Faculty: https://dwllc.uiowa.edu/people
Website: https://dwllc.uiowa.edu/
The Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures includes several academic units: the departments of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures, French and Italian, German, Linguistics, and Spanish and Portuguese, and the programs in American Sign Language, English as a Second Language, International Studies, Latin American Studies, Second Language Acquisition, and Translation. In addition to providing administrative leadership for all of its units, the division fosters interdisciplinary scholarship in languages, literatures, and cultures. It encourages synergy and collaboration among its faculty and enhances opportunities for cross-cultural course development and research.
Undergraduate and graduate programs in the division serve students with varied interests and career aspirations. Students are educated to become global citizens who understand and are understood by diverse populations. They are trained to be critical thinkers and problem solvers who are also capable scholars, lucid writers, and proficient speakers.
The division offers instruction in numerous fields related to language, literature, and culture.
- American Sign Language Program: American Sign Language
- Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian
- Department of French and Italian: Arabic, French, Italian, Swahili
- Department of German: German
- Department of Linguistics: Linguistics, English as a Second Language
- Department of Spanish and Portuguese: Portuguese, Spanish
The Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures also serves as the administrative home for International Studies, Latin American Studies, Second Language Acquisition, and Translation.
The Department of Linguistics provides scientific study of familiar languages, as well as less well-known languages. The division's Second Language Acquisition Program brings multidisciplinary resources together to examine the processes that underlie non-native-language learning. The Translation programs of study explore the literary, cultural, and historical contexts of work and their linguistic, aesthetic, and ideological dimensions while it builds skills for translating works from one language to another.
The Center for Language and Culture Learning provides a wide variety of facilities and services to the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (DWLLC), including a 24-computer Instructional Technology Center (ITC), five All-In-One Studios/small group study rooms equipped with video production and editing software, a Computer Assisted Language Learning Lab with 25 computers integrated with Sanako software for language practice, and virtual reality hardware and development space.
The center provides spaces for quiet study as well as for group meetings. Departments, programs, and student organizations are welcome to host conversation hours, film nights, study groups, workshops, and more. Peer education services include peer tutoring programs in many of the languages taught in DWLLC, with both in-person and online availability, as well as Directed Independent Language Study, through which faculty, staff, or students can be paired with a tutor to learn a language not taught in DWLLC. Tutors are trained to use the Three Ms for Effective Learning, which include developing a growth mindset, using memory strategies to retain knowledge, and reflecting on learning gains.
Most Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures courses are offered by the division's departments and programs. They are listed and described in the corresponding General Catalog sections.
Comparative Literature
CL:2248 The Invention of Writing: From Cuneiform to Computers 3 s.h.
Invention of writing as one of the most momentous events in the history of human civilizations; how the use of written sign systems, notations, maps, graphs, encryptions, and most recently, computer programs have consequences that reach deeply into all aspects of people's lives; how writing fascinates and delights, fosters reflexive thinking and facilitates development of complex societies, and gives rise to institutions of social power and control; students explore the invention of writing and its consequences in broad international and interdisciplinary context. Taught in English. Same as ANTH:2248, ASIA:2248, CLSA:2048, COMM:2248, GRMN:2248, HIST:2148, IS:2248, LING:2248, TRNS:2248, WLLC:2248.
World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
WLLC:1000 First-Year Seminar 1 s.h.
Small discussion class taught by a faculty member; topics chosen by instructor; may include outside activities (e.g., films, lectures, performances, readings, visits to research facilities, field trips). Requirements: first-semester standing.
WLLC:1016 Classical Chinese Short Fiction 1 s.h.
Reading and discussion of classical Chinese short fiction in English translation. Taught in English. Recommendations: completion of required ESL courses. Same as ASIA:1016.
WLLC:1131 Introduction to Russian Culture 3 s.h.
Development of cultural history in Russia during the Romanov period (1613-1917); painting, music, architecture, and literature viewed against their political, historical, and social settings. Taught in English. GE: Values and Culture. Same as RUSS:1131.
WLLC:1200 Disabilities and Inclusion in Writing and Film Around the World 3 s.h.
Exploration of human experiences of dis/ability and exclusion/inclusion. Taught in English. GE: Diversity and Inclusion. Same as DST:1200, GHS:1200, GRMN:1200.
WLLC:1510 Ghost Stories and Tales of the Weird in Premodern Chinese Literature 3 s.h.
Reading of Chinese literature concerning ghosts, marvels, and supernatural from the first millennium B.C.E. through the 1800s; readings analyzed against changing historical and religious contexts. Taught in English. Recommendations: completion of all required ESL courses. GE: Interpretation of Literature. Same as ASIA:1510.
WLLC:2001 Global Science Fiction 3 s.h.
Science fiction from around the world; spanning poetry, fiction, drama, film, television, comics, mobile phone games, and music; produced on six continents. Taught in English. GE: Diversity and Inclusion. Same as ASIA:2001, FREN:2010, RUSS:2001, TRNS:2001.
WLLC:2006 Transnational Solidarities 3-4 s.h.
