Duquesne University Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

Summer is a great time of year to celebrate! The sun is out, the weather is nice, and people are in the mood to celebrate with family and friends. The USA does this every year on the 4th of July, but many other countries around the world also host important holidays or festivals during the summer months.

This week's mini-lesson is travel in French! Whether you are traveling to France this summer and need to learn the airport lingo or dreaming of the South of France, The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures provides so many opportunities for students to learn French! You can choose to minor in the language or pursue classes in it as one of three languages with the Modern Languages major. Levels 101-202 are offered every semester, and Dr. Agin will be teaching MLFR470 in the fall. This course will explore the foundations of philosophy to modern philosophy in French.

Want to continue practicing your foreign language over the summer? Or even start learning a new one? Use one of the following methods (or all!): download Duolingo (a free app), change the audio on your favorite Netflix tv show or movie and watch it in a foreign language with English subtitles, or stream international music!

Meet Sam Arrigo! Sam is a rising junior here at Duquesne studying Psychology and Spanish.

Why did you choose to study a foreign language in the first place?

"In middle school, I was required to take what were called exploratory courses in a foreign language. These were basic introductory courses in either Spanish, French, German, or Latin. I chose to take Spanish and German. At the time, I thought Spanish was easier to learn than German, and so I continued to learn it in high school and into college. Throughout my education, I've learned to appreciate the language and the culture it brings."

What are some suggestions you have for those who are interested in learning a foreign language or who are just starting out?

"Learning a foreign language is a process, so don't be afraid to make mistakes! I recommend that as you learn more vocabulary to try to find creative ways to immerse yourself in the target language. Try listening to music or watching your favorite TV shows in the target language. You'll be surprised at how much you can pick up! See if you can meet someone in class or at work who is also learning the same language as you, and practice with them. Finally, be patient with yourself. I know from experience that it can be frustrating at first but stick with it!"

Last night, the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures hosted the inductions of Phi Sigma Iota and Sigma Delta Pi honors societies. These honors societies recognize graduates and graduating seniors for their hard work and accomplishment in foreign language studies.

This week's mini-lesson is Transportation in Japanese! The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures provides the opportunity for students to learn about Japanese culture! You can choose to take MLJA 206 - Japanese Language and culture when it is offered. Unfortunately, it will not be offered for Fall 2022, but keep a lookout for the future!

Our second Modern Languages and Literatures faculty spotlight is...Dr. R.S. Agin!

Dr. Agin is an Associate Professor of French and Italian specializing in interrelations among art, literature, and philosophy in 18th-century France.

Why did you choose to study a foreign language in the first place?

"Why did I choose to study a foreign language? Because it was required! In high school, I had studied some Latin. When I got to the university, I chose French because I was interested in the culture and thought that it would be cool to go to Paris someday. Like I tell anyone who lives under the false impression that in order to know a language, you have to start when you're a child, I didn't start studying French until I was 19. I kept at it because it was a challenge. Eventually, I had enough credits in French that it just seemed logical to go ahead and pick up a degree in it. I ended up doing a PhD in French because it was cooler than doing a PhD in English (no offense to my colleagues in English)."

Which foreign languages do you speak? Which one is your favorite and why?

"I speak French and Italian. I don't have a favorite. When I'm in France, I say 'vin.' When I'm in Italy, I say 'vino.' Whichever language it is, I end up drinking well."

What are some suggestions you have for those interested in learning a foreign language or who are just starting out?

"Don't give up! Stick to it! Learning a foreign language is an incredibly enriching experience, but like most enriching experiences, it requires some work and a thick skin. You have to get used to making mistakes. If you keep at it, though, it can open up all sorts of possibilities. Some of these possibilities might be concrete, like living in a foreign country or having a job with an international dimension; some might be more abstract, like being able to read Camus in the original French or just having a better grasp of the grammar of your own language. Whatever the case may be, the experience of learning a foreign language will always make your life more interesting."

This week's mini-lesson is Weather in German! The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures provides so many opportunities for students to learn German! You can choose to pursue classes in this language as one of three languages with the Modern Languages major. Levels 101 and 201 are offered fall semester, and Levels 102 and 202 are offered spring semester. Add MLGE101 or MLGE201 to your Fall '22 schedule today!

Last semester, Dr. Lucia Osa-Melero, associate professor of modern languages and literatures in the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, was asked by the editor of The Language Magazine if she would write an article that emphasizes the relationship between community ties and the emergence of bilingualism. For Dr. Osa-Melero, this personal piece below illustrates how communities can evolve into healthier and more diverse places.

Check out Dr. Osa-Melero's publication here:

https://www.languagemagazine.com/2022/04/01/how-my-midwestern-neighborhood-became-mi-barrio/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-my-midwestern-neighborhood-became-mi-barrio&fbclid=IwAR3tCYCvwbVzsjMtplR6iZECM6jZAS1jWeLy5uL4GrKiz3-ctc0HNkTT2k8

Our weekly mini-lesson is Greetings in French! The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures provides so many opportunities for students to learn French! You can choose to minor in the language or pursue classes in it as one of three languages with the Modern Languages major. Levels 101-202 are offered every semester, and Dr. Agin will be teaching MLFR470 in the fall. This course will explore the foundations of philosophy to modern philosophy in French.

Join us for: Bringing Inclusion to our Community-Engaged Pedagogy

Wednesday, April 20, 2022
12 to 1 p.m., via Zoom

Facilitated by Dr. Lucia Osa-Melero and Dr. Meghan Blaskowitz, 2021-2022 Gaultier Teaching Fellows

"The American Association of Colleges and Universities defines inclusion as 'active, intentional, and ongoing engagement with diversity (intellectual, social, cultural, linguistic and geographical) with which students and community partners connect to increase awareness, content knowledge, cognitive sophistication and empathy'.

