Foreign language courses

An introduction to American cultural traits and social and religious customs for international students beginning their studies in the United States. Special focus will be given to local Midwestern culture and rural issues.(2 credits)

Extensive training and practice in speaking English and comprehending spoken English. Emphasis upon the development of listening comprehension strategies, idiomatic vocabulary, and skills in rephrasing, interrogation, and verification. Each student will be pretested in pronunciation, listening comprehension, speaking and vocabulary. Tutorials and materials appropriate to the student's present proficiency will be utilized, as well as large group presentations and activities.Prerequisite: This class is open only to ESL students with a concurrent enrollment in ESL101, or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

The Bible is the foundation for the Jewish and Christian traditions, and has powerfully influenced every dimension of Western Civilization. By studying the Bible, students gain access to the heart of the Judaic-Christian traditions and build a foundation for better understanding Western philosophy, literature, art, music, law and history. In this course, ESL students read selections from the English Bible as well as short excerpts from pieces of Western Literature that have been inspired by the Bible. The aim is both to improve English reading, writing, and speaking skills and also better appreciate the cultural importance of the Jewish and Christian scriptures. Time permitting, students may rehearse and perform in English a short one-act drama based upon a classic Bible story.Prerequisites: ESL101, 201, and 203, or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

The study and practice of formal and informal modes of written communication accepted in American academic work. Intensive work will be done to develop fluency in writing and reading, expand vocabulary, diagnose and remediate grammatical deficiencies and train students to identify and correct their own mistakes.Prerequisite: this class is open only to ESL students with a concurrent enrollment in ESL201 or ESL251, or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

A study at the intermediate level of English language literature, emphasis will be placed on the development of reading skills and reading strategies through an introduction to literature in the English language. Students will learn how to effectively read a literary text in English, including the development of vocabulary and grammar recognition.Prerequisites: ESL101, 201, and concurrent enrollment in ESL203, or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

This course is designed to meet the needs of international students who intend to study business at an American institution or whose primary reason in learning English is for conducting business. The course focuses on learning business concepts and terminology as well as improving communication skills.Prerequisites: ESL251 or 201, and concurrent enrollment in ESL203, or permission of instructor.(2 credits)

This course is designed to meet the needs of international students who intend to pursue undergraduate and/or graduate studies in the United States. The course focuses on preparing students for the demands of academic lecture comprehension, note- taking, and also on improving writing skills in evaluating and organizing material as well as predicting upcoming information. In addition, students will practice reading strategies to improve textbook comprehension.Prerequisites: ESL101, 201, and 203, or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

Continued training and practice in speaking English and comprehending spoken English. Emphasis upon the development of listening comprehension strategies, development of idiomatic vocabulary, skills in paraphrasing, initiating conversation, interrogation, note taking and verification, and the writing of short essays on comparative-cultural topics. Training and practice in college reading strategies toward the dual goal of increased speed and comprehension. Individual work on pronunciation problems.Prerequisite: This class is open only to ESL students with the prerequisite of ESL201 or permission of instructor.(4 credits)

Combined study of language and culture. Students will compare and contrast dominant US culture with major themes of Hispanic culture and gain insight in how culture infuses both life and language alike. Novice study of the language in a communicative context. Emphasis upon integration of developing language skills with cultural understanding and sensitivity in oral communication settings. Prerequisite: No previous study of Spanish, or placement by the foreign language placement exam. (4 credits)

Combined study of language and culture. Building on their previously acquired learning of Spanish, students will compare and contrast dominant US culture with major themes of Hispanic culture and gain insight in how culture infuses both life and language alike. Novice study of the language in a communicative context. Emphasis upon integration of developing language skills with cultural understanding and sensitivity in oral communication settings. Prerequisite: SPA111, or placement by the foreign language placement exam. (4 credits) (NWCore option under Language and Culture)

(3 credits)(NWCore option under Language and Culture) Combined study of intermediate language and culture. Study of primary sources in print, audio and visual forms to develop appreciation for the ways culture in general and the language's culture in particular shape a variety of social contexts. Building on previously acquired ability in Spanish, continued study of language in a communicative context with considerable emphasis upon precision and expansion of linguistic skills. Prerequisite: SPA102, or placement by the foreign language placement exam.

