Languages & Cultural Studies
- Program Overview
Languages and Cultural Studies
The Department of Languages and Cultural Studies, within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers a wide variety of programs emphasizing study of the European languages, literatures, and cultures, courses in pedagogical methodology, supervised teaching experience, and advanced training for careers related to international affairs. The Department is committed to providing the best possible graduate education: two of several of its members have been named Distinguished Professors, and four have received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. The proximity of numerous cultural institutions such as the Center for Italian Studies on campus, the Goethe House in New York, Alliance Française, the Kosciuszko Foundation, the New York Public Library, and the Harriman Institute of Columbia University, enhance the quality of graduate study in the Department.
The programs have been designed with today’s career opportunities in mind. Students are encouraged to shape a personal curriculum, drawing on other Departments engaged in issues pertinent to European languages, cultural history and pedagogy such as Comparative Studies, History, Linguistics, Music, Philosophy, Political Science, and Theater Arts. The Department supports exchange programs with European universities abroad, in France, Germany, Russia, Poland, and Italy.
More detailed program information is available from the Department office and on the Internet at www.sunysb.edu/eurolangs https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/languages-cultural-studies/. Part-time study is permitted; most graduate courses are offered during the late afternoons or evenings. Our advisors work closely with students in designing a program to meet individual needs and interests.
Degree Programs
M.A. Curriculum
The M.A. curriculum for each language program is designed to introduce students to research in European languages, literatures, and cultures leading to a doctoral degree, preparation for teaching on the college, university, or secondary school level, as well as careers involving international expertise. Students specialize in one of the offered languages, literary histories, and cultures, or create a combined program (i.e., two Romance languages), with the help of their advisors. Most courses are conducted in the target language. Experienced teaching assistants are encouraged to design and teach advanced courses on the undergraduate level. A carefully developed advising system enables students to tailor specially structured programs to suit their individual needs and interests.M.A. Program in Romance Languages
The Department offers an M.A. in Romance Languages with possible concentrations in French and Spanish, Italian and Spanish, and French and Italian. The curriculum is formulated according to the individual student’s needs and interests. It is a flexible program that suits students who wish to go on to doctoral work as well as those who wish to complete their studies with the Master’s degree. There are two possible tracks:Track A, Literature and Culture: Designed for students who wish to follow a traditional M.A. program or intend to proceed toward further study on the Ph.D. level. Typically students design a curriculum that includes literature, linguistics, and culture courses in one of the Romance languages or in a combination of two Romance languages. This track gives the students a choice of writing a Master’s Thesis or passing a Comprehensive Examination to qualify for the degree.
Track B, Language Pedagogy for Secondary School Teachers : Designed for students who have completed provisional requirements to teach languages in secondary schools and are required by State regulations to complete a Master’s degree. The track is specifically designed for students who have completed the Teacher Preparation Program in Foreign Languages at the undergraduate level. It allows secondary school teachers to further concentrate in the target language and culture they teach, or in a combination of two Romance languages. All courses are offered no earlier than 5:30 p.m. to meet the time constraints of secondary school teachers.
Graduate courses in other fields, including those offered by the School of Professional Development, are open to qualified students. Departmental students are encouraged to take courses in related areas. With the permission of their advisor, students may obtain six credits outside the program.
M.A.T. Program in French 7-12, Italian 7-12
Consult the S.P.D. section in this bulletin.Languages and Cultural Studies
Chairperson
Sarah Jourdain, Humanities Building 2128 (631) 632-7440Graduate Program Director
Giuseppe Gazzola, Humanities Building 2121 (631) 632-7440Graduate Secretary and Interim Graduate Program Coordinator
Libby Tolson, Humanities Building 2127, (631) 632-7440Degrees Awarded
M.A. in Romance Languages and LiteratureM.A.T. (Administered by S.P.D.)
Web Site
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/languages-cultural-studies/Application
https://graduateadmissions.stonybrook.edu/apply/ - Admissions
Admission to the M.A. Programs of Languages and Cultural Studies
For admission to graduate studies in the M.A. programs, the following, in addition to the minimum standards of the Graduate School, are normally required:
1. A Bachelor’s degree in the major language of study or its equivalent from a reputable scholarly institution. For the M.A. applicants selecting the concentration in two Romance Languages, a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent with a major in French, Italian, or Spanish and at least 18 credits in a second language (French, Italian, or Spanish).
