Foreign Languages and Literatures

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
Web Site: www.sfsu.edu/~foreign
Chair:  Elisabetta Nelsen

Programs

B.A. in Chinese
B.A. in French
B.A. in German
B.A. in Italian
B.A. in Japanese
B.A. in Spanish
Minor in Chinese
Minor in French
Minor in German
Minor in Italian
Minor in Japanese
Minor in Russian
Minor in Spanish
M.A. in Chinese
M.A. in French
M.A. in German
M.A. in Italian
M.A. in Japanese
M.A. in Spanish


Program Scope

Bachelor of Arts

The Department of Foreign Languages offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. The department also offers a minor in these languages and a minor in Russian. Programs are designed for students who are planning to use foreign languages in professional careers, as well as for students who wish to acquire an appreciation of the cultures of other peoples. Students may select courses in language, conversation, composition, reading, linguistics, culture, and literature. Some of the programs offer courses in business and translating skills, and literature and culture courses in English.

Students who have had foreign language experience before enrolling at San Francisco State University should consult with an adviser in the specific language program for placement in the proper course in which they can receive credit.

A multimedia foreign language laboratory is open to all students enrolled in any class in the department. Basic level courses usually require preparation using audio and video cassettes, CD roms, DVDs, laser discs, and computer programs, located in the multimedia language laboratory.

Major. The Bachelor of Arts requirements for a major in any foreign language are the same for all students, including credential candidates. It is suggested that students intending to major in a foreign language consult with an adviser in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures early enough to assure proper scheduling of essential courses.

Minor. For students who wish to take a minor in a foreign language, the requirements for all seven languages are 21 units. The first two years of language instruction (lower division courses) are preparatory courses. A few lower division courses may be applied to the minor but must be approved upon consultation with an adviser. For the specific upper division courses required for completion of the minor, consult the individual language program.

Upper division courses in the foreign language programs are, in general, conducted in the language under study.

Master of Arts

The department offers the Master of Arts in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. The various master's programs provide advanced instruction in culture, language, and literature. A limited number of graduate teaching assistant positions are available for students engaged in graduate study in the programs. The M.A. programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers. M.A. graduates often become teachers in private or public secondary schools, in community colleges, or after completing doctoral studies, in universities.

Admission to Programs

Students seeking admission to a master of arts program must have completed an undergraduate major comparable to the major in the appropriate language and literature at San Francisco State University.

Applicants without such a major may be admitted conditionally after developing, through consultation with advisers, a program of studies to establish the equivalent of that major. Courses prescribed for equivalency may not be credited toward the master of arts program.

Students in all Master of Arts programs are required to have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their undergraduate major.

Advancement to Candidacy

In addition to meeting all the university general requirements, students prior to advancement to candidacy must:

If students are unable to meet the above requirements for advancement to candidacy, they may be advised to enroll in additional courses prior to being considered for candidacy. In such cases the courses will not be credited toward the master's degree.

Demonstration of Exit-Level Language Proficiency

Professional level of proficiency in the language studied is demonstrated by satisfactory completion of written and oral comprehensive examinations.

Students interested in any of these programs are urged to contact the department office or the undergraduate or graduate adviser.

International Programs

For undergraduate majors or minors, the department recommends an overseas experience of academic and cultural studies. Students who participate in the International Programs of the California State University may undertake an academic year at certain designated major institutions of higher learning located outside the United States. All students in the overseas language programs should consult with an adviser in the specific language to ensure that courses taken abroad can be applied to the major, the minor, or the degree at San Francisco State University. For the Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish B.A. programs, 15 of the 30 upper-division units required for the major must be taken at the home campus. For the minor, 9 of the 15 to 18 upper-division units must be taken at the home campus. There may also be limits in the other language programs. For graduate students in the German and Italian M.A. programs, a maximum of 9 units from the CSU International Programs will be accepted for the degree. For graduate students in the Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish M.A. programs, a maximum of 12 units will be accepted for the degree.

Teaching Credentials

A bachelor of arts from San Francisco State University in French, German, Italian, or Japanese may be used to fulfill the subject matter requirement for a Single Subject Teaching Credential required to teach in the secondary schools in the State of California. A master of arts in any of these languages may be used to fulfill the state's requirement to teach that subject at the two-year community colleges.

NOTE: While the master's degree may qualify students to teach at the community college level, it will not qualify them to teach at the elementary or secondary levels. A single subject or multiple subject credential is necessary for such employment. (Refer to the section on Credential Programs in this Bulletin for further details.)

Students considering teaching a foreign language and obtaining a teaching credential must see the credential adviser in their language of concentration before planning their program. Specific courses and an assessment of competencies are required for admission to the Single Subject Teaching Credential Program. Students should also contact the Student Service Office in the College of Education, (415) 338-7038, regarding teaching credential information.

