The Graduate School Bulletin
Department of Romance Languages
2321 Moore Humanities and
Research Administration Building
(336) 334-5655
Graduate Programs:
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultural Studies, 15 hours
Master of Arts (MA) in Romance Languages and Literatures, French and Francophone Studies or Spanish concentration, 30 hours
Master of Education in Romance Languages, French Education or Spanish Education concentration, 36-39 hours
Graduate Faculty
Overview
FRE French Courses
GER German Courses
ITA Italian Courses
ROM Romance Languages Courses
RUS Russian Courses
SPA Spanish Courses
Graduate Faculty
Professors
Roberto Campo, PhD, 16th century French literature, poetic and aesthetic theory of antiquity and the Renaissance, laughter theory, orientalism (Director of French Graduate Study).
David A. Fein, PhD, Medieval French literature, 15th century French literature, lyric poetry, teaching language through literature.
Mark I. Smith-Soto, PhD, 19th and 20th century Spanish American poetry.
Carmen T. Sotomayor, PhD, Contemporary Spanish literature and culture, contemporary Spanish women writers, literature and visual arts of the Spanish Civil War.
Andreas Lixl, PhD, German cultural history, 19th and 20th century; German-Jewish history, exile studies, modern German literature.
Amy R. Williamsen, PhD, 16th and 17th century Spanish prose and theater, women writers of 16th and 17th century Spain, contemporary literary theory (Head of Department).
Associate Professors
Laura A. Chesak, PhD, Contemporary Spanish American literature, Spanish American women writers.
Mariche Garcia-Bayonas, PhD, Second language acquisition, phonology, phonetics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics.
Veronica Grossi, PhD, Spanish American Colonial literature, critical and feminist theory, Spanish American women writers, Spanish American poetry and 20th century Mexican literature.
Ana Hontanilla, PhD, 18th and 19th century Spanish literature and cultural studies (Director of Spanish Graduate Study).
Kathleen M. Macfie, PhD, Slavic literatures, Russian literary criticism and cultural history, 20th century Russian poetry, Russian and African American literary ties.
Assistant Professors
Claudia Cabello Hutt, PhD, 19th and 20th century Spanish American literature and culture; 19th and 20th intellectual history, women writers and visual culture; feminist theory; literature and culture of the Southern Cone.
Ignacio López, PhD, Spanish medieval literature, Spanish Golden Age literature and art, Cervantes, courtly culture.
Kelly Lowther Pereira, PhD, Second language acquisition and teaching, Hispanic sociolinguistics, heritage language education, bilingualism, languages in contact
Cybelle McFadden, PhD, Contemporary French and Francophone file, video, visual art and literature; 20th century French women’s film and literature; feminist theory; film theory; French and Francophone culture; 19th century French literature.
Arndt Niebisch, PhD, German and romance languages and literatures.
Susanne Rinner, PhD, German literature.
Overview
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, as part of its commitment to further the study of foreign languages and literatures both regionally and nationally, offers the Master of Arts in Romance Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French and Francophone Studies or Spanish. Students may choose from a broad spectrum of courses and possibilities, whether they are interested in perfecting their knowledge of French or Spanish or pursuing doctoral studies. Each program is balanced and comprehensive while allowing for electives in French, Spanish, or a related field. A Master of Education in Romance Languages with a concentration in French Education or Spanish Education is also offered. Most graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon, evening, or online to accommodate working professionals.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultural Studies
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultural Studies requires 15 semester hours and is designed for professionals who may have a bachelor's degree in a field other than Spanish but who are able to demonstrate linguistic and analytical skills in Spanish equivalent to having completed a minimum of 21 undergraduate semester hours above the 204 level.
Programs goals are 1) to increase student's language skills in Spanish to a high level; 2) to prepare qualified candidates for cross-cultural professions; and 3) to help prepare instructors who must have at least 18 hours of graduate credit in order to teach Spanish at an accredited community college, four-year college or university. Students may choose to continue with an additional 3-hour course or apply for admission as MA candidates.
Application and Admission
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Advanced Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultural Studies must provide the following:
- 500-word essay in Spanish describing their professional goals and motivation for pursuing graduate work in the certificate.
- 3- to 5-minute unscripted tape, audio CD (in standard format), or digital audio file in Spanish to introduce themselves and describe their academic or equivalent preparation to pursue advanced proficiency in Spanish.