2. Three letters of recommendation written by persons qualified to assess the candidate’s preparation.
3. For foreign students, a TOEFL score meeting the current standards set by the Graduate School.
4. Transcripts of undergraduate records.
5. Acceptance by both the Department and the Graduate School.
6. Normally, a grade average of at least B in the undergraduate major.
Provisional admission may be offered in exceptional cases.
While it is expected that the applicant demonstrate superior preparation in a European language, an undergraduate major in that language is not always required. Students judged to be deficient in language proficiency are required to take remedial courses during the academic year or in the summer.
Foreign students must furnish as much information as possible about their training abroad (official certification degrees, lists of courses taken, and papers submitted, whenever possible), together with letters of recommendation. Each application will be judged individually. Transfer credit for previously taken graduate courses will be assessed by the faculty and approved within the regulations of the Graduate School.
- Degree Requirements
Requirements for the M.A. Degree in Romance Languages (Languages and Cultural Studies)
Track A: Literature and Culture
The M.A. requires a specialization in French, in Italian, or in a combination of two Romance languages (French, Italian, and Spanish). It requires at least ten three-credit courses (eight courses for students who opt to write a Thesis), to be completed with a grade of B or better, for a total of 30 credits.A. Course Requirements
French
1. FRN 501 Contemporary Culture and Civilization (3 credits)
2. FRN 507 Stylistics, Syntax and Composition (3 credits)
3. Eight additional courses (six for students who opt to write a Thesis), chosen in consultation with the advisor to formulate an area of specialization (18-24 credits). These courses may include three courses in related disciplines.
4. Master Thesis (optional) (6 credits)
Total credits: 30
Italian
1. ITL 501 Contemporary Italy (3 credits)
2. ITL 508 Syntax and Composition (3 credits)
3. One of the following courses: ITL 507, ITL 511, ITL 512, ITL 513 (3 credits)
Seven additional courses (five for students who opt to write a M.A. Thesis) chosen in consultation with the advisor to formulate an area of specialization (15-21 credits). These courses may include three courses in related disciplines.
4. Master Thesis (optional) (6 credits)
Total credits: 30
Romance Languages
1. Syntax and Composition in the two chosen languages (FRN 507, ITL 508, SPN 515) (6 credits)
2. One of the following Romance Linguistics courses: ITL 513, FRN 513, SPN 503, SPN 504 (3 credits)
3. Seven additional courses in two Romance languages (five for students who opt to write a M.A. Thesis), to formulate a major and a minor (15-21 credits). These courses are to be chosen in consultations with the advisors and approved by the respective programs to formulate an area of specialization. These courses may include three courses in related disciplines.
4. Master Thesis (optional) (6 credits)
Total credits: 30
B. Language Requirement
Competence at the intermediate level in a language other than the language of specialization, preferably in a second modern Romance language or Latin. Students opting for a combination of two Romance languages will automatically satisfy this requirement. This requirement may be fulfilled through a departmental examination or a suitable language course designed for graduate students.C. M.A. Thesis or Examination (Choice of Option 1 or 2)
1. M.A. Thesis: Students write a Master’s Thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor, along with a second faculty member in his/her major program, and a third faculty member in a related field. Upon completion of the Thesis, the student prepares a formal presentation of the Thesis.2. M.A. Examination: Students who opt not to write a Master’s Thesis must complete a four-hour written examination and a one-hour oral examination. The examination is based on a comprehensive reading list in the student’s area of specialization. Three faculty members will serve as examiners.
Track B: Language Pedagogy for Secondary School Teachers
The M.A. in Romance Languages for Secondary School Teachers consists of a total of 30 credits. Students will take three core courses (9 credits) and seven courses (21 credits) in their target language(s). Students must maintain a B average, and receive at least a B in their language courses (FRN 507, ITL 508, SPN 515).