Special Courses

First and second year language courses in Arabic and upper-division literature and culture courses in Arabic and English translation are offered as well as first year courses in Filipino, Hindi, and Persian; first and third semester in the fall for Arabic, and first semester in the fall and second semester in the spring for Filipino.

Career Outlook

Some careers require a foreign language as a primary skill. For those employed in teaching foreign languages, culture and literature, and for those who work as interpreters and translators, a high degree of fluency or near-native competency is required. On the other hand, there are a great number of career alternatives open to people who possess good competency in one or more foreign languages. Local and state agencies as well as the federal government (such as the State Department, the Department of Defense, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Peace Corps) often have openings for people with language skills. Further employment possibilities are in multinational companies with significant global operations (international marketing and accounting firms, international banking, and other international business), advertising, journalism, publishing, communications, and information services, media and entertainment, travel and tourism, the hotel and restaurant industry, health care, as well as in the arts. Competency in one or more foreign languages will open the door to many exciting careers.



Foreign Languages and Literatures—Chinese

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
Web Site: www.sfsu.edu/~sfsuchin/
415-338-1421
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Program Coordinator: Charles Egan
Undergraduate Advisers: Wen-Chao Li, Hsiu-huei Lin Domizio
Graduate Adviser: Wen-Chao Li

Faculty

Professor—Egan
Associate Professor—Li
Assistant Professor—Domizio
Lecturers—Cheng, Liou, Yee

Programs

B.A. in Chinese
Minor in Chinese
M.A. in Chinese


Program Scope

Founded in 1959, the Chinese Program at San Francisco State University provides comprehensive degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The joint emphasis on language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese (putonghua/guoyu) and an appreciation and understanding of Chinese literature, art, culture, and linguistics offers our students a balanced course of study.

After the basic language sequence (CHIN 101, 102, 103, 250) is completed (or waived), a minimum of 30 units of upper division work, nine of which are electives, is required for the B.A. The undergraduate Minor requires 21 units of upper division study. The classical literature/culture courses, taught in both English and Chinese, provide an understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, which may inspire the students to view the modern world from new perspectives. Courses on modern literature and film, taught in Chinese, reflect the dynamic transformations of contemporary Chinese society and culture. Training in the fundamentals of linguistics complements program goals by revealing the underlying structures of language and text. To prepare students as fully as possible for this Pacific Century, the Chinese Program balances traditional academic offerings with practical courses such as Business Chinese, Media Chinese, and Translation, which equip students with career-related language skills.

The M.A. in Chinese provides advanced linguistic, cultural, and practical training that provides a solid foundation upon which graduates can build in a variety of ways. Some of our students prepare for further study at the doctoral level, and others develop skills for China-related careers, including Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, international business and law, and translation and interpretation.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CHINESE

All upper division courses are conducted in Chinese, unless otherwise indicated, and students are expected to use Chinese in their speaking, reading, and writing. Page references for the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and Chinese statements can be found in the Index.

On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
*CHIN 311 Conversation and Reading 3
*CHIN 312 Speech and Writing 3
*CHIN 401 Advanced Chinese 3
CHIN 501 Introduction to Classical Chinese 3
CHIN 507 Traditional Chinese Culture 3
FL 325
    or
CHIN 525
Linguistics and Foreign Language
 
Chinese Applied Linguistics
3
CHIN 601
    or
CHIN 602
    or
HUM 530
The Poetic Tradition
 
The Narrative Tradition
 
Chinese Civilization
3
Upper division electives on advisement 9
Total 30

NOTE: No more than six of the 30 units can be taken from the the group comprising the 600 series and HUM 530.

* Students undertaking the major whose language level is already advanced may substitute upper division courses in modern Chinese language or modern Chinese literature/film (taught in Chinese) for CHIN 311, 312, and 401, upon advisement.

STUDY ABROAD: Students are encouraged to study abroad through the International Programs of the California State University and the Bilateral Programs of San Francisco State University. For students opting to study abroad, at least 15 of the 30 upper division units required for the major must be taken at the home campus.

MINOR IN CHINESE

After the basic language sequence (CHIN 101, 102, 103, 250––total 18 units) is completed (or waived), a minimum of 21 units of upper division work, three of which are electives, is required for the minor in Chinese. Upper division courses are conducted in Chinese, unless otherwise indicated, and students are expected to use Chinese in their speaking, reading, and writing.

