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Literature and Culture Studies in English Translation

Courses in Literature and Culture Studies in English Translation are designed to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of the literature/ culture of non-English speaking countries.  Depending on the course, students will be introduced to issues that are at the core of a national literature, culture, or linguistic practice.  These courses may focus either on one specific country (i.e., France, Italy, Japan, Latin America & Spain) or present specific trends that cut across geographical boundaries.  Readings, lectures, and discussions in English.

Course Descriptions:

LC 105 - Special topics in Japanese Literature in Translation (LT)

This course will vary in content and approach to emphasize genres, themes, and periods in Japanese literature.Readings and lectures in English. May count toward minor in Japanese. 

LC 125 - Special Topics in French Literature in Translation (LT)

This course will vary in content and approach to emphasize genres, themes and periods in French literature. Readings and lectures in English.

LC 135 - Special Topics in Hispanic Literature in Translation (LT)

This course will vary in content and approach to emphasize genres, themes and periods in Hispanic literature. Readings and lectures in English.

LC 165 - Special Topics in Italian Literature in Translation (LT)

This course will vary in content and approach to emphasize genres, themes and periods in Italian literature. Readings and lectures in English.

LC 170 - Special Topics

Introductory study of a wide variety of selected topics in literature and culture in translation, which are not covered in regular course offerings. This course may be repeated if teh subject matter differs. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. 

LC 202 - From Atom to Akira: Japan’s Pop Culture (LIT, G)

Japanese popular culture is nearly synonymous with anime (animation), manga (comics), and video games. All three are integral part of Japanese life. This class will discuss the global popularity of these three forms of entertainment, which has spurred interest in Japan and the cultural themes that inform its popular culture. Prerequisite: N/A. Offered in alternate years

LC 205 - Japanese Film and Aesthetics (CSI, G)

This course will examine Japanese films made in the post-World War II period. Students will study internationallyknown directors such as Ozu and Kurosawa and learn terminology for analyzing artistic elements such as framing, camera position, lighting, sound, camera movement, optical distortion, and editing. Offered occasionally. 

LC 207 - Language and Gender (CSI, G)

This course considers gender differences in language use as practices of social institutions and investigates the ways in which the gender differences influence communication styles between men and women. This course also encourages students to reflect upon the advantages/ disadvantages that the gender differences create and consider how we can promote gender equality in society. Offered in alternate years.

LC 260/360 - Italian Cinema (AR)

This course will focus on the development and evolution of Italian cinema proceeding chronologically from 1912 to the present. Particular attention will be paid to questions of national identity, gender and political and social history. The class will center on the viewing and discussion of films and will survey a broad spectrum of directors and styles. Lectures, readings, and discussions in English. Knowledge of Italian not required. Offered occasionally.

LC 265/365 - Renaissance Italy (IT)

From its passion for antiquity to its contast with the Middle Ages, the Italian Rinascimento represents a turning point in Western history. The goal of this travel course is to introduce students firsthand to the art, architecture, literature, and history of Renaissance Italy. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. Offered occasionally in May Term.

LC 270 - Special Topics

Intermediate study of a wide variety of selected topics in literature and culture in translation, which are not covered in regular course offerings. This course may be repeated if the subject matter differs. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. Offered occasionally.

LC 303  - Blades, Bows, and Boshido: The Samurai in Context (CHC, G)

This course will examine literary, artistic, and film representations of the samurai in order to understand one of Japan’s most popular cultural icons. We will chart the growth of the samurai from simple horseback archers to a class characterized by a rigidly-defined code of behavior referred to as bushido. Offered in alternate years

LC 304 - Cross-Cultural Communications: US and Japan (AV, G)

The main focus of the course is on the effects of cross-cultural communication between Americans and the Japanese on interpersonal relationships, but implications for the values reflected in mass communication, political equality, and educational opportunity are also discussed.

LC 308 - Japanese Way of Life (IT, G)

This course explores the development of Japanese thoughts from antiquity to the present, focusing on issues of continuity and change. Students will study the major intellectual movements in Japan over time and examine the impact that modern influences from the West have had on traditional Japanese language, culture, and society.

LC 320 - French Cinema

This course is designed to show the evolution of modern French and Francophone culture in relationship to cinema. Students will study the chronological development of French film from the Lumiere Brothers to the Nouvelle Vague, while studying particular themes such as sexuality, violence, urban tensions, historic representation and narrative adaptation. Courses will be taught in English. Films shown will have English subtitles. Offered in alternate years, spring semester

LC 325  - Survey of French Civilization 

An overview of French and Francophone civilization from pre-Roman Gaul to present day, highlighting political history and developments in language, literature, art, architecture, music and the sciences. Topics covered will include the family, gender roles, the educational system, the state, religions, immigration and colonization/post-colonization. Courses taught in English. Offered in alternate years, fall semester.

LC 361 - Glorious Past: Italian Civilization from the Risorgimento to the Present  

This course presents Italian cultural history from its reunification in the Nineteenth Century through WWll to the present day. Topics include constructions of national identity and regional biases, social thought, literature, and art. All readings, lectures, etc. in English. Offered in alternate years, spring semester

LC 370 - Special Topics

Advanced study of a wide variety of selected topics in literature and culture in translation, which are not covered in regular course offerings. This course may be repeated if the subject matter differs. See current Program of Classes to determine if this course fulfills general education requirements. Prerequisite: Gateway Colloquium. Offered occasionally.

LC 377 - Studies in Comparative Literature

Designed to investigate various aspects of literature in a comparative context. Treats two or more national literatures and will vary in content and approach. Offered occasionally.

LC 380 - Introduction to Literary Theory

Taught in English, this course introduces students to various formative stages of 20th-Century literary theory and their applications with emphases varying from year to year. Open to all students interested in literature. Offered occasionally.

Jessie Dixon - Chair of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures and Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies

Department - World Languages, Literatures And Cultures