A. Course Requirements
Core Courses (9 credits)1. FLA 540 Foreign Language Acquisition Research (3 credits)
2. DLL/FLA 571 Foreign Language Technology and Education (3 credits)
3. FLA 581 Foreign Language Teaching Independent Project (3 credits)
4. Competence in a foreign language other than the target language
Courses of Study for Areas of Specialization (21 credits)
French
1. FRN 501 Contemporary Culture and Civilization (3 credits)
2. FRN 502 French Civilization in Its Historical Perspective (3 credits)
3. FRN 507 Stylistics, Syntax and Composition (3 credits)
4. FRN 510 French Phonetics and Diction (3 credits)
5. One course in literature in French (3 credits)
6. Two elective courses relevant to the program chosen in consultation with the advisor (6 credits)
Total credits: 21
Italian
1. ITL 501 Contemporary Italy (3 credits)
2. ITL 502 Special Topics in Italian Cinema (3 credits)
3. ITL 508 Syntax and Composition (3 credits)
4. ITL 511 History of the Italian language or ITL 507 Italian Linguistics (3 credits)
5. One course in literature in Italian (3 credits)
6. Two elective courses relevant to the program chosen in consultation with the advisor (6 credits)
Total credits: 21
Romance Languages
This is a combination of two Romance Languages with the first language considered the "primary" language. For the primary languages of either French or Italian, the application is through the department of European Languages. However if Spanish is placed first in the selection of two Romance languages, then the application is through the department of Hispanic Languages. Configuration of courses will be developed on an individual basis according to each student’s needs and interests. The following courses are required:
1. ITL 513, FRN 513, SPN 503, or SPN 504 (Romance Linguistics) (3 credits)
2. Two of the following: FRN 507, ITL 508, SPN 515 (Syntax and Composition) (6 credits)
3. Two of the following: FRN 501, ITL 501, SPN 510 (Culture) (6 credits)
4. Two elective courses relevant to the program chosen in consultation with the advisor (6 credits)
Total credits: 21
Note: Culture and linguistics courses can be substituted with permission of the Department, subject to availability.
B. Language Requirement
Competence in a language other than the language of specialization, preferably in a second modern Romance language or Latin. Competence will be determined by departmental examination, or by completing specific graduate courses approved by the Department. Students opting to choose a combination of two Romance languages will automatically satisfy this requirement. For non-native English language speakers, fluency in English is also required.C. Research Project
Students must complete a Research Project under the supervision of a faculty advisor and subject to approval by a second faculty member in his/her major program and by a third faculty member in a related field. Upon completion, the student prepares a formal presentation of his/her research.Requirements for the M.A. Degree in German
[Program temporarily suspended.]
Track A
A. Course Requirements
1. One 19th-century German literature course (3 credits); one 20th-century German literature course (3 credits); GER 545 or GER 546 (3 credits); GER 539 Contrastive Structures or GER 557 History of the German Language (3 credits); GER 599 Thesis (6 credits).2. Four additional offerings at the graduate level from courses within the Department or, upon prior approval by the Department, from those of other Departments within the Graduate School (12 credits).
Total credits: 30
B. Performance
Average of B or higher in all graduate courses taken at Stony Brook.C. M.A. Thesis
Submission of a scholarly essay on a topic and of a standard acceptable to the Department is required.Track B
A. Course Requirements
There is no Thesis required. All 30 credits can be fulfilled by coursework as follows:1. GER 504 German Cultural History (3 credits); GER 539 Contrastive Structures or GER 557 History of the German Language (3 credits); one course in older Germanic languages, e.g., GER 558, GER 562, or GER 563 (3 credits); one course in 20th-century German literature, e.g., GER 545 or GER 546 (3 credits).
2. Six additional offerings at the graduate level from courses within the Department or, upon prior approval by the Department, from those of other Departments within the Graduate School (18 credits).Total credits: 30
B. Performance
Average of B or higher in all graduate courses taken at Stony Brook.Requirements for the M.A. Degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures
[Program temporarily suspended.]
A. Course Requirements
1. Three courses in advanced language and/or linguistics (9 credits)2. One course in culture (3 credits)
3. Two courses in Russian literature (6 credits)
4. Four electives in the student’s major area with the approval of the Department (12 credits)
Total credits: 30
B. Language Proficiency in Russian
The Russian language proficiency requirement may be satisfied by one of the following:1. Passing an examination
2. Appropriate coursework in Russian (RUS 311, RUS 312, or equivalent)
3. One semester of study abroad in the Commonwealth of Independent States (C.I.S.), in an approved program, such as the SUNY-Albany/MGU Exchange.