On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
*CHIN 311 Conversation and Reading 3
*CHIN 312 Speech and Writing 3
*CHIN 401 Advanced Chinese 3
CHIN 507 Traditional Chinese Culture 3
FL 325
    or
CHIN 525
Linguistics and Foreign Languages
 
Chinese Applied Linguistics
3
CHIN 601
    or
CHIN 602
    or
HUM 530
The Poetic Tradition
 
The Narrative Tradition
 
Chinese Civilization
3
Upper division elective on advisement 3
Total 21

NOTE: No more than six of the 21 units can be taken from the group comprising the 600 series and HUM 530.

*Students undertaking the minor whose language level is already advanced may substitute upper division courses in modern Chinese language or modern Chinese literature/film (taught in Chinese) for CHIN 311, 312, and 401, upon advisement.

STUDY ABROAD:Students are encouraged to study abroad through the International Programs of the California State University and the Bilateral Programs of San Francisco University. For students opting to study abroad, at least 11 of the 21 upper division units required for the minor must be taken at the home campus.

MASTER OF ARTS IN CHINESE

Admission to the Program

A prerequisite for admission to the M.A. program is a B.A. in Chinese (or equivalent), with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0. Applicants are thus expected to demonstrate advanced proficiency in spoken Mandarin Chinese and Standard Written Chinese, familiarity with major literary/cultural figures and texts, training in the fundamentals of linguistics, and a basic reading proficiency in classical Chinese. San Francisco State University also requires that all students admitted to graduate standing demonstrate proficiency in written English. Applicants who are lacking in one or more of these areas may be admitted conditionally after developing, through consultation with advisers, a program of studies to establish equivalency. Courses prescribed for equivalency may not be credited toward the M.A. degree. In order to assess whether applicants meet acceptable standards and have fulfilled prerequisites, both the Division of Graduate Studies and the Chinese Program are involved in the application review process. Application materials required by the Division of Graduate Studies are described elsewhere in this Bulletin (for details, see Graduate Studies). In addition, the Chinese Program also requires the following supplementary documents: (1) a 500-word analytical statement of purpose in English; (2) a statement in Chinese covering the same or similar content; and (3) three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications. These supplementary materials should be sent directly to the Chinese Program.

On-line course descriptions are available.

Program Units
CHIN 821 Modern Chinese Literature 3
CHIN 822 Classical Chinese Literature 3
CHIN 824
    or
CHIN 825
Testing & Assessment in Teaching/Learning Chinese as a Second Lauguage
 
Applied Linguistics and Teaching Chinese
3
CHIN 826
    or
CHIN 827
Semantics and Morphology
 
Language Change and Dialectic Variation
3
Exclusively graduate (not paired) elective course in Chinese 3
Exclusively graduate (not paired) elective course in Chinese, or paired upper division/graduate course in Chinese (students must enroll using the graduate course number) 3
Upper division/graduate electives in Chinese or related subjects with approval of graduate adviser 9
Graduate course in research or teaching methods on advisement 3
Minimum total 30
    and
Master's Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations in two subfields

The student is admitted to the oral examination upon passing the written examination. Both examinations may be attempted not more than two times.



Foreign Languages and Literatures—French

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
Web Site: userwww.sfsu.edu/~french
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Program Coordinator: Marie-Paule Laden
Undergraduate Advisers: Marie-Paule Laden, Bérénice Le Marchand
Graduate Adviser: Delphine Perret

Faculty

Professor—Perret
Associate Professors—Laden, Le Marchand

Programs

B.A. in French
Minor in French
M.A. in French


Program Scope

The French program offers lower division language courses and upper division language, culture, and literature courses leading to a B.A. in French. Students who have previously studied French should consult with a French adviser for placement at the proper class level. The program offers graduate seminars in literature, culture, and linguistics leading to the M.A. in French, which allows students to teach at the community college level or to continue graduate study for a doctorate. While many of our B.A. and M.A. graduates pursue teaching careers or further study, a good number go on to careers in other fields such as international law or business.

Our program emphasizes training in the four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing as the basic groundwork for more advanced study of the language, literature, and culture. The aim is to broaden students' cultural perspectives by introducing them to various aspects of French and Francophone cultures as they are manifested throughout the world. Students who complete a French major should have both the linguistic and cultural preparation to be able to function at a fairly advanced level in a French-speaking society or with French speakers, and have developed a tolerance for forms of expression and ways of life different from their own. It is hoped that this will prepare them both to pursue careers and to participate fully in today's and tomorrow's global cultures.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN FRENCH

All upper division courses are conducted in French, and students are expected to use French in their speaking, reading, and writing.

On-line course descriptions are available. Unless otherwise indicated all courses are 3 units.

