Languages and Literatures of Europe and the Americas

Faculty

*A. Dias, PhD (Chair)—modern Spanish literature, Puerto Rican literature
*L. Aranda, PhD—U. S. Latino literature, translation
*R. J. Ball, PhD—Latin literature, Augustan poetry, teaching methodology
*V. Bennett, PhD—Russian language and literature, 19th-century Russian literature, Russian symbolism, modernism and literature of the 1920s
*J. E. Brown, PhD—Russian language and literature, 19th-century Russian literature and poetics
*P. M. Chandler, PhD—second language acquisition, coordinator of elementary Spanish, teaching assistant supervisor, Portuguese language
*M. J. Fassiotto, PhD—18th-century French literature, 19th-century poetry, coordinator of second-year French
*M. C. Garneau, PhD—19th century French literature, oral genres, Italian
*K. Hoffmann, PhD—17th-century French literature, critical theory, theater
*K. Klingebiel, PhD—French linguistics and language, history of French, phonetics, Italian, Occitan, Welsh
*R. J. Littman, PhD—Greek literature, ancient history, ancient medicine
*J. Logan, PhD—Spanish American literature and cultural studies, women’s studies
*M. Overstreet, PhD—discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, German language teaching
*J. G. Sang, DrPhil—contemporary German literature, 18th- and 19th-century genres
P. A. Schroeder, PhD—Latin American poetry and film, cultural theory
*N. Schweizer, PhD—18th-century German classicism, Germans/Europeans in the Pacific
* E. M. Thau, PhD—contemporary Spanish literature, film, cultural studies
*J. M. Toyama, PhD—20th-century French novel, criticism, poetry
*C. Villegas-Silva, PhD—Spanish American literature, Spanish literature, Theater (US Latino, Spanish, Spanish American)
*D. Webb, PhD—Spanish American literature, Colonial Spanish American literature, Spanish American indigenous cultures and literatures

Degrees and Certificate Offered: BA in Classics, BA in French, BA in German, BA in Russian, BA in Spanish; MA in languages and literatures of Europe and the Americas; Certificate in Classics, Certificate in French, Certificate in German, Certificate in Latin America and Iberian Studies, Certificate in Russian, Certificate in Spanish

The Academic Program

The Department of Languages and Literatures of Europe and the Americas (LLEA) is divided into five language divisions: Classics, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. Courses of language instruction at the beginning and intermediate levels are offered in Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Advanced courses in composition, conversation and linguistics are offered in French, German, Russian and Spanish. Courses in the literatures of France, Francophone Africa, Germany, Latin America, Italy, Russia, Spain and Wales are offered regularly in the original language, as are courses in classical literary texts written in Greek and Latin. Cultural studies courses designed to acquaint students from other fields with the traditions and cultures of Europe and the Americas are also available, both in English and in the target language, and advanced courses in specialized topics have been designed for students at the graduate level.

Such courses include Hispanic cultural studies; U.S. Latino literature and culture; French and German film and French and German civilization; Spanish and Latin American cultural perspectives; Russian arts and culture; classical foundations; Europeans in the Pacific; literary theory; opera; exile literature; and courses on specific authors and literary movements. At the graduate level, particular attention is paid to literary analysis and cultural history. MA programs are offered in Classics, French, German and Spanish. In addition, BA degrees and certificate programs are offered in Classics, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. The department promotes language proficiency and cultural awareness through its sponsorship of student clubs, films, lectures, scholarships, and Study Abroad programs. Currently the department supports programs in Angers, Annecy and Paris, France; Florence, Italy; Berlin, Germany; Vladivostok, Russia; and several sites in the Hispanic world.

