News and Events

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View the latest issue of MCLanguage Matters, the weekly newsletter of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages.

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Upcoming Foreign Language Events Calendar

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Maslenitsa

Russian Club had a merry party "Maslenitsa" celebrating the farewell to winter and welcoming spring with pirozhki and pancakes, symbols of sun and energy. The food and presentations were prepared by the students of "A Taste of Russia" class under the guidance of the instructor Dr. Natalia Makarova-Thaman. The guests enjoyed the food and entertainment. For more images from this event, please click here.

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Continental Coffee Hour: Special Edition

The Department of Modern & Classical Languages hosted a special edition of the weekly Continental Coffee Hour on Thursday, April 28, 2010. The event was a chance to celebrate the end of the semester with colleagues and to express appreciation for all of the people who contribute to the success of MCL's programs. Special recognition was given to Nika Setek for being award the 2010 Annual TA Award for excellent teaching. In addition, both Jamie Baptiste and Dr. Joan Hart-Hasler were recognized with the annual adjunct award for their teaching. Finally, the Department expressed its deep gratitude for this year's FLTAs who contributed countless hours of support to their respective programs.

Additional photos from this event can be found here.

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SLU Students Grab Awards at Chinese Talent Competition

On April 17, 2010, eighteen MCL students participated in the Preliminary "Happy Chinese" Talent Competition hosted by The Confucius Institute at Webster University. Sponsored by the Chinese Language Council International of the Chinese Ministry of Education, the students came from Saint Louis University, Washington University, Webster University, SLU High School, Clayton High School, and MICDS High School. There was a robust turnout at this annual event. Participants, who must be current Chinese language students, compete in a broad range of categories including recitation of Chinese poems, singing Chinese songs, performing short Chinese skits and Chinese martial arts, among other things. We are very proud to congratulate the following exceptional students of Chinese who took home the top awards:

Megan Q Chan (CHIN215), 1st Place overall;
Jonathan E. Lux and Luke F. Weigel (CHIN 215), 2nd Place for Chinese Cross-talk;
Emily J. Shoemaker (CHIN215), 2nd Place for Speech;
Sara Y. Lin (CHIN115), 2nd Place for Peacock Dance;
Donn E. Cooks (CHIN210), 3rd Place for Speech; and
The entire class of CHIN 115, 3rd Place for Chinese Drama. (Arthur Bartels, John Fu, Rhobb Hunter, John Knirr, Cerena Leung, Sara Lin, Victor Liu, Maximilian Schmitt, Tun Yan)

In the past nine years, more than 50,000 students from over 50 countries have participated in this worldwide competition. Winners from the preliminary competitions are eligible to participate at the national levels, where a first place award grants a sponsored trip to China for the final competition. Our department's students of Chinese, motivated by the spirit of competition and challenge for Chinese learning and cultural exchange, have already begun brainstorming new ideas in preparation for next year's "Happy Chinese" talent competition.

Additional photos from this event can be found here.

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MCL Outstanding Senior Award

Stefanie Hausheer, Oustanding Senior for the Department of Modern & Classical Languages, was recognized on April 13, 2010. She is pictured here at the awards ceremony with Italian professors Drs. Simone Bregni and Claudia Karagoz.

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MCL Students Awarded Scholarship

Saint Louis University students Johanna Hemminger, Josh Bickl, and Katherine Brooks recently received a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS). Johanna will be studying at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics from June 6 to August 9, 2010. Josh and Katherine will be studying at the Pedagogical Institute in Ufa, Russia, for ten weeks this summer. Their studies are entirely sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

For more information on Critical Language Scholarships, please click here.

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Soiree Cabaret

Around 100 students, faculty, and guests came to enjoy the annual explosion of talent that rocks the halls of the Busch Student Center each spring. The French Division hosted its annual variety act, the Soiree Cabaret, on Thursday evening, April 9, 2010. This year's line-up featured original music, poetry, adaptations of songs, and a special tribute to the "roi de la pop" by way of a translated version of Billie Jean. Senior Margot Foster acted as the evening's MC and the entire event was coordinated by Dr. Jean-Louis Pautrot. French Professors worked with their students from all sections and courses to put on this year's magnificent Soiree Cabaret!

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Soiree Cabaret

Around 100 students, faculty, and guests came to enjoy the annual explosion of talent that rocks the halls of the Busch Student Center each spring. The French Division hosted its annual variety act, the Soiree Cabaret, on Thursday evening, April 9, 2010. This year's line-up featured original music, poetry, adaptations of songs, and a special tribute to the "roi de la pop" by way of a translated version of Billie Jean. Senior Margot Foster acted as the evening's MC and the entire event was coordinated by Dr. Jean-Louis Pautrot. French Professors worked with their students from all sections and courses to put on this year's magnificent Soiree Cabaret!