Program Units
F L 325 Linguistics and Foreign Language 3
FR 301 French Phonetics 3
FR 305 French Composition 3
FR 306 Advanced Conversation 3
FR 400 French Culture 3
FR 500 Introduction to Literary Texts 3
Upper division electives on advisement 12
Total 30

MINOR IN FRENCH

Program Units
F L 325 Linguistics and Foreign Language 3
FR 301 French Phonetics 3
FR 305 French Composition 3
FR 306 Advanced Conversation 3
FR 400 French Culture 3
FR 500 Introduction to Literary Texts 3
Electives on advisement 3
Total 21

MASTER OF ARTS IN FRENCH

Program Scope

The M.A. Program in French is primarily focused on the study of literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Our main objective is to offer interesting and challenging courses, based on original research and the field of specialization of the French faculty, in order to inspire and teach students to do graduate work while developing their knowledge of French and Francophone literature and culture. All graduate courses in the French Program are conducted in French and students are expected to use French in all their work, including in their Master’s thesis. We offer a variety of courses on periods, genres and themes. Courses are rotated and renewed over a period of two to three years in order to cover most areas and periods of French and Francophone literature. Students are required to take courses covering 5 different centuries from the Middle Ages to the 20th century among the 7 periods / areas offered. Courses available are listed in alphabetical order in the Bulletin (consult Index for page reference). Short descriptions of the specific courses offered for the academic year can be found on the French web site.

Admission to Program

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must demonstrate the proficiency level in French and the knowledge on language, culture and literature expected at the conclusion of a baccalaureate major in French. Consideration will also be given to students with advanced French competency who have obtained a B.A. in another field. They may be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students and are required to remediate or complete all deficiencies before attaining classified status. In order to be accepted by the Program, applicants need to send directly to the French Graduate Adviser (see Faculty page) an analytical statement of purpose of approximately 500 words written in English, and another one in French covering the same content, a sample of your written work in French (such as a literary dissertation), two letters of recommendation, and make an appointment for an oral interview in French (in person or by phone).

Please note that the only upper division courses accepted for the graduate program are the elective courses (for which graduate students are also expected to complete additional work). The following courses are NOT accepted: FR 301, 305, 306, 325 (or F L 325).

Program Units
Graduate courses in French 15
Upper division/graduate courses in French language, literature, or civilization 6
One of the following options:
Option I
Upper division/graduate courses in French or in related subjects, with approval of graduate adviser 9
and Master's Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations  
Option II
Upper division/graduate courses in French or in related subjects, with approval of graduate adviser 6
FR 898 Master's Thesis 3
and Master's Comprehensive Oral Examination  
Minimum total 30

Written and Oral Examinations Option. Students are admitted to oral examination upon passing the written examination. Both examinations may be attempted not more than two times.

Master's Thesis Option. Students must pass an oral examination at the end of the semester preceding the semester when they write their thesis.


Foreign Languages and Literatures—German

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
Web Site: userwww.sfsu.edu/~german
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Undergraduate Advisers: Volker Langbehn, Ilona Vandergriff
Program Coordinator and Graduate Adviser: Ilona Vandergriff

Faculty

Professor—Vandergriff
Associate Professor—Langbehn

Programs

B.A. in German
Minor in German
M.A. in German


Program Scope

The German program offers lower division language courses and upper division language, linguistics, culture, and a considerable range of literature courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts in German. The German program offers the single subject waiver credential and it has been approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  The program also offers a full graduate studies program with seminars in literature, culture, and historical language development culminating in a master of arts. A limited number of graduate teaching assistant positions are available for students engaged in graduate study in the program. Many of the program's graduates are now teaching in public or private high schools or, after having been awarded the Master of Arts in German, work as instructors in community colleges or have earned their Ph.D. degree from leading American universities.

The German program not only provides students with excellent language training, but also acquaints them with the achievements and the values expressed by great figures from the German-speaking areas of Europe, whose contributions to western culture have been enormous in such fields as philosophy, the sciences, social reforms, literature, and music. While the program provides an enriching experience for the mind and for the spirit, its major aim is to prepare students for gainful employment in many different fields in which they can use their acquired skills. To this end, the German program tries to prepare well-rounded graduates proficient in the German language, well-informed about current social, political, and literary trends in Germany and other German-speaking countries, as well as schooled in humanistic thinking.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GERMAN

Upper division courses are generally conducted in German and students are expected to use German in their speaking, reading, and writing.

On-line course descriptions are available. Unless otherwise indicated all courses are 3 units.