- 5- to 10-page sample of professional or academic analytical writing in English or Spanish.
Applicants to the certificate program are expected to demonstrate at a minimum an “intermediate high” proficiency in Spanish by appropriate course work, by a personal interview with the faculty, or by an officially recognized testing procedure such as that of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
Certificate Requirements
Selection of Courses
Fifteen hours are selected from the following:
SPA 516 Introduction to Spanish Syntax (3)
SPA 532 Spanish Culture and Civilization (3)
SPA 534 Spanish American Culture and Civilization (3)
SPA 535 U.S. Latino/-a Cultural Studies (3)
SPA 562 Studies in Film Genre
SPA 605 Seminar in Hispanic Linguistics (3) (may be repeated for credit when topic varies)
SPA 610 History of the Spanish Language (3)
*SPA 693 Special Topics in Spanish Language and/or Literature: Advanced Grammar Review (3)
*SPA 693 Special Topics in Spanish Language and/or Literature: Advanced Phonetics (3)
SPA 695 Directed Study (3)
SPA 697 Internship in Spanish (3)
**ROM 600 Methods of Teaching Romance Languages (3)
*Not accepted for transfer to the MA in Romance Languages with a concentration in Spanish or the MEd in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in Spanish
**Required for students who enroll in the certificate as a credential for college-level teaching
Additional Information
Upon completion of the certificate, the graduate faculty will conduct an interview in Spanish with the student.
MA - Master of Arts in Romance Languages and Literatures
French and Francophone Studies or Spanish concentration
The MA in Romance Languages and Literatures with a concentration in French and Francophone Studies or Spanish offers two options: a thesis option requiring 30 hours of graduate study (24 hours course work and 6 hours thesis) and a comprehensive examination and a non-thesis option requiring 30 hours of course work and a comprehensive examination.
Application and Admission
Admission to MA in Romance Languages assumes completion of an undergraduate program with a minimum of 24 hours in French or Spanish, as appropriate, above the 204 level. Candidates lacking the prior academic language training may be admitted provisionally (contact relevant Director of Graduate Study for details).
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants to the MA in Romance Languages must provide the following:
- 500-word Statement of Purpose in French or Spanish, highlighting prior experiences and explaining reasons for applying and expectations for the program.
- 3- to 5-minute unscripted tape, audio CD (in standard format), or digital audio file in French or Spanish demonstrating speaking ability through discussion of topics related to the program of study.
- an analytical paper in French, Spanish, or English written for a prior course in the humanities or a comparable writing sample.
Applicants must submit all application materials required by The Graduate School by the appropriate deadline. Students are admitted in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. To be considered for departmental assistantships and scholarships, all application material must be submitted by March 15.
Degree Requirements
French and Francophone Studies Concentration
Core Courses in French and Romance Languages
The student must complete the following with a grade of B (3.0) or better:
ROM 601 Research Methods and Critical Analysis (3)
In consultation with the Director of French Graduate Study, the student must select the remaining courses at the 500-level or above with at least 50% at the 600 level or above as indicated:
Thesis option: 18-24 semester hours (+ 6 hours of thesis)
Non-thesis option: 24-30 semester hours
Electives Related Area (0-6 hours)
With prior approval from the Director of French Graduate Study, the student may select up to 6 hours in a related area.
Additional Language Requirement
The student will demonstrate a reading knowledge of a language other than French and English by one of the following methods:
- Passing a reading or translation examination
- Completing intermediate-low level (equivalent to UNCG's 204 level) or higher course work in the additional language with a grade of B (3.0) or better documented by an official transcript
- Obtaining a score of 400 or higher on the department's Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam.
Contact the Director of Graduate Study in French for details.
Reading List
The student will read a prescribed list of major works of French literature.
Comprehensive Examination (Capstone Experience)
The student must pass a written comprehensive examination based on the reading list and course work taken. Please consult with the Director of French Graduate Study for more information on formats and test dates.
Thesis (thesis option only - 6 hours)
FRE 699 Thesis (6)
The student selecting this option must write a thesis under the guidance of a committee consisting of a chair and two other members of the graduate faculty. An oral examination on the thesis is required. Please consult with the Director of French Graduate Study for further information.
