Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Our Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures will help you learn French, German, Russian, Spanish, Irish, Japanese, and Italian, and foster a deeper understanding of these cultures and literatures.

In our globalized, 21st century, understanding multiple languages and cultures has never been more valuable to employers, or, to the people who've studied them for personal or professional reasons. 


Languages Electives Listing

Below is a list of all electives in languages, literatures and cultures that anyone can register for, because they have no or just 1 prerequisite. For a complete list of our courses, see the university calendar

To browse our languages electives, click the + symbol beside each of the following categories:

Introductory University French I
(FREN 1500)

A course for beginners and for students whose background in French is very weak. Students with a strong background in high-school French should bypass 1500 and begin their University study with 1501, especially if they intend to proceed beyond the first-year level. Very well-prepared students may apply to the Department for permission to enter 1502 directly. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.


Introductory University French II
(FREN 1501)

One of three consecutive credit courses in French language at the first-year university level, offering a complete overview of basic oral and written French. Students with a limited background in French should register for FREN 1500 and continue with 1501. Students with a strong background in high-school French should bypass 1500 and begin their University study with 1501, especially if they intend to proceed beyond the first-year level. Very well-prepared students may apply to the Department for permission to enter 1502 directly. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: Same as the former FREN 1050

Laboratory Hours Per Week : two additional hours of language laboratory work or conversation class, or both

Prerequisite: High School FREN 3200 or permission of the Head of the Department. Ex-immersion students should consult the Head of the Department before registering for this course. Students may not register concurrently for more than one of FREN 1500, 1501 and 1502 except with the permission of the Head of the Department.


Introductory University French III
(FREN 1502)

One of three consecutive credit courses in French language at the first-year university level, offering a complete overview of basic oral and written French. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: Same as the former FREN 1051

Laboratory Hours per Week: two additional hours of language laboratory work or conversation class, or both

Prerequisites: FREN 1501 with a grade of at least 60% or by permission of the Head of the Department. Students may not register concurrently for more than one of FREN 1500, 1501 and 1502 except with the permission of the Head of the Department. Very well-prepared students may apply to the Department for permission to enter 1502 directly.

*All sections of these courses follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls

Elementary German I*
(GERM 1000)

Intended to give beginners a basic knowledge of the spoken and written language and culture of the German-speaking countries. . Note: Same as GERM 1002


Elementary German II*
(GERM 1001)

A continuation of Elementary German I with the same basic text. Note: Same as GERM 1003

Prerequisite: GERM 1000 or GERM 1002


Elementary German for Business and Engineering I*
(GERM 1002)

For students with no prior knowledge of German. It is intended to give beginners a basic knowledge of spoken and written German with an emphasis on developing skills pertinent to business, commerce, and engineering. Note: Credit cannot be obtained for this course an GERM 1000


Elementary German for Business and Engineering II*
(GERM 1003)

A continuation of GERM 1002. It further develops a basic knowledge of spoken and written German with an emphasis on developing skills pertinent to business, commerce, and engineering. Note: Credit cannot be obtained for this course an GERM 1001

Prerequisite: GERM 1000 or 1002


Critical Reading and Writing: Hansel, Gretel, and the Big Bad Wolf
(GERM 1010)

Introduces students to the German story-telling tradition from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will learn how to identify, critically read, analyse and evaluate arguments using rational judgement and appropriate rhetorical techniques and how to construct logically sound academic essays, incorporating the words and ideas of others. The communicative advantages of identifying an audience, the use of effective tone, word choice, and sentence patterns will also be covered. All sections of this course follow Critical Reading and Writing Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/crw.

Prerequisite: GERM 1000 is encouraged but not required


Reading German I*
(GERM 2030)

Gives training in reading scholarly German for senior undergraduate and graduate students with no previous knowledge of German, for whom this work is recommended or required by other departments or faculties.


Reading German II*
(GERM 2031)

A continuation of Reading German I. In this course an attempt will be made to meet individual requirements.