Program Units
GER 305 Advanced Grammar and Composition 3
GER 325 Applied German Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology 3
GER 401 German Culture and Civilization 3
GER 510 German Literature I 3
GER 511 German Literature II 3
Upper division electives on advisement 15
Total 30

MINOR IN GERMAN

Program Units
GER 305 Advanced Grammar and Composition 3
GER 325 Applied German Linguistics: Phonetics and Phonology 3
GER 401 German Culture and Civilization 3
GER 510 German Literature I 3
GER 511 German Literature II 3
Electives on advisement 6
Total 21

MASTER OF ARTS IN GERMAN

The graduate program in German offers students a challenging and enriching course of study that encompasses linguistics as well as literary and cultural history from the Middle Ages to the present. Over the course of their graduate studies in German, students acquire a rich interdisciplinary perspective and in-depth knowledge of the literatures of the German-speaking countries along with the critical skills for literary analysis. The German Program at SFSU offers the majority of graduate courses in German. As a result, many of our M.A. candidates develop superior language competency.

Admission to the Program

We generally expect students entering the program to have a B.A. degree or equivalent in German. Consideration will also be given to students with advanced German language competency who have obtained a B.A. in another field. They may be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students and are required to remediate or complete all deficiencies before attaining classified status. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA; demonstrate advanced proficiency level in German; submit an analytical statement of purpose written in English of approximately 500 words, stating the reasons for applying to the graduate program; submit a sample of analytical writing of 500 words or more written in German; provide one set of transcripts; and submit at least two letters of recommendation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate Adviser to discuss your academic preparation for the M.A. Program in German.

Program Units
FL 700 Seminar in Research Methods 1
GER 745 Seminar in the Development of the German Language 3
Graduate courses in German 12
Upper division/graduate courses in German language, literature, or civilization 6
Upper division/graduate courses in German language, literature, or civilization, or in related subjects with approval of graduate adviser 9
Minimum total 31
and Master's Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations

The student is admitted to the oral examination upon passing the written examination. Both examinations may be attempted not more than two times.



Foreign Languages and Literatures—Italian

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
Web Site: userwww.sfsu.edu/~italian
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Program Coordinator: Christopher Concolino
Undergraduate Adviser: Christopher Concolino
Graduate Adviser: Elisabetta Nelsen

Faculty

Professor—Nelsen
Associate Professor—Concolino

Programs

B.A. in Italian
Minor in Italian
M.A. in Italian


Program Scope

The Italian program offers courses in the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding; a broad and comprehensive background in literature, culture, civilization, and Italian studies as well as preparation for a specialized career. Many students study Italian to become language teachers. The Italian program offers the Single Subject Waiver Credential and it has been certified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Many students of music, art, film, archaeology, international relations, history, business, and comparative literature, as well as students planning to become translators and interpreters have discovered the usefulness of Italian. Others take Italian purely for the cultural enrichment they derive from it. The study of Italian is particularly rewarding for those of Italian heritage. It also opens the doors to the CSU International Program Center in Florence, to various Italian art and professional academies, and to Italian universities where students can pursue studies in any field.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ITALIAN

All upper division courses are conducted in Italian, and students are expected to use Italian in their speaking, reading, and writing.

On-line course descriptions are available. Unless otherwise indicated all courses are 3 units.

Program Units
F L 325 Linguistics and Foreign Language 3
ITAL 305 Advanced Grammar and Composition 3
ITAL 401 Italian Culture and Civilization 3
ITAL 510 Italian Literature—Early Period 3
ITAL 511 Italian Literature—Late Period 3
Upper division electives on advisement 15
Total 30

MINOR IN ITALIAN

Program Units
F L 325 Linguistics and Foreign Language 3
ITAL 305 Advanced Grammar and Composition 3
ITAL 401 Italian Culture and Civilization 3
ITAL 510 Italian Literature—Early Period 3
ITAL 511 Italian Literature—Late Period 3
Electives on advisement 6
Total 21

MASTER OF ARTS IN ITALIAN

The Graduate Program in Italian stresses the study of literature and culture. We emphasize Italianistica (Italian Studies) and emphasize individual authors from the Middle Ages to the present. The history of Italian literature is taught through linguistic and thematic development in relation to larger European and extra-European contexts. Close textual analysis that includes the study of stylistics, rhetoric, semantics and syntax are a part of graduate seminars, but courses naturally provide useful background knowledge related to topics in art, history, music and philosophy. The M.A. program requires students to deepen their knowledge of genres and literary periods, which they undertake in courses taught in Italian. This fact enables them to reach superior language competency in spoken and written Italian. Many of our graduates teach in secondary schools and community colleges or continue their studies for the Ph.D.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a B.A. in Italian or its equivalent. Those without this degree may be admitted conditionally and asked to complete additional units in consultation with the Graduate Adviser. The following documents must also be sent to the Graduate Adviser: 1) two letters of recommendation and 2) an analytical Statement of Purpose in English of approximately 500 words, which should be accompanied by a second version written in Italian. The two Statements of Purpose are required for admission in order to show proficiency in writing at the graduate level.

