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College
of Arts & Sciences
Modern
Languages
& Comparative Literature
Divisional Studies Requirements
Concentrations and Minor Concentrations in Modern
Languages & Comparative Literature
Language Center
Foreign-Language Specialty Residences
Boston University Study Abroad Programs in
Dresden, Haifa, Istanbul, Kyoto, Rabat, Shanghai, and Singapore
Courses in Literature or Civilization in English Translation
Arabic
Chinese
Comparative Literature
German
Modern Greek
Hebrew
Japanese
Korean
Persian
Russian
Turkish
Romance Studies
Chair William Waters
Associate Chair Sarah Frederick
Director of Undergraduate Studies J. Keith Vincent
Professor O’Connor
Associate Professors Frederick, Gillman, Richardson, Waters, Yeh
Assistant Professors Litvin, Micallef, Schwartz, Vincent
Senior Lecturers Khoury, Sharma
Lecturers Alhadeff, Bekkai,Chang, Elliott, Gilman, Henstock, Huang, Khazanov, Klement, Roh, Snyder, Zhou
Professors Emeriti Ackermann, Kreye, Reichenbach
The Department of Modern Languages & Comparative Literature (MLCL) conducts research and teaching in German; in Russian; in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean; in Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Turkish; and in Comparative Literature. Majors combine their coursework with study abroad and international internships, and acquire insight into other cultures and into dimensions of literature that cut across national boundaries. The BA prepares students to enter an increasingly global workplace permeated by cultural and linguistic diversity.
Divisional Studies Requirements
Courses marked with a (†) satisfy divisional studies requirements.
Concentrations and Minor Concentrations in Modern Languages & Comparative Literature
Students may choose a concentration or a minor concentration in Chinese, Comparative Literature, German, Japanese, or Russian. A minor is also available in Hebrew.
Language and literature concentrators frequently prepare themselves for careers or advanced study in international relations, government, education, journalism, and translating. Students in premedical or pre-law programs find the major and minor concentrations in modern languages a satisfying way to broaden their programs of study.
Minor Concentrations The department encourages CAS students, whatever their concentration, to obtain the greatest benefit from their foreign language requirement by pursuing a minor concentration in their chosen language. Advanced courses in a language or its literature increase proficiency in that language, present the great works and epochs of the literature, and acquaint students with the contemporary culture and that culture’s roots in the past. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor concentration. Students plan a minor concentration program with their advisor, consisting ordinarily of six courses in their language or literature at the 240 level or above. Minors are available in Chinese (1107), German (1103), Hebrew (1111), Japanese (1108), Russian (1106), and Comparative Literature (1141). Internships taken during Boston University’s or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward minor concentrations offered by the department. Minor concentrations have specific course requirements; these are detailed for each minor concentration in the following pages.
College of Arts & Sciences Language Requirement Detailed information is available under Languages and
Mathematics. Several options are available for students who must fulfill the College language requirement. Information concerning these options is listed for each language.
Courses in Other Departments Students are encouraged to consult the offerings of the Departments of Romance Studies, Classical Studies, and English.
Language Center
The James Geddes Jr. Language Center, on the fifth floor of 685 Commonwealth Avenue, includes language laboratories, specially equipped classrooms, audiovisual production facilities, and libraries of audiovisual materials. Use of these facilities is required for many courses and is assigned for supplementary work in other courses.
Foreign-Language Specialty Residences
Chinese, German, and Japanese houses enable majors, minors, and students taking courses in one of these languages to use the language daily and to strengthen their knowledge of the language and culture of the countries. Chinese House is at 178 Bay State Road; German House is at 209 Bay State Road; Japanese House is at 206 Bay State Road. For more information, visit Office of Residence Life.
Boston University Study Abroad Programs in Dresden, Haifa, Istanbul, Kyoto, Rabat, Shanghai, and Singapore
These programs feature intensive language courses as well as literature, civilization, and linguistics courses. Detailed information is available from the Study Abroad Office.
Information on the Department’s Courses and Programs is described in the following sections:
Courses in Literature or Civilization in English Translation
Arabic (LY)
Chinese (LC)
Comparative Literature (XL)
German (LG)
Hebrew (LH)
Japanese (LJ)
Korean (LK)
Persian (LZ)
Russian (LR)
Turkish (LT)
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Courses in Literature or Civilization in English Translation
The following courses are offered with lecture, discussion, and readings in English. Courses marked with a (†) satisfy humanities divisional studies requirements. Some may satisfy concentration requirements within specific programs. The courses are described in their respective language sections.
