Academic Programs Catalog

College of Arts and Letters

Department of Romance and Classical Studies

Tony Grubbs, Chairperson

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in French, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. The wide range of courses taught encompasses the wealth and diversity of the cultural history around the globe where these languages have been spoken.

Many courses cross disciplinary boundaries to examine topics in philosophy, comparative literature, religion, political theory, and also cultural, gender and diaspora studies.

In addition to regular course offerings, the department also provides a number of opportunities for immersion through our study-abroad programs.

Students with previous foreign language experience must take a placement test to continue study in that language at the appropriate level unless transferring in AP or IB credit, or other college credit.

The study of languages is an integral part of undergraduate liberal education. It is also an essential component of graduate education in many fields, such as art history, history, literary and cultural study, anthropology, and linguistics. Knowledge of foreign languages and cultures can be key to any career path having a global dimension, such as engineering, agriculture, the military, journalism, business, law, and medicine.


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.

Teacher Certification Options

The following disciplinary majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree are available for teacher certification:  French Education  and Spanish Education.

The following disciplinary minors are also available for teacher certification:  French, Spanish-Elementary, and Spanish-Secondary.

Students who elect one of the disciplinary majors or one of the disciplinary minors referenced above must contact the Department of Romance and Classical Studies.

For additional information, refer to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.


Graduate Study

The Department of Romance and Classical Studies offers the programs listed below.

Master of Arts
  Applied Spanish Linguistics
  French
  Hispanic Literatures

Doctor of Philosophy
  French, Language and Literature
  Hispanic Cultural Studies

 


French and Francophone Studies - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree in French and Francophone Studies provides students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of French and Francophone literatures, cultures, and linguistics while developing the skills necessary to engage these fields in a critical, professional way. The Master of Arts in French and Francophone Studies is the first step in any number of careers, teaching in secondary schools or community colleges, working in government or industry (interdisciplinary studies concentration), or pursuing further study in a doctoral program (both concentrations).

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must also meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree program in French on regular status, an applicant must have:

  1. A bachelor's degree in French, or have completed the courses in French that are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in French at Michigan State University or their equivalents.
  2. A grade–point average of at least 3.00 in undergraduate French language and literature courses.
  3. Letters of recommendation from three professors who are qualified to assess the applicant's ability to pursue advanced graduate study in French.
  4. Academic writing samples in French and English.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in French and Francophone Studies

The program is available under Plan A (with thesis) and  Plan B (without thesis). A total of 33 or 34 credits is required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the graduate advisor. The student must meet the requirements specified below:

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B
Complete one of the following concentrations (33 or 34 credits):
Interdisciplinary Studies
1. The following course (3 credits):
ROM 803 Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching 3
2. Complete 18 credits from the following courses:
FRN 810 Understanding the Early Modern Culture in the Francosphere 3
FRN 820 Minority Perspectives in the Francosphere 3
FRN 830 Language(s) in the Francosphere 3
FRN 840 Understanding France through Literary and Cultural Productions 3
FRN 850 Francophone Postcolonial and Cultural Studies 3
FRN 890 Independent Study 3
3. Complete 9 credits of electives approved by the academic advisor which includes a research methods course.
Literary and Cultural Studies
1. The following course (3 credits):
ROM 803 Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching 3
2. Complete 21 credits from the following courses:
FRN 810 Understanding the Early Modern Culture in the Francosphere 3
FRN 820 Minority Perspectives in the Francosphere 3
FRN 830 Language(s) in the Francosphere 3
FRN 840 Understanding France through Literary and Cultural Productions 3
FRN 850 Francophone Postcolonial and Cultural Studies 3
FRN 890 Independent Study 3
Additional courses at the 800-level as approved by the academic advisor.
3. Complete 3 credits in a research methods or critical theory course approved by the academic advisor.
4. Complete 3 credits of elective approved by the academic advisor.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. Complete 4 credits of FRN 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
2. Pass a final oral examination that covers the student’s program of study, thesis, and reading list.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Complete 3 credits of FRN 898 Master’s Research Project.
2. Pass a final oral examination that covers the student’s program of study, master’s research project, and reading list.


