Academic Catalog - Virginia Military Institute Admissions

Virginia Military Institute
12-13 Catalogue
expressions. Readings incorporate grammatical review of more challenging structures
that prepare students for advanced work. Prerequisite: Completion of SP 202 or SP 204.
SP 314. LATIN AMERICAN CULTURES AND CIVILIZATIONS 3—0—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: SP 202 or SP 204.
SP 315. Introduction to Hispanic Texts 3—0—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: SP
202 or SP 204.
SP 316. Topics in Spanish 3—0—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. Prerequisite: SP 202 or SP 204. Retakes for credit.
SP 318. NOBEL LAUREATES 3—0—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: SP 202 or SP 204.
SP 320W. SPANISH GOTHIC LITERATURE 3—0—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: SP 202 or SP 204. Writing Intensive (W).
SP 322. HISPANIC CINEMA 3—0—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: SP 202 or SP 204.
SP 387. THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR AS TEXT (IN ENGLISH) 3—0—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: 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 3—0—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: 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 3—0—3
A summer cultural immersion study in Spain that includes language instruction at the
post-intermediate level. Instruction and coursework are in Spanish. It is only offered in some
summers. Prerequisite: SP 202 or SP 204.Civilizations & Cultures (X).
SP 402. SPANISH LITERATURE OF THE SIGLO DE ORO 3—0—3
An introduction to the poetry, prose, and comedia of Spain’s Golden Age. Conducted in
Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisites: two 300-level courses or their equivalent.
SP 405 and SP 406. READINGS IN HISPANIC LITERATURE 3—0—3
3—0—3
Directed readings of major literary works; written reports and a research paper required.
Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: permission of the department head. Retakes for credit.
SP 409. EARLY SPANISH LITERATURE 3—0—3
A study of medieval Spanish poetry and prose, with an introduction to drama. Conducted
in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisites: two 300-level SP courses.
SP 411. 19TH CENTURY PENINSULAR LITERATURE 3—0—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: two 300
level SP courses.
SP 421. COLONIAL SPANISH AMERICAN LITERATURE 3—0—3
A study of important Spanish American authors from the conquest to independence. Taught
in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisites: two 300-level SP courses.
SP 422. SPANISH AMERICAN LITERATURE OF THE 19TH CENTURY 3—0—3
Literary and philosophical trends from the independence movement to Modernism. Taught
in Spanish. Research paper required. Prerequisites: two 300-level SP courses.
SP 423. SPANISH AMERICAN LITERATURE OF THE 20TH CENTURY 3—0—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. Prerequisites: two 300-level SP courses.
SP 425. CERVANTES 3—0—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. Prerequisites: two 300-level SP courses.
SP 426. CONTEMPORARY SPANISH LITERATURE I 3—0—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. Prerequisites: two 300-level SP courses.
SP 427. CONTEMPORARY SPANISH LITERATURE II 3—0—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: Two 300-level SP courses.
SP 428. US LATINO LITERATURE 3—0—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: two 300-level courses.
SP 450. MODERN LANGUAGE CAPSTONE COURSE 3—0—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
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. Prerequisites: 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 on page 55.
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 3—0—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 3—0—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: Minimum
grade of C in WR 101. Cadets cannot take this course if they have already taken EN 102.
WR 220. TEACHING WRITING 3—0—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 3—0—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 3—0—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
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