Languages

Colleges: College of Arts & Sciences | School of Theology

Courses in: Arabic | Chinese | Comparative Literature | French | German | Ancient Greek | Hieroglyphs | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Latin | Russian | Spanish | Turkish

College of Arts & Sciences

The James Geddes Language Center includes two language laboratories, classrooms especially equipped for language teaching, and extensive tape production and processing facilities. The center is located on the fifth floor at 685 Commonwealth Avenue. Orientation to Language Center operations and procedures is given during the first week of classes.

Arabic

Elementary Modern Arabic (Modern Arabic 1)

CAS LY 111

The essentials of standard Arabic, the idiom used in public communications throughout the Arab world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Elementary Modern Arabic (Modern Arabic 2)

CAS LY 112

Prereq: (CAS LY 111). The essentials of standard Arabic, the idiom used in public communications throughout the Arab world. Listening, speaking, reading, writing. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Second-Year Modern Arabic II (Modern Arabic 4)

CAS LY 212

Prereq: (CAS LY 211). 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. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Chinese

First-Year Intensive Chinese

CAS LC 123

For beginners. Intensive course, equivalent to two semesters of first-year college Chinese. Essentials of structure, oral practice, introduction to the writing system. Laboratory required. 8 cr. Tuition: $4680

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Third-Semester Chinese

CAS LC 211

Prereq: (CAS LC 112). Review of structure and grammar, practice in conversation and writing, introduction to reading. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Fourth-Semester Chinese

CAS LC 212

Prereq: (CAS LC 211). Review of structure and grammar, practice in conversation and writing, introduction to reading. Satisfactory completion of CAS LC 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Topics in Chinese Culture (in English translation)

CAS LC 286

Topic for Summer 2013: Food Culture. A study of food in Chinese culture including artistic and literary representations, history of agriculture, food preservation and preparation, medicinal uses, restaurant culture, and food as a commodity. This course is taught in English. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 22-June 27)

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Comparative Literature

Topics in Literature and Culture

CAS XL 556

Prereq: two literature courses or consent of instructor. Topic for Summer 2013: Inventing Spanish America: Beyond 1492. Contrasts early accounts of the discovery and colonization of Spanish America with texts of the twentieth century. Course taught in English. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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French

A placement test is required of every student whose most recent course in French was taken in high school or at a college other than Boston University. Information on the online placement test is available at bu.edu/rs/academics/placement-test-info.html. The test can be taken at any time, but can only be taken once in a 12-month period.

First-Semester French

CAS LF 111

A multimedia approach for students who have never studied French. A variety of communicative tasks develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Second-Semester French

CAS LF 112

Prereq: (CAS LF 111) or placement test results. Continues CAS LF 111. A multimedia approach which develops speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills, together with the grammar and vocabulary needed for more complex communicative tasks. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Third-Semester French

CAS LF 211

Prereq: (CAS LF 112) or placement test results. Authentic literary selections by writers from diverse Francophone countries, cultural readings, and discussion of short-subject films by francophone filmmakers, accompanied by advanced study of grammar and emphasis on communicative skills. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Fourth-Semester French

CAS LF 212

Prereq: (CAS LF 211) or placement test results. Refines the four skills through in-depth study of a modern novel. Creative oral and written exercises based on the novel and study of advanced grammar. Viewing of contemporary French films. Fulfills CAS language requirement, prepares for further study (LF 303). 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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German

A placement test is required of every student whose most recent course in German was taken in high school or at a college other than Boston University. The placement test is given on the first day of each summer session.

First-Semester German

CAS LG 111

For beginners or according to placement examination results. Introduction to grammar, vocabulary, and structure of German, emphasizing the four basic skills: speaking, writing, listening, and reading. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Second-Semester German

CAS LG 112

Prereq: (CAS LG 111) or placement test 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. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Ancient Greek

Beginning Greek 1

CAS CL 161

Introduction to grammar, forms, and vocabulary of ancient Greek. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Beginning Greek 2

CAS CL 162

Prereq: (CAS CL 161) or equivalent. Further study of ancient Greek grammar, forms, and vocabulary. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 2-August 8)

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Intermediate Greek 2: Poetry

CAS CL 262

Prereq: (CAS CL 261) or equivalent. Reading of selections from the Iliad or Odyssey. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Italian

A placement test is required of every student whose most recent course in Italian was taken in high school or at a college other than Boston University. Information on the online placement test is available at bu.edu/rs/academics/placement-test-info.html. The test can be taken at any time, but can only be taken once in a 12-month period.

