Major/Minor

Guidelines for Harpur College Major/Minor Requirement

This page informs on what courses students that are already enrolled in Harpur College should take in order to complete their major or minor in one of our languages.

DECLARATION PROCEDURES: To declare or drop a major and/or minor in French, Italian or Spanish please submit the Major/Minor Declaration Google Form.

Information on Spanish

As the second largest spoken language in the United States and in the world, Spanish plays a key role in higher education. It is an invaluable tool for pursuing career opportunities and for enhancing graduates' performance in any field. The linguistic and cultural competency acquired through our courses allows students to communicate effectively with Latinos and Hispanics in the U.S. and their home countries. Additionally, our diverse curricula help students develop the analytical and argumentative skills valued in most professions.

Our faculty includes professors from the U.S., Puerto Rico and several Spanish-speaking countries (Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela), which enhances our students' multicultural experience. They are internationally recognized scholars who often teach courses linked to their compelling research projects in linguistics, film, literary and cultural studies.

FAQs

Courses of Interest

• SPAN 350 - Advanced Conversation

  This course will focus on controversial topics and universal themes that engage students in exciting and dynamic conversations and discussions. To facilitate discussions, instructors use input from different kind of textual and audiovisual material, such as literary texts, news, articles, blogs, podcast, pictures, videos, short films, etc. This class is intended for students who are in the need of practicing their oral communication skills. PREREQUISITES: SPAN 250 and 251, equivalent, or permission of instructor. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 360 - Hispanic Culture

  Course on selected readings, visual, and audiovisual material that allow students to understand historical, political, geographical, and cultural developments in Hispanic societies, from the Middle ages to the present, from a transatlantic perspective. This course builds on the analytical skills developed in Span 344 and aims at perfecting oral and written communication. Students are expected to participate effectively in class through small group activities and creative project presentations. This course counts for the Spanish major and minor. It can be taken simultaneously with SPAN 344 and 370. PREREQUISITE: SPAN 251 or equivalent, or instructor's permission. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 380C - Topics in Hispanic Studies

  The courses taught under this category explore different aspects of Spanish and Latin American literature, culture, history and language while preparing students for more advanced courses on similar topics at the 400 level. The courses taught under this category explore different aspects of Spanish and Latin American literature, culture, history and language while preparing students for more advanced courses on similar topics at the 400 level. Recent topics include: "Children's Literature", "Introduction to Latin American History", "The Border and the Chican@ Experience" and "Hispanic Food and Culture." When the course is on literature it fulfills the requirement of a literature course for the minor. PREREQUISITE: SPAN 251 or equivalent or instructor's permission. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 480F - Topics in Spanish Lang/Lit

  The courses offered under this rubric explore subjects related to the proficient use of the Spanish language as and investigate different aspects of the linguistic discipline, such as formal linguistics and sociolinguistics, which help students master oral and written communication. Examples of these courses include: syntax, phonetics and phonology, sociolinguistics, contact linguistics, stylistics, discourse analysis, and visual analysis. Prerequisite: for courses focused on Language SPAN 251, for courses focused on Linguistics SPAN 351. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 481L - Topics in Spanish Literature

  The courses taught under this rubric focused on specific writers or literary movements in Spain. Recent topics include: “Travel, Exploration, Nature, and Empire Spain and Colonial Latin America in the Early Modern Period (16th-17th Centuries)”, “Staging the Other: Minorities in Early Modern Spanish Theater”, “Hispanic Narrative and Film”, “Picaresque Fictions”, “Hispanic Poetry and Short Fiction”, “Golden Age Women Writers”, “Poetry and Politics in 20th C. Spain.” Prerequisite: SPAN 360 or 370 or equivalent. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 483E - Topics in Latin American Lit

  The courses taught under this rubric explore the creativity and unique value of Latin American literature while offering a window into different countries’ histories, politics, social relations and everyday life. Recent topics include "Latin American Horror Stories," "Latin American Love Stories," "The Literary Boom," "Latin American Short Stories,” "Contemporary Popular Fiction in the Hispanic Caribbean ", and “Bang-Bang Theory: Crime and Detective Fiction in Latin America.” Prerequisite: SPN 360 or 370, or equivalent. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 484E - Topics in Spanish Culture

