Courses
American Sign Language
ASL 101 - Introductory American Sign Language I
3 hours, 3 credits
American Sign Language 101 is designed for students who have not previously studied American Sign Language (ASL). This course introduces students to the basic skills of manual communication used by American-born deaf persons in interpersonal (face-to-face) communication including finger spelling and signs.
This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
ASL 102 - Introductory American Sign Language II
3 hours, 3 credits
American Sign Language 102 is designed for students who have previously studied American Sign Language at a basic introductory level (ASL 101). This course continues to familiarize students with the basic skills of manual communication used by American-born deaf persons in interpersonal (face-to-face) communication including finger spelling and signs.
This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
Arabic
ARA 101 Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I
3 hours, 3 credits
The goal of this course is to begin developing reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic. The course stresses communication using both formal and informal Arabic, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture. The course will be conducted primarily in Arabic.
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
ARA 102 Elementary Modern Standard Arabic II
3 hours, 3 credits
This course is continuation of Elementary Modern Standard Arabic I (ARA 101). Second in a series of courses that develops reading, speaking, listening, writing, and cultural skills in Arabic. Emphasis is placed on reading authentic materials from Arabic media, expanding students' vocabulary and grammar skills, listening to and watching audio and video materials, and developing students' understanding of Arab culture and communicative competence. The course will be conducted primarily in Arabic.
Prerequisite: ARA 101 or equivalent
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
ARA 201 Intermediate Arabic I
3 hours, 3 credits
Arabic 201 is the first course of the intermediate sequence of Arabic, a continuation of Arabic 101 and 102. The course enables students to further develop the five language skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, and culture. Students will be introduced to varied and complex topics, to language structures, and to written and aural texts of the modern standard Arabic. Special attention will be given to developing conversational skills and exploring the Arab-speaking world and its culture(s).
Prerequisites: ARA 102 or placement exam; ENG 101
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
Chinese
CHI 101 Elementary Chinese
3 hours, 10 lab hours per semester; 3 credits
This course is for students with little or no previous knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin Chinese will be introduced through intensive drills of its oral and written forms. Emphasis is placed on speaking and basic grammar as well as the formation of the characters. It will focus on the most essential language items, such as sound patterns, sentence structures and basic vocabulary, which are useful in everyday Chinese conversation.
Note: No credit will be given for CHI 101 if taken after the completion of CHI 102. This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
CHI 102 Elementary Chinese II
3 hours, 10 lab hours per semester; 3 credits
This is the second semester of Elementary Chinese in Mandarin. In CHI 102, the students will learn more Chinese sentence structure, more basic vocabulary and more Chinese grammar, which are useful in everyday conversation. There will be a greater emphasis on oral exercises in class and more Chinese writing after class.
Prerequisite: CHI 101 or equivalent
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
CHI 201 Intermediate Chinese I
3 hours, 3 credits
Chinese 201 is an intermediate course in Chinese language and culture. It continues the sequence begun by Chinese 101 and 102. After a review of grammar and vocabulary, students will augment their knowledge of Chinese by practicing the four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition, students will be exposed to primary sources including news media, film, and short stories. Special attention will be given to developing conversational skills and exploring the culture of China.
Prerequisites: ENG 101; CHI 102 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
French
FRE 101 Introductory French I
3 hours, 3 credits
A basic course in the French language with an emphasis on oral and written communication, reading, and the customs and cultures of French-speaking countries.
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program. No credit will be given for FRE 101 if taken after the completion of FRE 102.
FRE 102 Introductory French II
3 hours, 3 credits
Completion of FRE 102 enables the student to speak, comprehend, read, and write French on a basic level.
