Languages

Courses in: Chinese | French | Italian | Japanese | Korean | Latin | Spanish | Comparative Literature

College of Arts & Sciences

The Geddes Language Center includes a language laboratory equipped with specialized software and hardware, multimedia classrooms, two video viewing rooms, audio and video studios, and extensive digital media 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. For hours and additional information, see the Geddes website.

    Chinese

    • First-Semester Chinese

      CAS LC 111

      Online offering. Essentials of structure, oral practice, introduction to the writing system. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

      Summer 1 (May 23-June 30)

      OL (LEC) Arranged
      (DIS) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 6-7 pm
      Shutan Dong
      Online Course
      Meets online every Tues, Wed, Thurs 6-7 pm for a live class
      This course is designed for zero beginners. Please note that if you or your family speaks Cantonese or Mandarin, you are not permitted to enroll in CAS LC 111 OL.
      Summer 1 Section OL: As a special provision of this summer online BU Hub course, BU financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for up to one course in summer 2023. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.
      For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. The Distance Education office can be reached at 617-358-1960 for additional information.

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    • Second-Semester Chinese

      CAS LC 112

      Prereq: (CAS LC 111) or equivalent. Online offering. Essentials of structure, oral practice, introduction to the writing system. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

      Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

      OL (LEC) Arranged
      (DIS) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 6-7 pm
      Hongyun Sun
      Online Course
      Meets online every Tues, Wed, Thurs 6-7 pm for a live class
      Please note that CAS LC 112 is a continuation of CAS LC 111 and is not designed for students who have native or near-native proficiency. If this is the first time you are taking a Chinese course at BU, please complete the placement test and forward your scores to the instructor for permission. Information about the placement test is available here: www.bu.edu/wll/undergraduate/placement-tests-transfer-credit-ap/
      Summer 2 Section OL: As a special provision of this summer online BU Hub course, BU financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for up to one course in summer 2023. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.
      For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. The Distance Education office can be reached at 617-358-1960 for additional information.

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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 about the online placement test is available at bu.edu/rs/academics/undergraduate/placement-tests/. 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. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

        Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

        A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
        Nicholas Huckle
        Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

        Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

        B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
        Fred LaFortune

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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. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

        Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

        A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
        Maria Bobroff
        Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

        Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

        B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
        Khadija Joss

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      • Third-Semester French

        CAS LF 211

        Prereq: (CAS LF 112) or placement test results. Advances proficiency in speaking, writing, reading, and listening in a communicative classroom setting. Grammar is studied in context, through thematic discussions on topics such as daily life and Francophone culture, through short readings, and through diverse written tasks. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

        Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

        A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
        Leslie Hawkes
        Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

        Summer 2 (July 6-August 15)

        B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
        Staff

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      • Fourth-Semester French

        CAS LF 212

        Prereq: (CAS LF 211) or placement test results. Advances proficiency in French in a communicative setting through thematic discussions on diverse, contemporary topics and media, short readings, and written tasks. Fulfills CAS second language requirement; prepares for Level 1 Advanced Courses (CAS LF 307 through LF 311). Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

        Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

        A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
        Katherine Lakin-Schultz
        Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

        Summer 2 (July 6-August 15)

        B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
        Paula Hennessey

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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 about the online placement test is available at bu.edu/rs/academics/undergraduate/placement-tests/. 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 students who have never studied Italian, or by placement test results. Introduction to grammatical structures used in written exercises. Emphasis on aural comprehension, speaking, and pronunciation. Readings on contemporary Italian culture. (If CAS LI 131 or a more advanced college-level course has been completed, this course cannot be taken for credit.) Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

          Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

          A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
          Rita Coté
          Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

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        • Second-Semester Italian

          CAS LI 112

          Prereq: (CAS LI 111) or placement test results. Continues study of basic grammatical structures used in written assignments. Emphasis on speaking, aural comprehension, and pronunciation. Readings on contemporary Italian culture. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

          Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

          B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
          Staff

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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 wish to continue study of grammatical structures. Emphasis on speaking, pronunciation, and aural comprehension. Reading about Italian culture and contemporary short stories. Compositions and oral assessments including interviews and/or presentations. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

          Summer 1 (May 24-June 29)

          A1 (IND) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
          Laura Brusetti McGinn
          Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

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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. Intensive practice of spoken and written language. More advanced readings from Italian culture. Writing involving more complex grammatical and syntactical patterns. Oral assessments including interviews and/or presentations. Satisfactory completion of CAS LI 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

          Summer 2 (July 5-August 14)

          B1 (IND) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
          Silvia Monteleone

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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. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

            Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

            A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
            Emi Usui Morse
            Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

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          • Second-Semester Japanese

            CAS LJ 112

            Prereq: (CAS LJ 111) or equivalent. Introduction to spoken and written Japanese and to fundamentals of Japanese grammar with oral drills and written exercises. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

            Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

            B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
            Emiko Okayasu Rafique

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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 CAS LJ 112 with an introduction to reading and composition. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

            Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

            A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
            Ayako Tanemura
            Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