  The courses taught under this rubric explore subjects related to Spain from a global context perspective. They focus on products, practices and perspectives of Spanish culture through art, cinema, music, photography, media, urbanism documents, etc. Classes are structure around readings and discussion of substantive issues such as Spanish politics, immigration, social movements, youth and generational change. Most recently taught courses include: "Current Spain: Culture, Politics, and Society", "Feminism and Social Movements in Spain", "Migration in the Mediterranean." Prerequisites: SPAN 344, 360, or 370. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 485C - Topics Latin American Culture

  The courses taught under this rubric explore different aspects of Latin American culture, such as social issues, historical processes, political movements, cinema and music trends, the role of the media, etc. Recent topics include "Social Conflict through Children's Eyes," "Latin American History," "Gender, Class, and Race in Argentine Cinema", "Who cares about Puerto Rico", "Build that Wall: History of US-Mexico Relations and "Border Culture", "Latinx in the US" and "The Latin American Song." Prerequisites SPAN 360 or 370. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Levels: Undergraduate

• SPAN 485D - Topics Latin American Culture

  The courses taught under this rubric explore different aspects of Latin American culture, such as social issues, historical processes, political movements, cinema and music trends, the role of the media, etc. Recent topics include "Social Conflict through Children's Eyes," "Latin American History," "Gender, Class, and Race in Argentine Cinema", "Who cares about Puerto Rico", "Build that Wall: History of US-Mexico Relations and "Border Culture", "Latinx in the US" and "The Latin American Song." Prerequisites SPAN 360 or 370. May be repeated for credit if topic is different. Levels: Undergraduate

Click below for more information about major/minor requirements for Spanish.

• Major in Spanish

  Requirements (For students starting in 2018)

  • 10 Courses beginning at the Intermediate Spanish level (SPAN 211) or above.

  • A minimum of six (6) courses at the 300- and 400-levels.

  A. Required courses

  • SPAN 211 Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 215 Intermediate Spanish II
  • SPAN 250 Advanced Grammar
  • SPAN 251 Advanced Writing and Debate
  • SPAN 344 Advanced Reading and Interpretation
  • Two of the following three courses: SPAN 351 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics, SPAN 360 Hispanic Culture, SPAN 370 Hispanic Literature
  • Three SPAN courses at the 400-level

  • • Note: Teaching College Spanish (SPAN 491) does not count toward this requirement.

  Please note: 

  • Heritage learners (students who grew up in households where Spanish was spoken but did their formal education in English) should take 212 (instead of 211), 213 (instead of 215), and 249 (instead of 250)

  • Students starting at SPAN 215 or above can take extra advanced courses to complete the 10 required courses.

  • Majors can take one (1) course in English— by a faculty in the Spanish section or cross-listed with SPAN—relevant to their interests in the language and or the Hispanic world.

  B. Other requirements

  • A minimum grade of "C" is required for any course in Spanish applied toward the major (pass/fail courses do not count toward the major completion).

  • At least five (5) courses must be taken on Binghamton University campus, including one (1) 300/level course and two (2) 400-level courses.

  • Courses offered through the Binghamton University-sponsored program in Madrid/Malaga (no longer running), Barcelona, Buenos Aires, and Cuzco are considered "on-campus" courses. Please check the updated tables of equivalent courses for each program, in the Study Abroad link under Resources.

  • Students must consult with a departmental advisor prior to their enrollment in abroad courses or programs.

  C. Declaration procedure
  Students can declare a Spanish major at any time during the completion of their BA. These are the steps involved in the declaration procedure:

  • To declare a major and/or minor, please submit the Major/Minor Declaration Google Form, you may use this form to request to drop your major/minor in Romance Languages and Literatures as well.

  Note: check your Degree Works periodically to make sure you are completing/have completed the requirements for the major — do not wait until your final year to check.

• Minor in Spanish

  Requirements

  • Six 4-credit courses starting at the 200 level 

  • One of the six courses must be in literature.

  • Two must be at the 300 or 400 level.

  • Three of the six courses must be completed on campus or through* Binghamton, at least one of which must be at the 300 or 400 level.

  Please note:

  • Heritage learners (students who grew up in households where Spanish was spoken but did their formal education in English) should take 212 (instead of 211), 213 (instead of 215), and 249 (instead of 250).

  • No courses may be taken in English for the minor in Spanish.

  • A minimum grade of "C" is required for any course in Spanish applied toward the minor; as such, taking a course Pass/Fail would not count.

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Information on Italian

In the global context of the 21st century, a degree in Italian offers students a distinct set of advantages, both personal and professional. We examine Italy as the geographic, cultural and economic heart of Europe; a center of Western civilization from Roman times to the present day.

The mastery of spoken and written Italian is developed through the study of an evolving artistic tradition: Medieval literature and culture, Renaissance philosophy, modern Italian poetry and prose, cinema and new media. Such textual landscapes deliver global perspectives that launch students into diverse fields, from education to diplomacy, travel journalism to museum curating, interpreting and translation to international trade and finance.

• ITAL 251 - Italian Culture & Composition

  This is an intermediate-level course that focuses on the development of spoken and written language skills through examining Italian culture and literature. We will learn about the regions and traditions of some famous Italian writers. As we study literary texts, film, and various other media, we will be able to better understand Italy as it is today. Conducted in Italian. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or equivalent. Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 351 - Ital Adv Comp & Conversation

  Review of major points of Italian grammar. Acquisition of new vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Material includes excerpts from contemporary literature, magazines and newspapers, songs, and video clips. 4 credits. Prerequisite: ITAL 215 or equivalent. Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 375 - Modern Italian Culture

  Survey of Italian cultural production from unification (1870) to the present. Analysis of how developments in modern history galvanized Italian dramatic (theater, opera, cinema) and figurative (painting and sculpture) arts. The study of artwork explores themes of national and gender identity, war and survival, and emigration and exile. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 461 - Dante's Divine Comedy

  Extensive reading of the Commedia; consideration of its place in world literature. Conducted in English with additional work in Italian for Italian majors and minors. No prerequisite. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 463 - The Italian Renaissance

  Selected masterpieces of prose and poetry studied in their cultural context and European significance. Conducted in English with additional work in Italian for Italian majors and minors. No Prerequisite. 4 credits. Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 481K - Topics in Italian Lit/Culture

  Topics in Italian Lit. and/or Culture Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 481N - Topics in Italian Lit/Culture

  Topics in Italian Lit. and/or Culture Levels: Undergraduate

• ITAL 481L - Topics in Italian Lit/Culture

  Topics in Italian Lit. and/or Culture Levels: Undergraduate

Click below for more information about major/minor requirements for Italian.

• Major in Italian

  Standard program (code 330)
  (No previous preparation or some prior elementary Italian preparation)

  10 courses

  The 10 required courses for the major shall be distributed as follows: 

  • One of the following: ITAL 113, ITAL 115, or one course at the 200 level or above,
  • Three ITAL courses at the 200 level or above,
  • Two ITAL courses at the 300 level or above, and
  • Four ITAL courses at the 400 level or above.

  Campus requirements
  A minimum grade of "C" is required for any course in Italian applied toward the major and defines "satisfactory performance" in the course.

  • Occasionally one 300-level course may substitute for a 400-level course with permission of student's advisor.

  • Courses from other institutions or Study Abroad, especially at the 400-level, must be approved by student's advisor.

  • At least three (3) 400-level courses must be taken on campus.

• Minor in Italian

  Requirements

  • Six 4-credit courses starting at the 200 level
  • One of the six courses must be in literature.
  • Two must be at the 300 or 400 level.
  • Three of the six courses must be completed on campus.
  • At least one 300 or 400-level course must be completed on campus.

  Please Note: 

  • A minimum grade of "C" is required for any course in French applied toward the minor; as such, taking a course Pass/Fail would not count.

Information on French

Undergraduates may choose to major in French and Francophone Studies or in French Language and Linguistics. Each track consists of a total of ten courses, as described below. Only courses at or above FREN 215 may be counted toward the major.

Note: Students should consult placement guidelines provided by the department. Depending on prior exposure to the language, introductory courses may be required prerequisites for the major.

• FREN 241 - Language and Culture

  Discussions of current issues in societies and cultures of the French-speaking world, with reinforcement of selected grammatical structures. Course designed to strengthen skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing in preparation for upper-level coursework and study abroad. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Prerequisite: French 215 or equivalent, or AP score of 4 or IB score of 5, or permission of instructor. Levels: Undergraduate

• FREN 341 - France Today

  What does it mean to be French? From the Republican values of liberté, égalité, and laïcité to labor unions and gilets jaunes, from an obsession with la natalité to a commitment to la sécurité sociale, from ambivalence toward France’s bloody history of Empire, immigration, and the European project to outrage at l’évasion fiscale and la féminicide, this course examines the intersections of French history, values, and everyday life. Offered spring semester. Prerequisite: FREN 241 or permission of instructor. Levels: Undergraduate

• FREN 351 - Advanced Grammar

  A comprehensive examination of grammatical structures of French at an advanced level. Systematic review, reinforcement, and interactive practice of grammar points will strengthen skills in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing, and will serve as further preparation for advanced coursework. Offered regularly. 4 credits. Prerequisite: FREN 241, or permission of instructor. Levels: Undergraduate

• FREN 480B - AdvTopics Language/Linguistics

  Topics in Language and Linguistics. Topics vary by semester. Prerequisite: two 300-level courses or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Levels: Undergraduate

• FREN 481K - Adv FRE/FrancophoneLit/Culture

  Prerequisite: two 300-level courses (preferably one language, one literature) or the equivalent, or permission of instructor. Levels: Undergraduate

Click below for more information about major/minor requirements for French.

• Major in French

  Option 1: French and Francophone Studies
  Students who choose the French and Francophone studies track of the major can expect to develop a high level of fluency in both written and spoken dimensions of the language. Through an interdisciplinary approach, they will also gain knowledge of the literatures, culture, history, and politics of those parts of the world where the French language is an important medium of expression.

  This major consists of ten courses:
  

  • A.  Five (5) 200-, 300-, or 400-level FREN courses
  • B. One (1) 300- or 400-level FREN course
  • C. One (1) 300-level topics course in French and Francophone studies
  • D. Two (2) 400-level topics courses in French and Francophone studies
  • E. One (1) 400-level course in French Language and Linguistics

  NOTE: At least five courses must be taken on campus, including ONE (1) 300-level course and TWO (2) 400-level courses. Any upper-level transfer credits, including study abroad, must be approved by the department.

  Suggested Sequence: 

  1. FREN 211
  2. FREN 215
  3. FREN 241
  4. FREN Elective (300/400 level)
  5. FREN Elective (300/400 level)
  6. FREN 381
  7. FREN 481 (variable topic)
  8. FREN 481 (variable topic)
  9. FREN 481 (variable topic)
  10. FREN 480 (variable topic) 

  Note: Students beginning their French courses at a higher level than 215 will be able to make adjustments in suggested course sequence, in consultation with their French major advisor.            

  Option 2: French Language & Linguistics
  Students who choose this track can expect to develop a high level of fluency in both written and spoken dimensions of the language. Through the study of language and linguistics, they will also gain knowledge of linguistic forms and structures, language use and variation, and sociohistorical context of French speaking communities throughout the world.

  This major consists of ten courses:

  • A. Three (3) 200-, 300-, or 400-level FREN courses
  • B. One (1) 100-level Linguistics course
  • C. Two (2) 300- or 400-level courses in French Language and Linguistics
  • D. Two (2) 300- or 400-level Linguistics courses (including FREN courses cross-listed as LING)
  • E. One (1) 300-level topics course in French and Francophone Studies
  • F. One (1) 400-level topics course in French and Francophone Studies

  NOTE: At least three 400-level courses must be taken on campus. Any 400-level transfer credits, including study abroad, must be approved by the department.

  Suggested Sequence:

  1. FREN 215
  2. FREN 241
  3. FREN 351
  4. LING 118
  5. FREN 380 (variable topic)
  6. FREN 380 (variable topic)
  7. FREN 381 (variable topic)
  8. FREN 480 (variable topic)
  9. FREN 480 (variable topic)
  10. FREN 481 (variable topic)

  Note: Students beginning their French courses at a higher level than 215 will be able to make adjustments in suggested course sequence, in consultation with their French major advisor.

• Minor in French

  Requirements

  • Six 4-credit courses starting at the 200 level 

  • One of the six courses must be in literature.

  • Two must be at the 300 or 400 level.

  • Three of the six courses must be completed on campus.

  • At least one 300 or 400-level course must be completed on campus.

  Please Note: 

  • A minimum grade of "C" is required for any course in French applied toward the minor; as such, taking a course Pass/Fail would not count.