Course: SPA 3301 Conversation and Contemporary Issues

Purpose and Nature of Course:
This course replaces SPA 3305, provides a more attractive conversation ONLY course that centers on contemporary Hispanic issues, responds to student demand for this type of course.

Course Description for Catalog:
SPA 3301 is an upper level conversation course designed to move students from intermediate to advanced level oral proficiency. All class activities will focus on contemporary Hispanic issues and will consist of individual / group presentations, debate, and discussion.
Prerequisites: SPA 2201, SPA 2202, or permission of the instructor
Co-requisites: SPA 2225

#26 Action:
New Course: SPA 3310 Introduction to Literary Studies

Purpose and Nature of Course:
This course in combination with Spa 3350 and Spa 3360 will form a new upper level course sequence that will replace the two separate course sequences (SPA 3330, SPA 3331) and (SPA 3340, SPA 3341). This particular course represents the first part of the new three part sequence ([SPA 3310] + [SPA 3350, SPA 3360]). It serves to introduce students to the fundamentals of literary study before they take the later and more in-depth courses of the sequence. This course will stress the importance of genre, generation & socio-historical context, as well as, reading skills, critical thinking, and literary evaluation. Creation of this course sequence allows the Dept. more flexibility in course creation for the Distance Ed. Pilot Program.

Course Description for Catalog:
SPA 3310 is an introductory course in literary studies. In this course, students will read a diverse but representative collection of short Peninsular and Latin American literary texts, concentrating on their form, creation, context, and meaning. As a result, students will develop better reading, critical thinking, and evaluative skills.
Prerequisites: SPA 2202, or permission of the instructor
Co-requisites: SPA 2225

#27 Action:
New Course: SPA 3350 Topics in the Literature of Spain

Purpose and Nature of Course:
This course in combination with SPA 3310 and SPA 3360 will form a new upper level course sequence that will replace the two separate course sequences (SPA 3330, SPA 3331) and (SPA 3340, SPA 3341). This particular course represents the second part of the new three part sequence ([SPA 3310] + [SPA 3350 and SPA 3360]). Creation of this course sequence allows the Dept. more flexibility in course development and better meets student need as well as the Pilot Distance Ed. Program requirements. As a Topics course, this course will enhance and refine the introductory literary skills of SPA 3310 while focusing on the understanding of a specific literary topic in Peninsular Literature (era, writer, genre, etc.).

Course Description for Catalog:
SPA 3350 is a Peninsular Literature course designed to enhance and refine the introductory literary skills of SPA 3310. As aTopics course it will vary each semester in thematic focus. Nevertheless, one can expect to study in detail a particular era, writer, genre, or Peninsular literary phenomena. Some examples might include: The Medieval Text, Golden Age Theater, Cervantes, Bécquer, The Realist versus Surrealist Text, The Works of García Lorca, Literature of Exile, Feminist Voices in Spanish Literature, New Theater, or Avant-garde Movements.
Prerequisites: SPA 3310 or permission of the instructor

#28 Action:
New Course: SPA 3360 Topics in the Literature of Latin America

Purpose and Nature of Course:
This course in combination with SPA 3310 and SPA 3350 will form a new upper level course sequence that will replace the two separate course sequences (SPA 3330, SPA 3331) and (SPA 3340, SPA 3341). This particular course represents the second part of the new three part sequence ([SPA 3310] + [SPA 3350, SPA 3360]). Creation of this course sequence allows the Dept. more flexibility in course development and better meets student need as well as the Pilot Distance Ed. Program requirements. As a Topics course, this course will enhance and refine the introductory literary skills of SPA 3310 while focusing on the understanding of a specific literary topic in Latin American Literature (era, writer, genre, etc.).

Course Description for Catalog:
SPA 3360 is a Latin American Literature course designed to enhance and refine the introductory literary skills of SPA 3310. As a Topics course it will vary each semester in thematic focus. Nevertheless, one can expect to study in detail a particular era, writer, genre, or Latin American literary phenomena. Some examples might include: Latin American Parody, Journalism and Art Criticism in Latin America, the Avant-garde, Latin American Children’s Literature, Feminist Voices in Latin American Literature, or Experimental Urban Theater.
Prerequisites: SPA 3310 or permission of the instructor

#29 Action:
Program Change: Spanish Education (BSE)

Rationale for change:
1) Comply with NCATE requirements, 2) have a more flexible program to accommodate exchange of courses in collaboration with Clarion University, 3) retention of Spanish majors.

List all changes:

1. Change course title, description, and prerequisite for SPA 2005 Pronunciation and Phonetics. Also change the credit hour from 1 to 3.
2. Change course number in ER for Teaching Secondary Foreign Language from ED 3311 to ED 3317 (The course number has always been 3317)
3. Drop from major requirements: SPA 3305 Spanish Conversation and Composition, SPA 3320 Advanced Spanish Structure, SPA 3330 or SPA 3331 Survey of Spanish Literature I and II, SPA 3340 or SPA 3341 Spanish-American Literature I and II
4. Add to major requirements: SPA 2225 Spanish Grammar Review, SPA 3301 Conversation and Contemporary Issues, SPA 3310 Introduction to Literary Studies, SPA 3350 Topics in Literature of Spain, SPA 3360 Topics in Literature of Latin America
5. Require ENG 2225 English Grammar in Group II of Gen Ed.

#30 Action:
Program Change: Spanish B.A.

Rationale for change:
1) Keep BA requirements consistent with BSE modifications as required by PED 2) have a more flexible program to accommodate exchange of courses in collaboration with Clarion University, 3) retention of Spanish majors.

List all changes:

1. Change course title, description, and prerequisite for SPA 2205 Pronunciation and Phonetics. Also Change the credit hours from 1 to 3.
2. Drop from major requirements: SPA 3305 Spanish Conversation and Composition, SPA 3320 Advanced Spanish Structure, SPA 3330 or SPA 3331 Survey of Spanish Literature I and II, SPA 3340 or SPA 3341 Spanish-American Literature I and II
3. Add to major requirements: SPA 2225 Spanish Grammar Review, SPA 3301 Conversation and Contemporary Issues, SPA 3310 Introduction to Literary Studies, SPA 3350 Topics in Literature of Spain, SPA 3360 Topics in Literature of Latin America
4. Require ENG 2225 English Grammar in Group II of Gen Ed.

#31 Action:
Program Change: Spanish Minor

Rationale for change:
By including SPA 2225 Spanish Grammar, and by increasing the number of credits from 15 to 18, Spanish minors can obtain a higher level of oral and written proficiency. Students with a Spanish minor will have a competitive edge when applying for a job.

List all changes:

1. Include SPA 2225 Spanish Grammar Review as a required course.
2. Increase number of credits from 15 to 18.