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MCL Student Awarded Scholarship

Saint Louis University student Johanna Hemminger recently received a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to participe in the Chinese intensive summer language institute. She will be studying at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics from June 6 to August 9, 2010. Her studies and travel are entirely sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

For more information on Critical Language Scholarships, please click here.

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Russian Club Hosts Easter Party

The Russian Club held a party dedicated to the Russian Orthodox traditions of celebrating Easter. The food was prepared by the students of Russian 115 at the special Cooking Lab lead by Dr. Natalia Makarova-Thaman. The presentations were made by Dr. Yelena Belyaeva-Standen and Russian Program Intern Olga Skorobogataya.

For more pictures from this event, please click here.

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SLU Students Meet French Ambassador

Professor Pascale Perraudin and students enrolled in her class "French and International Relations" gather with His Excellency Pierre Vimont, Ambassador of France in a unique first-hand experience in diplomacy. As an integral part of this official program, SLU students acted as mediators and led the discussion on numerous topics such as the role of cultural diplomacy, Franco-American cooperation in Afghanistan, the role of the European Union and the UN in the financial crisis, human rights, health care, and national identity and Muslim integration in France.

Pictured to the right are Hunter Hostettler, (major in History, Political Science, French and International Studies) and Roxanne Bertrand (major in French and Environmental Studies)

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Chinese New Year Party

On February 12, 2010, the Chinese division welcomed in the Chinese New Year. Dr. Lili Guo organized the festivities which included music, poetry, and other skits performed by the division's students.

For additional photos from this event, click here.

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Maslenitsa 2010

The "Taste of Russia" class, taught by Dr.Natalia Makarova-Thaman, organized a Russian Club event "Maslenitsa". The participants learned about the ancient Russian traditional celebrations that precede a 40-day Great Lent before Easter. They also tasted Russian pancakes ("bliny"),cooked by the student, and watched an extract from the movie about this feast.

Click here for photos!

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10th Annual Symposium Scheduled

The 2010 Spanish and French annual Graduate and Undergraduate Student Symposium has been scheduled for Saturday, March 27, 2010. The Symposium will feature papers and presentations relating to all aspects of French and Spanish literature, film, civilization, linguistics, and pedagogy.

For additional information, click here.

Here are some photos from last year's event:

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50th Anniversary of Russian Studies

On December 4th, the Russian division celebrated its 50th Anniversary of Russian Studies at Saint Louis University. A packed reception was held at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art. The evening began with a tour of the museum's current exhibition, Relics of a Glorious Past: Imperial Russian Artifacts from the Collection of Dr. James F. Cooper. Pictured above are the faces of the Russian program, including the evening's guest of honor, Professor Nelly Grosswasser, founder and Mother of the program.
For additional photos from this event, click here.

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Deutsches Sprachwochenende

On November 6th - 7th, the German division held its annual Deutsches Sprachwochenende, along with colleagues and students from Webster University. For additional photos from this weekend, click here.

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Linseneintopf

Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Cigdem Yig helps teach German students how to prepare Linseneintopf.

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Russian Inauguration Party

On September 24, The Russian Club inaugurated new students who joined the Russian program in the Fall of 2009. The inauguration ceremony included a test of the students’ knowledge of Russian culture, fun activities, a Russian Program Oath and Inauguration song. The party ended with a Russian food tasting.

For additional photos from the event, click here.

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Comics in Spanish

Last spring, students in Dr. Cardona's class, "Between Laughter and Tears: Male and Female Stereotypes in Spanish Comics" exhibited their own comic strips on the topic during the 9th Annual French and Spanish Graduate and Undergraduate Student Symposium on March 28, 2009. After the exhibit, the students donated the posters to the Department of Women Studies. They can be viewed at McGannon Hall, rm 141A.

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SLU Students Meet World-Renowned Chef

Three SLU students studying in Lyon had the opportunity to meet French icon Paul Bocuse. Bocuse is considered one of the greatest chefs in the world and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide with an elusive three star rating. Shown in the picture, from left to right are: Austin Giles, Drew Hillier, Paul Bocuse, and Teresa Val.

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Greeting of the Minds

The Department of Modern & Classical Languages welcomed new and returning students back from summer break on Thursday, August 27, 2009. The event was well-attended and was a great opportunity for language majors to meet the faculty and get information on upcoming events, courses, and future career and educational opportunities.