Combined study of intermediate language and culture. Study of primary sources in print, audio and visual forms to develop appreciation for the ways culture in general and the language's culture in particular shape a variety of social contexts. Building on previously acquired ability in Spanish, continued study of language in a communicative context with considerable emphasis upon precision and expansion of linguistic skills.Prerequisite: SPA201, or placement by the foreign language placement exam.(3 credits)

Study of the methods and approaches most commonly used in K-12 foreign language teaching. Discussion of recent research and methodology in child and adolescent foreign language acquisition. This course requires a 30-hour practicum and is required of each candidate seeking an endorsement in this content area. Prerequisite: SPA202 or equivalent proficiency. (4 credits) Notes: Does not count toward the Spanish major or minor. Students must earn a "C" or better in the special methods course in order to fulfill program requirements for secondary licensure.

The main goal of this course is to improve oral communication, which includes speaking as well as listening, comprehension. Since successful communication also involves cultural awareness of the Spanish speaker's feelings, thoughts and attitudes, part of this course involves studying sources of these important underlying constructs.Prerequisite: SPA202 or equivalent proficiency.(1 credit)

(3 credits)(Writing intensive) Advanced development of writing skills and a review of difficult grammar concepts. Students will be expected to write in a variety of contexts. Emphasis will be on the writing process. The majority of the assignments will be completed in steps including multiple drafts. Additionally, students will be expected to review grammar and complete some grammar exercises. Note: Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPA 202 or equivalent proficiency.

Advanced development of reading skills and strategies and an introduction to Hispanic literature and literary topics. Students will learn how to effectively read a literary text in Spanish. Attention will be paid to strategies for understanding context through vocabulary and grammar recognition. Additionally students will be introduced to the literary genres and cultural contexts of the texts they study as well as pertinent critical commentary.Prerequisite: SPA202 or equivalent proficiency.(3 credits)

An in-depth study of Spanish phonetics. Topics include techniques and rules of Spanish articulation, analysis of the sounds of vowels and consonants in Spanish and their differences from English pronunciation, syllabication, rhythm, stress, pitch and intonation. Prerequisites: SPA202 and one 3-credit 300-level course. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A wide-ranging study of the current situation of Hispanics in the United States. After an historical overview, a thematic approach will be taken to better understand the role of Hispanics in the United States and their growing influence. Possible topics include demographics, voting tendencies, purchasing power, Hispanic media, religion, labor laws, immigration, Spanglish and bilingualism, among others. Using interviews and research, the course will conclude with a study of our Hispanic neighbors here in northwest Iowa.Prerequisites: SPA202 and one 3-credit 300-level course.(3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An introduction to the related fields of translation and interpreting. Students will be introduced to the different theories and techniques of translation and interpreting, the differences between the two fields and within each field, ethical and moral considerations for translators and interpreters, the role of translating and the translator as well as interpreting and the interpreter, and the modes of interpreting including consecutive, simultaneous and sight-translation. Students will apply the theoretical principals by working primarily from their B language to their A language for both translation and interpreting. Prerequisites: SPA202 and two 3-credit 300 level Spanish courses, or by permission of instructor. (3 credits)

An in-depth study of interpreting at the introductory level between Spanish and English, with both theoretical background knowledge and applied practice included. Specific topic areas covered involve legal, medical and religious interpreting. Prerequisites: SPA331. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An intermediate level course taken after completion of Interpreting I, students will continue to strengthen their skills in sight-translation and short and long consecutive interpreting while beginning in-depth study of simultaneous interpreting. Students will reinforce their interpreting techniques by applying consecutive interpreting strategies to simultaneous interpreting. Course material will broaden from legal, medical and religious interpreting to include other areas such as science and politics, and will include continued discussion of moral, ethical and Christian considerations for interpreters. Although primarily from Language B to A, students will also begin to interpret from their A language into their B language more and more. Prerequisites: SPA331 & 332. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

An advanced level course taken after completion of Interpreting II, students will consolidate their skills in sight-translation and short and long consecutive interpreting while primarily focusing on simultaneous interpreting. Students will deepen and reinforce their simultaneous interpreting abilities with the addition of new strategies, skills building exercises and practice techniques. Course material will include a broad range of materials from the legal, medical, religious, scientific, political and other fields and will increasingly be from real-world situations. Continued discussion of moral, ethical and Christian considerations for interpreters. Students will interpret both from their B language into their A language as well as A to B. Prerequisites: SPA 331, 332 & 333. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course is an introduction to the theory, methods, techniques and problems involved in basic translation. The first half of the semester will focus mostly on translating from Spanish to English. The second half of the course will involve general material from specific areas of life: popular culture, music, social sciences, education, business, medicine, the legal profession, etc., with translation exercises from both Spanish to English and English to Spanish. Prerequisites: SPA331. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