†CAS LC 250 Masterpieces of Chinese Fiction
CAS LC 281 Post-Mao China in Film and Fiction
CAS LC 283 Chinese Civilization
CAS LC 284 Chinese Women’s Writing
CAS LC 285 Topics in Chinese Literature
CAS LC 286 Topics in Chinese Culture
CAS LC 287 Chinese Cinema
†CAS LG 250 Masterpieces of German Literature
CAS LG 280 Topics in German Culture
CAS LG 282 Marx, Nietzsche, Freud
CAS LG 287 German Cinema
†CAS LH 250 Masterpieces of Modern Hebrew Literature
CAS LH 283 Israeli Culture through Film
†CAS LJ 250 Masterpieces of Japanese Literature
CAS LJ 281 Japanese Civilization
CAS LJ 293 Modern Japanese Culture in Cinema
CAS LJ 451 Topics in Japanese Literature: Sexuality and Subjectivity in Modern Japanese Literature
†CAS LR 250 Classics of Russian Prose
CAS LR 280 Dostoyevsky
CAS LR 282 Russian Prose Classics of the Twentieth Century
CAS LR 285 Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky
CAS LR 455 Chekhov
CAS LT 281 Istanbul at the Crossroads
CAS LY 281 Contemporary Arab Literature
CAS LY 282 Qur’anic Negotiations
CAS LY 283 Contemporary Arab Women Writers
CAS LY 441 1001 Nights in the World Literary Imagination
CAS LZ 280 Persian Epic
†CAS XL 222 Introduction to Comparative Literature: Western Literature
†CAS XL 223 Introduction to Comparative Literature: Middle Eastern Literature
†CAS XL 224 Introduction to Comparative Literature: East Asian Literature
CAS XL 281 Holocaust Literature and Film
CAS XL 315 Film and Identity in the Islamic World
CAS XL 381 Topics in Gender and Literature
CAS XL 382 Topics in Gender and Film
CAS XL 383 Dante’s Hell
CAS XL 430 Topics in Literary Influence
CAS XL 470 Topics in Comparative Literature
CAS XL 479 Techniques of Literary Interpretation
CAS XL 520 Theory of the Novel
CAS XL 540 Theory and Practice of Literary Translation
CAS XL 556 Topics in Literature and Culture
CAS XL 560 Topics in Religion and Literature
A r a b i c
The essentials of standard Arabic, the idiom used in public communications throughout the Arab world. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Staff. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: placement exam results. Intensive first-year Arabic for students already knowing the Arabic alphabet and possessing some colloquial Arabic conversation skills. Reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. One semester covers all material taught in CAS LY 111 and LY 112. Cannot be taken for credit in addition to CAS LY 111 or LY 112. Khoury. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LY 112. Completes the process of presenting the basic structures of modern formal Arabic, concentrating on weak verb forms, more complicated sentence formation, and more sophisticated expression in speech and writing. Vocabulary expansion and better root-pattern identification skills are also stressed. Staff. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Advanced reading, composition, grammar review, listening skills, and conversation in Modern Standard Arabic as well as major dialects such as the Cairine or the Gulf dialect. Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LY 304 or consent of instructor. Advanced-level reading and discussion in Modern Standard Arabic of media reports, scholarly articles, modern literary texts, and excerpts from classical writings. Student compositions and presentations in Arabic on topics related to readings. Bekkai. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: two literature courses or consent of instructor. What is The Thousand and One Nights? How has this ever-expanding collection appealed to its diverse audiences? Focus on Nights structure and themes, notable translations and offshoots in western literature and art, and later appropriations by Arab and Muslim writers. Litvin. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: consent of department and CAS Room 105. Application form available in department. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
C h i n e s e
Minor Concentration in Chinese (1107)
CAS LC 311 and 312 and four additional courses numbered CAS LC 250 or above. With prior approval of the minor advisor, one of these four courses may be replaced by a related course chosen from among CAS AN 379, HI 389, HI 390, and IR 370/PO 369. Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward minor concentrations offered by the department. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.
Concentration in Chinese Language & Literature (1140)
A prerequisite of CAS LC 212 (or equivalent placement) and thirteen courses with a grade of C or higher are required. Students must complete a minimum of six principal courses at Boston University.
Required Courses
- Four language-focus courses: CAS LC 311, LC 312, LC 411, and one of CAS LC 314, LC 315, or LC 412.
- Three courses in Chinese literature: CAS LC 250 or LC 350, and two additional from CAS LC 250, LC 350, LC 284, and LC 285. LC 285 may be taken more than once if the topic has changed.
- Two civilization courses: CAS LC 283 and one of CAS LC 286, LC 287, or LC 440.
- Two additional courses chosen in consultation with the advisor from LC courses at the 300-level or above or related courses in other departments.
- Two of the following: CAS LX 250, LL/XL 222, LL/XL 223, LL/XL 224 (Comparative Literature courses carried LL numbers through Spring 2009 and convert to XL numbers as of Fall 2009; for degree purposes, LL and XL are identical).
Courses
Essentials of structure, oral practice, introduction to the writing system. Staff. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
An intensive course covering first-year Chinese in one semester for students who speak Mandarin fluently but possess limited or no reading and writing skills. Emphasis on reading, writing, and analysis of grammar. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LC 112. Review of structure and grammar, practice in conversation and writing, introduction to reading. Satisfactory completion of CAS LC 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Staff. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LC 212 or equivalent. Conversation planned to equip the student with vocabulary, listening ability, and oral skill to deal with everyday situations in a Chinese-speaking environment. Text supplemented by handouts, films, TV, etc., to make textbook Chinese come alive. Gu. 4 cr, 1st sem.
An intensive course covering second-year Chinese in one semester for students who have completed LC 116 or students who speak Mandarin fluently and possess some reading and writing skills. Emphasis on reading and writing and analysis of grammar. Satisfactory completion of CAS LC 216 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Zhou. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
A survey of Chinese fiction from the classical tradition to modern times. Readings from significant works, illuminating issues in Chinese history and culture: Dream of the Red Chamber, Three Kingdoms, Outlaws of the Marsh, and modern classics. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. (HU)
Not offered 2009/2010
An interdisciplinary introduction to Chinese culture, including social life, thought, literature, and fine arts. Emphasis placed on the major cultural and social developments from prehistory to the nineteenth century that have a particular relevance to understanding modern China. Chang. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Topics focus on particular aspects of Chinese culture such as food, costume, education, religion, philosophy, and film in order to examine Chinese culture from its beginnings to the present. Topic for Spring 2010: Chinese Architecture in the Past 7000 Years. Chang. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LC 212. Readings in modern Chinese. Readings and discussion in Chinese of selected nonliterary and literary materials, including newspaper articles, short stories, and essays. Regular compositions required. Chang. 4 cr, each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LC 212 or CAS LC 216, or consent of instructor. Basic grammatical components of classical Chinese with emphasis on word and phrase construction, particles, and sentence structure. Original texts from ancient mythology, philosophy, literature, geography, medicine, science, and technology. Huang. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LC 314 or equivalent. Continuation of Classical Chinese I. Reading of more complex and lengthy original texts, including more complex grammatical structures. Original texts from areas including ancient mythology, philosophy, and geography. Course conducted in Chinese and English. Huang. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Selected readings from three thousand years of Chinese literature up to the early twentieth century. Poetry, drama, fiction, discursive essay, biography. Portions of each text studied in Chinese. Yeh. 4 cr, 2nd sem. (HU)
Prereq: approval of the Honors Committee. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LC 312. Advanced training in speaking, reading, writing, literary readings for expanded vocabulary. Chinese language films and cultural topics assigned for discussion. Written work. Huang. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LC 411. Advanced-level readings in modern Chinese. Discussion in Chinese of literary materials in various forms and styles. Special attention to works written between 1919 and 1949. Regular compositions. Huang. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LC 311 or consent of instructor. Topic for Spring 2010: The fantastic in contemporary Chinese fiction as both a form of literary revolt against socialist realism and a reflection of social transformation. Writers may include Mo Yan, Wang Anyi, Yu Hua, Su Tong, and Wang Shuo. Readings in Chinese. Yeh. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: consent of department and CAS Room 105. Application form available in department. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
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C o m p a r a t i v e l i t e r a t u r e
Minor Concentration in Comparative Literature (1141)
Seven courses with a grade of C or higher are required. Internships taken on study abroad programs may not be credited toward a minor in Comparative Literature.
-
Two “Introduction to Comparative Literature” courses chosen from CAS XL 222, 223, and 224. (CAS CC 101 and 102 together may be substituted for CAS XL 222.) May be taken in any order.
-
Two interrelated courses in a single non-English literature: in modern languages, CAS L_ 350 and one other, L_ 351 or above; or in ancient Greek or Latin, CAS CL 212 or CAS CL 262 and one other, CL 300 level and above with readings in Latin or Greek (courses principally on history, religion, or other mostly nonliterary aspects of ancient culture do not qualify).
-
Either two comparative literature courses numbered CAS XL 300 or higher (CAS CC 201 and 202 together may be substituted for an XL 300-level course); or two interrelated courses in another literature, chosen from one of the following: two courses in English-language literature numbered CAS EN 363 or above; or two courses in a single literature in Modern Languages or Romance Studies, read in the original language or in English translation; or two courses in either Latin or ancient Greek literature (courses principally on history, religion, or other mostly nonliterary aspects of ancient culture do not qualify) numbered CAS CL 212 or higher, read in the original language or in English translation. If a student’s first literature (under item 2 above) is Latin, the second may not be Greek, and vice versa.
-
CAS XL 479, the senior seminar.
Concentration in Comparative Literature (1141)
Twelve courses with a grade of C or higher are required. Internships taken on study abroad programs may not be credited toward a concentration in Comparative Literature.
Language Requirement for the Concentration
Regardless of their literatures of emphasis, all majors must pursue the study of one modern language besides English through at least the sixth semester (L_ 304 or L_ 312 or equivalent); or Latin through CL 351; or Ancient Greek through CL 391. Acquiring a second foreign language is strongly encouraged. This study may be pursued concurrently with the coursework of the major.