Examination of connections forged by intellectuals, activists, and political thinkers in struggles against systems of colonialism, imperialism, capitalism, and state violence throughout the 20th century; opportunities to make connection with other struggles against racism, supremacy, patriarchy, and domination; optional discussion section taught in Arabic. Taught in English. Requirements: for 4 s.h. option—ARAB:1002. Same as ARAB:2006, SJUS:2006.
WLLC:2050 Women from an Unknown Land: The Fight for Independence 3 s.h.
Exploration of past and current issues related to the Caucasus—a mountainous region located where Europe, the Middle East, and Asia meet—forming a geographical and cultural crossroad; topics include those related to women's rights, causes of poverty and ethnic conflicts, and foreign policy including terrorism in the region, the fight for freedom, and the struggle over natural resources. Taught in English. GE: International and Global Issues. Same as RUSS:2050.
WLLC:2222 Women in Premodern East Asian Literature 3 s.h.
Reading of East Asian literature portraying women from the first millennium B.C.E. through the 1800s; discussion of issues related to representations of women and conventional social, familial roles in premodern China, Korea, and Japan; cross-cultural comparison of different perceptions and portrayals of women in premodern East Asian literary traditions. Taught in English. Recommendations: completion of all ESL courses. GE: Diversity and Inclusion. Same as ASIA:2222, GWSS:2222.
WLLC:2248 The Invention of Writing: From Cuneiform to Computers 3 s.h.
Invention of writing as one of the most momentous events in the history of human civilizations; how the use of written sign systems, notations, maps, graphs, encryptions, and most recently, computer programs have consequences that reach deeply into all aspects of people's lives; how writing fascinates and delights, fosters reflexive thinking and facilitates development of complex societies, and gives rise to institutions of social power and control; students explore the invention of writing and its consequences in broad international and interdisciplinary context. Taught in English. Same as ANTH:2248, ASIA:2248, CL:2248, CLSA:2048, COMM:2248, GRMN:2248, HIST:2148, IS:2248, LING:2248, TRNS:2248.
WLLC:2473 Cinderella 3 s.h.
Comparative analysis of Cinderella stories from around the world including Asia, Europe, Africa, South America; readings, discussion, workshops, and writing; consideration of visual and material presentation of Cinderella stories in physical books. Taught in English. Same as FREN:2473, TRNS:2473.
WLLC:2618 Film and Literature of the Holocaust 3-4 s.h.
European and American films (e.g., documentaries, feature films); literature of the Holocaust in English translation (e.g., survivor memoirs, testimony, poetry, philosophical essays, graphic novels). Taught in English. GE: Values and Culture. Same as GRMN:2618.
WLLC:2620 Anne Frank and Her Story 3-4 s.h.
Analysis of the Diary of Anne Frank, its media adaptations, and related materials (e.g., fictionalizations, additional first-hand accounts); examination of Holocaust in the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries outside Germany; anti-Semitism, discrimination, tolerance, resistance, identity formation, human aspiration and belief. Taught in English. GE: Diversity and Inclusion. Same as GRMN:2620.
WLLC:2666 Pact with the Devil 3-4 s.h.
Pact with the devil has served as a metaphor for humankind's desire to surpass the limits of knowledge and power and engage with the forbidden; students explore a variety of works—mostly from German literature and culture—from early modern time to present, and critique different twists that fascination with the forbidden takes with regard to women. Taught in English. GE: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts. Same as GRMN:2666.
WLLC:2949 Accountability, War Crimes, and Justice 3-4 s.h.
Introduction to current juridical and nonjuridical approaches to hold perpetrators (e.g., states, state actors, individuals) of war crimes accountable in international criminal and humanitarian law; students examine concepts such as universal jurisdiction, which has been successfully deployed in German courts, and corporate accountability through recent case studies. Taught in English. Same as GRMN:2949.
WLLC:3000 Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare: Lower-Level Language 0-5 s.h.
Opportunity for students from universities across the Big Ten to participate in language courses together; part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) CourseShare program; not an elementary/intermediate language sequence.
WLLC:3001 Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare: Elementary I 1-6 s.h.
Opportunity for students from universities across the Big Ten to participate in courses together; part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) CourseShare program; first in a language sequence.
WLLC:3002 Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare: Elementary II 1-6 s.h.
Opportunity for students from universities across the Big Ten to participate in courses together; part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) CourseShare program; second in a language sequence. Requirements: WLLC:3001 or equivalent language background.
WLLC:3003 Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare: Intermediate I 1-6 s.h.
Opportunity for students from universities across the Big Ten to participate in courses together; part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) CourseShare program; third in a language sequence. Requirements: WLLC:3002 or equivalent language background.
WLLC:3004 Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare: Intermediate II 1-6 s.h.
Opportunity for students from universities across the Big Ten to participate in courses together; part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) CourseShare program; fourth in a language sequence. Requirements: WLLC:3003 or equivalent language background.
WLLC:3005 Big Ten Academic Alliance CourseShare: Upper-Level Language 1-6 s.h.
Opportunity for students from universities across the Big Ten to participate in language courses together; part of the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) CourseShare program. Requirements: WLLC:3004 or equivalent language background.
