Language Degrees Online

101 Elementary Spanish I ( 3.00 )
Introduction to the basic structures of the Spanish language, with emphasis on listening and speaking.

102 Elementary Spanish II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Elementary Spanish I. Prerequisite: SPN 101.

103 Elementary Spanish III ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Elementary Spanish II. Prerequisite: SPN 102.

177 Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica ( 6.00 )
Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.

201 Intermediate Spanish I ( 3.00 )
Speaking, reading, and writing for the discussion of most socio-cultural topics. Prerequisite: SPN 103.

202 Intermediate Spanish II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Intermediate Spanish I, with emphasis on study of complex grammatical structures. Special focus on oral communication. Prerequisite: SPN 201. GER: Humanities.

250 Conversation and Composition I ( 3.00 )
Emphasis on conversational and communicative skills; focus on improvement of written proficiency; intensive practice in writing various types of prose (descriptive and narrative); includes grammar review. Prerequisite: SPN 202.

277 Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica ( 6.00 )
Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.

297 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

299 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

310 Conversation and Composition II ( 3.00 )
Emphasis on literary and film analysis while continuing to build on communicative skills; focus on improvement of written proficiency through intensive practice in writing various types of prose (expository and research); may include some grammar review. Prerequisite: SPN 250.

322 Spanish for the Professions ( 3.00 )
Oral and written practice focused on the special terminology of various professions including business, the health professions, social services, and legal/law enforcement. Emphasis is placed on simulation of real life situations and methods of communication. For advanced level students. Prerequisite: SPN 310.

325 Survey of Peninsular Spanish Literature ( 3.00 )
An overview and analysis of the principal literary periods of Spain from the Middle Ages through the present. Special emphasis is placed on selected works, authors, and schools of thought. Prerequisite: SPN 310.

327 Modern Spanish Theatre ( 3.00 )
A study of representative dramatic works from Spain from the period of La generacion del 98 to the present. Emphasis is placed on dramatic theory with regard to Spanish history, literary analysis, and experimental performance. Prerequisite: SPN 310.

331 Latin American Area and Civilization ( 3.00 )
Natural, social, and political characteristics of contemporary Latin America. Prerequisite: SPN 310. GER: Social Science.

333 Civilization and Culture of Spain ( 3.00 )
An overview of the history, customs, institutions, cultural patterns, and heritage of the Spanish people from earliest times to the present. Prerequisite: SPN 310. GER: Humanities.

335 Survey of Latin America Literature ( 3.00 )
An overview and analysis of the principal literary periods of Latin America from the pre-Hispanic era to the present. Special emphasis is placed on selected works, authors, and schools of thought. Prerequisite: SPN 310.

337 Latin American Short Stories ( 3.00 )
Traces the development of the short story genre in Latin America from its origins in the nineteenth century through the Boom authors and into present day. Special emphasis may be placed on particular periods, national movements, or authors. Prerequisite: SPN 310.

377 Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica ( 6.00 )
Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.

390 Topics ( 3.00 )
Advanced tutorial courses in selected areas. Topics may include study of a literary genre, movement, author, Hispanic linguistics, or some aspect of Hispanic culture. Repeatable with different topic. Prerequisite: SPN 310.

397 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

399 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

477 Intensive Spanish in Costa Rica ( 6.00 )
Intensive study of spoken and written Spanish. Level is determined by placement exam given upon arrival in Costa Rica.

490 Seminar ( 3.00 )
In-depth study of a literary genre, movement, author, or a topic on Hispanic culture or language. Repeatable with different content. Prerequisite: One 300-level SPN course.

497 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

499 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

Spanish is a global language spoken in 21 countries across the world, each with its own cultural identity that makes study of the language so intriguing. North Central’s Spanish program blends rigorous language instruction with the exploration of these expressive cultures to give students not only a skill but an enriching educational experience.

Along with classroom exploration, Spanish faculty foster a vibrant environment to celebrate Spanish culture and customs through clubs and programs. Active student clubs such as Raza Unida and Fusión Española ensure a steady presence of Hispanic and Latino heritage programming on campus.

Our study abroad opportunities offer students the chance to study Spanish while experiencing a culture first-hand. The Costa Rica fall term allows you to perfect your Spanish while earning internship credit in the semi-tropics. Study at Pablo Olavide University in Seville lets you pursue rich course offerings at a respected university in southern Spain.

