Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Academic Catalogue 
    
2019-2020 Academic Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Courses of Instruction


Course Numbering System. Each subject is identified by a symbol made up of two parts. The first part is an abbreviation denoting the general field of study. The second part is a number denoting the particular subject. The first digit indicates the year in which the course is usually taken and, therefore, the level of instruction.

Credit. The unit of academic credit used at the Virginia Military Institute is the semester hour. In general a semester hour represents one hour of classroom work (lecture or recitation) or one period (two or three hours) of laboratory or supervised research or field work per week during a single semester. Thus a course that meets for three class hours and one laboratory period each week during one semester usually carries credit for four semester hours.

In the following course descriptions the figures on the title lines indicate, in order, the class hours per week, the laboratory or field work hours per week, and the semester hours credit. For example, the figures “3—2—4” mean that the class meets three times a week for one-hour classroom sessions and has two hours of laboratory, supervised research, or field work each week, and that the course carries four semester hours of credit.

 

SPANISH

Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
Department Head: Colonel Sunnen

All cadets who enter with two or more entrance units in a modern foreign language are given placement tests and are placed in appropriate courses on the basis of the test results combined with their previous high school language coursework, and after consultation with the department head of modern languages.

A single year of a foreign language shall count toward meeting graduation requirements only when the cadet is studying a second language or is taking a language as an elective.

Cadets must demonstrate proficiency in ML 101 in order to be admitted into ML 102. They must, similarly, demonstrate proficiency in ML 102 before enrolling in ML 201, and in ML 201 before enrolling in ML 202/204. Proficiency in ML 202/204 is a prerequisite for admission to 300-level courses. Completion of two 300-level courses or their equivalent is expected before enrollment in any 400 -level course. Once a cadet has completed work at the 202/204 level, he/she may not return to the elementary level course for credit.

Cadets who present four years of a high school language or demonstrate native or near-native language abilities may not enroll at the elementary level of that language. Such students will have the choice of enrolling either in the first semester intermediate level of that language or in the first semester elementary course of a different language.

  
  • SP 313 - Advanced Spanish Grammar


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A study of Spanish grammar and syntax with special emphasis on the study of idiomatic expressions. Readings incorporate grammatical review of more challenging structures that prepare students for advanced work. Prerequisite(s): Completion of SP 202 
  
  • SP 314 - Latin American Cultures and Civilizations


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    An overview of the history, art, literature, society, educational and legal systems, and values of Latin America. Texts chosen from newspapers, original documents. Emphasis on Writing and Conversation. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course.
  
  • SP 315 - Introduction to Hispanic Texts


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A course designed to build on the reading skills acquired in intermediate Spanish by presenting texts drawn from many fields of interest: politics, business, literature, history. Taught in Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on reading and writing skills. Prerequisite(s): SP 202 
  
  • SP 316 - Topics in Spanish


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    The topics will vary to reflect cadet and professorial interests. The goal of this course is to provide information and foster discussion of diverse topics from the Hispanic world and to reinforce language skills. Taught in Spanish. Note: Retakes for credit. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course.
  
  • SP 318 - Nobel Laureates


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    An introduction to the writings of major authors of the 20th century Hispanic literature. Students gain an overview of Spanish and Latin American Nobel Prize winners and read drama, poetry, narrative, and essay. Emphasizes speaking and writing. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course.
  
  • SP 320W - Spanish Gothic Literature


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A study of representative Spanish gothic tales with the aim of reinforcing and expanding the basic languages skills of speaking, reading, understanding, and writing. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course. Writing Intensive Course (W).
  
  • SP 321X - Across the Atlantic: Arabic Roots from Spain to Spanish-America


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Examines the geographic significance of the Berber-Arab-Jewish-Morisco and Spanish speaking worlds on a variety of levels.  Starting from the historic heritage from the al Andalus era (711-1032 AD), the course moves to the intersection of the “developing” and “developed” world in Spanish-America.  Focus on the relationship of Islamic diasporas, from the perception of terrorism, to the new left ideology in Spanish-America. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course. Civilizations & Cultures Course (X).
  
