WLL-World Languages and Literatures

WLL 101. Introductory World Language I. 3 Hours.

Introduction to a less commonly taught World Language and culture. Essentials of language and culture needed for communication. Includes listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and reading. Offered on demand in target language. Language selection rotates. This course meets Blazer Core Communicating in the Modern World with Flags in Global Multicultural Perspectives & Civic Engagement.

WLL 101L. Introductory World Language I Lab Practice. 1 Hour.

Online practice lab for WLL 101.

WLL 102. Introductory World Language II. 3 Hours.

This course continues introducing students to a less commonly taught World Language and culture. Essentials of language and culture needed for communication. Includes listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and reading. Offered on demand in target language. Language selection rotates. This course meets Blazer Core Communicating in the Modern World with Flags in Global Multicultural Perspectives & Civic Engagement.
Prerequisites: WLL 101 [Min Grade: C]

WLL 102L. Introductory World Language II Lab Practice. 1 Hour.

Online Introductory World Language II practice lab. Taken concurrently with WLL 102.
Prerequisites: WLL 101 [Min Grade: C]

WLL 110. Chinese Calligraphy and Mindfulness. 1 Hour.

This course is a combination of Chinese calligraphy and mindfulness, designed to teach students how to use calligraphy as a form of mindfulness practice. It is aimed at college-level students who are interested in improving their focus and attention span while also developing their artistic skills. The course covers beginning practical and creative uses of Chinese calligraphy, principles, techniques, and functions. Includes the traditions and historical development of Chinese characters.

WLL 112. Chinese Calligraphy and Mindfulness. 1 Hour.

This course is a combination of Chinese calligraphy and mindfulness, designed to teach students how to use calligraphy as a form of mindfulness practice. It is aimed at college-level students who are interested in improving their focus and attention span while also developing their artistic skills. The course covers beginning practical and creative uses of Chinese calligraphy, principles, techniques, and functions. Includes the traditions and historical development of Chinese characters.

WLL 115. Experiencing Japanese Culture in Birmingham. 3 Hours.

This service-learning course will offer students a chance to discover and experience Japanese culture in Birmingham. Although the size of the Japanese community in southern US states is relatively small compared to other parts of the country, Birmingham offers a surprisingly rich context for learning Japanese culture, including a Japanese garden, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, martial arts, architecture, cuisine, festivals, traditional kimono dress, and so forth. Taking this course will enhance students’ awareness and appreciation of an Asian culture and contribute to greater diversity, equity, and inclusion among students as they create a discrimination-free society and become global citizens. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum City as a Classroom and Service Learning requirements and Global/Multicultural and High Impact Practices flags.

WLL 118. City as Main Character. 3 Hours.

This course considers the role of the city in cinema as a method for identifying key themes within the city of Birmingham, Alabama. Films with a focus on the city offer us insights into the challenges brought with urban living, such as, but not limited to racial relations, bilingualism, immigration, class difference, labor, physical and mental health, crime and the city’s relationship to rural communities. Paired along with articles, short films, websites and other media about the history and current state of Birmingham, as well as field trips to destinations within the city, we will watch films about Mexico City, Berlin, Seoul, Tokyo and Cairo among others. Along the way, students will learn how to identify and analyze the city through a cinematic lens. All films are available with English subtitles. All other readings are in English or English translation. This course has no prerequisites. This course falls under the rubric of “City as Classroom” in the Blazer Core and has the Global/Multicultural Perspectives and Undergraduate Research flags.

WLL 120. World Cultures. 3 Hours.

Exploration of the customs, traditions, languages, ancestry, religions, values, and institutions of varied western and non-western nations through the use of humanities disciplines. Strong emphasis on the epistemology, production, and reception of culture, within and beyond the borders of a particular nation-state. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course. This course meets Blazer Core Humans and their Societies with Flags in Global Multicultural Perspectives and High Impact Practices/Service Learning, Community-Based Learning.

WLL 121. Songs of Social Change through World Cultures. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to some of the most significant cultural topics across the languages and civilizations represented in the DWLL through a cultural medium, such as music. The course, team-taught by selected faculty of the different languages, will explore and reflect on ideas and attitudes, customs and traditions, identities and values of diverse western and non-western civilizations. Offered in English, it does not require previous knowledge of other world languages.

WLL 125. Eating in Birmingham: From Food Banks to Fine Dining. 3 Hours.

This course explores the connection between cuisine and culture at different levels in the restaurant and food scene in Birmingham, AL. Students will analyze the interconnectedness of multicultural influence, economy, history, and culture through the study of iconic Birmingham foods and culinary groups. In this course, students will explore fine dining, food trucks, and locally owned restaurants through kitchen visits and collaboration, chef and cook interviews, and critical reflection on relevant texts and multimedia materials. Students will examine the various factors that influence food availability, tradition, and representation in the local community through a social justice lens and conclude the course with a collaborative research project contributing to the students’ own and local community’s understanding of its relationship with food in the past, present, and future. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum City as a Classroom with a flag in Justice and Undergraduate Research.