Our proximity to Chicago, with the nation’s third-largest Spanish speaking population, provides real advantages. Students benefit from internships, service opportunities, community involvement, museums, cultural institutions and restaurants where they interact with the community and put their language skills into practice.

In short, the Spanish program at North Central College gives students the skills to be fluent speakers, the intellectual tools to be prepared professionals and the personal enrichment to be global citizens.

In today’s world, it’s all about language! If you study a language, you’ll be more fully prepared to participate in the new global society. Knowledge of another language and culture can also enhance your enjoyment of other fields and lead you to fascinating careers. Our graduates have gone on to graduate study and to careers in business, education or with international organizations like the Peace Corps.

In our courses, you’ll not only learn language skills but also come to understand how a culture is communicated through literature, arts, history and social practices. You’ll work closely with the faculty. Our goal is to help you develop proficiency, which means you’ll be using the language in real-life situations and interacting often with your classmates.

To get the most from your language study, study abroad in one of our many programs, make use of our dynamic Language Resource Center, and participate in one of our language clubs. Come join us!

To see where you might begin in our program, check out our placement page.

101 Elementary Japanese I ( 3.00 )
Introduction to the basic structures of the Japanese language through aural-oral practice and drills. A good command of kana syllabaries (hiragana and katakana) and the ability to reproduce about 100 kanji (Chinese characters) is expected by the end of the Elementary Japanese sequence.

102 Elementary Japanese II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Japanese I. Prerequisite: JPN 101.

103 Elementary Japanese III ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Japanese II. Prerequisite: JPN 102.

201 Intermediate Japanese I ( 3.00 )
Emphasis on further development of listening and speaking skills. The introduction of basic grammar is completed by the end of the Intermediate Japanese sequence. Introduction of vocabulary and kanji is accelerated. Prerequisite: JPN 103.

202 Intermediate Japanese II ( 3.00 )
Continuation of Japanese 201. Prerequisite: JPN 201. GER: Humanities.

203 Intermediate Japanese III ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Japanese 202. Prerequisite: JPN 202.

297 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

299 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

310 Reading and Grammar I ( 3.00 )
Development of fluency in reading and speaking, with emphasis on expansion of grammatical understanding, vocabulary, and kanji. Instruction of reading strategies are incorporated in reading practices with a variety of Japanese texts. Prerequisite: JPN 203.

351 Writing and Grammar I ( 3.00 )
Development of writing skills in Japanese with emphasis on expansion of grammatical understanding, vocabulary, and kanji. Reading and discussion of various types of short texts are also incorporated. Prerequisite: One 300-level JPN course.

390 Topics ( 3.00 )
An advanced course in a selected topic. Topics may include business Japanese, Japanese literature, Japanese films, Japanese culture and history, or advanced grammar. Repeatable with different topic. Prerequisite: JPN 351.

397 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

399 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

410 Reading and Grammar II ( 3.00 )
Further development of reading proficiency with continued emphasis on expansion of grammatical understanding, vocabulary, and kanji. The reading texts may include short stories, advertisements, and articles from magazines and newspapers. Practices of reading strategies are incorporated. Repeatable with different content. Prerequisite: JPN 390.

451 Writing and Grammar II ( 3.00 )
Further development of fluency in written and oral Japanese through reading and writing various types of texts. Continued emphasis on grammatical understanding, vocabulary, and kanji. Repeatable with different content. Prerequisite: One 400-level JPN course.

490 Seminar ( 3.00 )
An in-depth study in a selected topic. Special emphasis on student-directed study inquiry and the development of individual projects and presentations. Repeatable with different content. Prerequisite: JPN 451.

497 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

499 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

The nation that gave us Pokemon, karate and karaoke is also one of the key players in the new global society. North Central College is one of the few colleges and universities in Illinois to offer a major in Japanese.

Our program aims to develop your proficiency in communication. You’ll find that classroom time flies by! Students also find that a major or minor in Japanese is a great complement to majors in East Asian Studies, Global Studies and many others. Also, don’t forget that the Language Resource Center on campus provides access to 24 hours/day of Japanese television, computerized writing tablets for Japanese characters, and other opportunities to practice your language skills.

Our location near Chicago gives you wonderful access to a wide range of Japan-related opportunities. In addition, we strongly encourage all of our students of Japanese to round out their experience by participating in several exciting study abroad opportunities.

101 Elementary German I ( 3.00 )
Introduction to the basic structures of the German language, with emphasis on listening and speaking.