  • SP 322 - Hispanic Cinema


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    An introduction to Spanish-language films and Hispanic film directors as well as the cultural, political, economic, and social backgrounds of the films viewed. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course.
  
  • SP 387X - The Spanish Civil War As Text (in English)


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on the cultural production of the Spanish Civil War. Cadets analyze Spanish cultural perspectives regarding the conflict using classical modes of writing and technology. This course does not include a foreign language component and cannot be used toward a language requirement. Cadets may not earn credit for both SP 387 and SP 388W . Note:  Civilizations & Cultures Course. Prerequisite(s): ERH 102  with a minimum grade of C.
  
  • SP 388W - The Spanish Civil War As Text


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on the cultural production of the Spanish Civil War. Cadets analyze cultural perspectives regarding the conflict using classical modes of writing and technology. Cadets may not earn credit for both SP 387X  and SP 388. Note: Writing Intensive Course. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level Spanish course and ERH 102  with a minimum grade of C.
  
  • SP 399X - Summer Abroad in Spain


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A summer cultural immersion study in Spain that includes language instruction at the post-intermediate level. Instruction and coursework are in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SP 202  When Offered: It is only offered in some summers. Civilizations & Cultures (X).
  
  • SP 402 - Spanish Literature of the Siglo De Oro


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    An introduction to the poetry, prose, and comedia of Spain’s Golden Age. Conducted in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level courses or their equivalent.
  
  • SP 405 - Readings in Hispanic Literature


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Directed readings of major literary works; written reports and a research paper required. Taught in Spanish. Note: Retakes for credit. Prerequisite(s): permission of the department head.
  
  • SP 406 - Readings in Hispanic Literature


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Directed readings of major literary works; written reports and a research paper required. Taught in Spanish. Note: Retakes for credit. Prerequisite(s): permission of the department head.
  
  • SP 409 - Early Spanish Literature


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A study of medieval Spanish poetry and prose, with an introduction to drama. Conducted in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 411 - 19th Century Peninsular Literature


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A cross-generational study of 19th century Peninsular works from perspectives of the author (19th century), film-maker (20th century), and reader/viewer (21st century). Readings from all four major literary genres as well as online multimedia assignments focused principally on film adaptations of major works are required. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): two 300 level SP courses.
  
  • SP 421 - Colonial Spanish American Literature


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A study of important Spanish American authors from the conquest to independence. Taught in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 422 - Spanish American Literature of the 19th Century


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Literary and philosophical trends from the independence movement to Modernism. Taught in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 423 - Spanish American Literature of the 20th Century


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Reading and analysis of representative works of the principal Spanish American novelists, poets, and dramatists from Modernism to the present. Taught in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 424 - Narcos, Hitmen and Religion: Drug Trafficking Culture in Columbian Literature and Media


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on drug trade violence in Colombian literature and media as evidenced in the narconovela. Students examine materials treating cultural, social, political, and ethical dilemmas. Conducted primarily in SPANISH. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses
  
  • SP 425 - Cervantes


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Study and analysis of Cervantes’ major works, with emphasis on Don Quijote de la Mancha and how Cervantes’ life and personality shaped his literary production. Taught in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 426 - Contemporary Spanish Literature I


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A study of Peninsular literature from 1898 through 1960. Works chosen reflect the literary trends of the era as well as the social and cultural attitudes shaped by historical events. Taught in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 427 - Contemporary Spanish Literature II


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A study of Peninsular literature from the second part of Franco’s dictatorship (c1960) through contemporary times. Works chosen reflect both the literary trends of the era as well as the socio-historical and cultural attitudes of Spain as it underwent the transition from dictatorship to democracy and to membership in the European Economic Community. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): Two 300-level SP courses.
  
  • SP 450 - Modern Language Capstone Course


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    The student will choose a topic incorporating an analysis of historical, literary or cultural factors in the major language area - field experience and interdisciplinary topics are strongly encouraged. Upon approval of the faculty adviser, the student will prepare both a research paper and a 20-minute oral presentation. This course is only open to first and second class Modern Language majors and minors. The ML Capstone project will be written in the student’s major foreign language, as appropriate, and it will achieve a language rating of “Advanced-High”. All relevant documentation will adhere to MLA specifications. An accepted ML Honors Thesis could substitute for this course.
  
  • SP 470 - Special Topics in Spanish


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    An advanced topics course that will vary to reflect cadet and professorial interests. This course fosters a close reading of text and discussion of diverse topics from the Hispanic world to reinforce advanced language and cultural knowledge. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level courses or their equivalent.
  
  • SP 481 - Survey of Spanish Culture & Society


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    A history and civilization course during the VMI summer abroad program in Spain or Spanish America. This course is primarily a culture class designed to educate students on Spanish or Spanish American history through on-site excursions to historical places of interest with a guided tour. The course includes invited guest lectures by academics. Topics cover society such as the educational system, government relations, religion, history, superstitions, and gender roles, among others. This course does not include a foreign language component and cannot be used toward a language requirement.

CATALOG ELECTIVES

  
  • BI Capstone - Capstone Experience


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Core - Core Area Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation
  
  • BI Core - Core Area Elective


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Core - Core Area Elective


    Credit Hours: 3 or 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Core - Core Area Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Core - Core Area Elective


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Core - Core Area Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Elective - Non-Science Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation
  
  • BI Elective - Non-Science Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BI Elective - Non-Science Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • BU ELEC - Business Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CE ELEC - Design Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CE ELEC - Engineering Science Elective I


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CE ELEC - Engineering Science Elective II


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CE ELEC - Natural Science (GE 306 or BI 101)


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CE ELEC - Technical Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CE ELEC - Technical Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CH Elective - Concentration Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CH Requirement - Advanced Chemistry Course


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • CH Requirement - Advanced Chemistry Laboratory


    Credit Hours: 1.5 - 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • EC ELEC - Economics Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • EC ELEC - Economics Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ECE ELEC - Electrical & Computer Engineering Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ECE ELEC - Electrical & Computer Engineering Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ECE ELEC - Electrical & Computer Engineering Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC BI - Biology Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC CIS - Computer & Information Sciences Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC CIS - Computer & Informations Sciences Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC ERH - ERH Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Foreign Language - Foreign Language Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Elective (2 Credits)


    Credit Hours: 2

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Electives


    Credit Hours: 9-11.5

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Free - Free Electives


    Credit Hours: 11

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC HI - History Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Humanities - Humanities Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC IS - International Studies Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC MA/SC - Mathematics or Science Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC MA/SC - Mathematics or Science Elective


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Major - Major Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Major - Major Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Major - Major Elective


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Mathematics - Mathematics Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Mathematics - Mathematics Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Non-HI - Non-History Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC PS - Psychology Elective


    Lecture Hours: 3
    Lab Hours: 0
    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Restricted - (ERH, EC, or IS)


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Restricted - Restricted Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please see your academic advisor for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Science - Elective (Biology, Chemistry or Physics w/ lab)


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Science - Elective (Biology, Chemistry or Physics w/ lab)


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Science - Science Elective


    Credit Hours: 4

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC Science - Science Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ELEC World - World Elective*


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • HI Requirement - HI 324 or HI 325 or IS 310


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • MA-SCI/FREE ELEC - 3


    Lecture Hours: 0
    Lab Hours: 3
    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ME ELEC - 2nd Technical Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ME ELEC - Technical Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ML Capstone - Capstone Elective


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ML Requirement - Foreign Language 100-level


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ML Requirement - Foreign Language 200-level


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ML Requirement - Foreign Language 300-level


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ML Requirement - Foreign Language 300-level


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • ML Requirement - Foreign Language 400-level


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • PE Requirement - Elective


    Credit Hours: 0.5

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • PS Core - PS Core A


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • PS Core - PS Core B


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • PS Core - PS Core C


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • PS Core - PS Core D


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
  
  • PS Core - PS Core D


    Credit Hours: 3

    Please refer to your program evaluation for valid courses which fall into this designation.
 

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