Prerequisite: FRE 101 or placement examination Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
FRE 201 Intermediate French I
3 hours, 3 credits
An intermediate-level course in the French language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing, and culture/history) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and FRE 102 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
FRE 202 Intermediate French II
3 hours, 3 credits The second part of an intermediate-level course in the French language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing, and culture/history) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and FRE 201 or placement exam
German
GER 101 Introductory German I
3 hours, 3 credits
This first semester German course is designed mainly for students who have not previously studied German. This course introduces students to the language and culture of the modern German-speaking world. Students use fundamental vocabulary and grammar structures to talk about daily life and gain insights into aspects of the cultures of German-speaking countries. This course stresses the development of the five language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture).
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
GER 102 Introductory German II 3 credits, 3 hours German 102 builds on the student's proficiency in language and knowledge of culture acquired in German 101. It broadens linguistic and cultural abilities for basic communication in a German-speaking environment Emphasis is on the progressive development of the five language skills--listening, reading, writing, speaking and culture. Students expand their communication skills to include travel, storytelling, personal well-being, and recent historical events.
Prerequisites: GER 101 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
GER 201 Intermediate German I
3 hours, 3 credits
German 201 is an intermediate course in German language and cultures. It continues the sequence begun by German 101 and German 102. After a review of grammar and vocabulary, students will augment their knowledge of German by practicing the four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition, students will be exposed to primary sources including news media, film, and short stories. Special attention will be given to developing conversational skills and exploring the culture of German-speaking countries.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and GER 102 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
Italian
ITA 101 Introductory Italian I
3 hours, 3 credits
A basic course in the Italian language with an emphasis on oral and written communication, reading, vocabulary, and the customs and culture of Italy. No credit will be given for ITA 101 if taken after the completion of ITA 102.
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
ITA 102 Introductory Italian II
3 hours, 3 credits
This course will enable the student to speak, comprehend, read and write Italian on a basic level.
Prerequisite: ITA 101 or placement examination
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
ITA 201 Intermediate Italian I
3 hours, 3 credits
An intermediate-level course in the Italian language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing, and culture/history) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and ITA 102 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
ITA 202 Intermediate Italian II
3 hours, 3 credits
The second part of an intermediate-level course in the Italian language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing, and culture/history) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and ITA 201 or placement exam
Japanese
JPN 101 Elementary Japanese Level I
3 hours, 3 credits
This course provides pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, reading, and character writing (hiragana, katakana and elementary kanji) exercises in spoken Japanese. Emphasis is placed primarily on developing speaking and listening skills at the novice low level. The study of Japanese culture and its history are also emphasized.
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
JPN 102 Elementary Japanese Level II
3 hours, 3 credits
This course builds upon the basis of Japanese 101 and aims to develop the linguistic, communicative and cultural competence in order to interact with native speakers of Japanese in a culturally coherent and appropriate manner. Emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication skills and cultural aspects.
Prerequisite: JPN 101 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
JPN 201 Intermediate Japanese I
3 hours, 3 credits
This course is designed for students who have prior knowledge of the Japanese language, mainly through Basic Japanese I and II, or equivalent courses. The objectives of the course are to advance students' fluency as well as accuracy in speech and listening comprehension, to develop students' reading and writing skills, and to increase their understanding of modern Japanese culture through authentic materials.
Prerequisites: JPN 102 or placement exam, and ENG 101
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program
Portuguese
POR 101 Elementary Portuguese I
3 hours, 3 credits
Portuguese 101 is a beginning-level integrated skills language course. This courses helps students develop a basic ability to communicate in Portuguese. Class time is dedicated to interactive activities that allow students to acquire skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing at the novice low level. Through music, videos, and readings of authentic materials, students are also introduced to many aspects of Brazilian culture as well as of other countries where Portuguese is spoken. Class is conducted in Portuguese in order to maximize exposure to the language. Lab activities are also incorporated in order to develop students' listening, reading, and writing skills and pronunciation.