Undergraduate Study

Bachelor’s Degree

BA in Classics

• 24 credit hours of Greek and Latin courses numbered 300 and above in a combination approved by the major adviser

BA in French

• 33 credit hours of FR, exclusive of FR 101, 102, 201, and 202
• FR 311, 312, 331, and 332
• Four French 400-level courses, including three on literature

BA in German

• 30 credit hours of courses numbered 300 and above

BA in Russian

For a language emphasis:

• 30 credit hours of courses above RUS 202
• 6 credit hours of LLEA Russian-related courses

For a literature emphasis:

• 18 credit hours of language beyond the 202 level
• 18 credit hours of literature (including 6 credit hours of LLEA Russian-related courses)

BA in Spanish

• 33 credit hours above the 200 level
• SPAN 301†, 302†, 303†, 351, 352
• SPAN 361 or 362
• SPAN 371 or 372
• Two 400-level courses††
• Two electives††
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 for advanced (300- to 400-level) courses used to satisfy major requirements

†Language skill courses (SPAN 301 to 303) are normally limited to nonnative speakers of Spanish. Native and near-native speakers should consult a department adviser to determine what courses they may take.

††Recommended courses for prospective teachers: SPAN 330, 403, 451, and 452

††Recommended courses for prospective graduate students: SPAN 451, 452, and two 400-level literature courses

Approved study abroad of at least one semester in a Spanish-speaking country is recommended for all majors.

Certificate

Certificate in Classics, French, German, Russian, or Spanish
Upon recommendation of the appropriate division chair of the Department of Languages and Literatures of Europe and the Americas, UHM confers certification of achievement in Classics, French, German, Russian, or Spanish.

Students must complete 15 credit hours beyond the intermediate year in the language of choice. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be achieved. (For Classics certificate, 12 credit hours of Greek or Latin courses numbered 300 and above, plus GRK 101-102 and LATN 101-102.)

Graduate Study

Master’s Degree

The master’s degree in Languages and Literatures of Europe and the Americas is based on the view that European culture is a unity that expresses itself in the different European languages and literatures. This culture finds its roots in the classical civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome and currently extends far beyond the geographical boundaries of Europe.

The department has designed the master’s program to emphasize this unity of culture, while at the same time preserving high standards of competence and performance in a particular language area. This aim is accomplished by providing a common core of courses for all students in the program, yet allowing for concentration in a given language and literature.

Students are encouraged to extend their competence by taking courses in languages outside their area of concentration. The program aims for flexibility in order to promote individual interests. It recognizes current job needs in which knowledge of two or more languages is useful and often required.
Each candidate will choose an area of concentration from the following: French, German or Spanish.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the requirements of the Graduate Division, applicants must have the following:

1. A major or its equivalent in the chosen area of concentration with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B);
2. The competence equivalent to two years of study at the college level in a second foreign language. For candidates in Classics, a third foreign language is required in addition to Greek and Latin; and
3. For French, German, Russian, and Spanish, an acceptable accent and fluency in the language of the area of concentration as demonstrated in a personal interview or by a tape recording as specified by the department.

Applicants with minor deficiencies may be accepted provisionally, but course work taken to make up deficiencies may not be counted toward satisfaction of the degree requirements. Students deficient in the second (or for Classics, the third) foreign language are strongly advised to make up this deficiency early in the program in order to participate meaningfully in the research/interdisciplinary aspects of the program.

Requirements

All students in the program will be required to

• present during the first semester a plan of study approved by the graduate chair, two graduate faculty members from the area of concentration, and, if a significant number of credits from another department is elected, a member of the graduate faculty from that department;
• earn 6 credit hours selected from among the core courses (LLEA 680, 681, 682, and 683);
• satisfy remaining specific requirements in the area of concentration; and
• pass satisfactorily the comprehensive examinations required in the area of concentration.

Students who select Plan A (thesis) in their area of concentration must present a thesis proposal, including justification of the topic and a bibliography, for approval by the thesis director and two members of the thesis committee before the end of the second semester of work. The completed thesis must be presented to the thesis committee at least four weeks before the Graduate Division deadline. The Graduate Division requires all theses to be written in English.

