Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

Undergraduate Programs


Minor in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Studies

The Minor in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Studies, administered by the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, provides a general foundation for the range of subspecialties that together inform us about the classical past and its impact on contemporary society. Students gain an appreciation for diverse ways in which the classical and ancient Mediterranean world continues to influence our lives today and are given the opportunity to focus on a specific aspect of the classical past.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Romance and Classical Studies.

Requirements for the Minor in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Studies

Complete a minimum of 18 credits from the following. At least one course must be at the 300- or 400-level. 

1.   One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
CLA 190 Introduction to Classics 3
HST 205 The Ancient Mediterranean and the Medieval World 4
IAH 221A Great Ages: The Ancient World (I) 4
IAH 221A requires approval of the minor advisor to ensure Classics and Ancient Mediterranean-related content. Other related courses may count toward the minor with approval of the advisor. 
2. Complete at least one course in each of three of the following core subject areas:
Latin
LTN 101 Elementary Latin I 4
LTN 102 Elementary Latin II 4
LTN 206 Nepos and Latin Prose 3
LTN 208 Catullus and Lucretius 3
LTN 211 Livy and Roman Historiography 3
LTN 221 Virgil and Latin Poetry 3
LTN 290 Independent Study 1 to 3
LTN 490 Independent Study 1 to 3
LTN 499 Senior Thesis 1
Greek
GRK 102 Elementary Classical Greek II 4
GRK 105 Intensive Elementary Greek 6
GRK 205 Second-Year Classical Greek: Major Authors 4
GRK 290 Independent Study 1 to 3
GRK 305 Third-Year Classical Greek: Major Texts 4
GRK 421 Senior Seminar: Sophocles (W) 3
GRK 490 Independent Study 1 to 3
The 100-level Latin or Greek courses used to fulfill a college or major language requirement cannot also be counted towards the minor. The courses can, however, be counted toward the minor if the language requirement is otherwise satisfied.
History/Art History
HA 209 Ancient Art 3
HST 330 Ancient Greek History to 200 BCE 3
HST 331 Ancient Roman History 200 BCE to 500 CE 3
HST 481 Seminar in Ancient History (W) 3
Classical Texts in Translation
IAH  231B Themes and Issues: Moral Issues and the Arts and Humanities (D)  4
IAH 231B requires approval of the minor advisor to ensure Classics and  Ancient Mediterranean-related content. Other related courses may count toward the minor with approval of the advisor.
Archaeology/Anthropology
ANP  203 Introduction to Archaeology  3
ANP  264 Great Discoveries in Archaeology  3
ANP  363 Rise of Civilizations  3
ANP  455 Archaeology of Ancient Egypt  3
HA  401 Greek Art and Archaeology  4
HA  402 Roman Art and Archaeology  4
Philosophy/Religious Studies/Political Thought
MC  270 Classical Republicanism  4
PHL  210 Ancient Greek Philosophy  3
PHL  410 Socrates and Plato Seminar  4
PHL  411 Aristotle Seminar  4
PLS  371 Classical Political Philosophy  3
REL  150 Introduction to Biblical Literature  3
REL  420 Birth of Christianity (W) 3

French

The forward-looking mission of the French and Francophone Studies Program is sensitive to the vital role that languages and cultural awareness play in preparing students to be future leaders in their fields and socially and globally responsible citizens. The French and Francophone Studies Program has mission is: to help students advance their knowledge of the French language, and the cultural heritages and the literary traditions of France and the Francophone world and to pursue original research in these areas; to lead students to develop complex reasoning skills, synthesize, integrate, and apply disciplinary knowledge to understand broader social, cross-cultural and interdisciplinary issues; to guide undergraduate and graduate students to appreciate and study these subjects and to mentor them throughout their academic and professional careers.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in French