French and Francophone Studies - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in French and Francophone Studies provides course work in the languages, literature, and cultures of France and the Francosphere.  Students who are enrolled in the program complete a concentration in literary and cultural studies or in interdisciplinary studies.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree program in French and Francophone Studies, an applicant must:

  1. Have a master’s degree in French or equivalent, or a total of 30 credits of approved course work.
  2. Have a grade-point average of at least 3.00 in graduate courses in French.
  3. Have letters of recommendation from three professors who are qualified to assess the applicant’s ability to pursue advanced graduate study in French.
  4. Have academic writing samples in French and English.
  5. Have a reading knowledge of a language other than French and English. This requirement may be completed once admitted into the program through additional course work. Non-native speakers of French are also required to submit a language proficiency evaluation form.

Guidance Committee

Initially, the student’s guidance committee must consist of three or four tenure-stream Michigan State University faculty members. After the student has passed the Ph.D. examinations, the dissertation committee consists of at least four faculty members, two of which must be members of the Department of Romance and Classical Studies. The chair of the dissertation committee must be a tenure-stream faculty member in French.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in French and Francophone Studies

The student must:
1. Complete one of the following concentrations. A maximum of 9 credits in courses that were completed prior to enrollment in this degree program may be used to satisfy this requirement:
Interdisciplinary Studies
1. The following course (3 credits):
ROM 803 Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching 3
2. Complete 12 credits in FRN courses at the 800-level.
3. Complete 12 credits of electives in a related area approved by the academic advisor which includes a research methods course.
4. The following course (3 credits):
FRN 896 Ph.D. Exam Preparation in French and Francophone 3
Literary and Cultural Studies
1. The following course (3 credits):
ROM 803 Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching 3
2. Complete 21 credits from the following courses:
FRN 810 Understanding the Early Modern Culture in the Francosphere 3
FRN 820 Minority Perspectives in the Francosphere 3
FRN 830 Language(s) in the Francosphere 3
FRN 840 Understanding France through Literary and Cultural Productions 3
FRN 850 Francophone Postcolonial and Cultural Studies 3
Additional courses at the 800-level as approved by the academic advisor.
3. Complete 3 credits in a research methods or critical theory course approved by the academic advisor.
4. The following course (3 credits):
FRN 896 Ph.D. Exam Preparation in French and Francophone 3
2. Complete additional course work as required by the student’s guidance committee.
3. Pass a three-part Ph.D. examination that corresponds to the student’s concentrations.
The three parts include:
a. a publishable quality article.
b. a take-home examination on an area other than that of the article and based on an extensive reading list.
c. an oral examination on both elements.
A student who fails any part of the Ph.D. examination may retake that examination only once.
4. Submit a dissertation proposal and successfully defend it.
5. Submit a dissertation or equivalent research project as applicable or relevant to the field (multi-media, digital humanities) which demonstrates mastery of subject matter in the field of inquiry, sound critical judgment, and a contribution of original thought and research to the topic.

Hispanic Literatures - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree program in Hispanic Literatures is designed primarily for students who plan to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree and to join the faculties of colleges or universities as scholars and teachers.  The program provides study in the language, literatures, and cultures of Spain and Latin America, with an emphasis on Spanish and Spanish–American literatures and scholarly investigation.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree program in Hispanic Literatures on regular status, an applicant must have:

  1. A bachelor's degree in Spanish, or have completed the courses in Spanish that are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish at Michigan State University or their equivalents.
  2. A grade–point average of at least 3.00 in undergraduate Spanish language and literature courses.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Hispanic Literatures

The program is available under Plan A (with thesis) or  Plan B (without thesis).  A minimum of 30 credits is required for the degree.  The student's program of study must be approved by the graduate advisor.  The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Complete at least one course in each of the following fields of Spanish and Latin–American literature:
Medieval literature and Old Spanish language
16th– and 17th–century Spanish literature
18th– and 19th–century Spanish literature
20th–century Spanish literature
Colonial Latin–American literature
19th-century Latin–American literature
20th-century Latin–American literature
2. Complete at least 21 credits in Spanish courses at the 800 level or above. Courses used to satisfy requirement 1. may also be used to satisfy this requirement with advisor approval.
3. Plan A
1. Complete 6 credits of SPN 899 Master's Thesis Research.
2. Pass a final oral examination that covers the student's program of study, thesis, and reading list.
Plan B
1. Pass a written and oral examination based on the student's course work and reading list. This examination is given only during the spring semester.

With the approval of the graduate advisor, a minor field of study may be included in the requirements for the degree.  Ordinarily a minor field consists of at least three graduate courses for which the student has had suitable preparation.  Courses in a language other than Spanish at the 400-level, may constitute a minor field.


