2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

For Lang 376. Survey of important writers, their works, and influences on their societies. Students are provided cultural
insights through literature. Discussions are conducted in the target language and based on selected literary works ranging from
early times to contemporary periods. (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish)
For Lang 491. Language program with primary emphasis on the development of advanced foreign language reading skills via a
variety of media. All classes are conducted in the target language and all assignments must be completed in the target language.
(Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish)
For Lang 495. Special Topics. Selected topics in foreign languages.
For Lang 499. Independent Study. Individual study or research conducted on a tutorial basis. Study may be in any of the
eight languages offered by the department. Topic or area of study/research must be approved by the department head.
Language Specific Courses
French 372. Francophone Cultures. Taught in French on the Francophone movement and the cultures of selected
French-speaking countries/regions other than France. In combination with faculty presentations and guidance, cadets will
cooperatively research and discuss various French-speaking countries. Francophone Africa will figure prominently. Focuses on
French influence over the historical, political, and cultural aspects of those countries and the status of that influence today in
relation to other regional and global systems.
French 492. French Air Force Academy Preparation. Language program with primary emphasis on the development of
specific/required language skills and an examination of current cultural, military and political issues. All classes are conducted
in French.
German 370. Three Hundred Years of German Immigration to America. More than seven million Germans have
come to our shores through the centuries, and today some 60 million Americans—one in four—trace their heritage back to
German ancestry. This course investigates the reasons why they came and where they settled; and how they were able to
endure tremendous hardship only to succeed. Last, but not least, the course explores the economic, social, scientific, cultural,
and political contributions that these immigrants have made to the growth and success of the United States of America. All
activities are conducted in German.
German 492. German Air Force Academy Preparation. Language program with primary emphasis on the development of
specific/required language skills and an examination of current cultural, military and political issues. All classes are conducted
in German and all assignments must be completed in German.
Japanese 372. Japanese Society and Culture. The purpose of this course is to gain a basic knowledge of Japanese society
and culture with particular attention to the areas of governmental organization, diplomatic relations, national defense policy
and the constitution. Discussions are conducted in Japanese and based on selected readings in Japanese and/or English.
Students learn about Japanese government and its constitution. Students compare what they have learned in other Japanese
courses, as well as in courses covering the history, politics, and law of other cultures, in order to gain a better understanding
of human civilization as a whole. Class is “team taught” with an exchange officer from the Japan Air Self Defense Force. All
activities are conducted in Japanese.
Japanese 492. Japanese Air Force Academy Preparation. Language program with primary emphasis on the development of
specific/required language skills and an examination of current cultural, military, and political issues. All classes are conducted
in Japanese and all assignments must be completed in Japanese.
Spanish 220. Basic Spanish II. Follow-on course for cadets starting in Spanish 131 and Spanish 132. Language Learning
Center may supplement classroom instruction. Cadets who successfully complete Spanish 220 will enroll next in Spanish 221
the following fall.
Spanish 371. Current Events in the Spanish-Speaking World. Students experience a semester-long survey of significant
current events in the Spanish-speaking world. They study and research the cultural, political, economic and historic factors that
affect current reality. The course uses available press, television, radio broadcasts and other means such as the World Wide
Web to carry out its objectives. Most of the activities of this course are in seminar format, and emphasis is placed in on oral
discussions and written production. All activities are conducted in Spanish.
100 United States Air Force Academy Catalog