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in French.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the French major is met by completing French 320 or 340. Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. (1) below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following French courses (30 to 40 credits):
    (1) The following courses (15 credits):
    FRN 310 Stepping into the 20th Century and Beyond 3
    FRN 320 Exploring Diversity and Minorities in the Francosphere 3
    FRN 330 Progressing in French Pronuniciation 3
    FRN 340 Connecting with the Literatures of the Francosphere 3
    FRN 350 Connecting with the Cultures of the Francosphere 3
    Note: FRN 391 Special Topics in Study Abroad may substitute for one of the 300-level required courses.
    (2) Complete an additional 15 credits from the following in French courses at the 400-level to meet the requirement of 30 credits in courses in the major:
    FRN 420 French for Professional Uses 3
    FRN 430 Perspectives in the French Language 3
    FRN 440 Perspectives in Literature and the Arts of the Francosphere 3
    FRN 450 Perspectives in the Cultures of the Francosphere 3
    FRN 491 Special Topics in Study Abroad 3
    A maximum of 9 credits may be earned in each of the 400-level courses above to enable students to focus on a concentration.


French Education

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Education degree connects the learning of the French language and cultures to the training necessary to become a passionate and competent French teacher. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and immersion education allows students to creatively articulate meaningful links that they can share with their future students.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Education
 

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in French Education. 
    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the French Education major is met by completing French 340 and 350.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following French courses (30 to 40 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (15 credits):
    FRN 310 Stepping into the 20th Century and Beyond 3
    FRN 320 Exploring Diversity and Minorities in the Francosphere 3
    FRN 330 Progressing in French Pronuniciation 3
    FRN 340 Connecting with the Literatures of the Francosphere (W) 3
    FRN 350 Connecting with the Cultures of the Francosphere (W) 3
    Note: FRN 391 Special Topics in Study Abroad may substitute for one of the 300-level required courses.
    (2) Complete an additional 15 credits from the following in French courses at the 400-level to meet the requirement of 30 credits in courses in the major:
    FRN 420 French for Professional Uses 3
    FRN 430 Perspectives in the French Language 3
    FRN 440 Perspectives in Literature and the Arts of the Francosphere 3
    FRN 450 Perspectives in the Cultures of the Francosphere 3
    FRN 491 Special Topics in Study Abroad 3
    A maximum of 9 credits may be earned in each of the 400-level courses above to enable students to focus on a concentration.
    b.      The following Professional Education Courses in the Department of Teacher Education (36 credits):
    All of the following courses from the shared professional sequence (18 credits):
    CEP 240 Introduction to Exceptional Learners 3
    TE 101 Social Foundations of Justice and Equity in Education 3
    TE 102 Pedagogy and Politics of Justice and Equity in Education 3
    TE 150 Reflections on Learning 3
    TE 302 Literacy and Adolescent Learners in School and Community Contexts 3
    TE 341 Teaching and Learning of (Bi)Multilingual Learners 3
    TE 334 Clinical Experiences in World Language Education I 3
    TE  434 Clinical Experiences in World Language Education II 3
    TE  435 Seminar in World Language Education I  3
    TE  436 Seminar in World Language Education II  3
    TE  437 Student Teaching Internship in World Language Education 6

Minor in French

The Minor in French, which is administered by the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, will provide students the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of the French language and French and Francophone cultures.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in French.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in French.

Requirements for the Minor in French

1. All of the following courses (15 credits):
FRN 310 Stepping into the 20th Century and Beyond 3
FRN 320 Exploring Diversity and Minorities in the Francosphere 3
FRN 330 Progressing in French Pronunciation 3
FRN 340 Connecting with the Literatures of the Francosphere 3
FRN 350 Connecting with the Cultures of the Francosphere 3
Note: FRN 391 Special Topics in Study Abroad may substitute for one of the 300-level required courses.
2. Complete an additional 6 credits from the following in French courses at the 400-level, as approved by the student's academic advisor.
FRN 420 French for Professional Uses 3
FRN 430 Perspectives in the French Language 3
FRN 440 Perspectives in Literature and the Arts of the Francosphere 3
FRN 450 Perspectives in the Cultures of the Francosphere 3
FRN 491 Special Topics in Study Abroad 3


Minor in French Education

The Minor in French Education connects the learning of the French language and cultures to the training necessary to become a passionate and competent French teacher. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and immersion education allows students to creatively articulate meaningful links that they can share with their future students.

This minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Education. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the Department of Romance and Classical Studies and have their program of study approved in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in French Education

Students must complete 28 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (21 credits):
FRN 310 Stepping into the 20th Century and Beyond 3
FRN 320 Exploring Diversity and Minorities in the Francosphere 3
FRN 330 Progressing in French Pronunciation 3
FRN 340 Connecting with the Literatures of the Francosphere (W) 3
FRN 350 Connecting with the Cultures of the Francosphere (W) 3
Two electives at the 400-level approved by the student’s academic advisor 6
2. All of the following courses (7 credits):
TE 334 Clinical Experiences in World Language Education I 3
TE 435 Seminar in World Language Education I 3
TE 503 Internship in Teaching Diverse Learners in Additional Endorsement Areas 1

 

Minor in Italian

The Minor in Italian, which is administered by the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, will provide students the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of Italian language and cultures. Graduates with a minor in Italian will see an advantage in their job search as they will be able to demonstrate to employers a recognized level of achievement in Italian and to combine their interest in Italy with their career goals.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in Italian.

Requirements for the Minor in Italian

Complete 20 or 21 credits from the following:
1. All of the following courses (17 credits):
ITL 201 Second-Year Italian I 4
ITL 202 Second-Year Italian II 4
ITL 320 Advanced Grammar and Composition 3
ITL 330 Italian Culture and Civilization 3
ITL 350 Introduction to Italian Literature 3
2. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
IAH 209 Art, the Visual, and Culture (D) 4
IAH 241C Creative Arts and Humanities: Global Cultural and Artistic Traditions (I) 4
ITL 250 Topics in Italian Cultures for English Speakers 3
ITL 400 Reading Italian 3
ITL 490 Independent Study 1 to 4
Students must obtain approval from the Department of Romance and Classical Studies prior to enrollment in any of these courses with the exception of ITL 250. The IAH courses are offered only as part of the education abroad program in Ferrara, Italy. ITL 400 is only offered summer semester every three years.

Spanish

The Spanish language program fosters the study of the human experience as expressed in the language, dialects, literatures, and cultures of Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Students have the opportunity to take courses across the curriculum or focus on a specific area of interest. Areas of focus are: the Spanish language, the Literature of Spain, the Literature of Latin America and the Caribbean and Spanish Linguistics.  The MSU Spanish program connects the learning of the Spanish language to the acquisition of practical skills that are immediately useful in real-world settings. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and immersion education allows students to creatively articulate meaningful links with other specializations and offers them various ways to confidently define their future career paths. Students who major or minor in Spanish are introduced to unique opportunities for self-enrichment, professional growth and academic success through study abroad programs (in Spain, Mexico, Ecuador and Argentina), through undergraduate research opportunities with faculty deeply dedicated to mentoring, teaching and research, and through numerous extra-curricular activities and opportunities for service fostering the development of leadership and organizational skills.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Spanish major is met by completing Spanish 320 and 350. Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. (1) below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following Spanish courses (36 to 40 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (27 credits):
    SPN 310 Basic Spanish Grammar 3
    SPN 320 Cultural Readings  and Composition (W) 3
    SPN 330 Phonetics and Pronunciation 3
    SPN 342 Media and Conversation 3
    SPN 350 Introduction to Reading Hispanic Literature (W) 3
    SPN 412 Topics in Hispanic Culture 3
    SPN 420 Spain and its Literature 3
    SPN 432 Latin America and its Literature 3
    SPN 440 The Structure of Spanish 3
    See the Department for an approved list of courses which may be used to substitute for Spanish 412.
    (2) Three of the following courses (9 credits):
    SPN 452 Topics in Spanish Language I 3
    SPN 462 Topics in Spanish Literature 3
    SPN 472 Topics in the Literatures of the Americas 3
    SPN 482 Topics in Spanish Linguistics 3
    SPN 491 Special Topics in Spanish 3
    Each course may be repeated for up to 9 credits.
    (3) Spanish electives:  Additional credits in 400–level Spanish courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 36, but not more than 40, credits in the major.
    b. Intensive contact with Spanish is required in order to learn the language. Students majoring in Spanish are expected to study abroad for at least eight weeks, but should a student be unable to meet that expectation, one  of the following options must be approved:
    (1) internship for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.
    (2) service learning for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.
    Majors and teaching minors are strongly encouraged to take their second Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities course in Spanish, if this option is available.
    Any student who cannot complete the required experiential component must enroll in Spanish 492 Senior Writing Project for 1 credit. The completion of the experiential requirement or Spanish 492 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Spanish major.