All graduate students must take at least one 600-level course in the selected area of concentration each semester.

The core courses are designed to show how the European languages and literature are interconnected and stem from a common influence in classical antiquity. Although the courses are taught in English, candidates are expected to read the works from their own area of concentration in the original language.

Classics Requirements

For admission to the MA program, candidates must present an undergraduate major in Classics, with the traditional mastery of Greek and Latin in the original languages. Candidates admitted to the program must pursue both languages at the graduate level, in classes that will involve joint-instruction with advanced undergraduate students.

Plan A (thesis) requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in Greek and Latin; it is intended primarily for prospective PhD candidates. Under this plan, students must complete 24 credit hours, at least 12 of these in courses numbered 600 and above and at least 6 of these in LLEA 680, 681, 682, and 683. Students must also take 6 credit hours of thesis research under a sponsor of their choice and defend the thesis at a final oral examination.

Plan B (non-thesis) requires a minimum of 30 credit hours in Greek and Latin; it is intended primarily for prospective high school teachers. Under this plan, students must take 30 credit hours, at least 18 of these in courses numbered 600 and above and at least 6 in LLEA 680, 681, 682, and 683. Students must also pass a final comprehensive examination on Greek and Roman literature.

French Requirements 

Candidates in French literature may select Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). A minimum of 18 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600 and above, for a total of 30 credit hours, including 6 credit hours from among the core courses. FR 661 is also required but may be waived by the graduate chair. All specified requirements are minimal; a program for each student will be worked out based on the results of the preliminary conference with the graduate chair.

Plan A requires a minimum of 30 credit hours: at least 24 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of thesis research. A minimum of 18 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600 and above. Of these, a minimum of 15 credit hours must be in French courses numbered 600 and above, including at least one graduate seminar. Additional requirements are a written comprehensive examination and a thesis.

Plan B requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of course work. A minimum of 18 credits must be earned in courses numbered 600 and above. Of these, a minimum of 15 credit hours must be in French courses numbered 600 and above, including at least one graduate seminar. A written comprehensive examination is also required.

German Requirements

Candidates select either Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). Both plans require a minimum of 30 credit hours. The requirements specified below are the minimum requirements; a program for each student will be worked out on the basis of a preliminary conference.

Plan A requires a minimum of 30 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. At least 12 credit hours must be in German courses numbered 600 and above, 3 credit hours in LLEA 630, 6 credit hours of thesis research, and 6 credit hours from among the core courses. Electives may be arranged upon consultation with a graduate adviser. Thesis approval and a thesis defense complete the requirements.

Plan B requires a minimum of 30 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. At least 18 credit hours must be in courses numbered 600 and above, 3 credit hours in LLEA 630, 3 credit hours in LLEA 480 or 481, 3 credit hours in LLEA 680 or 681, and 6 credit hours (or more) of electives. A final written comprehensive examination completes the degree requirements.

Spanish Requirements

Candidates in Spanish may select Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis). Candidates in both plans are required to take 30 credit hours, including 6 credit hours of LLEA core courses. At least 18 of the 30 credit hours must be numbered 600 and above, including at least one graduate seminar. Students electing Plan A (thesis) must complete 6 credit hours of LLEA 700 Thesis Research. Graduate assistants in Spanish are also required to take SPAN 658 Seminar in Spanish Linguistics. Candidates of both plans must pass a comprehensive final examination in literature (Peninsular and Spanish American) and in one of the following three areas (language, Latino Studies, cultural studies/critical theory). The examination is based on the minimum reading list and is also tailored to fit the background and course work of the individual candidates and the thesis, if offered.

Catalog Home | About Catalog Office | Contact Catalog Office | Catalog Archive | Site Map | UH Manoa Home

Please note: This Catalog was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right to change or delete, supplement or otherwise amend at any time and without prior notice the information, requirements and policies contained in this Catalog.