Jun 26, 2024  
2012-2013 Academic Catalogue 
    
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2012-2013 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. 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 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 Bulger-Barnett

  1. 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, their previous high school language coursework, and after consultation with the department head of modern languages.
  2. 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.
  3. Classroom work is supplemented with computer-aided language instruction in a wellequipped Language Learning Center.

Prerequisites: 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 three or more 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 201 - Intermediate Spanish

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

    A systematic review of grammar and the readings of texts of significant literary, cultural or historical value. Composition, aural and oral work continued. Prerequisite(s): SP 102 .
  

  • SP 202 - Intermediate Spanish

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

    A continuation of SP 201 . Prerequisite(s): SP 201 .
  

  • SP 202X - Intermediate Spanish

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

    A continuation of SP 201 .   Civilizations and cultures class. Prerequisite(s): SP 201 
  

  • SP 204 - Intermediate Spanish for Business

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

    A study of simple Spanish texts relevant to business and management practices as well as general social aspects of the Spanish-speaking world provides a cultural and technical background. Students who successfully complete SP 204 will receive credit for fourth-semester Spanish (equivalent to SP 202 ). Prerequisite(s): SP 201  or SP 203.
  

  • SP 204X - Intermediate Spanish for Business

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

    A study of simple Spanish texts relevant to business and management practices as well as general social aspects of the Spanish-speaking world provides a cultural and technical background. Students who successfully complete SP 204 will receive credit for fourth-semester Spanish (equivalent to SP 202 ). Prerequisite(s): SP-203
  

  • SP 299X - Summer Abroad in Spain

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

    A summer cultural immersion study in Spain that includes language instruction appropriate with the individual student’s level. All coursework is in English, although students receive some instruction in basic Spanish expression to help them complete the learning modules. This course is not applicable towards a foreign language requirement stipulated by various majors. Prerequisite(s): None. When Offered: It is only offered in some summers. Civilizations and Cultures (X).
  

  • SP 303W - Spanish Composition and Conversation

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

    Designed for students who wish to gain a command of spoken and written Spanish. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SP 202  or SP 204 . Writing Intensive (W).
  

  • SP 305 - Survey of Spanish Literature

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

    A survey of Spanish literature from the beginning through the 17th century, with selected readings from the major authors, literary movements, and genres. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SP 202  or SP 204  .
  

  • SP 306 - Survey of Spanish American Literature

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

    A survey of Spanish American literature with selected readings from the major authors, literary movements, and genres. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SP 202  or SP 204 .
  

  • SP 307W - Spanish for Research

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

    An introductory course in research methods for Spanish majors or minors. Emphasis on research methodology using both Spanish- and English-language materials and the production of a full-length research paper. Cadets will be introduced to academic writing in Spanish and methods of publication in languages and literatures. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): one 300-level course. Writing Intensive (W).
  

  • SP 311WX - Human Rights and the Hispanic Writer

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

    Human Rights as seen by Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic writers. Texts include essay, narrative, poetry, film, fine art, and other cultural media. Prerequisite(s): Completion of SP 202  SP 202X  SP 204  or completion of and SP 204X  WR 102  with a minimum grade of C. Writing Intensive (W), Civilizations and Cultures (X).
  

  • SP 312 - Culture and Civilization of Spain

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

    A study of Spain’s cultural identity from prehistoric to contemporary times including artistic, literary, political, and societal artifacts. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SP 202  or SP 204 .
  

  • 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  or SP 204 .
  

  • 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): SP 202  or SP 204 .
  

  • 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  or SP 204 .
  

  • 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): SP 202  or SP 204 .
  

  • 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): SP 202  or SP 204 .
  

  • 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): SP 202 or SP 204. Writing Intensive (W).
  

  • 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): SP 202  or SP 204 .
  

  • SP 387 - 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. Prerequisite(s): WR 102  with a minimum grade of C. Cadets may not earn credit for both SP 387 and SP 388 .
  

  • SP 388 - 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. Prerequisite(s): SP 202  or SP 204  and WR 102  with a minimum grade of C. Cadets may not earn credit for both SP 387  and SP 388.
  

  • 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  or SP 204 . 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 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 428 - US Latino Literature

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

    A study of the literature and culture of the Latino community in the United States. Readings reflect both the linguistic and cultural particularities of the various demographic groups that compromise the U.S. Latino population. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): two 300-level 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.

WRITING

Department of English and Fine Arts
Department head: Colonel Miller Requirements for a major in English are specified in English, Rhetoric and Humanistic Studies .

Note: A minimum grade of C in WR 101 is a prerequisite for WR 102, and a minimum grade of C in WR 102 is a prerequisite for all 200- and 300-level English and Writing courses. All 400-level courses have additional prerequisites, which are listed in the course descriptions. These prerequisites may be waived by the department head if there is evidence that the cadet is well prepared for the 400-level course.
  