Spanish Education

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish Education degree fosters the study of the human experience as expressed in the language, dialects, literatures, and cultures of Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Students have the opportunity to take courses across the curriculum or focus on a specific area of interest such as the Spanish language, the Literature of Spain, the Literature of Latin America and the Caribbean and Spanish Linguistics. The Spanish Education degree connects the learning of the Spanish language and cultures to the training necessary to become a passionate and competent Spanish teacher. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and immersion education allows students to creatively articulate meaningful links that they can share with their future students.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish Education

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Education.
    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Spanish Education major is met by completing Spanish 320 and 350.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Arts and Letters for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. The following Spanish courses (36 to 40 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (27 credits):
    SPN 310 Basic Spanish Grammar 3
    SPN 320 Cultural Readings and Composition (W) 3
    SPN 330 Phonetics and Pronunciation 3
    SPN 342 Media and Conversation 3
    SPN 350 Introduction to Reading Hispanic Literature (W) 3
    SPN 412 Topics in Hispanic Culture 3
    SPN 420 Spain and its Literature 3
    SPN 432 Latin America and its Literature 3
    SPN 440 The Structure of Spanish 3
    See the department for an approved list of courses which may be used to substitute for Spanish 412.
    (2) Three of the following courses (9 credits):
    SPN 452 Topics in Spanish Language I 3
    SPN 462 Topics in Spanish Literature 3
    SPN 472 Topics in the Literatures of the Americas 3
    SPN 482 Topics in Spanish Linguistics 3
    SPN 491 Special Topics in Spanish 3
    Each course may be repeated for up to 9 credits.
    (3) Spanish electives:  Additional credits in 400–level Spanish courses as needed to meet the requirement of at least 36, but not more than 40, credits in the major.
    b. Intensive contact with Spanish is required in order to learn the language. Students majoring in Spanish are expected to study abroad for at least eight weeks, but should a student be unable to meet that expectation, one of the following options must be approved:
    (1) internship for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.
    (2) service learning for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.
    Majors and teaching minors are strongly encouraged to take their second Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities course in Spanish, if this option is available. Any student who cannot complete the required experiential component must enroll in Spanish 492 Senior Writing Project for 1 credit. The completion of the experiential requirement or Spanish 492 satisfies the capstone course requirement for the Spanish major.
    c. The following Professional Education Courses in the Department of Teacher Education (36 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses from the shared professional sequence (18 credits):
    CEP 240 Introduction to Exceptional Learners 3
    TE 101 Social Foundations of Justice and Equity in Education 3
    TE 102 Pedagogy and Politics of Justice and Equity in Education 3
    TE 150 Reflections on Learning 3
    TE 302 Literacy and Adolescent Learners in School and Community Contexts 3
    TE 341 Teaching and Learning of (Bi)Multilingual Learners 3
    TE 334 Clinical Experiences in World Language Education I  3
    TE  434 Clinical Experiences in World Language Education II 3
    TE  435 Seminar in World Language Education I  3
    TE  436 Seminar in World Language Education II  3
    TE  437 Student Teaching Internship in World Language Education 6

Minor in Spanish

The Minor in Spanish, which is administered by the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, will promote study of the liberal arts and assist in creating more globally aware, internationally focused graduates with knowledge of the language as well as the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in Spanish.