WLL 130. My Global Birmingham. 3 Hours.

This experiential learning course is an overview of Birmingham’s connections with countries other than the United States, taught by a specialist in a specific global region, its languages, and its cultures. Precursors to Birmingham’s 1871 foundation include previous cities in Alabama that have determined the city’s ever-global culture. Topics may include but are not limited to nonviolence and job opportunities in a global context. Students will demonstrate understanding of Birmingham’s ties to other nations and regions. They will complete an experiential learning project to interact in a hands-on manner with the Birmingham community. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum City as a Classroom with flags in Global and Multicultural Perspectives and Service Learning, Community Based Learning.

WLL 132. Multicultural City: Heritage through Festivals. 3 Hours.

This course explores the cultural impact of festivals around Birmingham. Students will learn about the history and evolution of festivals, as well as their role in shaping cultural identity and community. The course will also examine a variety of elements that reflect the culture and traditions of the group or community that is hosting festivals, including food and drink, music and dance, arts and crafts, religion and spirituality, clothing and costumes, and cultural education. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and service-learning projects at local festivals and cultural centers, students will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of festivals in contemporary society and apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting while also making a positive impact in the community. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum City as a Classroom with flags in Global and Multicultural Perspectives and Service Learning, Community Based Learning.

WLL 140. Worlds of Anime and Manga. 3 Hours.

This course explores the themes, history, and workings of Japanese animation, or anime, and Japanese comic books, or manga, through various exciting—albeit by no means exhaustive—examples. By reading, viewing, and discussing a series of manga and anime films/series that represent various time periods, genres, and styles, students will develop a critical appreciation for the meanings and sociocultural communications of manga and anime and their legacy today both in Japan and on the global stage. The main questions of this course are: what is anime and manga? How do they function as a medium? And how can we understand their technical and narrative elements in relation to history, environment, culture, and society? No prior Japanese language knowledge is required for this course. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Creative Arts with flags in Global/Multicultural and Sustainability.

WLL 145. Afrodocs: Afro-Iberian and Caribbean History through Film. 3 Hours.

Most of the African diaspora lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. Portugal was the first to enslave based on race, and Spain was the last European power to abolish enslavement. For centuries, Afro-Latin Americans have struggled for representation and citizenship in their respective nations. This course shows how documentary film has been used to provide much-needed representation of Afro-Latin Americans and their diasporas in the United States. Iberian Africa and the Iberian Peninsula are also part of this history. The UNESCO Conference against Racism coined the term “Afrodescendant” and its use to link Black peoples in the Americas and Europe, so films in this course are primarily from the new millennium. Students will learn to establish connections between films, primarily documentaries, depicting key elements of the diaspora as they relate to history and its continuation in the present: 1. Enslavement. 2. The linked phenomena of national independence and the abolition and slavery. 3. Afrodescendant peoples and Marxist revolutions. 4. Afrodescendant immigrants. 5. Racism and policing. 6. Art forms and syncretic religions. Students will interrogate how documentaries inform our understanding of film, history, and the present. This course meets the Blazer Core Curriculum History and Meaning requirement and Justice flag.

WLL 160. Freshman Year Experience: World Languages. 1 Hour.

The objective of this course is to introduce incoming freshmen to an education in world languages and world cultures in context of the university. It is meant to help prepare students for a successful collegiate career in the study of world languages. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Local Beginnings with flags in First Year Experience and Wellness/Well-being.

WLL 170. Lost in Translation: Navigating College and Beyond. 3 Hours.

This course aims to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving global job market. The course covers a wide range of topics including intercultural communication, study skills, teamwork and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as effective networking and leadership. Through interactive lectures, discussions and hands-on activities students will learn how to effectively navigate diverse communities, overcome challenges and be successful not only in college but in life.

WLL 179. Films on Latin American Leaders. 3 Hours.

What kind of leader do you want to be? What does a just leader do? Understanding Latin American culture can help students answer these questions. Realistic films depict leaders from a variety of countries and backgrounds in this film course. Conversation and creative activities will help students be more thoughtful, culturally competent leaders in their future career. The final project will focus on ideas for Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month in their future workplace.

WLL 190. Study Abroad: World Languages. 1-8 Hour.

Approved novice level study abroad program for a world language not regularly offered at UAB, which takes place in a foreign country. Permission of the Department Chair and the Study Abroad Director.

WLL 199. Directed Readings: World Languages. 3 Hours.

This is an individualized course of directed readings and activities for novice World Language students in a language that is not offered regularly at UAB. The course may be offered in the case of a visiting professor in a language that is beyond the scope of regular instructional languages. Course design is determined by the instructor and student and will be tailored to the needs of the student. The goal of the course is to increase general literacy and knowledge of world languages.