102 Elementary German II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Elementary German I. Prerequisite: GER 101.

103 Elementary German III ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Elementary German II. Prerequisite: GER 102.

201 Intermediate German I ( 3.00 )
Speech, writing, and reading for the discussion of most literary and cultural topics. Prerequisite: GER 103.

202 Intermediate German II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Intermediate German I. Prerequisite: GER 201. GER: Humanities.

203 Conversation and Composition ( 3.00 )
Focuses on the continued development of oral and written proficiency. Students read, write, and discuss authentic texts dealing with culture, history, and politics of German-speaking countries. Prerequisite: GER 202.

297 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

299 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

310 German Life and Culture After World War II ( 3.00 )
Offers students an introduction to life and culture in East and West Germany after World War II. Specific focus is placed on the founding of the countries, the Cold War, the 1953 uprising, the Berlin Wall, Communism, and unification. Prerequisite: GER 203.

320 German History and Culture ( 3.00 )
A survey of major sociological, political, and artistic events in German-speaking lands from their origins to the present. Prerequisite: GER 203. GER: Humanities.

325 Survey of German Literature ( 3.00 )
Survey of principal German authors, periods, and genres. Prerequisite: GER 203.

330 The Weimar Republic ( 3.00 )
A contextualized study of the life and culture during the Weimar Republic in Germany. Special attention is given to the literature, film, and visual art of the period. Prerequisite: GER 203.

350 German Film ( 3.00 )
This course introduces students to the history and development of German film. Films are analyzed within their historical epoch, but also as cultural documents problematizing aspects of German life and history. Prerequisite: GER 203.

370 Berlin: A City in Flux ( 3.00 )
A study of the dynamic German city, from its time as the capital of the Prussian kingdom, its cultural and economic rise in the German Empire, through its changes in the Weimar Republic, during the Third Reich, throughout its division during the Cold War, and finally after German unification in 1990. Prerequisite: GER 203.

390 Topics ( 3.00 )
Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Repeatable with different topics. Course topics may include studies on specific authors, such as Bertolt Brecht, periods and epochs, such as Expressionism or Exile Literature, or on specific themes. Prerequisite: One 300-level GER couse.

397 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

399 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

490 Seminar ( 3.00 )
Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Repeatable with different topics. Course topics may include studies on specific authors, such as Bertolt Brecht, periods and epochs, such as Expressionism or Exile Literature, or on specific themes. Prerequisite: one 300-level GER course.

497 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

499 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

Study German, the language behind such works of art as the poetry of Goethe and the latest Porsche. The German language program at North Central College can provide you with important skills for your personal and professional development.

German language skills can enhance your competence in areas as diverse as music, the biological sciences, engineering, literature and film. At North Central, learning German has a personal touch as well. You’ll acquire the relevant cultural information as well as linguistic proficiency. That means you’ll learn the German you’ll need in real-life situations and interact often with your classmates.

We have many formal and informal opportunities for you to practice your skills:
courses ranging from the elementary level to the advanced levels
trips to German-related sites in Chicago, from the opera to fine restaurants;
the various services of the Language Resource Center.

We recommend that all of our students study abroad. You may choose to spend some or all of your junior year in a German-speaking environment.

101 Elementary French I ( 3.00 )
Introduction to the basic structures of the French language, with emphasis on listening and speaking.

102 Elementary French II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Elementary French I. Prerequisite: FRN 101.

103 Elementary French III ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Elementary French II. Prerequisite: FRN 102.

201 Intermediate French I ( 3.00 )
Development of reading and writing skills, with continued emphasis on listening and speaking. Prerequisite: FRN 103.

202 Intermediate French II ( 3.00 )
A continuation of Intermediate French I. Prerequisite: FRN 201. GER: Humanities.

250 Techniques in French Composition ( 3.00 )
Emphasis on improving proficiency through grammar review, advanced writing, and discussion of short texts. Prerequisite: FRN 202.

297 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

299 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

310 Style and Structure in French Composition ( 3.00 )
Emphasis on improving oral and written proficiency through the study and discussion of core texts. Students develop a sense of the various techniques that contribute to style and use these techniques in their own writing. Prerequisite: FRN 250.

320 Le Francais Commercial ( 2.00 )
An introduction to French company organization and related activities (employment, correspondence, simulated transactions), with emphasis on the language skills needed to function effectively in a French business setting. Prerequisite: FRN 310.

325 Survey of French Literature: Medieval – 17th Century ( 3.00 )
An overview of major works of French literature from the Middle Ages to the 17th century. Prerequisite: FRN 310.