Prerequisite: GERM 2030


Introduction to German Culture I
(GERM 2900)

A study of the major cultural trends and movements of German-speaking Europe to the beginnings of the modern age. Lectures are given in English.


Introduction to German Culture II
(GERM 2901)

A study of the major cultural trends and movements of German-speaking Europe in the modern age. Lectures are given in English.


German Film I
(GERM 3000)

A survey of German film from the beginnings to 1945.


German Film II
(GERM 3001)

A survey of West German film from 1945 to 1990.


Post-Wall Cinema
(GERM 3002)

A study of German cinema from 1990 to the present. It addresses a number of issues that are clearly identified with a post-Wall, unified Germany, such as German unification itself, the new German comedy of the 1990s, the transnationalization of German cinema, the treatment of the Nazi and the Communist past, the rediscovery of the social as a narrative focus, and on the evolving cinematographic directions taken by contemporary German film. The movies are subtitled and lectures and readings are in English.


DEFA Cinema of East Germany
(GERM 3003)

An examination of East German cinema through its feature films addressing issues in the context of Germany's divided status and its split screen from 1946 to 1990.


West to East: Aspects of the German Intellectual Influence on Russia
(GERM 3005)

Examines the fluidity of ideas across geo-political borders, languages and cultures, by exploring how the German intellectual discourse was received and reinterpreted by Russians in their literary, artistic and cultural dialogue. Ideas about the Romantic Hero become conflated with theories involving the Will, the Nietzschean Superman and the Proletarian Revolutionary, personified and embodied in what some scholars characterize as political/cultural Gods (Lenin, Stalin, Hitler). Note: Same as the former History 3005, Russian 3005


Faust and the Magus Tradition
(GERM 3911)

A study of the legend of Faust's pact with the devil from the Middle Ages to the present in art, music and literature, and its influence on various cultures in both Europe and America. Lectures and readings in English.


Modern German Literature in Translation I (Pre-1945)
(GERM 3912)

A study of the works of some major modern German authors. Lectures and readings in English.


Modern German Literature in Translation II (Post-1945)
(GERM 3913)

A study of the works of some major modern German authors. Lectures and readings in English.


German Women Writers in English Translation
(GERM 3914)

Studies representative works by prominent German, Austrian, and Swiss women writers from the 19th-century to the present day, their place in German literary history, and the impact of their individual voices.

Prerequisite: The former Women's Studies 2000 or permission of the Department Head


National Socialist Ideology and Culture
(GERM 3915)

Examines German culture within the context of National Socialist era. Special attention will be focused on how language, art and literature were used in National Socialist propaganda.


German Literature of the 18th Century I
(GERM 4000)

A study of the historical and cultural background of the eighteenth century, of Storm and Stress and Classicism. Reading and discussion of representative works with emphasis on Goethe and Schiller. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 3011 and consent of the Head of the Department


German Literature of the 18th Century II
(GERM 4001)

A study of the historical and cultural background of the eighteenth century, of Storm and Stress and Classicism. Reading and discussion of representative works with emphasis on Goethe and Schiller. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 3011 or the consent of the Head of Department


German Literature of the 19th Century I
(GERM 4100)

A study of the leading exponents of nineteenth-century literature, including the background of Romanticism and the young Germany movement. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 3011 or the consent of the Head of Department


German Literature of the 19th Century II
(GERM 4101)

A study of the leading exponents of nineteenth-century literature, including the background of Poetic Realism and Naturalism. Taught in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 3011 or the consent of the Head of Department


German Literature of the 20th Century I
(GERM 4200)

Traces the important literary movements up to 1945, using a number of representative authors. Reading of selected dramas, novels, poems and short stories. This course is taught in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 3011 or the consent of the Head of Department


German Literature of the 20th Century II (GERM 4201)

Traces the important post 1945 literary movements, using a number of representative authors. Reading of selected dramas, novels, poems and short stories. This course is taught in German.