Students who have received credit for these levels of language study through AP equivalency must take at least one BU course that is numbered at a higher level than the level they hold AP credit for and that requires knowledge of the language in question; this course may not, except in the case of CL 351 (see item 2 below), be counted toward any other requirement of the major.
Required Courses
-
Three “Introduction to Comparative Literature” courses: CAS XL 222, 223, and 224. May be taken in any order. Students who have completed both CC 101 and CC 102 receive concentration credit for XL 222.
-
Three interrelated courses in a single non-English literature:
With approval of advisor, a course studying the same literary tradition in English translation may be substituted for one of these courses. In the case of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Russian literature, with approval of advisor two courses in English translation may be permitted. In the case of Latin or Ancient Greek (unlike in the modern languages), the course used to fulfill the Comparative Literature concentration’s language requirement (i.e., CL 351 or CL 391) may simultaneously be counted as one of the three literature courses.
-
Three interrelated courses in another literature, chosen from one of the following:
-
three courses in English-language literature numbered EN 363 or above; or
-
three courses in a single literature in MLCL or Romance Studies: L_ 350 and two others, L_ 351 and above; or
- three courses in either Latin or Ancient Greek literature: CL 212 or CL 262 and two others, CL 300-level and above with readings in Latin or Greek (courses principally on history, religion or other mostly non-literary aspects of ancient culture do not qualify).
With approval of advisor, a course studying the same literary tradition in English translation may be substituted for one of these courses. In the case of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Russian literature, with approval of advisor two courses in English translation may be permitted. In the case of Latin or Ancient Greek (unlike in the modern languages), the course used to fulfill the Comparative Literature concentration’s language requirement (i.e., CL 351 or CL 391) may simultaneously be counted as one of the three literature courses. If a student’s first literature (under item 2 above) is Latin, the second may not be Ancient Greek, and vice versa.
- Two additional courses numbered XL 300 or above or cross-listed with such a number. A cross-listed course may be counted either as an XL course or (where appropriate) as a course in one of the student’s two literatures, but not as both. Students who have completed both CC 201 and CC 202 receive concentration credit for one course toward this requirement. XL 401 and 402 may not be applied to this requirement.
- CAS XL 479, the senior seminar.
From among the six courses in a student’s two literatures of concentration and the two additional XL courses (i.e., from among items 2, 3, and 4 above), at least one course must deal principally with literature from before the twentieth century.
Courses
Introduces basic methods of comparative literary study through close readings of influential texts of the Western tradition from antiquity to present. Topics include genre, translation, appropriation, interpretation, theories of literary production and effect. All works read in English; no prerequisites. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Introduces basic methods of comparative literary study through close readings of some of the most influential texts of Arabic, Persian, Turkish, and Hebrew literature. Readings may include The Arabian Nights, Shahnameh, lyric poetry, and novels from the twentieth century. Sharma. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Introduces basic methods of comparative literary study through close readings of some of the most influential texts of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean literature. Readings may include The Tale of the Genji, Dream of the Red Chamber, and Nine-Cloud Dream. Frederick. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: one literature course. Selected works of modern literature read together with Greek or Latin texts that influenced them. Topic varies. All works read in English translation. Topic for Fall 2009: The Odyssey and Ulysses. Also offered as CAS CL 310. Nelson. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Two topics are offered 2009/2010. Students may take one or both for credit. Topic for Fall 2009: Love in Indian Literature and Film. Gendered roles of lovers in Indian literature and their representation in contemporary Bollywood films. Study of social and historical contexts for the evolution of character types such as the pining heroine, mystic, madman, and star-crossed lovers. Topic for Spring 2010: Identities in Motion: Turkish and British Women Write One Another. Exploration of pivotal questions, related to the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, through readings of travel narratives by European and Ottoman women. This section is also offered as CAS WS 305. Sharma, Micallef. 4 cr, either sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: one literature course. A close reading of one text, Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, with attention to its medieval contexts: philosophical, theological, and historical. Analysis of the poetic means by which Dante represents both human evil and human hope. Bilingual text. Lectures and discussions in English. Costa. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: approval of the Honors Committee. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: two literature courses or consent of instructor. What is The Thousand and One Nights? How has this ever-expanding collection appealed to its diverse audiences? Focus on Night's structure and themes, notable translations and offshoots in western literature and art, and later appropriations by Arab and Muslim writers. Litvin. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
A study of Primo Levi’s writings and scientific, literary, theological, and philosophical approaches to the Holocaust. Other theorists (Arendt, Wiesel, and Muller-Hill) and other survivors’ testimonies (Delbo, Borowski, Fink) are read in conjunction with Levi’s works. Also offered as CAS LI 459 and RN 459. Harrowitz. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Focus on problems in literary criticism and theory in relation to selected literary texts. Topics and approaches vary. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: departmental and CAS Room 105 approval. Application form available in department. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: two literature courses. Introduction to the theory of the novel in a comparative context. Readings may include Watt, Lukács, Bakhtin, Barthes, and others on topics such as narrative voice, narrative closure, characterization, description, and desire in narrative. Novels by Austen, Flaubert, and Melville. Vincent. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: competence in a second language. Weekly series of presentations by translators from Boston and elsewhere, open to registered students and to the public. Registered students complete special projects and attend workshops. Warren. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: junior standing and one course in literature or religion, or the consent of the instructor. Two topics are offered Spring 2010. Students may take one or both for credit. Topic for Section A1: Epic and Empire. Investigates the relationship between politics, religion, and ideology in the epic traditions of Gilgamesh, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. Attends not only to the formation of these epics but also to their contemporary significance. Topic for Section B1: What Defines Jewish Literature? Study, attentive to social contexts, of works written in Hebrew, English, Yiddish, and German from the seventeenth century to today. Various genres: autobiography, novel, short fiction, and parable. Writers include Glückel, Peretz, Agnon, Kafka, Bellow, Oz. (Readings in English translation; original languages optional.) Also offered as CAS RN 524. Hudson, Gillman. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
G e r m a n
Minor Concentration in German (1128)
Note: Students who declared a German minor prior to September 2008 may choose to be subject to the requirements of the bulletin that was current at the time of their declaration. Students who declare a German minor in or after September 2008 are subject to the following:
Six LG courses numbered 250 or above. These must include at least one course from the sequence LG 303–304; at least one course from the sequence LG 310–345; LG 350; and one course numbered 400 or above. With advisor’s approval, students may include up to three equivalent transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses (or a minimum of two, if they have four courses approved for credit toward the minor from Boston University’s program in Dresden) on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University’s study abroad programs may not be credited toward minor concentrations in German. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.
Concentration in German Language & Literature (1133)
Note: Students who declared a German concentration prior to September 2008 may choose to be subject to the requirements of the bulletin that was current at the time of their declaration. Students who declare a German concentration in or after September 2008 are subject to the following:
Twelve courses with a grade of C or higher are required. Students entering with advanced standing in German must complete a minimum of six principal courses at Boston University. Students participating in the Boston University program in Germany must complete a minimum of four principal courses in German on the Boston campus; two of these four courses must be taken at the LG 300 level or above following study in Germany. Internships taken on study abroad programs may not be credited toward a concentration in German.
Required Courses
- Two of the following: CAS LX 250, CAS LL/XL 222, LL/XL 223, LL/XL 224 (Comparative Literature courses carried LL numbers through Spring 2009 and converted to XL numbers as of Fall 2009. For degree purposes, LL and XL courses are identical).
- Four language-focus courses: CAS LG 303, 304, and two courses numbered CAS LG 310–345.
- CAS LG 350 and four courses numbered CAS LG 400 or higher.
- One additional German course numbered CAS LG 250 or higher.
Placement Examination
A placement test is required of all students whose most recent course in German was taken while in high school or at a college other than Boston University and who wish to continue their study of this language here. Information on testing dates and times is available in the department.
Courses
CAS
LG 111 First-Semester German
For beginners or according to placement test results. Introduction to grammar, vocabulary, structure of German, emphasizing the four basic skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. (If CAS LG 112 or a more advanced college-level course has been completed, this course may not be taken for credit.) Staff. 4 cr, either sem.
Prereq: CAS LG 111 or placement examination results. Continues study and practice of the basic skills of speaking, writing, and reading German. Conversational dialogues, reading of short texts, grammar sessions, compositions. Conducted in German. (If a more advanced college-level course has been completed, this course may not be taken for credit.) Staff. 4 cr, either sem.
Prereq: CAS LG 112 or placement test results. Further development of communicative skills acquired in the first year, emphasizing both production (speaking, writing) and comprehension (listening, reading). Grammar review. Reading and discussion of selected short stories, poetry, and plays as well as nonliterary texts. Conducted in German. Staff. 4 cr, either sem.
Prereq: CAS LG 211 or placement test results. Continued development of communicative skills and strategies for functioning socially in German-language contexts. Students learn to understand literary and nonliterary texts. Conducted in German. Staff. 4 cr, either sem.
