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Appendix C:  Modern Language Option

            Many of the ideas, concepts, and insights discussed in this course originate from a language and culture other than our own.  Increased skill in the use of another language can be one of the most broadening cultural components of a liberal arts education.  For these reasons, you are given the option of doing a short translation of a French, German, or Spanish work in place of your philosophy position paper.

            Some of the advantages of choosing this Modern Language Option include:

• gaining unique insight into the psychology of the structure of a language and its modes of expression,


• obtaining an appreciation for the elegance of another language, and


• beginning to experience scholarly standards of accuracy and precision in writing.

Perhaps, as well, this Modern Language Option will help you develop a life-long, abiding interest in other languages and their literature. 

            To do the Modern Language Option you must obtain permission from a language instructor or language tutor and from your philosophy instructor to do a specific philosophy translation.   Professor Helen Brown can suggest French writers; Professor Friederike Wiedemann can suggest German writers; and Professor Harold Dabel or Professor Robert Morris can suggest Spanish writers. 

            You are encouraged to seek help from your instructor, your language professor, or appointed language tutor, but the ultimate responsibility for blending the literal and philosophic meaning into a comprehensible essay in the final translation is yours.  The grade assigned to your translation is based on the following requirements:

• accuracy of the translation


• readability of the translation


• abstract, footnotes and bibliography in proper form, and


• a 2 to 4 page translation which is either typed or word-processed.
 

The grade will be assigned in consultation between your language professor or tutor and your instructor.