College of Liberal Arts
Germanic, Slavic, & East Asian Languages & Literatures

 

 Undergraduate Index


Margit Resch, Chair of the Department

Professors
Wolfgang D. Elfe, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, 1970
Margit Resch, Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1974
Associate Professors
Charles J. Alber, Ph.D., Indiana University, 1971
Kurt G. Goblirsch, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1990
Yoshitaka Sakakibara, Ph.D., University of Southern California, 1984
Nicholas Vazsonyi, Ph.D., University of California-Los Angeles, 1993
Sarah Westphal, Ph.D., Yale University, 1983
Tan Ye, Ph.D., Washington University, 1991
Assistant Professors
Junko Baba, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1996
Judith E. Kalb, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1996
Agnes Mueller, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University, 1997
Alexander J. Ogden, Ph.D., Stanford University, 1997
Wiebke Strehl, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1992
Instructors
Nikolaus Euba, M.A., Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany, 1994
Shunko Muroya, M.A., Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan, 1982
Charles B. Owens, M.A., University of South Carolina, 1996
Anja Restenberger, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 2000
Elena Schmitt, M.A., West Virginia University, 1993
Faculty Emeriti
Francis J. Dannerbeck, Ph.D., Purdue University, 1965
James N. Hardin, Ph.D., University of North Carolina, 1967
Gunther J. Holst, Ph.D., University of Texas, 1971
Gerda P. Jordan, Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1971

Overview

Advanced Standing

Students who have studied German, Russian, Chinese, or Japanese during the five years preceding their enrollment at USC must take the placement test in that language. A maximum of seven or eight semester hours of advanced standing credit for 121-122 courses in one foreign language may be earned on the basis of completion (with a grade of B or better) of the first 200-level or above, three-credit course in that foreign language; four hours credit for 121 may be awarded for a grade of B or better in a 122 course. Courses which may not be offered for advanced standing credit are 315, 398, and 399.

Exemptions

Students will not normally be permitted to repeat for credit foreign language units previously earned in high school or college. Freshman students achieving advanced standing at the University may be permitted to validate certain omitted courses, according to current regulations, and should consult the department for further information. Students who have learned English as a foreign language may, with the concurrence of the dean of their college and that of the chair of the department, be exempted from the language requirement without credit. Such students will, at the discretion of the department, be excluded from courses in their native language.

Degree Requirements

(120 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (53-62 hours)

For a general outline, see "College of Liberal Arts."

2. Major Requirements

Twenty-seven credits in German numbered 300 or above:
1. Twelve credits from GERM 310, 311, 316, 333, 410, 411, 416, 515 (must include GERM 410)
2. Fifteen credits from GERM 340, 398*, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 500, 580*, 598 (must include 340 and 500)
*Only one GERM 398 or 580 (topic taught in English) may apply to the major.

3. Cognates, see "College of Liberal Arts"

These courses must be selected in consultation with appropriate language advisor (12 hours).

4. Electives, see "College of Liberal Arts"

Degree Requirements--Bachelor of Arts in Russian

(120 hours)

1. General Education Requirements (53-62 hours)

For a general outline, see "College of Liberal Arts."

2. Prerequisites

Six credits in RUSS 201 and 202 (or equivalent) and three credits in RUSS 280.

3. Major Requirements

Twenty-four credits in Russian courses numbered 300 or above:
1. Twelve credits from RUSS 301, 302, 401, and 402.
2. Twelve credits from RUSS 319, 319L, 320, 320L, 398, 399, 598 (must include 319 or 320).
398 and 598 can be repeated for major credit under different suffixes.

4. Cognates or Minor, see "College of Liberal Arts"

Cognate courses must be selected in consultation with the student’s major advisor (12 credits).

5. Electives, see "College of Liberal Arts"

Course Descriptions

Unless otherwise noted, readings, lectures, and discussion in courses above the elementary level are principally in the language concerned.
For courses offered by the Department of Germanic, Slavic, and East Asian Languages and Literatures in the Comparative Literature program, consult the program section.