Program Units
Graduate Seminars in Italian (with course number 880) 15
Graduate Seminars or Paired Graduate courses in Italian Literature from the following 6
ITAL 800 Italian Literature on Film in English  
ITAL 850 The Italian Theatre
ITAL 870 Italian Women Writers
ITAL 881 Divine Comedy
Upper division undergraduate courses; paired courses or graduate courses in Italian or related disciplines with approval of graduate major adviser 9
and Master's Comprehensive Written and Oral Examinations*
Minimum total 30

A maximum of 6 units may be taken in English.

A maximum of 9 units transferred from CSU approved study-abroad programs may count toward the M.A. if taken as upper division undergraduate units or graduate level units.

* Students are admitted to the oral examination upon passing the written examination. Both examinations may be attempted not more than twice.



Foreign Languages and Literatures—Japanese

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
Web Site: userwww.sfsu.edu/~japanese
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Program Coordinator:  Makiko Asano
Undergraduate Advisers: Makiko Asano, Masahiko Minami, Tomoko Takeda
Graduate Adviser: Midori McKeon

Faculty

Professors—McKeon, Minami
Associate Professor—Asano
Assistant Professor—Takeda

Programs

B.A. in Japanese
Minor in Japanese
M.A. in Japanese


Program Scope

The undergraduate Japanese program focuses on developing proficiency in the language in a socio-cultural context by offering a variety of language training courses and by conducting courses in culture and literature in Japanese. In addition to the required course work, students choose electives from a broad range of subjects, which include various courses in literature and culture as well as in translation, interpretation, and business Japanese. The Master of Arts in Japanese offers two emphases: Teaching of Japanese as a Foreign Language and Professional Applications of the Language Study. The curriculum for the teaching emphasis prepares students for a career in teaching Japanese at the community college level. Courses offered include linguistics, pedagogy, and culture. The professional applications emphasis helps students acquire competency in their specific occupational goals in areas such as business, government, communication, arts, and other professional fields.

On-line course descriptions are available. Unless otherwise indicated all courses are 3 units.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JAPANESE

Upper division courses in Japanese are generally conducted in Japanese, and students are expected to use Japanese in their speaking, reading, and writing.

Program Units
F L 325 Linguistics and Foreign Language 3
JAPN 301 Japanese Conversation 3
JAPN 302 Japanese Reading and Grammar 3
JAPN 305
   or
JAPN 306
Advanced Conversation and Composition I
 
Advanced Conversation and Composition II
3
JAPN 309 Advanced Readings in Japanese 3
JAPN 401 Topics in Japanese Culture 3
JAPN 510 Modern Japanese Literature 3
Upper division electives on advisement 9
Total 30

NOTE: Level 3 mastery of Kanji (1,000 characters) is prerequisite to JAPN 510. Students who are not at Level 3 will not be allowed to enroll in JAPN 510.

MINOR IN JAPANESE

Program Units
JAPN 301 Japanese Conversation 3
JAPN 302 Japanese Reading and Grammar 3
JAPN 305
   or
JAPN 306
Advanced Conversation and Composition I
 
Advanced Conversation and Composition II
3
JAPN 309 Advanced Readings in Japanese 3
Electives on advisement (at least 3 units must be upper division) 9
Total 21

Individual student programs will be designed by an academic adviser, according to student's background and need.

MASTER OF ARTS IN JAPANESE

The Master of Arts in Japanese offers two emphases:

Admission to the Program

For admission to the master's program in Japanese, non-native speakers of Japanese must have a bachelor's degree in Japanese or in a field related to the area of intended emphasis. Native speakers of Japanese must have a bachelor's degree (no restrictions on the field). Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA; demonstrate the proficiency level in Japanese expected at the conclusion of a baccalaureate major in Japanese; submit two analytical essays - one in English (500 words), and the other in Japanese covering the same content stating the relevant past experiences and the reasons for applying to the graduate program at SFSU; provide one set of transcripts; and submit at least two letters of recommendation, both of which must be from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance.

Demonstration of Exit-Level Language Proficiency

Professional level of proficiency in Japanese is demonstrated by satisfactory completion of a research project, master's thesis and oral defense, or written and oral comprehensive examinations.