Prerequisite: GERM 3011 or the consent of the Head of Department

Elementary Italian I
(LANG 1100)

For beginners in Italian. Introduction to the fundamentals of Italian grammar, with particular attention to the acquisition of basic skills in oral and written communication. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: Same as the former Italian 1000. Four lecture hours per week and one laboratory hour.


Elementary Italian II
(LANG 1101)

A continuation of Elementary Italian I. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: Same as the former Italian 1001. Four lecture hours per week and one laboratory hour.

Prerequisite: LANG 1100 or the former Italian 1000

Introduction to Irish Culture and Speaking
(LANG 1200)

An introduction to Irish culture, and to speaking and listening to Irish Gaelic. Students develop familiarity with spoken and aural Irish through practice conversations. Discussion and pronunciation exercises are balanced with exposure to Irish culture, including songs, music, plays, films, television, radio, video and oral storytelling. Links between Ireland, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investigated. Prior familiarity with Ireland or Irish Gaelic is not required.

Note: Same as the former Linguistics 2700, the former Linguistics 2701, and not applicable towards the Bachelor of Arts Language Study Requirement


Introduction to Irish Writing and Cultural Connections
(LANG 1201)

An introduction to Irish literature and to the Irish Gaelic written word. Students will examine the nature of writing in modern sources such as Irish-language newspapers, magazines and websites, balanced with works by popular Irish authors. Word formation, sentence structure, basic grammar, reading, spelling, and structures are discussed. The course also explores Irish connections with Newfoundland and Labrador, such as places, personal names and cultural practices.

Note: Same as the former Linguistics 2700, and the former Linguistics 2701, and not applicable towards the Bachelor of Arts Language Study Requirement


Introduction to Japanese I
(LANG 1300)

An introduction to the Japanese language. It aims to develop communication skills based on the fundamentals of Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. Students will acquire speaking and listening proficiency, reading skills to understand short, simple written materials, and writing skills to write short paragraphs in Hiragana and Katakana writing scripts. Students also explore Japanese culture and traditions. No prior knowledge of Japanese is assumed. This course follows the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: Same as the former Linguistics 2702


Introduction to Japanese II
(LANG 1301)

A continuation of Japanese I. Students will acquire speaking and listening proficiency, reading skills, writing skills to be able to write short paragraphs and about 43 Kanji. Students will continue to explore Japanese culture and traditions. This course follows the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: Same as the former Linguistics 2703

Prerequisite: LANG 1300

Elementary Russian I
(RUSS 1000)

Provides an introduction to Russian grammar and a basic knowledge of the spoken and written language. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.


Elementary Russian II
(RUSS 1001)

A continuation of Elementary Russian I. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Prerequisite: RUSS 1000 or equivalent


The Making of Modern Russia
(RUSS 1050)

Develops a critical understanding of how new and old media (literature, film, and web-based media) reflect and inspire change in the history of modern Russia, with an orientation towards the contemporary moment.


Russian for Reading I
(RUSS 2030)

Designed to foster a reading knowledge of Russian relevant to professional, business or academic disciplines. It is intended for senior undergraduate or graduate students, as well as professional and business people. No previous knowledge of Russian is required. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.


Russian for Reading II
(RUSS 2031)

A continuation of Russian for Reading I. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Prerequisite: RUSS 2030 or 1001, or permission of the Head of the Department


The Russian Utopian Imagination
(RUSS 2440)

A survey of Russia's unique contribution to the utopian tradition, nationally and internationally, and in revolutionary moments past, present and future. While literature is the focus of the course, other media including architecture, film, and other forms of print will also be considered.


Intermediate Composition and Conversation I
(RUSS 2510)

An intensive course which focuses on improving vocabulary and fluency in speaking and writing Russian. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.


Intermediate Composition and Conversation II
(RUSS 2511)

A continuation of RUSS 2510 including more complex concepts. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.


Russian Literature in Translation: Nineteenth Century
(RUSS 2600)

A study of selected works of Russian authors including Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Turgenev, Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Chekhov. This course qualifies as a Research/Writing course.