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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 CAS LJ 112 with an introduction to reading and composition. Satisfactory completion of CAS LJ 212 fulfills the CAS language requirement. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

            Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

            B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
            Reiko Asahina Marcos

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          • Modern Japanese Culture in Cinema (in English translation)

            CAS LJ 283

            Japanese film from the silent era to contemporary animation, with attention to the intersection of cinematic and cultural analysis and genres such as yakuza movies. Directors studied may include Ozu, Kurosawa, Mizoguchi, and Miyazaki Hayao. Effective Fall 2018, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

            Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

            A1 (IND) Tues./Thurs. 9 am-12:30 pm
            Sarah Frederick
            Mts w/CAS CI260

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            • Korean

            • First-Semester Korean

              CAS LK 111

              For beginners or according to placement exam. Elementary grammar, conversation, reading, writing. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

              Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

              A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9:30 am-12 noon
              Jungsoo Kim
              Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

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              • Latin

              • Latin 3: 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. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Aesthetic Exploration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                Summer 1 (May 24-June 29)

                A1 (IND) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 1:30-4 pm
                Gertruida Van Rooyen
                Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

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              • Latin 4: Verse

                CAS CL 212

                Prereq: (CAS CL 211) or equivalent. Reading of selections from Latin poetry. Authors read may include Catullus, Ovid, and Vergil. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Teamwork/Collaboration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                Summer 2 (July 5-August 14)

                B1 (IND) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
                Brayden Hirsch

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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 about the online placement test is available at bu.edu/rs/academics/undergraduate/placement-tests/. The test can be taken at any time, but can only be taken once in a 12-month period.

                      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. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                      Summer 1 (May 23-June 30)

                      A1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
                      Philip Noonan
                      Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23
                      OL (LEC) Arranged
                      (DIS) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 11 am-12 noon
                      Susan Griffin
                      Online Course
                      Meets online every Mon, Wed, Thurs 11 am-12 noon for a live class

                      Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

                      OL (LEC) Arranged
                      (DIS) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 11 am-12 noon
                      Veronica Rodriguez Ballesteros
                      Online Course
                      Meets online every Mon, Wed, Thurs 11 am-12 noon for a live class
                      Summer 1 Section A1: As a special provision of this BU Hub course, BU financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for up to one course in summer 2023. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.
                      Summer 1 Section OL and Summer 2 Section OL: As a special provision of this summer online BU Hub course, BU financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for up to one course in summer 2023. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.
                      For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. The Distance Education office can be reached at 617-358-1960 for additional information.

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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. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                      Summer 1 (May 23-June 30)

                      OL (LEC) Arranged
                      (DIS) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 11 am-12 noon
                      Elena Carrion-Guerrero
                      Online Course
                      Meets online every Mon, Wed, Thurs 11 am-12 noon for a live class

                      Summer 2 (July 5-August 15)

                      B1 (LEC) Mon./Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9-11:30 am
                      Wiktoria Bryzys
                      OL (LEC) Arranged
                      (DIS) Mon./Wed./Thurs. 11 am-12 noon
                      Alison Carberry
                      Online Course
                      Meets online every Mon, Wed, Thurs 11 am-12 noon for a live class
                      Summer 2 Section B1: As a special provision of this BU Hub course, BU financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for up to one course in summer 2023. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.
                      Summer 1 Section OL and Summer 2 Section OL: As a special provision of this summer online BU Hub course, BU financial aid may be available to BU need-based scholarship recipients for up to one course in summer 2023. For more information, please contact BU Financial Assistance at 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.
                      For information about technology requirements for online courses at Boston University, see bu.edu/online/online-learning/technology. The Distance Education office can be reached at 617-358-1960 for additional information.

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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. Readings on Hispanic civilization and contemporary short stories. Writing exercises involving more complex grammatical and syntactical patterns. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: The Individual in Community. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                      Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

                      A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
                      Azlin Perdomo
                      Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

                      Summer 2 (July 6-August 15)

                      B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
                      Rosana Hernandez Nieto

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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. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                      Summer 1 (May 23-June 29)

                      A1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
                      Maria Datel
                      Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23

                      Summer 2 (July 6-August 15)

                      B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Thurs. 10 am-12:30 pm
                      Gonzalo Carretero Martinez

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                      • Comparative Literature

                      • Tradition and Modernity in Iranian Film and Literature

                        CAS XL 315

                        Prereq: First-Year Writing Seminar (e.g., CAS WR 100 or CAS WR 120). Examines how competing notions of tradition and modernity are presented in Iranian cinema. Explores both classical and modern Persian literary works to draw out underlying connections between the readings and the films. Effective Spring 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Writing-Intensive Course, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Aesthetic Exploration. 4 cr. Tuition: $3100

                        Summer 1 (May 24-June 28)

                        A1 (IND) Mon./Wed. 2-5:30 pm
                        Sassan Tabatabai
                        Make-up classes on two Fridays: 6/2 and 6/23. Mts w/CAS CI325

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