An intermediate level course taken after completion of Translation I, students will continue to strengthen their skills in translation by becoming more adept at applying the theory, methods and techniques first introduced in earlier courses. Course material will come from a broad array of legal, medical, religious, scientific and political sources, as well as materials stemming from community needs. Although primarily from Language B to A, students will also increasingly translate from their A language into their B language more and more. Prerequisites: SPA 331 & 336. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

An advanced level course taken after completion of Translation II, students will consolidate their skills in translation. Students will learn how to improve earlier translations (either from their own translation or from others) as they target their translations for specific audiences. Course material will come from a broad array of legal, medical, religious, scientific and political sources, as well as materials stemming from community needs. Course material will be longer in nature and more challenging than that of Translation II. Students will translate both from their Language B into their Language A as well as A to B. Prerequisites: SPA331, 336 & 337. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Designed for advanced Spanish students, this practicum gives students the opportunity to practice their Spanish on a daily basis in a Spanish speaking environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication, both speaking and listening. Placement opportunities include, but are not limited to, living in the Northwestern College Spanish house or with a Spanish speaking Hispanic family.Prerequisite: SPA202. Enrollment through permission of modern foreign languages department.(2 credits)

Designed for advanced translation and interpreting students, this practicum gives students the opportunity to practice their professional skills in a real world environment. Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis. Prerequisites: SPA334, 338 & permission of the MFL department. (2 credits, consult department)

A study of peninsular Spanish literature from El Cid to the present. Emphasis upon major literary movements and their representative masterpieces. Prerequisite: SPA314 or permission of instructor. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of Spanish Latin-American literature from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis upon major literary movements and their representative masterpieces. Prerequisite: SPA314 or permission of instructor. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

A study of topics in Spanish language and culture not fully covered in other Spanish courses in response to student or faculty interests. Note: May be taken more than once, provided a different topic is studied. (2-4 credits)

Lack of cross-cultural competence and sensitivity is a prominent cause of much frustration and anger between visitors to a country and the individuals living in that country. In preparation for their semester study abroad, in this course students will learn common cross-cultural skills and become aware of the joys and challenges they will face in those months. They will also spend time learning about the country in which they will be studying so they are well-versed in the basic historical, political, economic, social and cultural issues that country has dealt with and is dealing with. Prerequisite: Acceptance into a study abroad program approved by Northwestern College for Spanish majors. (1 credit)

Semester study abroad trips have two interweaving tracks: the external experience, where we encounter the new world in which we are living, and the internal experience, where we visit new places with ourselves. Writing a journal affords the student the opportunity to wrap these two journeys together and end up with a vibrant account of his/her experience - a keepsake that helps him/her remember and learn from the semester study abroad. Thus, a travel journal is the ultimate souvenir. To complete the requirements for this course, students will write a journal during their semester study abroad experience as well as write a final essay reflecting on both the semester abroad and their entire foreign-language collegiate experience. Prerequisite: Acceptance into a study abroad program approved by Northwestern College for Spanish majors. (1 credit)

(2 credits may apply toward the major or minor)

Designed primarily for students who plan to teach English as a second language but who are not part of the TESL endorsement, this practicum places TESL minor students in an ESL teaching setting, primarily with recent immigrants in Sioux County. Students teach ESL to immigrants, either on a one-to-one basis or with small groups. Prerequisite: 201 proficiency in a foreign language, TSL307 or permission of instructor. (2 credits)

The course is a survey of key issues in socio-and applied linguistic inquiry on case studies of topics such as the nature of language, bilingualism and bilingual education as well as language planning and language policy. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department)

This course will examine the similarities and differences between the acquisition of first and second languages. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)

Study of the unique problems and opportunities in teaching English to classes made up of individuals from heterogeneous language backgrounds. Discussion of recent research, methodology and grammar concepts unique to ESL. Prerequisite: one year of a foreign language or permission of instructor. (3 credits, alternate years, consult department)