326 Survey of French Literature – 18th to 21st Century ( 3.00 )
An overview of major works of French literature from the 18th century to the present. Prerequisite: FRN 310.

327 Survey of French and Francophone Women Writers ( 3.00 )
An introduction to the works of women writers from Medieval France to contemporary France and Francophone cultures. Prerequisite: FRN 310.

330 History of France ( 3.00 )
The development of French culture and civilization from its origins to the beginning of the Fifth Republic. Prerequisite: FRN 310. GER: Humanities.

331 Contemporary France ( 3.00 )
The institutions and social structures of France from the establishment of the Fifth Republic to the present. Prerequisite: FRN 310. GER: Social Science.

338 Vichy France ( 3.00 )
A study of France under the Nazi Occupation in World War II, including a focus on collaboration, rescue and resistance, survival, and memory. Prerequisite: FRN 310. GER: Leadership, Ethics, & Values.

370 Francophone Africa ( 3.00 )
An exploration of the socio-cultural changes in Francophone Africa resulting from colonization and independence, as reflected in contemporary and traditional literature. Prerequisite: FRN 310.

380 French Cinema ( 3.00 )
The history and development of French cinema from the Lumiere Brothers to the present. Prerequisites: FRN 310, and one other 300-level FRN course.

390 Topics ( 3.00 )
Advanced study of selected literary and cultural topics. Repeatable with different topic. Prerequisites: FRN 310, and one other 300-level FRN course.

397 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

399 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

420 Medieval French Literature ( 3.00 )
A selection of genres, authors, and texts from various periods in the French Middle Ages. Prerequisites: FRN 310, and one other 300-level FRN course.

470 Humor in French Literature ( 3.00 )
A study of comic modes throughout French literary history, with an emphasis on theoretical approaches to the questions that literary humor raises. Prerequisites: FRN 310, and one other 300-level FRN course.

480 French Theatre ( 3.00 )
An in-depth study of the major developments in French theatre, from the 17th century to the 20th. Prerequisites: FRN 310, and one other 300-level FRN course.

490 Seminar ( 3.00 )
Advanced study focusing on a specific literary or cultural topic, with emphasis on student-directed inquiry and the development of individual projects and presentations. Repeatable with different topic. Prerequisites: FRN 310, and one other 300-level FRN course.

497 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

499 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

Mais oui! French remains an important language for diplomatic and professional use … not to mention for sampling some of the best cuisine in the world! At North Central College, you can develop your French skills and become more knowledgeable about French-speaking areas around the globe.

Do you like lively classroom conversations and debates? You’ll get plenty of that in your French classes! Want to find additional ways to practice your French? Check out the services of the Language Resource Center.

You’ll also find plenty of informal opportunities to help you develop your French skills. We schedule language tables, le Cercle français (French club), field trips to French-related sites in the Chicago area, and community events. Spending time with exchange students from France and other francophone areas will help you build your language skills. Venez voir!

Every year we send several students on our exchange program to Angers, France, where they study side-by-side with French students at the Université Catholique de l’Ouest. It’s a great way to perfect your abilities in French, experience French culture and meet new friends. We invite all our French students to participate in study abroad opportunities.

325 News Reporting ( 3.00 )
Examination of the role of the reporter in the newspaper industry. Topics include advanced fact gathering, interview and research techniques, beat coverage, and team reporting. Prerequisite: ENG 220.

330 Multicultural Literature of North America ( 3.00 )
An exploration of one or more North American ethnic culture’s practices and values through the lens of literature. Students examine oral, musical, religious, philosophical, and historical conditions or traditions that have influenced the formation of ethnic literatures and American culture as a whole. Prerequisite: Junior standing. GER: Intercultural.

335 Magazine Writing ( 3.00 )
Students examine the wide range of magazine writing possibilities through developing, researching, writing and revising articles for specific magazines. Students learn to analyze both magazine audiences and editors and produce polished queries in order to effectively target appropriate magazines for freelance assignments. Prerequisite: ENG 220, ENG 265, or ENG 275.

340 Global Films ( 3.00 )
An interdisciplinary study of selected films representing various cultures of the world. Prerequisite: Junior standing. GER: Intercultural.

360 Writing for Social Change ( 3.00 )
An exploration of writing that engages in civic life and contributes to meaningful public debates. Students engage in research designed to expand their expertise as cultural critics. Prerequisite: ENG 265.

365 Writing Creative Nonfiction ( 3.00 )
Workshop in creative nonfiction writing that emphasizes invention, research, drafting, and revision. Additionally, students examine published models for critique and appreciation of craft. Topic and approach may vary. This course may be repeated once with different content and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: ENG 220, ENG 265, or ENG 275.

370 Language and Linguistics ( 3.00 )
An investigation of the essentials of human language: what it includes (sounds, words, sentence patterns, and meanings), how it works, how it varies in social settings, and how it changes across time. Prerequisite: Junior standing recommended.

375 Writing Fiction ( 3.00 )
An advanced workshop in fiction writing that emphasizes invention, research, drafting, and revision. Additionally, students examine published models for critique and appreciation of craft. Topic and approach may vary. This course may be repeated once with different content and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: ENG 275.

377 Writing Poetry ( 3.00 )
An advanced workshop in poetry writing that emphasizes invention, research, drafting, and revision. Additionally, students examine published models for critique and appreciation of craft. Topic and approach may vary. This course may be repeated once with different content and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: ENG 275.

380 Global Literature ( 3.00 )
An interdisciplinary study of world literatures, focusing on selected topics and regions, usually connected to the College’s annual international focus. Texts are examined in the context of the history and culture of their regions. This course may be repeated once with different content. Prerequisite: Junior standing. GER: Intercultural.

390 Sacred Texts As Literature ( 3.00 )
A literary study of sacred texts from around the world, including portions of the Bible, Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, Koran, Tao Te Ching, Dhammapada, and the Analects. Students compare literary structures, strategies, and themes, while considering the cross-cultural influences such texts have had on world literature and art. Repeatable once with different content. Prerequisite: Junior standing. GER: Intercultural.

397 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

399 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

401 Seminar in Drama ( 3.00 )
An intensive study of some aspect of drama or of a particular dramatist. May be repeated once with different content. Prerequisite: ENG 201 or 200- or 300-level literature course.

403 Seminar in Fiction ( 3.00 )
An intensive study of some aspect of fiction in the context of history and critical theory. May be repeated once with different content. Prerequisite: ENG 201 or 200- or 300-level literature course.

405 Seminar in Poetry ( 3.00 )
An intensive study of some aspect of poetry, including individual poets, movements, historical periods, or approaches to the genre. May be repeated once with different content. Prerequisite: ENG 201 or 200- or 300-level literature course.

407 Seminar in Selected Authors ( 3.00 )
An intensive study of works by a single author or authors sharing a particular connection. May be repeated once with different content. Prerequisite: ENG 201 or 200- or 300-level literature course.

409 Seminar in Theory ( 3.00 )
A study of major theorists or theoretical movements that have shaped the selection of texts and how they are read within cultures. May be repeated once with a different content. Prerequisite: ENG 201 or 200- or 300-level literature course.

455 Writing in Technical and Professional Settings ( 3.00 )
An intensive, advanced study of and practice in technical and professional writing for various audiences, addressing the use of document formats, electronic media, and ethical practices in global communication. Same as: ENG 555. Prerequisite: ENG 265.

460 Seminar in Special Topics ( 3.00 )
An intensive study of a selected topic in literature, language, writing, literary criticism, or theory with special attention to issues related to leadership, ethics, and values. Prerequisite: ENG 201 or 200- or 300-level literature or writing course. GER: Leadership, Ethics, & Values.

465 Advanced Creative Nonfiction-Multimedia ( 3.00 )
An advanced writing seminar wherein student writers transform creative nonfictions into a variety of multimedia forms which may include the following visual and/or audio products: documentary, oral history, monologue, commentary, storyboard, slideshow, spoken word poetry, or theatrical sketch. Students learn to enlarge the contemporary practice of written nonfiction through projects and prompts that encourage creative, hands-on exploration as well as workshop-based analytical and critical skills. Prerequisite: ENG 196 or ENG 201.

475 Advanced Workshop in Creative Writing ( 3.00 )
An intensive, advanced study of one particular aspect of or issue in fiction writing or poetry writing. Topic and approach may vary. This course may be repeated once with different content and permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: ENG 275.

480 Senior Portfolio ( 1.00 )
Compilation of revised writing required of all majors. English majors must register for and complete this credit before graduation. Prerequisites: ENG 201, English major, Senior standing.

497 Internship ( 0.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.

499 Independent Study ( 1.00-9.00 )
Instructor consent required.