C. Second Slavic Language Requirement
This requirement may be satisfied by one of the following:1. A proficiency examination
2. Appropriate coursework in the language (e.g., SLV 580, SLV 581)
3. Study abroad in an approved program in Eastern Europe or the C.I.S.
With the approval of the program, a non-Slavic language of Eastern Europe or the C.I.S. may be substituted for the second Slavic language.
D. Thesis or Comprehensive Examination
A Master’s Thesis or Comprehensive Examination based on a reading list and coursework is required. - Facilities
Languages and Cultural Studies
The Language Learning and Research Center offers a variety of tutorial tools in the languages taught at the University and includes two computer laboratories, and two multimedia classrooms. The LLRC regularly hosts workshops and courses relating to the intersection between technology and language, literature, and culture learning. https://llrc.stonybrook.edu
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the on-campus Humanities Institute. The Institute brings leading national and international specialists in the humanities to speak on current issues, and to provide Stony Brook students with the latest research in culture studies, literature, and the arts.
Students can also participate in many activities sponsored by the Center for Italian Studies and the Alfonse M. D'Amato Chair in Italian and Italian American Studies.
The holdings of the Frank Melville, Jr., Memorial Library include extensive collections in print and other media pertinent to each of the four major language groups taught by the Department. The Department maintains a high profile in state-of-the-art technologies, including Internet applications of language, literature, and culture pedagogy.
- Faculty
Faculty - Languages and Cultural Studies
Professors
Polezzi, Loredana, Alfonse M. D’Amato Chair in Italian American and Italian Studies, Ph.D., 1999, University of Warwick: Italian and Italian American studies; translation studies.
Associate Professors
culture; French language.
Fedi, Andrea, Ph.D., 1994, University of Toronto: Italian Literature; Digital Humanities
Gazzola, Giuseppe, Ph.D., 2008, Yale University: 19th-century Italian literature; travel literature.
Jourdain, Sarah, Ph.D., 1996, Indiana University: pedagogy and teacher training; French language.
Raynard-Leroy, Sophie, Ph.D., 1999, Columbia University: French Literature
Westphalen, Timothy, Ph.D., Harvard University: Russian Literature
Senior Lecturers
Marchegiani, Irene, Outstanding Provost Lecturer, Dottore in Lettere e Filosofia, 1973, University of Florence: Italian language and literature; pedagogy.
Lecturers
Giesherik, Anna, D.A., 2005, Stony Brook University: Russian language; heritage speaker pedagogy.
de Riesthal, Kathleen, M.Latin, 2017, University of Florida. M.Ed., 1999, Vanderbilt University: Latin
language and literature; Classical studies; pedagogy.
Sanou, Sini Prosper, Ph.D., 1992, University of Minnesota: French language and pedagogy.
Turan, Madeline, M.S., 1975, Long Island University: foreign language pedagogy; French language. Named Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques, 2016
Affiliates
Bailyn, John F., Department of Linguistics, Professor, Ph.D., 1995, Cornell University: Slavic linguistics; Russian language and linguistics; syntax.
Bona, Mary Jo, Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Professor, Ph.D., 1989, University of Wisconsin at Madison: Italian American studies; English literature, American literature, Italian American literature, multiethnic American literature, women's literature, gender/genre theory, theories of narrativity, theories of ethnicity, migration histories.
Fouron, Georges, Department of Africana Studies, Professor, Ed.D., 1985, Columbia University: transnationalism.
Repetti, Lori, Department of Linguistics, Professor, Ph.D., 1989, University of California, Los Angeles: Romance linguistics; Italian dialectology; history of the Italian language.
- Contact
Languages and Cultural Studies
Chairperson
Sarah Jourdain, Humanities Building 2128 (631) 632-7440Graduate Program Director
Giuseppe Gazzola, Humanities Building 2121 (631) 632-7440Graduate Secretary and Interim Graduate Program Coordinator
Libby Tolson, Humanities Building 2127, (631) 632-7440Degrees Awarded
M.A. in Romance Languages and LiteratureM.A.T. (Administered by S.P.D.)
Web Site
https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/languages-cultural-studies/Application
https://graduateadmissions.stonybrook.edu/apply/