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
POR 102 Elementary Portuguese II
3 hours, 3 credits
Portuguese 102 is the second half of a one-year course in Portuguese. This course will enable the student to speak, comprehend, read and write Portuguese at the novice midproficiency level. Emphasis is placed on some aspects of Luso and Brazilian cultures. Prerequisites: POR 101 or placement exam Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
POR 201 Intermediate Portuguese I
3 hours, 3 credits
This is an intermediate course in German language and cultures. It continues the sequence begun by Portuguese 101 and Portuguese 201. After a review of grammar and vocabulary, students will augment their knowledge of Portuguese by practicing the four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. In addition, students will be exposed to primary sources including news media, film, and short stories. Special attention will be given to developing conversational skills and exploring the culture of Portuguese-speaking countries.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and POR 102 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
Spanish
SPA 101 Introductory Spanish I
3 hours, 3 credits
A basic course in the Spanish language with an emphasis on oral and written communication, reading, vocabulary, and the customs and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Students who take SPA 101 cannot fulfill the 6-credit language requirement by taking SPA 111. Students who take SPA 111 must also take SPA 112 or an intermediate level course to satisfy the BA/BS requirements. Students cannot receive credit for SPA 101 if it is taken after SPA 102.
Prerequisite. Placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 102 Introductory Spanish II
3 hours, 3 credits
This course will enable the student to speak, comprehend, read and write Spanish on a basic level. Students who take SPA 101 cannot fulfill the 6-credit language requirement by taking SPA 111. Students who take SPA 111 must also take SPA 112 or an intermediate level course to satisfy the BA/BS degree requirements.
Prerequisite: SPA 101 or placement examination
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 111 Introductory Spanish I for Heritage Students
3 hours, 3 credits
This is a basic course in the Spanish language with an emphasis on oral and written communication, reading, listening, and the culture of Spanish-speaking countries.
Note: Open only to heritage students. Students who take SPA 101 cannot fulfill the foreign language requirement by taking SPA 111. Students who take SPA 111 must also take SPA 112
Prerequisite: Placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 112 Introductory Spanish II for Heritage Students
3 hours, 3 credits
The second half of introductory Spanish continues emphasis on the four language skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) essential to communicative language learning with a focus on the cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.
Prerequisite: SPA 111 or placement examination
Note: Open only to heritage students. This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 115 Practical Spanish I
3 hours, 3 credits
Basic principles of a beginner’s course (monolingual track) geared toward law enforcement personnel. It is designed to give the foundation for understanding, speaking, reading and writing the target language. Special emphasis on vocabulary and linguistic structures necessary to policing and related professions.
SPA 116 Practical Spanish II
3 hours, 3 credits
The second half of a beginner’s course for law enforcement personnel. Completes the grammar and vocabulary of Spanish 115, as necessary to policing and related professions.
Prerequisite: SPA 115 or permission of the instructor
SPA 201 Intermediate Spanish I
3 hours, 3 credits
An intermediate-level course in the Spanish language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and SPA 102 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 202 Intermediate Spanish II
3 hours, 3 credits
The second part of an intermediate-level course in the Spanish language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing, and culture) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and SPA 201 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the College Option: Communications area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 207 Latin America Through the Lens of Literature
3 hours, 3 credits
This course explores the diverse cultures of Latin America through the lens of literature. Students examine political, economic, and social issues through textual analysis of literary and non-literary works representing diverse voices of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world (e.g., indigenous people, women, Afro-Hispanic groups, and the various national cultures). This course is taught in English.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and ENG 201, or permission of the section instructor
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 211 Intermediate Spanish I for Heritage Students
3 hours, 3 credits
An intermediate-level course in the Spanish language to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture) essential to communicative language learning. Open only to heritage students.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and SPA 112 or placement exam
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 212 Intermediate Spanish II for Heritage Students
3 hours, 3 credits
This is the second half of the Intermediate Spanish sequence for Heritage Students. This course aims to increase proficiency in the language skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture) essential to communicative language learning.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and SPA 211 or placement Exam
SPA 215 Spanish Conversation & Composition
3 hours, 3 credits
Spanish Conversation and Composition is designed to promote written and oral fluency through listening, reading, writing and speaking. The course will focus on language through structure in the context of short language documentaries, reading and writing short stories and presentations. This course presumes knowledge of language fundamentals that will permit students to function at an intermediate high level. Grammatical structures will be reviewed and re-tested in the context of writing and speaking. This course will serve to improve and enhance students’ writing and oral skills by emphasizing proper use of grammatical structures, syntax and pronunciation.