Russian Literature in Translation: Twentieth Century 
(RUSS 2601)

A study of selected works of Russian authors of the pre-revolutionary, Soviet and post- Soviet periods. This course qualifies as a Research/Writing course.


Russian Culture I
(RUSS 2900)

A study of the evolution of Russian culture and Russian intellectual history up to 1917. Lectures include discussions of Russian art, music and film. Lectures are given in English. This course qualifies as a Research/Writing course.


Russian Culture II
(RUSS 2901)

A study of the evolution of Russian culture in the USSR and the post-Soviet period. Lectures include discussions of Soviet Russian art, music and film. Lectures are given in English. This course qualifies as a Research/Writing course.


Special Topics in Russian Studies
(RUSS 3000-3009, excluding 3003 and 3005)

Will deal with topics as announced by the Department.


Russian and Soviet Film Until 1948
(RUSS 3003)

Begins with the origins of film in Russia in the late imperial era, and then proceeds to follow the development of film in Russia and the Soviet Union until the death of Sergei Eisenstein following World War II. Our focus is on a selection of artistically, culturally, and politically important films from this period.

Note: this course may not be used as part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences requirement of 6 credit hours in a second language


West to East: Aspects of the German Intellectual Influence on Russia
(RUSS 3005)

Examines the fluidity of ideas across geo-political borders, languages and cultures, by exploring how the German intellectual discourse was received and reinterpreted by Russians in their literary, artistic and cultural dialogue. Ideas about the Romantic Hero become conflated with theories involving the Will, the Nietzschean Superman and the Proletarian Revolutionary, personified and embodied in what some scholars characterize as political/cultural Gods (Lenin, Stalin, Hitler).

Note: Same as German 3005, the former History 3005


Post-Stalin Russia: Media and Film 
(RUSS 3023)

An examination of contemporary Russian visual media with attention to the cultural discourse concerning Russian history and cultural identity.


Mushrooming & Mushroom Clouds: The Russian Ecological imagination
(RUSS 3440)

Addresses ecological concerns past, present, and future through the lens of imaginative production. A wide range of Russian novels, short stories, science writing and film will be used to explore how narrative not only represents nature but also produces it.


Post Perestroika Russia
(RUSS 3910)

Explores contemporary issues concerning the changes (artistic, political, cultural, economic) and sense of rediscovery in modern Russia in the context of works by present-day writers.


Special Topics in Russian
(RUSS 4001-4010 (Excluding 4002)

Will deal with topics as announced by the Department.


Giants of Soviet Cinema
(RUSS 4002)

Focuses on the oeuvres of one or two directors, or a movement or era within Soviet Cinema. Students will examine films closely according to their artistic structures and historical contexts, applying a broad range of classic readings on film theory to help inform analysis.


Special Topics in Russian Studies I
(RUSS 4800)

Will deal with topics as announced by the Department.


Special Topics in Russian Studies II
(RUSS 4801)

Will deal with topics as announced by the Department.

Introductory Spanish I
(SPAN 1000)

A Course without prerequisites for students with no prior knowledge of the language. The fundamentals of Spanish are introduced through communicative and task-based activities that develop understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Aspects of Spanish culture are also presented. Group or individual practice in the language laboratory and conversation classes are also part of this course. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.

Note: students may be required to attend a 50 minute weekly practicum


Introductory Spanish II
(SPAN 1001)

A continuation of Spanish 1000 with practice in the four language skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing, and further exploration of Spanish culture through interactive classroom instruction and more laboratory and conversation practice.

Prerequisite: SPAN 1000 or permission from the Head of the Department


See also:

Linguistics for Language Learners and Teachers
(LANG 1800)

Introduces and explains the concepts and terminology useful for formal language instruction. The primary focus is on understanding the structure of various levels of language (meaning, pronunciation, words, sentences, conversations, society and culture, and change), specifically as these structures relate to second language learning. The secondary focus is on research on learning and teaching and the natural acquisition of language.

Note: Same as Linguistics 1100, Linguistics 1155, and not applicable towards the Bachelor of Arts Language Study Requirement