Required Course (3 hours)
One 600-level literature seminar (either SPA 603 or SPA 604)
Core Courses in Spanish and Romance Languages (15-21 hours)
In consultation with the Director of Spanish Graduate Study, the student must select courses at the 500-level or above with at least 50% at the 600 level or above as indicated:
Thesis option: at least 15 semester hours
Non-thesis option: at least 21 semester hours
Electives (6 hours)
In consultation with the Director of Spanish Graduate Study, the student may elect to take either 6 hours of Spanish courses listed below or 6 hours of graduate courses in a related field.
Additional Language Requirement
The student will demonstrate a reading knowledge of a language other than Spanish and English by one of the following methods:
- Passing a reading or translation examination
- Completing intermediate-low level (equivalent to UNCG's 204 level) or higher course work in the additional language with a grade of B (3.0) or better documented by an official transcript
- Obtaining a score of 400 or higher on the department's Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam
Contact the Director of Graduate Study in Spanish for details.
Reading List
Students will read a prescribed list that includes major works on Spanish and Spanish American literature as well as works on Spanish and Spanish American culture and civilization, and Hispanic linguistics. Students should consult regularly with the graduate director, and with faculty specializing in the various areas, while working to complete preparation of the reading list.
Comprehensive Examination (Capstone Experience)
Students must pass a written comprehensive examination based on the reading list. The examination is scheduled once a semester in the fall and spring. Please consult with the Director of Spanish Graduate Study for the dates of these examinations.
Thesis (thesis option only - 6 hours)
SPA 699 Thesis (6)
Students selecting this option must write a thesis under the guidance of a committee consisting of a chair and two other members of the Graduate Faculty. An oral examination on the thesis is required. Please consult with the Director of Spanish Graduate Study for further information.
MEd Master of Education in Romance Languages with a concentration in French Education or Spanish Education
The MEd in Romance Languages with a concentration in French education or Spanish education requires 36-39 semester hours with 18 semester hours in the concentration language.
Admission Requirements
Applicants will have a minimum of 24 semester hours in French/Spanish above the 204 level, or a related field, in the undergraduate program.
In addition to the application materials required by The Graduate School, applicants to the MEd in Romance Languages must provide the following:
- 500-word Statement of Purpose in French or Spanish, highlighting prior experiences and explaining reasons for applying and expectations for the program.
- 3- to 5-minute unscripted recording in CD or digital file demonstrating speaking ability in French or Spanish. The sample should discuss a topic related to the program of study as well as experiences and motivation.
- an analytical paper in French, Spanish, or English written for a prior course in the humanities or a comparable writing sample.
The department requires a minimum of an Advanced Low Proficiency level (according to the ACTFL guidelines) and reserves the right to request an OPI test. An interview with the Director of Graduate Study may be required.
Applicants must submit all application materials required by The Graduate School by the appropriate deadline. Students are admitted in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. To be considered for departmental assistantships and scholarships, all application material must be submitted by March 15.
Degree Requirements
In consultation with the appropriate Director of Graduate Study, the student must select courses with an least 50% at the 600 level or above.
Required Courses in Pedagogy (15 hours)
ROM 512 Teaching Second Languages in K-12 (3)
ROM 519 Second Language Acquisition (3)
ROM 600 Methods of Teaching Romance Languages (3)
TED 545 Diverse Learners (3) (or TED 445 as an undergraduate)
TED 669 Educational Implications of Learning and Developmental Theory (3)
Students who have taken ROM 512 and/or TED 445 as an undergraduate will choose substitutions from the following:
ERM 605 Educational Measurement and Evaluation 3
CED 610 Helping Relationships (3)
TED 622 Differentiated Instruction (3)
TED 676/677 Teacher as Researcher and Leader I/II (3)/(3)
Clinical Experience in Teaching (3-6 hours)
ROM 665 Clinical Practice/Seminar in Teaching Foreign Languages (3-6)
All students will be required to complete a clinical experience, such as:
On-going teaching experience
Teaching assistantship in the department
Teaching assistantship in a community college
Student teaching in public schools
- The course will include completion of their Capstone Experience, the Teaching/Technology Portfolio - TaskStream. The portfolio will be aligned with the North Carolina Standards for Second Language Teachers and the ISTE/NETS Standards.
Courses in the Concentration (18 hours)
Students will demonstrate advanced proficiency in the following areas:
Advanced written skills: courses focusing on linguistics, literature, and culture.
Communication skills: courses focusing on linguistics, literature, and culture.
