Classical and Modern Languages

ML 330.01 / GER 313.01: The Power of Language(s): Social, Political, & Cultural Dimensions
Explore social, political, and cultural dimensions of language use in the context of German-speaking societies. Learn about multilingual groups in Germany and Switzerland, analyze stereotypes about speakers of German, investigate the influence of English on the German language, examine the Nazis' abuses of language, and much more.
ML 312-50: Japanese Pop Culture
This course will survey Japanese popular culture in contemporary Japan, with consideration to Japanese history dating back to the Edo period. Many facets of Japanese popular culture will be reviewed; specifically, anime, film, manga, theatre, literature, pop art, television, food, fashion, and music. The globalization of popular culture and its role in Asia will also be examined.
ML 313-50 Yokai: Japanese Ghosts and Monsters
This course will survey one of the more unusual aspects of Japanese culture, the role of the supernatural in Japan. Through a historical and cultural examination of the works published in ancient Japan to contemporary Japan, students will read interdisciplinary scholarly articles and research, as well as engaging in various methods for studying and writing about the relationship between the supernatural and spiritual elements of culture and everyday life. In addition, students will apply theoretical models to their research and observations in addition to critically analyzing some of the functions that literature and art can provide from the perspectives of gender, historical context, as well as via symbolic meanings that have risen from representations and practices.
GERM / ML 280: Culture of the German-Speaking World
Join us for this crash course of the major ideas, figures and conflicts that shaped German, Austrian and Swiss culture(s) from the Middle Ages to the present! No prior German language experience is required, but this course makes a great companion to UofL's Beginning German sequence (GERM 121, 122, 123). This course is taught in English and all course materials are freely available online!
ML 271-01: Chinese Pop Culture
This course is an introduction to modern and contemporary Chinese pop culture. It encourages students to critically examine the diverse Chinese pop culture from the mid-twentieth century through the present day and its global significance. Focusing on variability, historical development and cross-cultural encounters, this course offers (1) an introduction to the variety and development of Chinese pop culture; (2) an examination of interactions between traditional value and modern pop culture, cross-cultural exchange and ethnic diversity in shaping Chinese pop culture within the global context and (3) analysis of the roles that pop culture plays in social transformation and Chinese people’s ways of thinking, seeing and connecting with the world.
ITP 115 - Heritage & Culture of the Deaf SBD1 (3 credit hours)
This course provides students with an overview of the psychological, sociological, and cultural impacts of deafness upon children and adults. Learners will explore how deafness can affect an individual's linguistic and cognitive development, psychological-emotional growth, access to communication, and life opportunities. The course also examines historical relations between Deaf and hearing people and compares Deaf culture to that of the hearing community.
SPAN 499/599: Introduction to Medical Interpreting Course
Learn the practical foundations of Interpreting in community settings, including social, medical, legal, and education settings. Develop a basic understanding of interpreting qualifications, the importance of cultural competencies and crosscultural understanding, specialized vocabulary and certification. Help the Latinx community in Louisville by joining this interpreting class!
Spanish For Health Care
This course is a Spanish language course geared toward individuals studying or working in health-related areas. In this course, you will learn medical Spanish vocabulary, basic health care practices, and aspects of Hispanic culture relative to health care. This course will also expose you to Hispanic health care practices with an emphasis on cultural norms and values; social determinants of health; and economic, political, and social issues as you prepare for potential work with Spanish-speaking patients in future careers in medicine, nursing, social work, translation/interpretation or mental health settings
JPST313-01: Teaching in Japan
This course will help prepare you for applications, interviews, & instructional materials for teaching opportunities in Japan. Field trips to Japanese Saturday Schools in KY/IN. Guest lectures by former JET. No Japanese language requirement.