WLL 220. World Literatures in English Translation. 3 Hours.

Introduction to cross-cultural theory of genre and human experience with a particular emphasis on the historical and cultural context in which literary traditions are shaped, interpreted and reinvented. WLL 220 invites the students to think critically about the formation of literary canons and the ethics of translating cultural difference/sameness. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with Flags in Post-Freshman Writing & Global Multicultural Perspectives.

WLL 230. The International Biopic. 3 Hours.

This course considers the cinematic genre of the biographical film or “biopic” as it is more commonly known, in its various contexts. We will: 1. evaluate the degree to which these films are “historically accurate” and whether historical accuracy is a fair metric by which to assess this genre; 2. additionally appraise the degree to which these biopics bolster national identity with the films’ subjects and their historical moments/ accomplishments; and 3. further gauge their reception on the international stage and consider the global impact of the films’ subjects. These films are in several languages other than English and will be made available with English subtitles. All other readings are in English or English translation. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum History and Meaning with flags in Post Freshman Writing and Global & Multicultural Perspectives.

WLL 290. Education Abroad: World Languages. 1-12 Hour.

Approved novice level study abroad program for a world language not regularly offered at UAB, which takes place in a foreign country. Permission of the Department Chair and the Study Abroad Director.

WLL 295. Study Abroad and the City. 3 Hours.

This course allows students to explore the city in which study abroad takes place as a physical and cultural entity and compare it to Birmingham and their hometowns. Participants learn aspects of the structure of the city such as the downtown, its significance and components: businesses, markets, restaurants, museums, churches and places of worship, services, means of transportation, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, roads and traffic, parking, and parks and public spaces. The course also examines a variety of elements that reflect the cultures and traditions of the community or communities in the city, such as their languages and linguistic landscapes, culinary traditions and restaurants, festivals, visual and performing arts, religion and spirituality, as well as their cultural identity and its relationship with migration. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, readings, and on-site projects, students will gain a deeper understanding of Birmingham (and beyond) as it compares to their study abroad city, and they will apply their knowledge and exploration by making inferences to other cities and their communities. This course satisfies the City as Classroom requirement of the Blazer Core. This course must be taken in conjunction with other courses in a UAB Education Abroad program.

WLL 299. Directed Readings: World Languages. 3 Hours.

This is an individualized course of directed readings and activities for intermediate World Language students in a world language that is not offered regularly at UAB. Course design is determined by the instructor and student and will be tailored to the needs of the student. The goal of the course is to increase general literacy and knowledge of world languages. Permission of Department Chair required.

WLL 303. History of International Film. 3 Hours.

From the first silent films to the 21st century: comparison and contrast of major international films and filmmakers.

WLL 304. Topics in International Cinema. 3 Hours.

This class offers comparisons and contrasts of films from the modern color sound movie, silent era and digital age based on topics such as genre, region and filmmaker.

WLL 333. World Language Service Learning. 1-6 Hour.

This blended course (online and service learning) presents a faculty-supervised opportunity to engage in local service learning related to international communities with a designated Community Partner. The course provides tasks of international scope with applications of cultural knowledge. This is an official UAB service learning designated course.

WLL 334. World Language Internship. 1-6 Hour.

Faculty-supervised opportunity for practical experience in tasks of international scope, may provide opportunities to use language(s) studied or applications of cultural knowledge.

WLL 350. Introduction to Romance Linguistics. 3 Hours.

This course provides an introduction to the grammar of Romance languages, with emphasis on French and Spanish. Students will learn about the phonology (sound system), morphology, and syntax of French and Spanish. The course content is presented in a contrastive way, and it is related to the historical background that led to the separation of Latin into the modern Romance languages.
Prerequisites: EH 102 [Min Grade: C] or EH 107 [Min Grade: C]

WLL 410. Undergraduate World Language Research. 1-6 Hour.

This is an individualized course of directed readings and research for World Language students. Course design is determined by the instructor and student and will be tailored to a specific research project. The goal of the course is to increase knowledge of research design and practices in the foreign language discipline. Permission of the Department Chair.

WLL 485. World Language Capstone Seminar. 3 Hours.

Advanced seminar on broad cultural and cross-cultural topics in world languages, literatures, and critical theory. Students must complete a Capstone project including substantial Writing assessments with a strong emphasis on Ethics and Civic Responsibility, where they apply cultural literacy in a critical and reasoned manner toward understanding contemporary and/or past world cultures. Selected courses may also include a Quantitative Literacy component. Taught in English, readings assignments in English and/or world languages. Senior standing, WLL 120 or WLL 121 and at least 6 semester hours at the 300 level of student's target language track.
Prerequisites: WLL 120 [Min Grade: C] or WLL 121 [Min Grade: C]