Prerequisite: ENG 201, SPA 202 or SPA 212
SPA 217 Theater of the Americas since 1960 (Same course as LLS 217 and DRA 217)
3 hours, 3 credits
This course is an introduction to theatre, performance art, and cultural politics in the Americas since 1960. The course focuses on U.S. Latina/o, Chicana/o and Latin American theatre as aesthetic and sociocultural practices. We will discuss how identity is performed in the everyday sense and how historical identities, selves, and others have been performed. Topics may include political theatre, relations to European theatre traditions, experimentation and absurdist theater, revolution, dictatorship, terror and violence, censorship and self-censorship, trauma and memory, queerness and gender, borders and latinidad.
Prerequisite: ENG 101
Note: This course satisfies the Flexible Core: Creative Expression area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 230 Theory and Practice of Written Translation: Spanish to English
3 hours, 3 credits
A basic course on the process of translation and the strategies that translators use to transform a text from one language into another. Extensive practice with a variety of representative passages from general, technical and literary language.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and SPA 202 or SPA 212 or department approval
SPA 231 Interpreting I
3 hours, 3 credits
This introductory course in interpretation is oriented toward a variety of settings–legal, medical, business, immigration –with an emphasis on court interpreting. This course covers different aspects of interpreting as a profession and introduces students to all modes of interpretation: sight translation, consecutive interpretation and simultaneous interpretation. Particular attention will be paid to interpreting techniques and to incremental exercises for developing memory, accuracy, and speed. This course also provides a solid basis for training in interpreting, as well as translation.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and SPA 202 or SPA 212 or departmental approval
Note: This course satisfies the College Option: Communication area of the Gen Ed program.
SPA 250 Spanish for Criminal Investigation
3 hours, 3 credits
An intermediate Spanish course for bilingual students who wish to incorporate the content and vocabulary of criminal justice and police science courses in order to develop their language skills in Spanish. They will accomplish this by reading the text and other materials provided, as well as translating them. There will be extensive practice in the interview process through role-play from English to Spanish.
Prerequisite: ENG 101
SPA 308 The Theme of Justice in Spanish Literature (Formerly SPA 208)
3 hours, 3 credits
How is justice handled in Spanish literature? How was it handled in the past and how is it handled today? How are injustices addressed? Is revenge ever a form of justice? Is the treatment of justice universal or does culture play a role in the way justice is handled? This course seeks to answer these questions as they apply to Spain through an exploration of the works of Spanish writers from the Middles Ages to the present. The works will be read in English translation but students with a reading knowledge of Spanish will be encouraged to read all materials in the original language.
Prerequisite: ENG 201; junior standing or above
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Justice in Global Perspective (300-level) area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 320 Latin-American Theatre Taller de Teatro/ Theatre Workshop
3 hours, 3 credits
The theory and practice of dramatic production in Latin American and of the Spanish-speaking groups within the U.S., with special emphasis on popular and socially-committed theatre. Reading and interpretation of dramatic texts.
Prerequisites: ENG 201, and SPA 202 or 212 or placement exam or permission of the department
SPA 321 Introduction to Spanish Literature I
3 hours, 3 credits
The development of Spanish literature, with special emphasis on major literary movements through selected readings of representative authors and genres. The beginnings (11th century) to 1700.
Prerequisites: ENG 201 and one of the following: SPA 230 or SPA 250 or higher
SPA 322 Introduction to Spanish Literature II
3 hours, 3 credits
The development of Spanish literature, with special emphasis on major literary movements through selected readings of representative authors and genres, from 1700 to the present.