This session will showcase the creative ways that Gautier Fellows and other community-engaged faculty across campus intentionally imbed inclusion in their pedagogy. Gaultier Fellows will present ideas for how to achieve inclusive excellence and engage the various levels of diversity and inclusion prevalent in our society within the four walls of our classroom."

Register today: https://duq.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIscu-grDoiH9G67ISmDhhvU0NV0sZRqhHQ

It's now easier to sign up for Duquesne University Department of Modern Languages and Literatures's updates.

This week's mini-lesson is Animals in Spanish! There are so many opportunities for Duquesne students who want to learn Spanish. You can choose to major or minor in the language, or pursue classes in it as one of three languages with the Modern Languages major. Faculty-sponsored community outreach programs are also available for Spanish students that are rewarding for both the language learner and the community members involved! If you haven't registered for classes yet, be sure to add one of our many rewarding Spanish courses to your schedule today!

This afternoon from 3:00pm-4:00pm, the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is hosting a talk by Oxana Bayer. Dr. Bayer is a Fullbright Scholar and a visiting professor in the Department of Psychology at Duquesne University.

She will be presenting "The Aftermath of Soviet Repression in Ukraine" in order to give attendees a broader scope of knowledge about the history behind the conflict.

This presentation will be taking place in Fisher Hall 625 and will begin promptly at 3pm. We hope to see you there!

This week's mini-lesson is Greetings in Chinese! The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures provides students with the opportunity to take a class to learn about Chinese culture. This course is MLCH206. It is an online course being offered for the first time in Fall 2022. It gives students a survey of Chinese history and culture with a focus in Chinese customs and traditions.

This week's mini-lesson is Greetings in Arabic! Duquesne University provides students with the opportunity to take classes in Arabic. Students can take elementary and intermediate levels in the language.

One of the department's well-known courses is Spanish for Healthcare Professionals (MLSP280). In this hands-on class, students learn how to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients in everyday contexts such as in hospitals, emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics, and pharmacies. This course is only available for Nursing students in the fall but is open for anyone to take in the spring.

Dr. Lucia Osa-Melero and Dr. Eduardo Martinez provided these pictures of their sections visiting the nursing lab in Liebermann. Students study and practice vocabulary related to the medical field and practice interactions between doctors, patients, and also the patient's family members. "Having access to the lab offered an authentic dimension to the language learning process. It could not be more real." - Dr. Osa-Melero

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and
Literatures Course: MLIT302W - Intensive Italian Conversation and Composition II

Details:
Instructor: Carla Lucente
Meeting times: MWF 12:00-12:50 PM

Description: The sequel to 301 with more emphasis on fluency in speaking and writing and idiomatic use of the language. Prerequisite: 301W or equivalent.

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and Literatures Course Promotion: MLRY101/IR106 - Elementary Russian I

Details:
Instructor: TBD
Meeting times: TR 1:40-2:55 PM

Description: Fundamentals of oral and written Russian. Focus on development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, and culture. Special emphasis on oral communication.

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and Literatures Course Promotion: MLSP306W - Intensive Spanish Conversation and Composition

Details:
Instructor: Carla Lucente
Meeting times: MWF 11:00-11:50 AM

Description: Combination of 301W and 302W. Prerequisite: 202 or equivalent.

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and Literatures Course Promotion: MLCH206 - Chinese Culture

Details:
Instructor: William Crawford
Meeting times: Online

Description: This course introduces students to Chinese culture through a general survey of ancient and modern Chinese history including highlights of Chinese inventions, literature, religions, philosophies, and holidays. Students will gain an understanding of Chinese customs and traditions, study China’s development, and examine its role in the global economy. The class will also experience Tai Chi and hands-on Chinese arts. The course helps the students of different cultural backgrounds to bridge the gap between East and West.

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and
Literatures Course: MLSP453W - Trends in Latin American Literature

Details:
Instructor: Dr. Mark Frisch
Meeting times: TR 1:40-2:55 PM

Description: Major movements and representative works from Pre-Columbian period to the present with an emphasis on the search for identity and human rights issues.

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and
Literatures Course: MLSP468W - Women's Voices in Hispanic Literature

Details:
Instructor: Eduardo Ruiz
Meeting times: MWF 11:00-11:50 AM

Description: Overview of the writings of Hispanic women from Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz to Isabel Allende and from Leonor López de Córdoba to Paloma Pedrero. Taught in English.

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and
Literatures Course: MLFR470 - French Philosophy in a Classical Age

Details:
Instructor: Dr. Shane Agin
Meeting times: TR 10:50-12:05 PM

Description:
Study of the principal philosophical works and concepts of the 17th and 18th centuries. From Descartes’s famous break with the scholastic tradition to the philosophical foundations of the French Revolution, students will retrace the origins and early development of “modern” philosophy. In the course of this investigation, students will also examine the reception of these central 17th- and 18th-century works by the most important philosophers of the 20th century (Adorno, Horkheimer, Merleau-Ponty, Cassirer, Foucault, Derrida, et. al.).




22h

Fall 2022 Modern Languages and
Literatures Course: MLAR201 - Intermediate Arabic I

Details:
Instructor: Luke Peterson
Meeting times: TR 12:15-1:30pm

Description:
An expansion of the language skills acquired in Arabic 101 and 102. Strengthening of basic structures and introduction of more complex structures. This course will increase accuracy in listening, speaking, reading and writing and promote knowledge of cultural background. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent.