World Languages and Cultures (WLC)

This class explores the history and impact of French food on contemporary culture. Through a wide range of experiences and on-site lectures, students will be exposed to the history of French cuisine and its importance in the modern dining experience. Instruction is in English.

This course is an introduction to modern Japan and its culture. Students will explore some of the key concepts surrounding cultural values, attitudes, behavior patterns and communication styles seen in modern Japan. Students examine the roots of these concepts by learning about Japan's rich history, traditions, arts and more. Topics such as the concept of harmony, Japanese aesthetics, relationships and pop culture will be covered. Through the class activities and assignments, students develop a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and become equipped for intercultural communications in the future global scenes. Instruction is in English.

This course offers an exploration of Spanish literature focused on the theme of murder. Students will engage with masterpieces of Spanish literature which include the theme of murder and its contexts of abusive power, social discrimination, war confrontation and political controversy.

This course offers an immersive exploration of Chinese culture, history and society through the lens of its vibrant and diverse cinematic traditions. Students will engage with a curated selection of films spanning different eras and genres. By analyzing narrative structures, visual aesthetics, thematic concerns and historical contexts, students will gain a deeper understanding of key cultural values, societal transformations and political dynamics that have shaped China. The course will cover significant film movements, influential directors and the evolving relationship between cinema and national identity, providing insights into topics such as family structures, gender roles, traditional philosophies and the impact of globalization on Chinese society.

This course offers a broad survey of traditional Chinese culture through three interrelated art forms that embody China's aesthetic, philosophical and social values. The course combines lectures, readings, multimedia materials and in-class experiential activities to introduce students to the cultural significance of martial arts, tea culture and calligraphy. A guest instructor will provide demonstrations and guided practice sessions to deepen students' appreciation of these traditions. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these practices reflect Chinese thought, history and daily life, as well as their influence in a global context.

This course requires students to develop a broad understanding of the Viking period by examining a wide variety of cultural artifacts (archaeological, literary and historical) and the perspectives of contemporaneous and subsequent historians writing about the Vikings. Students analyze historical accounts of the Viking period by members of the vanquished cultures, the myths of the Vikings themselves, the literary texts about these myths compiled 500 years later, as well as modern renditions of the Viking Age in film, literature and pop culture today. They learn to question the veracity and accuracy of these sources as well as the political and cultural motivations behind depictions of the Vikings. They then use the information from these sources to develop their own assessment of the Viking period and its treatment in primary and secondary sources.

This course is a study of a particular topic in world literature in translation. The course may be repeated if content changes.

This course studies a particular world culture in translation. The course may be repeated if content changes.

Students will study linguistic structures of a world language in translation. Topics could include an introduction to sociolinguistics and psycholinguistics. This course may be repeated for credit if the content changes.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Students will engage with this foundational text of Italian and world literature, focusing on its themes of redemption and the human condition as Dante journeys through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

This course examines the evolution of the "woman question" and the "querelle des femmes" in Italian and European literature, exploring how these discussions have shaped and reflected societal views on gender and women's roles throughout history. Students will investigate a range of texts from the Middle Ages to the modern era, focusing on key literary works that address the complexities of gender, identity and empowerment.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Italian literature through the lens of translation, aimed at students pursuing a minor or major in Italian. Focusing on the practical challenges and creative opportunities involved in translating works from Italian to English, the course provides both theoretical foundations and hands-on experience. Instruction is in English.

This course allows students an opportunity to complete independent studies under faculty supervision. Work may be done in all languages offered in the department but may not replace standard course offerings. This course may be repeated for credit if the content changes.