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 Pomona College's
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures offers
courses in both Spanish and French language, literature, and
culture. The emphasis of a major or a minor in Spanish and
French is on oral proficiency as well as literacy in the
language. The upper-division classes (numbered 100 or above)
focus on the development of analytical skills, primarily
through intensive critical study of literary texts and
films. In addition, RLL courses strive to take advantage of
recent technology as it relates to the study of language and
culture.
To foster an awareness and understanding of a culture
different from one's own, departmental courses are often
interdisciplinary in approach, introducing art and music;
historical background; social, philosophical, or political
issues; and other cultural concerns. Many are cross-linked
with the programs in Women's Studies, Chicano Studies, Latin
American Studies, and Media Studies. The department also
strongly supports the Study Abroad Program. The Foreign
Language Resource Center, located in the renovated Mason
Hall, will offer state-of-the-art audio, computer, and video
equipment and a growing film library further to enrich and
supplement the study of foreign languages, literatures, and
cultures.
The major in French, Spanish or Romance Languages is
especially suitable for acquiring a liberal arts background
and developing analytical skills. It also heightens
awareness of language per se and generally strengthens one's
knowledge of English. When combined with work in History,
Politics, or Economics, it usually assures access to
employment in business or government. Pomona College
statistics on student admissions to programs in law and
medicine indicate that Spanish and French majors demonstrate
an equal rate of success in comparison to their peers in
sciences. In addition, because of the growing need for
romance language teachers at all levels, particularly in the
field of bilingual education, the romance language major
offers particular advantages to those interested in entering
the teaching profession.The major in Romance Languages is
designed to assist students in achieving an advanced level
of linguistic fluency in both French and Spanish through the
study of the very finest literary production and the complex
histories and cultures of the French- and Spanish-speaking
worlds. Students majoring in Romance Languages are required
to complete major requirements and senior exercises as
described in the college catalog, selecting either French or
Spanish for the primary language of the senior exercises.
They are also expected to participate in the Study Abroad
Program and to reside in Oldenborg Center for one year.
Upon graduation, Romance Languages majors should be able to:
1. demonstrate advanced competence in written and spoken
French and Spanish.
2. demonstrate the ability to read critically, interpret
analytically, and write coherently about texts produced in
the Spanish- and French-speaking worlds:
a. identify literary figures and devices and describe their
function.
b. compare and contrast analyses and interpretations of
different literary and cultural texts.
3. identify and evaluate the specific nature of a wide array
of literary genres.
4. demonstrate familiarity with basic critical
methodological approaches in the study of these genres, such
as close reading, socio-historical contextualization, and
literary, political, psychoanalytic and cultural theory
5. demonstrate knowledge of literary and cultural
traditions, such as major movements, writers, and works of
both French and Spanish-speaking worlds.
6. produce a senior thesis/paper with a clear thesis
statement, a logical structure, appropriate evidence and
persuasive analysis.
7. demonstrate an understanding of basic elements of
scholarly research and writing,
a. locate, evaluate and incorporate material relevant to the
research project.
b. present the bibliography in proper scholarly format.
8. articulate an argument in an effective and convincing
manner in formal spoken French or Spanish. |
