May 17, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2021-22 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2021-22 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Guide to Course Prefixes  

 

Blindness and Low Vision Studies

  
  • BLS 5912 - Teaching Math and Specialty Codes


    This course contains study of the Nemeth Code and Unified English Braille Code (UEB) for math and science, the music code, adaptations of worksheets and tests, foreign languages (French, German, and Spanish), transcription of diacritical marks (dictionary notation), and an introduction to computer Braille notation.

    Credits: 2 hours

    Restrictions: Restricted to master’s in Teaching Children with Visual Impairment, Orientation and Mobility for Children, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy and graduate non-degree seeking.

    Notes: Open to upper level and graduate students.

Comparative Religion

  
  • REL 2080 - Religion in Europe


    Selective yet thorough historical and topical survey of religion on the continent of Europe. Topics covered include ancient “tribal” religions such as the Roman, Celtic, and German/Norse; the intertwined history of forms of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the Middle Ages; the redefinitions of religion and its place in society marked by the Reformations and the Enlightenment; and major events and movements of modern European history that have impacted or involved religion, such as the French Revolution, World Wars, and Cold War.

    Credits: 4 hours


French

  
  • FREN 1000 - Basic French I


    Fundamentals of French. A four-skills approach (speaking, listening, reading, writing) with emphasis on communication. Introduction to cultural aspects of France and other Francophone countries.

    Credits: 4 hours

  
  • FREN 1010 - Basic French II


    Continuation of FREN 1000. This course satisfies WMU Essential Studies Level 2: Exploration and Discovery – World Language and Culture Category.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 1000 or equivalent.

    Credits: 4 hours

  
  • FREN 2000 - Intermediate French I


    The development of French language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on communication. Increased competence in French and Francophone cultures.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 1010 or two years of high school French, or equivalent.

    Credits: 4 hours

  
  • FREN 2010 - Intermediate French II


    The continued development of spoken and written expression in the French language through readings and discussions of civilization and culture materials.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 2000 or equivalent.

    Credits: 4 hours

  
  • FREN 2750 - Francophone Culture


    This course, taught in English, is an introduction to various aspects of the culture of non-European countries and regions in which the French language plays a significant role. It will offer a critical and historical perspective on the cultural and social effects of colonialism and decolonialism. This course does not count toward a French major or minor.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 3150 - French for the Professions


    This course aims to develop profession-specific language skills in order to allow students to communicate in French with other professionals in different fields, such as medical and paramedical, scientific and diplomatic. Vocabulary-building and simulations of practical professional settings will be practiced. The course will also discuss the targeted professions in a global setting and comparative policies in France, Canada, selected African countries, and the United States.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 2010 with a grade of “C” or better, or equivalent.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: May be repeated for credit.
    When Offered: Every two years
  
  • FREN 3160 - Introduction to Advanced French Studies


    A review of French structure, form and use; focus on the development of communicative competence and on grammatical difficulties encountered by non-native users. Emphasis on the development of academic writing and speaking skills in preparation for content courses.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 2010 with a minimum grade of “C”, or equivalent.

    Credits: 4 hours

  
  • FREN 3170 - French Conversation


    Exercises to develop ease and accuracy in the use of everyday French. Emphasis on oral aspects of the language.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 2010 with a minimum grade of “C”, or equivalent.

    Credits: 4 hours

  
  • FREN 3200 - French Phonetics


    Study and practice to correct typical difficulties encountered by students of French with Anglo-American patterns of pronunciation; also to study the teaching of French patterns.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 2000 with a minimum grade of “C”, or equivalent.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 3220 - Life and Culture in France


    A study of French civilization based on historical, geographical, literary considerations and art and how those factors illustrate the character and traditions of French people from the medieval period through the present day.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C” or better.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 3230 - Life and Culture in the Francophone World


    An introduction to French-speaking culture outside France, as seen primarily through literary texts. Students will become acquainted with various aspects of life in French-speaking communities both past and present.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C” or better.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 3250 - Close Reading in French


    Prose and verse readings of intrinsic literary and cultural merit, with emphasis on strategies for literary analysis.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C” or better.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 3260 - Introduction to the Study of French Linguistics


    A general survey of the different fields of French linguistics, both theoretical (e.g., phonology, syntax) and applied (acquisition, sociolinguistics, dialectology). Prepares student for more specialized studies.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C” or better.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 4160 - Advanced Communication in French


    Intensive development of communicative competence in French, highlighting the four language skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing-as well as cultural proficiency. Study of the French language will be organized around a theme or themes relevant to French or Francophone societies (e.g., revolution past and present, decolonization, gender issues).

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a grade of “C” or better.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: May be repeated for credit with instructor approval.
  
  • FREN 4540 - Business French


    Course on contemporary French language and society as they relate to business and business practices in France. Intensive practice of written and oral French. This course will prepare the students for the internationally recognized “Diplôme de français professionnel B2” of the Paris Chamber of Commerce. Taught in French.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C” and one other 3000-level course with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • FREN 5000 - Elementary French for Reading Proficiency


    Intensive grammar and elementary reading for translation and research purposes. The course is primarily for the graduate who has had little or no study in the language. However, undergraduates who desire a thorough reading knowledge may also apply. No oral work.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: Undergraduates must secure permission of department.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: This course does not count toward a major or minor in French. Open to upper level and graduate students.
  