Program Units
Core Courses for Both Emphases:
Select three of the following four courses (If all four courses (JAPN 750, 800, 860, 890) are taken, the fourth one will count as an elective.)
9
JAPN 750 Seminar in Japanese Linguistics  
JAPN 800 Seminar in Analysis of Japanese Cultural Studies
JAPN 860 The Tale of Genji and No Plays
JAPN 890 Integrative Seminar: Japanese Language and Culture
Emphasis (units selected from one of the emphases listed below) 18
Culminating Experience Requirement: One of the following three options: 3
JAPN 895 Applied Research Project  
JAPN 898 Master's Thesis and Oral Defense
Master's Comprehensive Oral and Written Examinations (which will cover 4 fields: Japanese Culture, Linguistics, Literature, and the student’s field of interest, such as Japanese business and education).
Minimum total 30
 
Teaching of Japanese as a Foreign Language Emphasis
Select four courses from the list below (if all five courses (JAPN 760, 765, 770, 775, 780) are taken, the fifth one will count as an elective.)
12
JAPN 760
    or
JAPN 765
Seminar in Pedagogical Japanese Linguistics
 
Second Language Acquisition
 
JAPN 770 Seminar in Teaching Japanese
JAPN 775 Seminar in Materials Development for Teaching Japanese
JAPN 780 Practicum in Teaching Japanese
Electives selected on advisement 6
Minimum units for emphasis 18
 
Professional Applications Emphasis
Units selected on advisement from the following (at least 9 units must be at the graduate level):
12
JAPN 350 Introduction to Translation  
JAPN 390 Business Japanese
JAPN 395 Business Writing
JAPN 401 Edo Culture
JAPN 401 Heian Culture: Culture of Peace
JAPN 401 Japanese Identity
JAPN 401 Japanese Way of Living
JAPN 401 Life and Thought of Medieval Japan
JAPN 401 Modern Cultural History of Japan
JAPN 510 Modern Japanese Literature
JAPN 590 Japanese Women Writers
JAPN 590 Contemporary Japanese Literature
JAPN 690 Introduction to Consecutive Interpretation
JAPN 710 Current Topics: Magazines and Periodicals
JAPN 710 Current Topics: Newspapers
JAPN 710 Current Topics: Radio and Television
JAPN 710 Interpretation Workshop
JAPN 710 Translation Workshop
JAPN 725 Technical Translation
JAPN 730 Introduction to Simultaneous Interpretation
JAPN 735 Seminar in Simultaneous Interpretation
JAPN 765 Second Language Acquisition
JAPN 860 Seminar in Modern Japanese Literature
JAPN 860 The Tale of Genji and No Plays
Selected courses with approval of graduate adviser
Electives selected upon advisement (Japanese courses or courses from other departments) 6
Minimum units for emphasis 18

Research Project or Thesis. After initiating a research project (JAPN 895 or 898), graduate students who have chosen either the project or thesis option for the culminating experience must enroll each semester in JAPN 897 until the project or thesis is completed.

Comprehensive Examinations. The student is admitted to the oral examination upon passing the written examination. Both examinations may not be attempted more than two times.



Foreign Languages and Literatures—Russian

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
E-mail: russian@sfsu.edu
Web Site: www.sfsu.edu/~russian
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Undergraduate Adviser: Natalia Tkachov

Faculty

Lecturers—Hanson, Kristal, Tkachov

Program

Minor in Russian


Program Scope

The Russian program offers lower division language courses (Russian 101-103) and courses in advanced language, conversation, composition, culture, and civilization as well as a considerable range of literature—both in Russian and in English translation—comprising a minor that will enhance a wide range of majors in various disciplines. In this post-Soviet era the study of Russian language and culture, and the knowledge of the country as a whole, becomes even more imperative. Students are either frequently visiting Russia or working there for an extended period of time. In addition, there is now a greater availability of Russian archival material to Western students, researchers, and scholars.

Today Russia's extensive natural resources and other business opportunities stimulate the interest of many businesses throughout the United States and other parts of the world. Cognizant of this reality, the Russian program strives to implement courses to respond to these various interests, which are also evident among our students. As a result, the minor program attempts to balance traditional academic offerings with such practically-oriented courses as Business Russian and Contemporary Russian Press. Many business, science, and international relations majors take Russian as a minor.

On-line course descriptions are available. Unless otherwise indicated all courses are 3 units.

MINOR IN RUSSIAN

Programs Units
RUSS 305 Advanced Grammar and Composition 3
RUSS 307 Advanced Reading and Composition 3
RUSS 401 Russian Culture and Civilization 3
RUSS 511 Russian Literature II 3
Electives on advisement (all must be upper division courses) 9
Total 21

 



Foreign Languages and Literatures—Spanish

College of Humanities
Dean: Paul Sherwin

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
HUM 475
415-338-1421
Chair: Elisabetta Nelsen

Program Coordinator: Michael Hammer
Undergraduate Advisers: Gustavo Calderón, Michael Hammer, Fermin Rodriguez
Graduate Adviser: Paola Cortés-Rocca

Faculty

Professor—Calderón
Associate Professor—Hammer
Assistant Professors—Cortés-Rocca, Rodriguez

Programs

B.A. in Spanish
Minor in Spanish
M.A. in Spanish


Program Scope

The Spanish program offers a bachelor of arts, a minor, and a master of Arts in Spanish. At the undergraduate level, the classes in linguistics, culture, and civilization are aimed at improving one’s understanding of the language and the people who speak it.