Culture: courses focusing on cultural issues, such as: FRE 532 or FRE 557 (if topic is Paris); SPA 532, 534, 535
Literature: courses focusing on literary topics, such as: FRE 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 653; SPA 502, 504, 603, 604
Phonetics: required for admission
Other 500/600 level courses include: FRE 507, 561, 562, 599, 615; SPA 516, 561, 562, 605, 610, 697; ROM 601
FRE French Courses
507 Teaching French Through French Literature (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
Strategies for teaching the French language through its literature. All major genres represented.
511 The Theory and Practice of French Translation (3:3)
Pr. 315 or permission of instructor
An exploration of the theory and practice of translation from and into French.
532 French and Francophone Civilization and Culture (3:3)
Pr. 331, 332, or 496, or permission of instructor
Study of the vast heritage of French civilization. Discovery of the historical, geographical, sociological, political, cultural and artistic life of France and the Francophone world.
553 Topics in French Literary Movements (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
In-depth study of a major literary trend: classicism, mannerisms, realism, naturalism, and others. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
554 Topics in French Prose Fiction (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
Studies in prose fiction—roman, conte, nouvelle, etc.—through a variety of critical and historical approaches, each topic focusing on one such approach. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
555 Topics in French Poetry (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
Studies in French poetry through a variety of critical and historical approaches. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
556 Topics in French Theatre (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
Studies in French theatre through a variety of critical and historical approaches. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
557 Advanced Topics in French Literature (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
Nontraditional perspectives on literature in the French language: thematic topics and others. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
558 Topics in Francophone Literature (3:3)
Pr. 353 or permission of instructor
Studies in Francophone literature through a variety of aspects or genres, each topic focusing on one such aspect or genre. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
561 The Auteur Director (3:2:3)
Pr. MST 171 or ENG 330 or permission of instructor
Works of an individual film director. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Same as ITA 517 and SPA 561)
562 Studies in Film Genre (3:2:3)
Pr. MST 171 or ENG 330 or permission of instructor
Technical, dramatic, social, and rhetorical dimensions of a film genre or genres. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Same as ITA 518 and SPA 562)
589 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
599 Community-Based Service Learning in Francophone Studies (3:2:8)
Pr. 15 hours of course work in French at the 300 level or above, minimum 3.0 GPA (overall and in major), and permission of instructor
Field experience for French graduate students requiring interaction/active language use with Francophone immigrant families in the community.
615 Advanced Composition for Graduate Students (3:3)
French syntax; principles of expository and analytical writing. Training in written French for the preparation of papers, examinations, and theses.
653 Seminar in French Literature (3:3)
Advanced study and investigation of current scholarship on a topic of French literature. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
671 French Literary Criticism (3:3)
Developments in French literary criticism from Saint-Beuve to the present; issues of contemporary criticism and theory in France.
693 Special Problems in French Language and Literature (3:3)
Problems and areas of French and Francophone civilization, language, and literature. May be repeated for credit when topic varies, but no more than two (2) 693 courses may be applied toward graduate credit without permission of the Director of French Graduate Study.
695 Independent Study (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor and Director of French Graduate Study
Directed program of reading or research in an area of special interest in French studies.
699 Thesis (1-6)
711 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
801 Thesis Extension (1-3)
803 Research Extension (1-3)
GER German Courses
589 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
711 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
ITA Italian Courses
517 The Auteur Director (3:2:3)
Pr. MST 171 or ENG 330 or permission of instructor
Works of an individual film director. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Same as FRE and SPA 561)
518 Studies in Film Genre (3:2:3)
Pr. MST 171 or ENG 330 or permission of instructor
Technical, dramatic, social, and rhetorical dimensions of a film genre or genres. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Same as FRE and SPA 562)
589 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
711 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings
ROM Romance Language Courses
512 Teaching Second Languages in K-12 (3:3:2)
Pr. TED 445 or TED 545
Study of second language teaching approaches applicable to the K-12 school classroom. Students learn to develop and evaluated materials applicable to effective second language programs in the K-12 schools.
519 Second Language Acquisition (3:3)
Pr. FRE 415 or SPA 408 or SPA 415 or SPA 416 or permission of department
Introduction to scientific research of the various processes of how people learn a second or foreign language.
600 Methods of Teaching Romance Languages (3:3)
Pr. departmental appointment as a TA or any graduate student with an interest in applied linguistics
Methods and techniques for teaching Romance languages at the college level.
