EUROPEAN STUDIES: EUROPE

Marston Hall
(206) 281-2036
www.spu.edu/depts/fll/

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The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures encompasses the academic discipline of foreign language acquisition and its application to the serious study of culture and literature. Currently at SPU there is a focus on four spoken languages — French, German, Russian, and Spanish –– and two ancient languages, Latin and classical Greek. There are three departmental degree programs: European studies, Latin American studies/ Spanish, and a student-designed program in classics. The student-designed major must be constructed in close cooperation with appropriate faculty. (See Student-Designed Major in the Catalog.) All programs emphasize the unique relationship between culture and language. Acquisition of analytical skills, familiarity with important works of literature from several languages and the cultures they express, deeper understanding of communication patterns, and improved writing skills are all addressed in departmental courses.

Elementary language courses are sequential and begin Autumn Quarter. Students are advised that there is an enrollment limit of 35 in all sections of 1000-level classes (2100 for Russian) of the modern spoken languages. Should a desired class be closed, students are urged to choose another language or to consider Summer Quarter offerings or language courses from other local colleges. Depending on staffing, a section of French, German, and Spanish 1103 and/or Spanish 1102 is offered Autumn Quarter. Students should consult the Online Time Schedule to verify such offerings.

Foreign language study (with emphasis on the needs of the traveler) is available on Seattle Pacific’s European Quarter. Depending on the location of European Quarter, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish 1100 are available for beginning students, 2100 for intermediate students, and 3100 for advanced students.

European Studies
Today European unity and diversity are powerful subjects for serious study and personal enrichment. Both historical and contemporary Europe are at the center of the world of business, travel, the arts, and international politics.

Christianity has important roots in Europe, and today many see Europe as a field for the challenge and opportunity of evangelization in the 21st century. Graduates in European studies find openings in business, missions, travel, government, and education. The European studies major offers students a B.A. degree with the choice of one of five language programs: French, German, Latin, Russian, Spanish, of a general-studies program titled Europe, or a program in linguistics. All programs focus on the language, culture, and literature of Europeans. All European studies majors must complete satisfactorily the following major requirements:

1. 19–21 credits in European studies courses (see base courses for all majors).
2. 40 credits in one of the seven programs listed above (43 credits in the linguistics program); 25 of these credits must be upper-division; for the language programs a minimum of 18 upper-division credits must be in courses taught in the language.
3. One quarter of study in Europe with the SPU European Quarter, or an approved alternative.
4. A senior paper that integrates learning on Europe (see European Studies Symposium).
5. Proficiency in a second European language (other than English) equivalent to 15 credits of college-level elementary language study; in this way a broader interest in the diversity of the European community is assured; these credits may be met by a competency exam or by approved coursework.

European Quarter is a SPU sponsored study-abroad program held Autumn or Spring Quarter, alternate years. Sites vary, depending on faculty leadership, but participants meet the expectations of a quarter’s study in Europe both academically, earning a minimum of 12 credits, and culturally, through in-depth contact with the language/ culture connection. The European Studies Symposium is a gathering of faculty, students, and professional staff at the University for the presentation of academic and creative work on “the European experience.” All European studies majors must make a presentation in the symposium before graduation.

Admission to the European Studies Major
Applicants for a major in European studies, all programs, must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in all college work applicable to the B.A. degree and a 2.5 GPA in 10 credits of coursework at SPU in foreign languages and literatures and/or European studies.

Requirements for the Major
Students should note that EUR 3000 European Quarter Orientation is a prerequisite for EUR 3500 and that EUR 3100 Foundations of European Art is highly recommended for EUR 3500, as are appropriate language courses.

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