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Special Continental Coffee Hour

The Department of Modern & Classical Languages met on Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 2009, to celebrate the end of the year and to recognize the hard work and commitment of their faculty, adjuncts, and teaching assistants. Special recognition went to Ms. Lauren Rea for the Outstanding Adjunct Award and to Ms. Amy Bartmess for the Outstanding T.A. Award. Dr. Kathleen Llewellyn was also recognized for her recent promotion and tenure. The visiting Foreign Language Teaching Assistants were also thanked for their tireless efforts and for making the Global Villa such a success in its first year.

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Russian Club Easter Party

The Russian Club celebrated Russian Orthodox Easter on April 23, 2009. Traditional food was served including Kulichi and Paskha. Drs. Murphy, Blake, and Belyaeva presented on the holiday's history, theology, and traditions. Click here for additional images from the event.

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Delta Phi Alpha

On April 20, 2009, seven students were initiated into the German National Honor Society Delta Phi Alpha in recognition of their excellent work in German in addition to their excellent academic work at SLU. Left to right in the group picture above: Kristin Lange, Dr. Evelyn Meyer, Ev Brockaw, Jackie Siess, Eldin Duderija & Asmir Semilovic. Not pictured: Paul Hanly, Sarah Sandheinrich & Katie Madges. Pictured below are the individual initiations.

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C'est la Soiree Cabaret!

The French Division put on its annual variety act on Thursday evening, April 16, 2009. This year's line-up featured dancing, original music, bits of theater, and was wrapped up with La Marseillaise sung both traditionally and to a reggae beat. Senior Josh Bickl acted as a very charming MC and the event was coordinated by Dr. Jean-Louis Pautrot. French Professors worked with their students from all sections and courses to put on this year's magnificent Soiree Cabaret!

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The Holocaust in Russia

On April 3, 2009, the Russian and Russian and East European Studies programs co-sponsored an ATLAS week event entitled "The Holocaust in Russia: a Survivor Story" that attracted about 60 students and faculty as well as some guests. The guest speaker, Mrs. Charna Palatnik, told her tragic story about living through the years of Nazi occupation of Russia in 1941-45. Click here for a slideshow from the event.

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American Jazz and its European Reception

As part of ATLAS Week, Professors Dr. Jean-Louis Pautrot and Dr. Greg Divers talked about American Jazz in Europe and it's influence abroad.

ATLAS Week is Saint Louis University's annual international celebration which occurs every spring. For more information on ATLAS events, please visit http://atlas.slu.edu

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Billiken World Festival

See below for pictures from the Modern & Classical Language Booth at the Billiken World Festival. The event took place on Friday, April 3, 2009. Click for more pictures.

ATLAS Week is Saint Louis University's annual international celebration which occurs every spring. For more information on ATLAS events, please visit http://atlas.slu.edu

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International Cuisine

As part of ATLAS Week, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages launched an international culinary tasting and fundraiser. All proceeds went to La Clinica. The event featured food from all over the world.

ATLAS Week is Saint Louis University's annual international celebration which occurs every spring. For more information on ATLAS events, please visit http://atlas.slu.edu

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Resistance of the Wehrmacht

Guest Lecturer Dr. Karl Heiz Schopps speaks to SLU students about the Resistance of the Wehrmacht. The lecture took place on April 8, 2009, during Dr. Greg Divers' German 325 class.

This event was sponsored by the German Division and was open to all students currently taking German courses.

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ATLAS International Poetry & Music Recital

As part of ATLAS Week, students of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages performed selections of poetry and songs from around the world.

ATLAS Week is Saint Louis University's annual international celebration which occurs every spring. For more information on ATLAS events, please visit http://atlas.slu.edu

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ESL Students Learn about American Indians

Saint Louis University ESL students recently enjoyed a lively performance of dancing, singing, discussion, and food tasting of traditional American Indian cuisine. Neighboring Washington University sponsored the event which was open to the public. The theme of the event was "Honoring Our Native Veterans and All Those Who Serve."

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Upcoming Lecture on the Arab-Israel conflict

Dr. Jacob Lassner
Phillip M. & Ethel Klutznick
Professor of Jewish Civilization and History
Northwestern University in Chicago

"Is there a mutually acceptable Islamic solution to the Arab-Israel conflict?"

Monday, March 23rd, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Busch Student Center, Saint Louis Room (Rm.300)

This lecture is free and open to the public, and will be followed by a reception with light refreshments.

Click here for additional information.

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Chinese Activities and Cultural Events

Chinese class celebrating the Chinese New Year

Chinese class dons traditional Chinese clothing

Chinese students performing Chinese dance

Chinese students take a trip to the local Asian Grocery Market

Chinese class practices caligraphy before New Year's party

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Ninth Annual Jacques Chicoineau Lecture

The Jacques Chicoineau Lecture is sponsored annually by the St. Louis/Lyon Sister Cities in honor and recognition of one of the organization's charter members and its second president. Mr. Chicoineau, a distinguished member of the francophile community, served as an officer and board member of numerous charitable and civic associations in the St. Louis metropolitan area interested in the preservation and promotion of all things French.