First-Semester Italian

CAS LI 111

For beginners only, or according to placement examination results. Grammar, conversation practice, written exercises, compositions. Conducted in Italian. (If CAS LI 131 or a more advanced college-level course has been completed, this course cannot be taken for credit.) 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Second-Semester Italian

CAS LI 112

Prereq: (CAS LI 111) or placement test results. Continues the CAS LI 111 basic text: grammar, conversation, compositions. Conducted in Italian. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Third-Semester Italian

CAS LI 211

Prereq: (CAS LI 112) or placement test results. Intended for students with a satisfactory background in elementary Italian, who require some review of basic structures, verbs, and related essentials. Review, emphasis on composition skills, and conversation. Reading and discussion of short stories, poetry, and plays. Conducted in Italian. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Fourth-Semester Italian

CAS LI 212

Prereq: (CAS LI 211) or placement test results. For students who wish to build active use of Italian in speaking, writing, and reading. Continuation of CAS LI 211: review, development of reading skills through analysis of contemporary texts, compositions, conversation. Satisfactory completion of CAS LI 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Japanese

First-Semester Japanese

CAS LJ 111

Introduction to spoken and written Japanese and to fundamentals of Japanese grammar with oral drills and written exercises. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Second-Semester Japanese

CAS LJ 112

Prereq: (CAS LJ 111). Introduction to spoken and written Japanese and to fundamentals of Japanese grammar with oral drills and written exercises. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Third-Semester Japanese

CAS LJ 211

Prereq: (CAS LJ 112) or equivalent. Elaboration and refinement of the fundamental skills introduced in CAS LJ 111 and LJ 112 with an introduction to reading and composition. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Fourth-Semester Japanese

CAS LJ 212

Prereq: (CAS LJ 211) or equivalent. Elaboration and refinement of the fundamental skills introduced in CAS LJ 111 and LJ 112 with an introduction to reading and composition. Satisfactory completion of CAS LJ 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Korean

First-Semester Korean

CAS LK 111

Prereq: Placement examination, or for those who have never studied Korean. Elementary grammar, conversation, reading, writing. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Second-Semester Korean

CAS LK 112

Prereq: (CAS LK 111) or placement test results. Continues the text from LK 111; grammar, conversation, reading, writing. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Latin

Beginning Latin 1

CAS CL 111

Introduction to grammar, forms, and vocabulary of classical Latin. Beginners only. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 28)

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Beginning Latin 2

CAS CL 112

Prereq: (CAS CL 111) or equivalent. Further study of Latin grammar, forms, and vocabulary. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 9)

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Intermediate Latin 1: Prose

CAS CL 211

Prereq: (CAS CL 112) or equivalent. Reading of selections from Latin prose. Authors read may include Caesar, Cicero, Livy, Petronius, and Pliny. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 26)

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Intermediate Latin 2: Poetry

CAS CL 212

Prereq: (CAS CL 211) or equivalent. Reading of selections from Latin poetry. Authors read may include Catullus, Ovid, and Vergil. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Latin Seminar

CAS CL 351

Prereq: (CAS CL 212) or equivalent. Topic for Summer 2013: Roman History in Latin Literature. Focuses on the early history of Rome as represented in Livy and Vergil, and on Augustan Rome as represented in the above authors as well as in other writers determined in consultation with enrolled students. Although the primary focus of the course is on reading Latin, we will pay attention to the historical, cultural, literary, and topographical context of the works read; we will also look at scholarly and pedagogical issues surrounding these texts. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 5-August 9)

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Studies in Latin Literature

CAS CL 520

Topic for Summer 2013: Roman History in Latin Literature. Focuses on the early history of Rome as represented in Livy and Vergil, and on Augustan Rome as represented in the above authors as well as in other writers determined in consultation with enrolled students. Although the primary focus of the course is on reading Latin, we will pay attention to the historical, cultural, literary, and topographical context of the works read; we will also look at scholarly and pedagogical issues surrounding these texts. CL 520 is intended for high school teachers, aspiring high school teachers, and graduate students. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 5-August 9)

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Russian

First-Year Intensive Russian

CAS LR 123

Intensive course, equivalent to two semesters of first-year college Russian. 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. 8 cr. Tuition: $4680

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Spanish

A placement test is required of every student whose most recent course in Spanish was taken in high school or at a college other than Boston University. Information on the online placement test is available at bu.edu/rs/academics/placement-test-info.html. The test can be taken at any time, but can only be taken once in a 12-month period.