Introduction to the major works of German literature, emphasizing methods of close reading and the art of critical writing. Essays, plays, fairy tales, poetry, prose by Luther, Goethe, Grimm brothers, Heine, Nietzsche, Kafka, Thomas Mann, Rilke, Hesse, Christa Wolf. Schwartz. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Topic for Spring 2010: TBA. Gillman. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Study of the three radical and influential German thinkers. Marx’s German Ideology, Communist Manifesto, Grundrisse, Capital; Nietzsche’s Beyond Good/Evil, Genealogy of Morals; Freud’s Outline, Introductory Lectures, Civilization and Its Discontents. Cannot be taken for credit by students who have completed CAS LG 475. Schwartz. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LG 212 or placement test results. Increased sophistication in speaking German through simulation and role playing as well as in writing German through regular compositions and journal entries. Grammar review; practice in pronunciation, comprehension, conversation, vocabulary, and written expression. Discussion of contemporary topics, conducted in German. Staff. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LG 303 or consent of instructor. Presentation of cultural differences between East and West Germany leading to reunification and beyond. Screenings of works by Fassbinder, Herzog, Schlöndorff, Sanders-Brahms, Dörrie, Wenders, and Tykwer. Texts on film art in different historical contexts. Discussions and essays in German. Alhadeff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: two courses numbered CAS LG 303 or higher, or consent of instructor. Introduction to the language of business and to the German economy within the context of European integration and globalization. Includes online research, group projects, skits, and panel discussions. Alhadeff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LG 303 or equivalent. Masterpieces of German literature representing major eras and genres from the eighteenth century to the present. Practical introduction to methods of close reading and literary interpretation; class discussion. Waters. 4 cr, 1st sem. (HU)
Prereq: approval of the Honors Committee. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: two courses numbered LG 303 and above. Advanced study of German idiomatic usage and subtleties of grammar in cultural context, aiming to increase students’ range and accuracy of expression in speech and writing. Texts from contemporary media, popular music, literature, film. Frequent short essays. Werk. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: two courses numbered LG 303 and above or consent of instructor. Advanced study of German idiomatic usage and subtleties of grammar in cultural context, aiming to increase students’ range and accuracy of expression in speech and writing. Texts from contemporary media, popular music, literature, film. Frequent short essays. (Does not presuppose LG 403.) Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LG 350. Poetry and prose of major authors (Tieck, Novalis, Schlegel, Brentano, Gunderode, Eichendorff, Hoffmann), their connection to music and art and to German Idealism. Emergence of the fairy tale. Women and the literary salons. Schwartz. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: consent of department and the Taylor Academic Advising Center in CAS Room 105. Application form available in department. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
M o d e r n G r e e k
For information regarding concentrations and courses in modern Greek, refer to the Classical Studies section.
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H e b r e w
Minor Concentration in Hebrew (1111)
Required courses: (prereq: CAS LH 212 or equivalent) six courses numbered LH 240 and above, including LH 250. Up to four courses taken at Boston University’s program in Haifa may count toward the minor. Up to two courses may be chosen from offerings in the departments of Religion, History, or Political Science, as approved by the advisor. Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs, and must take a minimum of three courses on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward minor concentrations offered by the department. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.
Haifa
Students may take courses to fulfill their language requirement or courses toward their minor concentration in the Boston University Study Abroad Program in Haifa. Additional information on this program is available in the Study Abroad section.
Placement Examination
A placement test is required of all students whose most recent course in Hebrew was taken while in high school or at a college other than Boston University and who wish to continue their study of this language here. Information on testing dates and times is available in the department.
Courses
Introduction to modern Hebrew, including a balanced treatment of the basic language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LH 111 or placement examination results. A continuation of CAS LH 111 with greater conversation and higher-level skills development. Conducted largely in Hebrew. Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: placement examination results. Covers all material in LH 111 and 112. Main patterns of grammar, conversation, and written exercises. If you have taken LH 111, 112, or a more advanced college-level course, you cannot take this course for credit. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LH 112 or placement examination results. Reinforces and extends skills in reading, conversation, writing, and grammar. Conducted in Hebrew. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LH 211 or placement examination results. Stresses expanding conversation, grammar, and literary skills, enabling students to deal with most Hebrew material, ancient as well as contemporary. Conducted in Hebrew. Satisfactory completion of CAS LH 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Narrative prose and poetry of major writers from the revival of Hebrew culture in nineteenth-century Eastern Europe to present-day Israel, including works of Bialik, Agnon, Amichai, and Yehoshua. Special focus on the struggle for modern identity in the domains of family, nation, and religion. Gillman. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Examines changes in Israeli society over the last fifty years through the medium of film. Traces cultural responses to the Arab/Israeli conflict, the Holocaust, and Sephardi-Ashkenazi relations. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LH 212 or placement examination results. Reading in selected literary and nonliterary materials. Includes short stories, news media and drama, and discussion and analysis of issues in Hebrew to acquire a mastery of modern Hebrew language. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Readings in selected modern and classical texts, including short stories, drama, journals, poetry, and selections from biblical and medieval works to acquire mastery of the full range of Hebrew language usages and styles. Conducted in Hebrew. Klement. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LH 212. Narrative techniques in the Bible and in modern Hebrew texts. Selections from Genesis, II Samuel, and the book of Jonah as well as short stories by Agnon, Appelfeld, Yehoshua, and others. Klement. 4 cr, 1st sem. (HU)
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LH 312. Examines changes in Israeli society over the last fifty years through the medium of film. Traces cultural responses to the Arab/Israeli conflict, the Holocaust, and Sephardi-Ashkenazi relations. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: consent of department and the Taylor Academic Advising Center in CAS Room 105. Application form available in department. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
J a p a n e s e
Minor Concentration in Japanese Language & Literature (1108)
Required courses: six LJ courses numbered 240 and above, including LJ 303 and 304 and at least one course in literature. Up to four courses taken at Boston University’s program in Kyoto may count toward the minor. Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses (or a minimum of two, if they have four courses approved for credit toward the minor from Boston University’s program in Kyoto) on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward minor concentrations offered by the department. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.