  • WR 101 - English Composition I

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

    This course teaches students to analyze texts, introduces them to the writing process, and develops their ability to write a well-organized essay that advances a clear, logical thesis. Minimum grade of C required. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken WR 102 .
  

  • WR 102 - English Composition II

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

    This course reinforces students’ understanding of the writing process, enhances their ability to develop a defensible argumentative thesis, and develops their ability to use research to inform and advance an argument. Minimum grade of C required. Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in WR 101 . Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 102.
  

  • WR 220 - Teaching Writing

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

    An introduction to contemporary philosophies, theories, and pedagogies of teaching writing, as well as current scholarship on tutoring and writing centers, Special attention is devoted to analyzing the role(s) of the teacher/tutor, responding to texts-in-progress, and continuing to strengthen cadets’ abilities as readers and writers. This course serves as a foundation in the principles in rhetoric and composition that will prepare cadets for (but not guarantee) employment as peer tutors in the VMI Writing Center.
  

  • WR 230 - Rhetorical Traditions

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

    An introduction to the history of rhetoric that highlights its relationship to reading, writing, and speaking in modern contexts. Emphasis will be placed on defining rhetoric- its traditions, terms, and enduring realms of influence. The course provides a foundation in the principles of classical rhetoric that will be explored further in upper-level writing courses. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 230.
  

  • WR 330 - Creative Writing - Fiction

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

    A seminar that introduces students to the writing of fiction. It requires students to analyze the works of both established writers and classmates and to write and extensively revise their own fiction. A final writing project is required in lieu of a final examination. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 330.
  

  • WR 332 - Creative Writing - Poetry

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

    A seminar that introduces students to the writing of poetry. It requires students to analyze the works of both established writers and classmates and to write and extensively revise their own poetry. A final writing project is required in lieu of a final examination. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 332.
  

  • WR 334 - Creative Writing - Nonfiction

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

    A seminar that introduces students to nonfiction genres (e.g., biography, the memoir, the personal essay) and requires them both to analyze the works of established writers and classmates and to write and revise extensively their own nonfiction. A final project is required in lieu of a final examination. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 334.
  

  • WR 340 - Writing for the Professions

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

    The chief purpose of this course is to improve the pre-professional candidate’s ability to write clear, precise, effective, and grammatically accurate prose in the composition of critical essays, letters, reports, memoranda, opinions, briefs, and/or research documents. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 340.
  

  • WR 342 - Technical Writing

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

    A skills course that focuses on practical writing in the world of work. Emphasis will be given to individual practice in business correspondence, report writing, and résumé preparation, but the course also offers students a chance to tailor assignments to their specific writing needs and interests. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 342.
  

  • WR 345 - Journalism

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

    A seminar that introduces students to writing news articles. It requires students to submit balanced and accurate news articles based on personal interviews and research. In lieu of a final examination, each student will submit a long feature article which demonstrates a mastery of the journalistic skills and principles taught in this course (newsworthiness, form, interviewing, balance, accuracy, attribution, liveliness, research, and use of multiple and conflicting sources). Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 345.
  

  • WR 347 - Advanced Composition

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

    A seminar offering advanced practice in essay and research paper writing, with particular emphasis on argumentation. The course emphasizes logic, the use of evidence, grammar and usage, and the development of a mature appropriate style. Assignments may focus on a single theme for the entire term, or students may be encouraged to explore topics of individual interest. A substantial final research project is required in lieu of a final examination. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 347.
  

  • WR 349 - Professional Editing and Design

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

    This course will focus on the principles of manuscript editing, editorial correspondence, and document design. Emphasis will be placed on rhetorical analysis, collaborating with authors, and developing strategies for successfully producing a print journal.
  

  • WR 468 - Seminar in Rhetoric and Writing

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

    A focused, in-depth study of specific subjects in the fields of rhetoric and writing designed to provide cadets with the opportunity to engage particular questions, controversies, or issues. Seminars may be developed in the fields of rhetoric, composition, linguistics, creative writing, technical writing, professional writing, or journalism. Topics may invite the study of theoretical and practical concerns, historical moments, significant figures, or current events among others. Note: Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 468. Prerequisite(s): appropriate rhetoric or writing course or permission of the department head. The course number of the appropriate prerequisite will be included in the preregistration materials.
  

  • WR 470 - Internship in Writing

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

    With a faculty sponsor, the cadet will arrange for work in written communication with a local business or industry (5-10 hours per week). In addition to submitting work for periodic evaluation by his or her supervisor, the cadet will prepare a portfolio of writing (in lieu of a final examination) to be evaluated by the faculty sponsor at the conclusion of the internship. Note: Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 470. Prerequisite(s): WR 340 , WR 342 , WR 345 , or WR 347 , agreement of the faculty sponsor; and permission of department head.
 

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