601 Research Methods and Critical Analysis (3:3)
Pr. admission to MA in Romance languages or departmental permission
Research and analysis in literary and cultural criticism, emphasizing applications to Hispanic and/or French/Francophone literatures and cultures. Designed especially for entering MA students.
665 Clinical Practice/Seminar in Teaching Foreign Languages (3-6:1:2-5)
Pr. completion of 15 hours of pedagogical coursework in the MEd program and permission of department
Clinical practicum in teaching foreign language. Observation, participation, and appropriate classroom teaching experience in a full-time teaching assignment with a weekly seminar.
RUS Russian Courses
511 The Russian Novel in Translation (3:3)
Survey of the Russian novel from the nineteenth (Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, Goncharov, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy) to the twentieth-century (Bely, Sologub, Pasternak, and Solzhenitsyn). Analysis of the artistic structure and ideas, within the context of Russian literary history, philosophy, and religious thought.
589 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
711 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
SPA Spanish Courses
All courses taught in Spanish unless otherwise indicated.
502 Topics in Spanish Literature (3:3)
Pr. one 400-level Hispanic literature course or permission of department
In-depth study, through a variety of critical and historical approaches, based on themes, geographical areas, outstanding figures, genres, or periods. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
504 Topics in Spanish American Literature (3:3)
Pr. one 400-level Hispanic literature course or permission of department
In-depth study, through a variety of critical and historical approaches, based on geographical areas, outstanding figures, genres, or periods. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
516 Introduction to Spanish Syntax (3:3)
Pr. 415 or permission of department
Analysis of Spanish grammar: syntactic categories and phrase structure.
532 Spanish Culture and Civilization (3:3)
Pr. one 400-level Hispanic literature course or permission of department
Development of Spanish culture. Historical and geographical background for study of 20th century Spain. Special emphasis on customs, national traits, arts, and institutions.
534 Spanish American Culture and Civilization (3:3)
Pr. one 400-level Hispanic literature course or permission of department
Development of Spanish-American culture.
535 US Latino/-a Cultural Studies
Pr. one 400-level Hispanic literature course or permission of department
Examination of issues relating to U.S. Latino/-a ethnic identity as defined in literature, performance, art, music, and film. Special emphasis given to the dialogue with the English-speaking community.
561 The Auteur Director (3:2:3)
Pr. MST 171 or ENG 330 or permission of department
Works of an individual film director. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Same as FRE 561 and ITA 517)
562 Studies in Film Genre (3:2:3)
Pr. MST 171, or ENG 330, or permission of department
Technical, dramatic, social, and rhetorical dimensions of a film genre or genres. Subject differs from offering to offering. May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Same as FRE 562 and ITA 518)
589 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
603 Seminar in Spanish Literature (3:3)
Pr. ROM 601 or permission of department
Advanced study and investigation of current scholarship on a topic of Spanish literature. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
604 Seminar in Spanish American Literature (3:3)
Pr. ROM 601 or permission of department
Advanced study and investigation of current scholarship on a topic of Spanish American literature. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
605 Seminar in Hispanic Linguistics (3:3)
Pr. permission of department
Advanced study and investigation of current scholarship on a topic of Hispanic linguistics. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
610 History of the Spanish Language (3:3)
Phonological and morphological development of Spanish, with readings in the external history of the language.
693 Special Topics in Spanish Language and/or Literature (3:3)
Pr. permission of instructor and Director of Spanish Graduate Study
Study of Hispanic language and literature.
695 Directed Study (3)
Pr. permission of instructor and Director of Spanish Graduate Study
Directed program of reading or research in an area of special interest in Hispanic studies. Regular conferences with the instructor will be scheduled.
697 Internship in Spanish (3:1:9) (SVL)
Pr. admission to MA or post-baccalaureate certificate in Spanish; minimum of 6 semester hours completed and minimum 3.0 GPA; must be planned and requested one semester prior to placement; permission of instructor
Field experience at public or nonprofit agencies or other professional settings that require interaction with native speakers. Academic instruction and supervision by faculty coordinator; field direction by site supervisor(s).
699 Thesis (1-6)
711 Experimental Course
This number reserved for experimental courses. Refer to the Course Schedule for current offerings.
801 Thesis Extension (1-3)
803 Research Extension (1-3)