Foreign Languages (FORL)

  • 510--Teaching Second Languages to Young Children. {=EDEL 510} (3) (Prereq: 201 level of a foreign language or its equivalent) To assist prospective teachers of young children in the development of a second language and multicultural learning activities. Practicum sessions are an integral part.
  • 598--Topics in World Film. {=FILM 598} (3) Intensive study of a specific topic concerning films produced in a country other than the United States. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of courses by suffix and title.

Arabic (ARAB)

  • 121--Elementary Arabic. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language. Offered only in fall.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Arabic. (4) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only by successful completion of Arabic 121. Offered only in spring.
  • 201--Intermediate Arabic. (3) (Prereq: ARAB 122 or consent of instructor) Continuation of reading, writing, and speaking Arabic.
  • 202--Intermediate Arabic. (3) (Prereq: ARAB 201 or consent of instructor) Increased emphasis on reading and writing skills in Arabic.
  • 310--Conversational Arabic. (3) (Prereq: ARAB 202 or consent of instructor) Practical drills in aural-oral skills to develop facility in the spoken language.
  • 315--Intensive Readings in Arabic. (3) Intensive reading for non-majors. Graduate students fulfill their foreign-language requirement with successful completion of the course. Undergraduates may take the course as an elective only. Grades S/U for graduates and undergraduates.
  • 398--Selected Topics. (3) Selected literary topics of the Arab world. May be repeated for credit under different suffix. Taught in English.
  • 399--Independent Study. (3-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

Chinese (CHIN)

  • 103--Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy. (2) Five hundred of the most commonly used Chinese characters. Emphasis is on the phonetic and significant elements common to large groups of ideograms.
  • 121--Elementary Chinese Mandarin. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language. Offered only in fall.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. (4) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only by successful completion of Chinese 121. Offered in spring.
  • 201--Intermediate Mandarin Chinese. (3-5) Continued practice of basic sentence patterns used in modern speech: increased emphasis on reading and acquisition of additional characters. Conducted on a semi-tutorial, self-paced basis; students will contract individually with the instructor concerning credit hours and emphasis.
  • 202--Intermediate Mandarin Chinese. (3-5) Continued practice of basic sentence patterns used in modern speech: increased emphasis on reading and acquisition of additional characters. Conducted on a semi-tutorial, self-paced basis; students will contract individually with the instructor concerning credit hours and emphasis.
  • 240--Chinese Culture, Tradition, and Modern Societies. (3) Introduction to Chinese culture, heritage, and modern societies. Readings selected from printed and on-line sources. Taught in English.
  • 301--Literature and Culture in Contemporary China. (3) (Prereq: CHIN 202 or equivalent) Selected readings of contemporary literature and cultural documents written in short-form characters.
  • 321--Advanced Chinese I. (3) (Prereq: CHIN 201 or 202, or consent of instructor) Improvement of skills in conversation and composition; advanced reading in modern Chinese materials.
  • 398--Selected Topics. (3) Intensive study in selected authors or literary movements of China, including cultural aspects. May be repeated for credit under different suffix. Taught in English.
  • 399--Independent Study. (3-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

German (GERM)

  • 109--Beginning German. (3) Introduction to grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. (Admission to 109 restricted to those who have never studied German previously or who have placed by examination into 109; admission to 110 restricted to those who have completed GERM 109. Credit may be received only for one of the following: 109/110; 111; 121.)
  • 110--Beginning German. (3) Introduction to grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. (Admission to 109 restricted to those who have never studied German previously or who have placed by examination into 109; admission to 110 restricted to those who have completed GERM 109. Credit may be received only for one of the following: 109/110; 111; 121.)
  • 111--Intensive Beginning German. (6) Intensive introduction to grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Admission only to highly motivated beginning students who obtain permission of the department. Equivalent to 109 and 110. Credit may be received only for one of the following: 109/110; 111; 121.
  • 121--Elementary German. (4) Grammar and vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes prior experience in German. Admission only by proficiency examination. Credit may be received for only one of the following: 110; 111; or 121.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in German. (3) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission either by placement examination or successful completion of GERM 110, 111, or 121. Offered each semester.
  • 210--Intermediate German. (3) (Prereq: GERM 122, or satisfactory score on Basic Proficiency Phase II placement test) Further development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills; discussion of selected literary texts, and current issues; intensive review of basic grammar structures.
  • 211--Intermediate German. (3) (Prereq: GERM 122, or satisfactory score on Basic Proficiency Phase II placement test; can be taken before, or simultaneously with 210 with consent of instructor) Reading strategies, a review, and expansion of grammar structures, supplemented with materials concerning current issues.
  • 216--German for Business and Other Professions through the Internet. (3) (Prereq: GERM 210 or 211, or consent of instructor) Development, through use of the Internet, of basic language skills and cultural understanding necessary to function in the professional world in German-speaking countries.
  • 280--German Culture and Civilization. (3) Survey of German literature, culture, and heritage from the middle ages to the present. Taught in English.
  • 310--German Conversation. (3) (Prereq: GERM 210 and 211, or equivalent) Continued practice in the four skills with focus on a selected aspect of German culture and society.
  • 311--German Conversation and Composition. (3) (Prereq: GERM 210 and 211, or equivalent) Continued practice in the four skills with emphasis on developing writing skills and with focus on a specific aspect of German culture.
  • 315--Intensive Readings in German. (3) Intensive reading for non-majors. Graduate students fulfill their foreign-language requirement with successful completion of the course. Undergraduates may take the course as an elective only. Grades S/U for graduates and undergraduates.
  • 316--Advanced German for Business and Other Professions I. (3) (Prereq: GERM 216 or consent of instructor) Development of advanced language and cultural skills necessary for functioning in the professional world of German-speaking countries.
  • 320--German Kabarett Production. (3) (Prereq: GERM 310 or consent of instructor) Literary-historical analysis and discussion of texts from German Kabarett, including comedic skits, political and social satire, parody, humorous poetry. Semester ends with a public performance in German.
  • 333--Study of German Abroad. (3-6) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Intensive language practice and cultural studies. May be repeated for credit by permission.
  • 340--Readings in German Literature. (3) (Prereq: GERM 310 and 311 or consent of instructor) An introduction to the literary genres illustrated by masterpieces in German poetry, drama, and prose.
  • 398--Selected Topics. (3) Taught in English. Intensive study of cultural and/or literary movements in German-speaking countries. Course content varies by suffix.
  • 399--Independent Study. (1-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
  • 410--Advanced German Grammar. (3) (Prereq: GERM 310 and 311, or consent of instructor) Emphasis on advanced grammar structures, with continued development of all four skills and brief introduction to the history of the German language.
  • 411--Advanced Language Practice in German. (3) (Prereq: GERM 310 and 311, or consent of instructor) Advanced practice in correct spoken idiomatic German with special focus on issues of the 20th century and contemporary culture.
  • 416--Advanced German for Business and Other Professions II. (3) (Prereq: GERM 316 or consent of instructor) Development of advanced language and cultural skills necessary for functioning in the professional world of German-speaking countries. Preparation for standardized exams.
  • 420--German Literature and Culture of the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period. (3) Survey of the significant aspects of German literature and culture from 750 to 1700.
  • 430--The Age of Goethe. (3) (Prereq: GERM 340, or consent of instructor) Major works by Goethe and Schiller with emphasis on Faust.
  • 440--German Literature and Culture of the 19th Century. (3) (Prereq: GERM 340, or consent of instructor) Literature and culture of the 19th century until 1890, including Romanticism, Biedermeier, and Realism.
  • 450--German Literature from 1890-1945. (3) (Prereq: GERM 340, or consent of instructor) German literary, cultural, and intellectual developments from 1890 to 1945, including Expressionism, Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, and exile period.
  • 460--Post-War and Contemporary German Literature. (3) (Prereq: GERM 340, or consent of instructor) German literary, cultural and political developments from Post-War destruction and reconstruction, through the Cold War period of division, with examination of the reunification process.
  • 500--Survey of German Culture. (3) (Prereq: advanced reading ability in German) Historical survey of the German contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of Europe. Texts and films in German.
  • 515--Introduction to German Linguistics. {=LING 503} (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Structural and descriptive linguistics applied to the German language.
  • 575--Teaching German in Secondary Schools. {=EDSE 578} (3) Current methods, techniques, and materials of instruction appropriate for secondary schools.
  • 580--Topics in German Film. (3) Examination of recurring themes and issues or of significant periods and influential styles in German film. Course content varies and individual topics will be announced with course suffix and title.
  • 598--Selected Topics in German. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor)

Hebrew (HEBR)

  • 121--Elementary Hebrew. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language. Offered only in fall.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Hebrew. (4) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only by successful completion of Hebrew 121. Offered only in spring.
  • 201--Intermediate Hebrew. (3) Review of the basic principles of grammar, with emphasis on reading, oral skills, and writing.
  • 202--Intermediate Hebrew. (3) Review of the basic principles of grammar, with emphasis on reading, oral skills, and writing.
  • 310--Conversation and Composition. (3) (Prereq: HEBR 202 or equivalent) Practical training in the spoken and written language.
  • 398--Selected Topics. (3) Intensive study in selected and cultural topics related to Judaism. May be repeated for credit under different suffix. Taught in English.
  • 399--Independent Study. (3-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

Japanese (JAPA)

  • 121--Elementary Japanese. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language. Offered only in fall.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Japanese. (4) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only by successful completion of Japanese 121. Offered only in spring.
  • 123--Accelerated Introductory Japanese. (8) Intensive introduction to grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only to highly motivated students who obtain the permission of the department. Equivalent to 121 and 122. Offered only in the summer.
  • 221--Intermediate Japanese I. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 122 or 123) Review and continuation of fundamentals of the language; development of oral and reading skills.
  • 222--Intermediate Japanese II. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 221) Review and continuation of fundamentals of the language; development of written and oral expression.
  • 223--Accelerated Intermediate Japanese. (6) (Prereq: JAPA 122 or 123, or consent of instructor) Intensive intermediate language practice emphasizing oral communication. Admission only to highly motivated students who obtain permission of the department; credit not awarded for both JAPA 223 and 221-222. Offered only in the summer.
  • 321--Advanced Japanese I. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 222 or 223, or consent of instructor) Improvement of skills in conversation and composition; advanced reading in modern Japanese materials.
  • 322--Advanced Japanese II. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 321) Continuation of 321, with emphasis on strengthening proficiency in the use of Kanji.
  • 323--Accelerated Advanced Japanese. (6) (Prereq: JAPA 222 or 223, or consent of instructor) Intensive advanced language practice of modern spoken Japanese. Admission only to highly motivated students who obtain permission of the department; credit not awarded for both JAPA 323 and 321-322; offered only in the summer.
  • 331--Japanese for Business I. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 222 or 223, or consent of instructor) Development of language skills specific to the Japanese business world and its practices.
  • 332--Japanese for Business II. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 331) This is a continuation of JAPA 331.
  • 340--Introduction to Japanese Culture and Literature. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 222 or 223, or consent of instructor) Introduction to Japanese literature and its cultural background up to the modernization of Japan. Conducted in English, but some background of Japanese is required.
  • 341--Modern Japanese Literature. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 340 or consent of instructor) Survey of modern Japanese literature and its cultural background up to the present. Conducted in English, but some knowledge of Japanese is required.
  • 350--Japanese Culture and Society through Film. (3) Examination of Japanese culture and contemporary society using selected films. Taught in English.
  • 351--Japanese Culture and Society through Theatre. {=THSP 369} (3) Introduction to Japanese traditional theatre and its influences on Japanese culture and society. Taught in English.
  • 398--Selected Topics. (3) Intensive study of selected topics in Japanese literature and culture. May be repeated for credit under different suffix. Taught in English.
  • 399--Independent Study. (3-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
  • 421--Advanced Japanese III. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 322, 323, or consent of instructor) Development of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing through advanced studies of authentic Japanese materials.
  • 422--Advanced Japanese IV. (3) (Prereq: JAPA 421) Strengthening proficiency in writing and reading.

Korean (KORE)

  • 121--Elementary Korean. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Korean. (4) Practice and development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only by successful completion of Korean 121.
  • 221--Intermediate Korean I. (3) (Prereq: KORE 122) Review and continuation of fundamentals of the language; development of oral and reading skills.
  • 222--Intermediate Korean II. (3) (Prereq: KORE 221) Increased emphasis on written and oral expression in Korean.