Prerequisites: ENG 201, and one of the following: SPA 230 or SPA 250 or higher
SPA 330 Translating II
3 hours, 3 credits
This course reviews and reinforces translation techniques and problem-solving strategies acquired in previous courses, which will be applied to specialized texts in the legal, medical, business and technical fields. Different types or genres of specialized texts will be covered, and special emphasis will be made on their linguistic, textual and discursive conventions. The main resources for translators in each specific field will also be reviewed and assessed.
Prerequisites: ENG 201, SPA 230, SPA 231, and SPA 250
SPA 331 Introduction to Latin-American Literature I
3 hours, 3 credits
The development of Latin-American literature, with special emphasis on major literary movements through selected readings. From discovery and conquest to the 19th century.
Prerequisites: ENG 201 and one of the following: SPA 230 or SPA 250 or higher
SPA 332 Introduction to Latin-American Literature II
3 hours, 3 credits Study of the development of Latin-American literature, with special emphasis on major literary movements through selected readings of the modern period.
Prerequisites: ENG 201 and one of the following: SPA 230 or SPA 250 or higher
SPA 333 Interpreting II
3 hours, 3 credits
This is an intermediate course designed to develop interpreting proficiency for education, medical, and legal settings. Topics covered include consecutive interpreting and sight translation skills, glossary building, code of ethics, analysis and assessment of interpreting performance. This course has a lecture component but the majority of the time is used in developing accurate interpreting skills through practice and analysis. Prerequisites: ENG 201, SPA 231, SPA 230 and SPA 250
SPA 335 Themes of Justice in Latin-American Literature and Film
3 hours, 3 credits
How do post-authoritarian and post-dictatorial regimes deal with legacies of violence and human rights abuses? How do they address the demands for justice that arise after systematic mass atrocities? Should we remember or forget past atrocities? This course seeks to answer these questions as they apply to LatinAmerican societies by exploring these themes in literature, film, various other texts, and elements of popular culture such as the construction of memorials and public spaces. Although the course is taught in English, students with a reading knowledge of Spanish are encouraged to read all materials in the original.
Prerequisite: ENG 201, junior standing or above
Note: This course satisfies the John Jay College Option: Justice in Global Perspective (300-level) area of the Gen Ed Program.
SPA 340 Legal Interpreting I
3 hours, 3 credits
Interpreting is recognized as a complex cognitive task that requires bilingual and bicultural competence. Interpreting in legal settings further requires the acquisition of highly specialized knowledge relating to the law, legal language and discourses. This course will introduce students to the contextual knowledge needed to operate in diverse legal settings (courtroom, police), covering different court proceedings such as arraignments, preliminary hearings and pretrial motions. It also provides practice in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation as well as sight translation based on diverse simulated courtroom situations. Students will attend appropriate civil, criminal, and/or family court proceedings.
Prerequisites: ENG 201, SPA 230, SPA 231 and SPA 250
SPA 435 Legal Translating
3 hours, 3 credits
The aim of this course is to provide its students with the knowledge and skills they need to translate legal texts. Students are introduced to the terminology, syntax, and stylistics of legal texts. This course provides also an introduction to the principles of comparative law. Particular attention is given to translations in business law (contracts), family law (marriage certificates, divorce decrees), and inheritance law (wills).
Prerequisites: ENG 201, SPA 330 and SPA 333
SPA 440 Legal Interpreting II
3 hours, 3 credits
Legal Interpreting II is a course designed to further improve interpretation skills, accuracy and speed in all modes of interpretation. Modules of terminology related to court proceedings and criminology will be reviewed and expanded and new advanced terminology related to computer forensics will be introduced. The pace of interpreting will be faster and the exercises and assignments in this course contain more complex legal terminology. The training is hands-on with actual court documents, transcripts and sample recordings for practice.
Prerequisites: ENG 201, SPA 333 and SPA 340