Concentration in Japanese Language & Literature (1108)
A prerequisite of CAS LJ 212 (or equivalent placement) and thirteen courses with a grade of C or higher are required. Students must complete a minimum of six principal courses at Boston University.
Required Courses
-
Two of the following: CAS LX 250, CAS LL/XL 222, LL/XL 223, LL/XL 224 (Comparative Literature courses carried LL numbers through Spring 2009 and converted to XL numbers as of Fall 2009. For degree purposes, LL and XL courses are identical).
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Three language courses: CAS LJ 303, 304, and one of LJ 403 and LJ 404. Language courses taken at the Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies (KCJS) may also count towards this requirement.
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Three courses in Japanese literature: CAS LJ 250 and two from LJ 350, LJ 451, LJ 480, and LJ 481. (LJ 451 may be taken more than once if topic has changed.)
-
Two courses in Japanese civilization: CAS LJ 281 or LJ 445, and one additional from LJ 281, LJ 282, LJ 283, LJ 441, or LJ 445.
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Three additional CAS LJ courses at the 400 level or above or related courses in MLCL or other departments as approved by the advisor. (Non-language courses taken at KCJS may also count towards this requirement.)
Courses
Introduction to spoken and written Japanese and to fundamentals of Japanese grammar with oral drills and written exercises. Staff. 4 cr each, either sem.
Prereq: CAS LJ 112 or equivalent. Elaboration and refinement of the fundamental skills introduced in CAS LJ 111, 112 with an introduction to reading and composition. Satisfactory completion of CAS LJ 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Staff. 4 cr each, either sem.
An introduction to Japanese literary history. Topics include mythic beginnings, conceptions of nature and death, flowering of a court aesthetic, the writer as hermit-sage, the Tokugawa stage and its love suicides. Use of literary and visual materials. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem. (HU)
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Major modern Japanese films are interpreted in the light of Japanese culture. Film scripts and the important literary sources are read in English; films are shown with subtitles. Frederick. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LJ 212. Reading modern texts. Development of writing and speaking skills. Regular compositions required. First semester: readings from newspapers and journals on contemporary social, political, economic, and cultural topics. Second semester: selections from fiction and nonfiction. Henstock. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LJ 211 or more than 300 Kanji. Supplements vocabulary and idiom for students beyond third-semester Japanese. Students learn to read and write the 1006 Kyôiku Kanji and recognize an additional 939 Jôyô Kanji in everyday Japanese. Concurrent enrollment in a four-skills language course encouraged. Snyder. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: approval of Honors Committee. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LJ 304 or consent of instructor. Advanced-level reading and discussion in Japanese of selected articles from scholarly journals, essays, and short stories; compositions written in Japanese on topics from readings. Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LJ 303. Development of skills in formal Japanese through reading of periodicals. Emphasis on formats, styles, and idioms used in journalism. Vocabulary building. Television news programs and documentaries viewed for improvement of aural comprehension. Assignments geared to individual needs and interests. Snyder. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LJ 303, placement test results, or consent of instructor. Uses the Japanese language to learn about history, society, art, politics, and current issues from Japanese perspectives. Critical engagement with topics in Japanese culture through multiple forms of communication, including reading, writing, discussion, and video. Conducted in Japanese. Henstock. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: one course in Japanese studies. Topic for Fall 2009: Popular Literature and Culture. Discussion of high and low literature, visual and written texts, publishing and reception. Consideration of popular Japanese culture in East Asia. Readings in criticism and primary sources from fiction, the performing arts, film, and animation. Frederick. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: one Japanese literature course or consent of instructor. Topic for Spring 2010: Rise of the Modern and Encounter with the West: Japanese Literature 1864–1945. Fiction from the Meiji period through World War II, with attention to the effect on literature of Japan’s rapid modernization and increased contact with the West. Works by Ogai, Soseki, Higuchi, and Tanizaki. Lectures and readings in English, originals available. Vincent. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: consent of department and CAS Room 105. Application form available in department. Variable cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
K o r e a n
Prereq: placement examination, or for those who have never studied Korean. Elementary grammar, conversation, reading, writing. Roh. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: placement examination or CAS LK 111. Continues the text from LK 111; grammar, conversation, reading, writing. Roh. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: placement examination or CAS LK 112. Development of communicative skills acquired in the first year. Readings in Korean. Writing exercises involving more complex grammatical patterns. Roh. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: placement examination or CAS LK 211. Further review of the structures of Korean. Practice in conversation involving specialized topics. Advanced readings from Korean culture. Frequent compositions. Satisfactory completion of LK 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Roh. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Introduction to modern Korean culture and society through film from the Korean war (1950–1953) to the present. Discussion and essays on modern Korean life as seen in Korean films. Critical analysis of changes in Korean society. Roh. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LK 212 or consent of instructor. Readings in modern literary writings and journalism. Essays and discussions on issues in politics, society, and culture. Vocabulary building, advanced grammar, and enhancement of speaking ability. Staff. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LK 311 or consent of instructor. Continues CAS LK 311. Readings in modern literary writings and journalism. Essays and discussions on issues in politics, society, and culture. Vocabulary building, advanced grammar, and enhancement of speaking ability. Staff. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LK 312 or consent of instructor. Intensive practice of both oral and written forms of Korean. Survey of important cultural, social, political, and economic issues in Korea as portrayed in films, television, and periodicals. Development of effective written and spoken communication. Roh. 4 cr, 1st sem.