Russian (RUSS)

Note: See also related courses in Russian literature under Comparative Literature 434.
  • 121--Elementary Russian. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Russian. (4) (Prereq: RUSS 121) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
  • 201--Intermediate Russian I. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 122 or satisfactory score on language placement test) Continued exposure to the fundamentals of Russian grammar, along with increased focus on reading and speaking skills.
  • 202--Intermediate Russian II. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 201 or satisfactory score on language placement test) Completion of exposure to the fundamentals of Russian grammar, with emphasis on writing, reading, and conversation.
  • 280--Introduction to Russian Civilization. (3) A multimedia introduction to Russian culture from its beginnings to the present. No knowledge of Russian required.
  • 301--Russian Conversation and Composition I. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 202 or satisfactory score on language placement test) Conversation, reading, composition, comprehensive review of grammar.
  • 302--Russian Conversation and Composition II. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 301 or satisfactory score on language placement test) Emphasis on oral proficiency, using contemporary authentic materials from Russian newspapers, textbooks, and television newscasts.
  • 315--Intensive Readings in Russian. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 316 must be preceded by Russian 315) Intensive reading course for non-majors, designed for preparation for reading knowledge examinations for higher degrees. May be taken by graduate students who will fulfill their language requirement by obtaining a grade of S (satisfactory) on the course. May be taken also by undergraduates as an elective for letter grades A, B, etc.; it will not be applied toward the degree language requirements nor will it be accepted as a substitute in the course sequence leading to the various degree requirements.
  • 316--Intensive Readings in Russian. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 316 must be preceded by Russian 315) Intensive reading course for non-majors, designed for preparation for reading knowledge examinations for higher degrees. May be taken by graduate students who will fulfill their language requirement by obtaining a grade of S (satisfactory) on the course. May be taken also by undergraduates as an elective for letter grades A, B, etc.; it will not be applied toward the degree language requirements nor will it be accepted as a substitute in the course sequence leading to the various degree requirements.
  • 319--Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature in Translation. (3) Masterworks of Russian literature by Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Pushkin, Chekov, and others.
  • 319L--Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature in Russian. (1) (Prereq: RUSS 302 or instructor’s permission) A Russian-language course designed to supplement 319. Reading and discussion in Russian of 19th-century poetry and prose.
  • 320--Twentieth-Century Russian Literature in Translation. (3) Masterworks of Russian literature by Bely, Pasternak, Bulgakov, Nabokov, Solzhenitsyn, and others.
  • 320L--Twentieth-Century Russian Literature in Russian. (1) A Russian-language course designed to supplement 320.
  • 398--Selected Topics. (3) Taught in English. Intensive study of selected topics in Russian cultural and/or literary movements. May be repeated for credit under a different suffix.
  • 399--Independent Study. (3-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor, and department chair is required for undergraduate students.
  • 401--Advanced Russian I. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 302 or satisfactory score on language placement test) Acquisition of subtleties of Russian grammar. Increased focus on reading, writing, and discussion.
  • 402--Advanced Russian II. (3) (Prereq: RUSS 401 or satisfactory score on language placement test) Exposure to prose and poetry from a wide variety of sources and periods. Focus on oral proficiency, reading, comprehension, and writing.
  • 598--Selected Topics in Russian. (3) (Prereq: consent of instructor) Reading and research on selected topics in Russian. Course content varies and will be announced in the schedule of courses by suffix and title.

Swahili (SWAH)

  • 121--Elementary Swahili. (4) Grammar and practical vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills. Assumes no prior experience in the language. Offered only in fall.
  • 122--Basic Proficiency in Swahili. (3) Practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. Admission only by successful completion of Swahili 121. Offered in spring.
  • 201--Intermediate Swahili. (3) Development of reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills; introduction of East African culture. 201 offered in fall, 202 offered in spring.
  • 202--Intermediate Swahili. (3) Development of reading, speaking, listening, and writing skills; introduction of East African culture. 201 offered in fall, 202 offered in spring.
  • 399--Independent Study. (3-6) Contract approved by instructor, advisor and department chair is required for undergraduate students.

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