Requirements for the Minor in Spanish

Complete a minimum of 21 credits from the following:
1. All of the following courses (6 credits):
SPN 310 Basic Spanish Grammar 3
SPN 320 Cultural Reading and Composition (W) 3
2. Complete 15 credits of course work in Spanish at the 300 and 400-level as approved by the student's advisor for the minor.


Minor in Spanish Education

The Minor in Spanish Education program connects the learning of the Spanish language and cultures to the training necessary to become a passionate and competent Spanish teacher. Its emphasis on interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and immersion education allows students to creatively articulate meaningful links that they can share with their future students.

This minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish Education. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the Department of Romance and Classical Studies and have their program of study approved in advance and in writing.

Requirements for the Minor in Spanish Education

1. All of the following courses (21 credits):
SPN 310 Basic Spanish Grammar 3
SPN 320 Cultural Readings and Composition (W) 3
SPN 330 Phonetics and Pronunciation 3
SPN 342 Media and Conversation 3
SPN 350 Introduction to Reading Hispanic Literature (W) 3
Two electives at the 400-level as approved by the student’s academic advisor 6
2. All of the following courses (7 credits):
TE 334 Clinical Experiences in World Language Education I 3
TE 435 Seminar in World Language Education I 3
TE 503 Internship in Teaching Diverse Learners in Additional Endorsement Areas 1

Minor in Portuguese

The Minor in Portuguese, which is administered by the Department of Romance and Classical Studies,  promotes study of the liberal arts and assist in creating more globally aware, internationally focused graduates with knowledge of the language as well as the cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.


Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Romance and Classical Studies.

Requirements for the Minor in Portuguese
Complete 15 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (9 credits):
PRT 320 Advanced Portuguese 3
PRT 340 Topics in Luso-Brazilian Culture Language and Culture 3
PRT 350 Introduction to Literary Analysis (W) 3
2. At least 6 credits from the following courses as approved by the advisor for the minor:
PRT 150 Intensive Beginning Portuguese 5
PRT 250 Intensive Intermediate Portuguese 5
PRT 290 Independent Study 1 to 4
PRT 320 Advanced Portuguese 3
PRT 340 Topics in Luso-Brazilian Language and Culture 3
PRT 490 Independent Study 1 to 4

Translation - Undergraduate Certificate

The Undergraduate Certificate in Translation, which is administered by the Department of Romance and Classical Studies, provides specialized knowledge of translation through classroom
instruction and experiential opportunities.

The undergraduate certificate is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the undergraduate certificate may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the undergraduate certificate should consult the undergraduate advisor in the Department of Romance and Classical Studies.

Admission

Students must meet the course prerequisites. Working professionals will need to demonstrate appropriate language proficiency or previous language education experience through an interview to be considered for admission.

Requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate in Translation

Students must complete 10 credits from the following:

1. The following foundational course (3 credits):
ROM 240 Fundamentals in Translation Theory and Practice 3
2. Complete two courses from one of the following tracks (6 credits):
a. French
FRN 420 French for Professional Uses 3
A 400-level elective based on the student’s interest 3
b. Spanish
SPN 452 Topics in Spanish Language I 3
A 400-level elective based on the student’s interest 3
3. Complete one of the following experiential learning experiences (1 credit):
a. UGS 292 Experiential Learning in Undergraduate Studies 1
b. An internship in the MSU Translation Center or similar internship experience (abroad, away, community, or virtual and the preparation of a portfolio.