1. Four-Skills Sequence: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking (LS 111, LS 112, LS 211 and LS 212)

First-Semester Spanish

CAS LS 111

For students who have never studied Spanish, or by placement test results. Introduction to grammatical structures. Emphasis on aural comprehension, speaking, and pronunciation. Introduction to Hispanic culture. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Second-Semester Spanish

CAS LS 112

Prereq: (CAS LS 111) or placement test results. Completes study of basic grammatical structures. Emphasis on speaking and aural comprehension. Readings on contemporary Hispanic culture. Writing assignments. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Third-Semester Spanish

CAS LS 211

Prereq: (CAS LS 112) or placement test results. Completes study of grammatical structures of Spanish. Use of spoken language in conversation. Reading in Hispanic civilization and of contemporary short stories. Writing exercises involving more complex grammatical and syntactical patterns. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Fourth-Semester Spanish

CAS LS 212

Prereq: (CAS LS 211) or placement test results. Review of the structures of Spanish. Intensive practice of spoken language. More advanced readings from Hispanic culture. Frequent compositions. Satisfactory completion of CAS LS 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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2. Reading Sequence (LS 222)

Fourth-Semester Spanish for Reading

CAS LS 222

Prereq: (CAS LS 221) or placement test results. Completes intensive review of grammatical structures. Emphasis on sophisticated sentence structures and the contemporary idiom. Readings include historical texts, representative examples of journalism, and a short novel. Viewing and discussion of films. Written translations leading to a final project. (Students intending to continue in CAS LS 303 must take LS 212, not LS 222.) 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Composition and Conversation in Spanish I

CAS LS 303

Prereq: (CAS LS 212), Spanish SAT subject test score of 560 or higher, or placement test results. Not open to students for whom Spanish is a first language. Development of skills in spoken and written language. Grammar review, vocabulary building, regular compositions. (Students who have completed a CAS LS language course with a higher number may not receive credit for LS 303.) 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Topics in Language and Culture

CAS LS 305

Prereq: (CAS LS 303) or placement examination results. Topic for Summer 2013: Food, Culture, and Society in the Hispanic World. Develops fluency in oral and written expression through the exploration of the central topic of food, culture, and society in the Hispanic World. Through narratives, movies, and paintings, examines the centrality of food as a unique site of exchange between people from different cultures and geographical regions which have shaped "the Hispanic World." Discusses how food ingredients and practices have traveled across space and time; how culinary customs are intertwined with cultural politics of colonization and resistance, and what type of symbolic functions are involved in the preparation and consumption of food. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Topics in Language and Culture

CAS LS 305

Prereq: (CAS LS 303) or placement examination results. Topic for Summer 2013: Spanish for the Professions. Focuses on cultural and communicative competence for successful interaction in professional contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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Introduction to Analysis of Hispanic Texts

CAS LS 350

Prereq: (CAS LS 303) or placement exam results. In this course students read literature from Latin America and Spain in order to develop the skill of interpretation: why and how literary texts convey ideas and express human emotions. We explore this question in the context of other cultural expressions, such as music and film. Carries humanities divisional credit in CAS. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Topics in Literature and Culture

CAS XL 556

Prereq: two literature courses or consent of instructor. Topic for Summer 2013: Inventing Spanish America: Beyond 1492. Contrasts early accounts of the discovery and colonization of Spanish America with texts of the twentieth century. Course taught in English. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Turkish

First-Semester Turkish

CAS LT 111

Introduction to spoken and written Turkish and fundamentals of Turkish grammar, with oral drills and written exercises. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 1 (May 21-June 27)

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Second-Semester Turkish

CAS LT 112

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. 4 cr. Tuition: $2340

Summer 2 (July 1-August 8)

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School of Theology

Hieroglyphs

Middle Egyptian I (Egyptian Hieroglyphs)

STH TO 846

An introduction to the culture of ancient Egypt and to the classical stage of the Egyptian script and language spoken in Ancient Egypt during the Middle Kingdom that remained the standard hieroglyph language down to the Graeco-Roman period. No prerequisites. Undergraduate students are welcome to register. The course also requires approximately six additional hours of class at the Museum of Fine Arts where students read/study pieces of the MFA Egyptian Collection. 4 cr. Tuition: $2200

Summer 1 (May 21-June 20)

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