Hispanic Cultural Studies - Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Hispanic Cultural Studies provides study in the literature, language and cultures of Spain and Latin America.  Students will select a primary and a secondary area of emphasis.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Hispanic Cultural Studies with regular status, all applicants must:

  1. Possess a master’s degree in Spanish or Hispanic Studies or a total of 30 credit hours of satisfactorily approved course work.
  2. A grade-point average of at least 3.25 in undergraduate Spanish language, literature and culture M.A. course work.
  3. Submit letters of recommendation from three professionals who are familiar with their work and qualified to assess applicant’s ability to pursue advanced graduate study.
  4. Demonstrate English language proficiency.
  5. Submit all application materials as required by the Graduate School's Office of Admissions.

Guidance Committee

Of the four regular faculty required for the guidance committee, at least three must be members of the Spanish faculty.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Hispanic Cultural Studies

  1. The student must complete 24 credits of graduate course work beyond the Master of Arts degree as approved by the student's guidance committee.
  2. The following course:
    SPN    807    Literary Theory        3
    An approved equivalent of this course may be approved by the graduate advisor.
  3. Demonstrate reading proficiency in two languages other than Spanish that have a body of literature or criticism relevant to the student’s area of specialization.
  4. Teach at least one college-level course in Spanish and submit a detailed prospectus of the final dissertation project and a preliminary bibliography to the guidance committee.
  5. Pass comprehensive examinations.
  6. Submit a dissertation based on original research.
  7. Successfully defend the dissertation.

Spanish as a Second or Bilingual Language - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish as a Second or Bilingual Language provides the foundation and academic preparation to pursue advanced work in Spanish linguistics and further develop fluency in the Spanish language. Students will actively engage with scholarly work in the area of Spanish second language acquisition, sociolinguistics, syntax, and historical linguistics through reading, writing, and discussion. Students gain a cultural understanding and behavior as they study language acquisition and social patterns of language use.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the College of Arts and Letters, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Arts degree in Spanish as a Second or Bilingual Language, an applicant must have:

  1. A bachelor’s degree in Spanish or in Linguistics or a bachelor’s-equivalent degree in Spanish philology (international students) with course work in Spanish at the 400-level.
  2. Completed Linguistics 401 or its equivalent. This may be completed during the first semester of the master’s program, if admitted. This course will not count towards the credit requirements for the degree.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Spanish as a Second or Bilingual Language

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish as a Second or Bilingual Language is available under Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the graduate advisor. The student must complete the requirements specified below.
 
Requirements for Both Pan A and Plan B
1. Complete 9 credits from the following foundational courses. At least one must focus on Spanish.
LIN 424 Introduction to Phonetics and Phonology 3
LIN 431 Introduction to Morphology 3
LIN 434 Introduction to Syntax 3
LIN 437 Semantics and Pragmatics 3
LIN 824 Phonological Theory I 3
LIN 834 Syntactic Theory I 3
SPN 801 Spanish Syntax 3
2. Complete 6 credits in Second Language Acquisition. At least one course must focus on Spanish.
LLT 860 Second Language Acquisition 3
LLT 863 Second Language Acquisition of Morphosyntax 3
SPN 804 Spanish as a Second Language: Linguistic and Psycholinguistic Perspectives 3
SPN 806 Topics in Hispanic Linguistics 3
Students who enroll in SPN 806 must select a course section that  specifically deals with second language acquisition.
3. Complete 6 credits in Sociolinguistics and Bilingualism. At least one course must focus on Spanish.
LIN 471 Sociolinguistics 3
LIN 871 Advanced Studies of Sociolinguistics 3
SPN 803 Language Variation and Change in Spanish 3
SPN 806 Topics in Hispanic Linguistics 3
Students who enroll in SPN 806 must select a course section that specifically deals with sociolinguistics and bilingualism.
4. Complete up to 9 credits of elective courses from the following:
LLT 841 Topics in Second/Foreign Language Learning and Teaching 3
ROM 803 Foundations of Contemporary Language Teaching 3
SPN 805 Evolution of the Spanish Language 3
SPN 890 Independent Study 1 to 3
Students may also use courses from items 1., 2., and 3. above that were not used in fulfillment of those requirements.
Students pursuing Plan A  may use the 6 credits of master’s thesis research to fulfill this elective requirement.
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. Complete 6 credits of SPN 899 Master's Thesis Research.
2. Pass a final oral examination in defense of the thesis.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Pass a final certifying examination based on course work and the departmental reading list for the Master of Arts in Spanish as a Second or Bilingual Language.