DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGES

Minor in French or Spanish | Organizations | Puebla Field School | Scholarships | Course Descriptions

CHAIR : CHARLES W. (BILL) BRIDGES

The Department of English and Foreign Languages comprises two programs: one in English, one in Foreign Languages. Each program offers students the opportunity to study language, literature, composition and cultures.

Foreign Languages Program

PROGRAM COORDINATOR: Rafael E. Saumell

FACULTY: Gerling , Gutermuth, Koeninger , Policarpo , Raymond , Rodríguez-Barberá , Saumell-Muñoz

The study of foreign languages not only enables a person to communicate in another language, but it also opens new doors to different cultures. Students of languages may experience foreign thought, literature, and heritage that enrich their lives. Knowledge of languages provides exciting opportunities to travel and have rewarding careers.

Professionals with competence in one or more foreign languages are needed in agriculture, business, computer science, criminology, education, the fine arts, government service, industry, international business, medicine, science, and related areas. The Foreign Languages Program prepares students for professions requiring a foreign language as a major skill and also functions as a service area in career preparation. Students in Foreign Languages may receive the Bachelor of Arts with a major in Spanish. Minors are available in French, and Spanish.

The Foreign Languages Program sponsors several activities designed to enhance the language student’s experience at Sam Houston State University.

Organizations: The Foreign Languages Program sponsors Pi Delta Phi, the national French honor society and Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society. Students also may participate in the French and Spanish Clubs.

Puebla Field School: Each summer, SHSU offers courses in the beautiful city of Puebla, Mexico. Students may take advanced Spanish courses and courses at all levels in such disciplines as art, business, and agriculture on the campus of the Universidad Iberoamericana.

Scholarships: Students in languages may apply for the Foreign Languages Scholarship and for the Mozelle Powell Spanish Scholarship. For more information, contact the Foreign Languages office or the Foreign Languages program website. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672.

Department of Foreign Language Website

MINOR IN FRENCH OR SPANISH

A minor in French or Spanish requires a total of 23 hours of course work. These include 141, 142, 263, 264, plus nine hours of advanced courses (six hours of which must be taken in residence.)

Foreign Language Requirement: The 12-14 semester hour requirement consists of four courses in one language: 141, 142, 263, and 264. These courses must be taken in sequence. No two courses in the series may be taken concurrently without the written approval of the Department Chair. The requirement reads “12-14 hours” to accommodate transfer students from institutions that award only 3 hours credit for each semester of the first year.

Placement Examination: The University offers a CLEP subject exam in order to determine the level of a student’s high school foreign language preparation. Credit is given for courses which need not be taken because of adequate performance on the examination. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

FRENCH COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

FRN 141 ELEMENTARY FRENCH. [FREN 1411] For students who have had no previous instruction in French. The work includes vocabulary acquisition, international cultural components, pronunciation, drills, sentence formation, and everyday conversation leading to proficiency. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Credit 4.

FRN 142 ELEMENTARY FRENCH. [FREN 1412] A continuation of FRN 141 with more speaking and writing toward advancing proficiency. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FRN 141 or equivalent. Credit 4.

FRN 263 FRENCH READING AND COMPOSITION. [FREN 2311] A continuation of FRN 142 with emphasis on written and oral skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FRN 142 or equivalent. Credit 3.

FRN 264 COMPREHENSION AND COMMUNICATION. [FREN 2312] A continuing emphasis on fluent usage of oral and written French. Intensive study of selected written work with the purpose of mastering mid-level proficiency skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FRN 263 or equivalent. Credit 3.

FRN 364 SURVEY OF FRENCH LITERATURE. A detailed study of the various schools and periods of literature from the 19th century to modern times. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or equivalent. Credit 3.

FRN 365 FRENCH GRAMMAR AND STYLISTICS. A review of the structure of the French language combined with detailed study of the various tenses and moods. Emphasis is placed on writing and composition. The objective is to acquire facility in writing about everyday topics. Prerequisite: French 364 or the equivalent. Credit 3.

FRN 367 FRENCH PHONETICS AND CONVERSATION. Basic theory of French pronunciation and intonation. With ample opportunity for drill, students achieve an intermediate level of oral proficiency. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

FRN 380 FRENCH CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION. A course to portray the overall picture of the role played by French culture and civilization throughout the world. This course will provide cultural background for French majors or minors. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

FRN 464 MODERN FRENCH USAGE AND CONVERSATION. A useful course for all levels, including those seeking oral proficiency. Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speech and conversation dealing with modern topics. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

FRN 470 SEMINAR IN SELECTED TOPICS IN LITERATURE, LANGUAGE, OR CIVILIZATION. This course will be an in-depth study of a selected topic by which French majors and minors, lacking specific skills, may acquire the necessary knowledge of francophone culture and/or the ability to speak, read, and write the French language at an advanced level. The topic to be explored will change from semester to semester. The course may be repeated for credit as the content varies. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in French or consent of instructor. Credit 3.

FRN 475 INDIVIDUAL FRENCH READINGS. This course is designed for the individual student who may need study of a particular era or genre or author. Enrollment in this course is restricted and approval for such must be obtained from the Program Coordinator. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Credit 3.