P e r s i a n
Introduction to spoken and written Persian and to fundamentals of Persian grammar, with oral drills and written exercises. Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LZ 112 or equivalent. Development of communicative skills acquired in the first year. Staff. 4 cr, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
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R u s s i a n
Minor Concentration in Russian (1106)
Required courses: (prereq: CAS LR 211–212 or equivalent) six courses numbered LR 240 and above. Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward minor concentrations offered by the department. A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.
Concentration in Russian Language & Literature (1136)
Students entering with advanced standing in Russian must complete a minimum of six principal courses in Russian at Boston University. Courses may be credited toward the concentration only if a grade of C or higher is earned.
Required Courses
-
Two of the following: CAS LX 250, CAS LL/XL 222, LL/XL 223, LL/XL 224 (Comparative Literature courses carried LL numbers through Spring 2009 and converted to XL numbers as of Fall 2009. For degree purposes, LL and XL courses are identical).
-
Four advanced language courses: CAS LR 303, 304, 403, 404.
-
CAS LR 250 and LR 282.
-
Three literature courses: CAS LR 350, 351, and one additional course numbered LR 450 or higher.
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One from among CAS LR 280, 281, 283, or 289; and one from other LR courses, 300 level and above; or a related course from another department chosen with the written approval of the advisor.
Courses
An introduction to the fundamentals of Russian grammar. Extensive practice in orthography and pronunciation: oral drills, development of comprehension and conversation skills. Reading of simple texts. Staff. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LR 112. The fundamentals of Russian grammar and syntax. Development of reading and oral skills. Satisfactory completion of CAS LR 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Khazanov. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Prose works that define the Russian literary tradition, including Pushkin’s Queen of Spades, Gogol’s Overcoat, Turgenev’s Fathers and Sons, Dostoyevsky’s Notes from the Underground, Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. O’Connor. 4 cr, 1st sem. (HU)
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Close reading of Tolstoy’s War and Peace and Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov. Discussion of Russian masters and larger themes: epic tradition from Homer to Tolstoy; continuity of “tragic world view”; the contrasts between the epic mode and the dramatic, and between two opposed views of God and history. Richardson. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LR 212. Reading original unabridged Russian prose and poetry. Intensive work on improvement of fluency and quality of expression; special attention to pronunciation. Khazanov. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LR 212. Introduction to the great prose style of Russian literature. Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoyevsky, Turgenev, Tolstoy, and Chekhov: techniques of interpretation and close reading of short works. Richardson. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: approval of the Honors Committee. 4 cr each, 1st & 2nd sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: CAS LR 403. Developing of advanced conversational skills through class discussions that stress contemporary vocabulary, idioms, and register. Student oral presentations related to such topics as nationality, religion, women’s rights, crime, and politics. Frequent short essays. Khazanov. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LR 304. Designed to give students expertise in the special problems related to reading and interpreting current Russian journalistic literature. Emphasis on reading daily editions of Pravda, Izvestijia, and Literaturnaja gazeta; individual assignments are geared to students’ interests. Khazanov. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LR 441. Social role of the media. Critical evaluation of television programs and especially of documentaries. Effects and responsibilities of radio, television, film, and print media as cultural, social, and economic forces. Khazanov. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Not offered 2009/2010
Prereq: consent of department and CAS Room 105. Application form available in department. 4 cr, 1st and/or 2nd sem.
T u r k i s h
Introduction to spoken and written Turkish and fundamentals of Turkish grammar, with oral drills and written exercises. Micallef. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LT 111 or equivalent. Completes introduction to modern Turkish grammar, with emphasis on development of aural and written comprehension, as well as writing and speaking abilities. Micallef. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
Prereq: CAS LT 112 or equivalent. Further, intermediate-level, development of Turkish language skills through textbooks, authentic readings including literary works, internet-based exercises, and the use of Turkish audio and visual materials. Micallef. 4 cr, 1st sem.
Prereq: CAS LT 211 or consent of instructor. Completes presentation of structures of Turkish, to “intermediate-high” levels of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Micallef. 4 cr, 2nd sem.
The image of the city of Istanbul in novels, autobiography, short story, poetry, as well as music videos and popular films. Themes include modernization, urbanization, isolation, cosmopolitanism, and the struggle between East and West. Micallef. 4 cr, 1st sem.
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