WLLC:3105 Contraception Across Time and Cultures 3 s.h.
Methods and history of contraception; issues of unwanted pregnancy and birth control in fiction, film, and media around the world. Same as CLSA:3105, GHS:3105, GWSS:3105.
WLLC:3122 Tolstoy and Dostoevsky 3-4 s.h.
Tolstoy's War and Peace and Anna Karenina; Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, The Demons, and short stories. Taught in English. Same as RUSS:3122, TRNS:3122.
WLLC:3185 Global Women's Cinema 3 s.h.
Introduction to contemporary women's cinema and feminist filmmaking from around the world; emphasis on post-1968 period and cinema produced outside the United States. Same as GWSS:3185.
WLLC:3191 International Literature Today 1,3 s.h.
English majors and English and Creative Writing majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Transnational Literature and Postcolonial Studies. PERIOD: 20th/21st-Century Literature. Same as ENGL:3595, IWP:3191, TRNS:3191.
WLLC:3202 Russian Literature in Translation 1860-1917 3 s.h.
Survey of major works, figures, and trends of 19th- and early 20th-century Russian literature; age of the Russian novel; works of Turgenev (Fathers and Sons), Tolstoy (Confession), Dostoevsky (The Idiot, The Brothers Karamazov), and Chekhov (plays). Taught in English. Same as HIST:3492, RUSS:3202, TRNS:3203.
WLLC:3208 Classical Chinese Literature Through Translation 3 s.h.
Reading of English translations of classical Chinese literature; discussion of special features of classical Chinese as a source language for translation; issues in translation practice and theory with focus on trends in translation of Classical Chinese literary works to English. Taught in English. Recommendations: completion of required ESL courses. Same as ASIA:3208, TRNS:3208.
WLLC:3210 Comparative Arts 3 s.h.
Cultural and aesthetic issues arising from side-by-side investigation of several art forms, including literature, cinema, painting, music, opera, architecture; periods, schools, styles, and their theories. Taught in English. Same as ASIA:3210, FREN:3210, IWP:3210.
WLLC:3700 Topics in Global Cinema 3 s.h.
Identification of new models and methods to investigate cinema's relationship to current global issues beyond traditional scholarly focus in Western Europe and the United States; exploration of an emerging field, moving away from the paradigm of national cinema and bringing together shared theoretical frameworks while acknowledging different historical and cultural contexts. Taught in English. Same as ASIA:3700, JPNS:3700, TRNS:3700.
WLLC:3991 Cultural Studies Conference 1 s.h.
Attendance and participation in a conference of importance to world and cultural studies; discussion of preparatory readings in weekly meetings.
WLLC:4131 Critical Reading 3 s.h.
Analysis of different types of texts—theoretical, cultural, political, philosophical, literary, poetic—and exploration of varying ways to frame and read them. Same as TRNS:4131.
WLLC:4210 Slavery Museums, Memorials, and Statues in the United States, Europe, and the Global South 3-4 s.h.
Comparative study of museums, memorials, statues, performances, and artistic works that encapsulate the entangled history and memory of transoceanic slave trades and slavery in the United States, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe (France and the United Kingdom); critical tools to analyze public debates over politically charged monuments; exploration of transnational and political predicaments of the contemporary world; approaches include trauma theories, memory studies, history, postcolonial ecocriticism, cultural anthropology, heritage studies and museology, and Francophone cultural critique. Taught in English. Requirements: for 4 s.h. option—prior enrollment in FREN:3060 and FREN:3300. Same as FREN:4210, MUSM:4310.
WLLC:4801 Seminar in Comparative Literature 3 s.h.
Focus on comparative, interdisciplinary, theoretical, and/or inter-arts topic; topics vary; required for comparative literature major. Taught in English. Same as CL:4800, GRMN:4800, GWSS:4800, TRNS:4800.
WLLC:5000 Teaching and Learning Languages 3 s.h.
Readings in pedagogical theory and practice, second language acquisition; experience designing activities for teaching and assessment with critiques based on current theories and approaches; development of reflective practices toward one's language teaching. Taught in English. Same as FREN:5000, GRMN:5001, SLA:5000, SPAN:5000.
WLLC:5005 Heritage and Dual Language Teaching 3 s.h.
Theoretical issues (e.g., ideological, educational, linguistic) of heritage language teaching and learning; pedagogical issues including curriculum development and assessment for dual language programs in the United Statues; focus on teaching heritage language learners (those who learned a language other than English at home) or dual language education (those who develop academic skills in their native language while building skills in a different language) in the United States. Taught in English. Same as SPAN:5005.
WLLC:6320 Topics in Contemporary Critical Theory 3 s.h.
Focused discussion of critical discourses and paradigms that have contributed to development of contemporary literary and cultural theory.
WLLC:7001 Language Justice: Multilingual Community Engagement and Scholarship 3 s.h.
Application of language justice to lived experiences of multilingual individuals; exploration of how communities can incorporate language justice into shared spaces and interactions within those spaces; engagement with local community groups that support multilingual Iowans whose personal language practices are less valued than the default monolingual English norm. Taught in English. Same as SPAN:7001.