An ever increasing Spanish-speaking population has made Spanish the second most spoken language in the state of California and in other states of the Union. The study and knowledge of this language, therefore, offers career alternatives in practically all fields of work and is definitely an asset when seeking employment.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH

Preparation for the major: Four years of high school Spanish or four semesters of lower division college Spanish or the equivalent. All coursework in Spanish taken at other CSU campuses will transfer automatically to SFSU. All upper division courses are conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to use Spanish in their speaking, reading, and writing.

On-line course descriptions are available. Unless otherwise indicated all courses are 3 units.

Program Units
F L 325
  or
SPAN 326
Linguistics and Foreign Language
 
Applied Spanish Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax
3
SPAN 341 Introduction to Literature 3
SPAN 401 GW
  or
SPAN 405
Culture and Civilization of Spain - GWAR
 
Culture and Civilization of Spanish America
3
SPAN 595 Senior Survey in Spanish or Spanish American Literature (taken once
during senior year)
3
Electives in the major: choose any six courses in Spanish numbered 300 to 699.
At least three of these courses must be at the 400 level or above.
18
Total 30

MINOR IN SPANISH

Program Units
F L 325
  or
SPAN 326
Linguistics and Foreign Language
 
Applied Spanish Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax
3
SPAN 341 Introduction to Literature 3
SPAN 401 GW
  or
SPAN 405
Culture and Civilization of Spain - GWAR
 
Culture and Civilization of Spanish America
3
Electives: four Spanish courses.
At least three courses must be upper division (300 level or above).
12
Total 21

MASTER OF ARTS IN SPANISH

The M.A. program in Spanish is mostly focused on Spanish and Latin American literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present. Over the course of their graduate studies in Spanish, students acquire a solid grounding in major works of poetry, prose, and theater, as well as the tools necessary to approach these works critically. All courses in the Spanish program are taught in Spanish. For more information, please see the graduate program website at: http://www.sfsu.edu/~spanish/grads.html.

Admission to the Program

In addition to the requirements established by the University and the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, a student must also meet the following admission requirements established by the Spanish M.A. Program.

  1. All applicants are expected to have the equivalent of a B.A. in Spanish, that is, 30 units of upper division work in Spanish, with a GPA of 3.0 or better. If the student has not met this requirement, he or she may, at the discretion of the Program, be admitted as a “conditionally classified” graduate student. Students thus admitted must satisfactorily complete a number of specified courses before they become fully classified. These courses are not included in the 30 units required for the Masters.
  2. Applicants must arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent to the program.
  3. Applicants must demonstrate to the Spanish faculty a record of prior scholastic achievement indicative of potential success as a graduate student. This means that applicants must submit a brief writing sample (essay) in Spanish or English in which he or she analyzes a literary, cultural, or historical topic.
  4. Applicants must also submit two copies of a brief statement of purpose (500 words), one written in English, the other in Spanish.
  5. Applicants are responsible for meeting the appropriate deadlines. Materials sent directly to the Spanish Program must be postmarked by April 1 to be considered for fall admission, or by October 1, to be considered for spring admission.
Program Units
Graduate courses in Spanish (700-800 level) for a total of 15 units. 15
Upper division/graduate courses (500-899) 6
At least 8 courses (24 units) must be taken within the program, and up to 6 units from a related field may be counted for the degree. Any courses taken outside the Spanish Program must have prior approval of the Graduate Advisor. 9
Minimum total 30

Examinations. The semester before a candidate plans to take the Spanish comprehensive written and oral examinations, he or she should contact the graduate adviser in order to arrange for a screening interview. By the time of the screening interview, the student should have read all of the books on the reading list. The screening committee assesses the candidate's preparation and advise him or her on any areas of study that need more attention before the examinations. Candidates will NOT be screened until they have satisfied the English proficiency requirement.

The student is admitted to the oral examination upon passing the written examination. The exam consists of 5 questions on Spanish and Latin American literary topics. The grading scale ranges from 0-5 points. Students must receive a minimum of 2 points on each question and must receive at least 15 total points to pass the exam. Both examinations may be attempted a maximum of two times. For more information, please see the program website at www.sfsu.edu/~spanish/exampolicy.html.