  • FREN 5010 - Intermediate French for Reading Proficiency


    Readings in the language at intermediate and advanced levels for translation and research purposes. Special attention will be given to students’ major fields. Completion of FREN 5010 with a minimum of “B” constitutes graduate proficiency in the language.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: Undergraduates must secure permission of the Department.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: This course does not count toward a major or minor in French. Open to upper level and graduate students.
  
  • FREN 5020 - French for Graduate Study


    French instruction for graduate students enrolled in a degree program who need knowledge of French for their field of study. Students will sit in appropriate level course for their learning.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: Approval of department of student’s graduate program and approval of Department of World Languages and Literatures.

    Credits: 3 to 4 hours

    Notes: May be repeated for credit. May not be taken by undergraduate students in any field.
  
  • FREN 5030 - French - English Translation Practicum


    This is a practical course to teach the skills for translating texts from French into English. The objective of this course is to develop further language proficiency and to introduce students to the nuts and bolts of translation. Students will produce English translations from different sorts of French texts, such as news, essays, documents, poetry, and short fiction.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C”, or instructor approval.

    Credits: 1 to 4 hours

    Notes: May be repeated for credit. Open to upper level and graduate students.
  
  • FREN 5100 - Topics in French and Francophone Studies


    An intensive study of selected aspects of French and Francophone culture, literature, and film. Course varies according to topic. Representative topics might include Women in French Society, The French Tradition in Quebec, Francophone Cinema, Love and War in Modern French Fiction, Writing and Revolution in the French Caribbean. Taught in French.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: FREN 3160 and either (FREN 3220 or FREN 3230 or FREN 3250 or FREN 3260) with a minimum grade of “C”, or approval of instructor.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: May be repeated for credit with a different topic. Open to upper level and graduate students.
  
  • FREN 5200 - Topics in French Linguistics and Language Science


    The advanced study of a language or a group of languages from a scientific point of view, such as the function and status of languages in society, the comparative history of different language families or the manipulation of language for pragmatic needs across cultures.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: FREN 3160 and one other 3000-level course, or equivalent. A minimum grade of “C” is required in all prerequisites.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: May be offered as ARAB/CHIN/FREN/GER/ GREK/ITAL/JPNS/LAT/RUSS 5200. May be repeated for credit. Open to upper level and graduate students.
  
  • FREN 5400 - Old French Language and Literature


    An introduction to Old French, with an emphasis on the development of reading ability. Various literary works will be studied in Old French and in translation. Coursework includes an individualized translation project.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisite: FREN 3160 with a minimum grade of “C”, or instructor approval. Working knowledge of Latin helpful.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Notes: Open to upper level and graduate students.
  
  • FREN 5500 - Independent Study in French


    Directed individual study of a specific topic in a French literary or linguistic area.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: One 5000-level course in the major; a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the major; department approval required.

    Credits: 1 to 3 hours

    Notes: May be repeated for credit. Open to upper level and graduate students. Not open to minors.

History

  
  • HIST 3101 - Colonial America


    This course explores themes and ideas unique to Colonial America. Topics that may be considered include, but are not limited to, European motivations for colonization, the political and economic cultures of the colonies, religion in the New World, race and slavery, and conflicts like the French and Indian War.

    Credits: 3 hours

  
  • HIST 3300 - Canadian History and Culture


    A survey of Canada from the sixteenth century to the present. Special attention to the sources of Anglo-French discord and Canada’s changing relationship with the United States. This course satisfies WMU Essential Studies Level 3: Connections – Global Perspectives Category.

    Credits: 3 hours


Music

  
  • MUS 2340 - French/German Diction


    A phonetic approach to the pronunciation of these languages designed for singers and choral directors. The performance of the language utilizes the vocal literature of major composers in each language.

    Credits: 1 hour

    Restrictions: Restricted to Music Performance: Vocal majors or by instructor approval.


Special Education

  
  • SPED 4290 - Learners with Disabilities in Secondary Education Programs


    This course is designed for prospective and practicing secondary education teachers. Emphasis is placed on meeting the needs of learners with disabilities in general education secondary programs. Required curriculum adaptation and modification as well as identification and development of resources and services for these learners are stressed. Program requires a grade of “CB” or better. May repeat course one time only.

    Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: ED 3000 and ED 4060 (may be taken concurrently), with a grade of “CB or better in all prerequisites.

    Credits: 3 hours

    Restrictions: Restricted to Secondary Education majors in Biology, Chemistry, English, Earth Science, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Math, Physics, Political Science, Social Studies, Spanish; and Elementary Education majors in French, German; and Health Education: School majors; and Speech Pathology and Audiology majors.

    Notes: Not acceptable for Special Education majors.
    When Offered: Fall, Spring