This year Professor Jean-Louis Pautrot invites us to his presentation entitled: "Did a Frenchman Win World War II After All? The Remarkable Life of Eugene Houdry." For additional information about this upcoming lecture, please click here.

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Saint Louis Art Museum

French Professor Dr. Hamrick and Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Laurence Beal recently took an enthusiastic group of French students to the Saint Louis Art Museum. For a glimpse into their linguistic, cultural, and artistic journey, please click here.

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ATLAS Week Poetry Recital

Students enrolled in foreign language classes in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Saint Louis University are invited to read poems in the poem's original language. Students are encouraged to select poems that address this year's ATLAS Week theme: "Voices From Around the Globe: Change, Inspiration, Transformation, Resistance, Hope." For information on participating, please click here. For a tentative schedule of events for presenters, click here. (Spanish)

Watch a short video below from last year's international poetry and music recital:

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Spatzle und Rotkohl

The German floor of the Language Villa turned the heat up this past Sunday and prepared some traditional German dishes. Featured on the menu were Spatzle and Rotkohl.

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Signs Signs Everywhere Signs

Decoration Day in the LV: Students worked together with the Foreign Language Teaching Assistants to make posters and signs about their respective languages and countries.

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ATLAS Week Poetry Recital

Students enrolled in foreign language classes in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages at Saint Louis University are invited to read poems in the poem's original language. Students are encouraged to select poems that address this year's ATLAS Week theme: "Voices From Around the Globe: Change, Inspiration, Transformation, Resistance, Hope." For information on participating, please click here.

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EU Talk at the Global Villa

Recently the Global Villa Foreign Language Teaching Assistants spoke to an attentive audience about the history of the European Union, its goals, and the success of the euro in the European economy.

Pictured left: Erika Taretto, Kristin Lange, and Laurence Beal

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German in Hermann, MO

Dr. Evelyn Meyer's students took a field trip to the German Kristkindlsmarkt in Hermann, MO & the Daniel Boon Home on Saturday Dec. 6, 2008. Pictured here are the participants braving the cold weather to learn about the town's German immigrants who settled here over 150 years ago. The town embraces its heritage and, in addition to Kristkindlsmarkt, celebrates Oktoberfest in the fall and Maifest in the spring.

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Returning students relive life abroad

Students returning from studying abroad and who took the 1-credit Cross-Cultural Re-entry course this fall semester had the chance to reconnect with the other persons they felt like abroad, the other rhythms they moved to, and the other world they inhabited. On the course evaluation, all students said they would recommend the course to someone coming back from studying abroad.

Students commented:

"We covered a wide variety of topics and it gave a great framework for gathering memories and thoughts and realizations from our semesters abroad."

"I think the small circle made everyone feel equal and able to share their stories easily because it was a non-judgmental place."

Cross-Cultural Re-entry from Study Abroad / 1 credit
MLNG 202 / HR 280 02 / Intl. Studies attribute
Sp 07-08: January 27 to March 31, Tuesdays, 3:45-5:00pm

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Italian Students Receive Scholarship

Italian students Nicole Pommer, Emily Minnot, and Miranda Portwine (right to left) received the Gene Mariani Award for Travel to Italy at the St. Louis Italian Club Dinner on November 19. Also featured (left to right): Dr. Gene Mariani, Dr. Simone Bregni and Mr. Ed Berra."

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German Language Weekend

On Friday and Saturday on the weekend of Halloween, the German divisions at St. Louis University and Webster University held their annual Sprachwochenende at the Henry Lay Center for Education and the Arts in Louisiana, MO. For photos from this event, click here.

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Italian Legend Meets SLU Students

Famous Italian Singer Elisa Toffoli (center) met with Saint Louis University Italian students after her last concert this week for some quick photos with her fans.

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Les Chateaux Presentations

Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Laurence Beal introduced French students to the castles of the Loire Valley on November 11. Laurence, being from this particular area of France, was able to share special knowledge and insight of the region's many castles. Students were also introduced to the Palace of Versailles. You can find slide shows from both presentations here: Loire and Versailles.

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SLU Students attend Italian Mass

Students from Dr. Amelung's Italian 115 class attended the Italian mass at St. Ambrose on the Hill on Sunday, November 9, followed by a delicious Italian lunch.

Pictured from left to right: Jennifer Zagarri, Maria Lentini, Dr. Anna Amelung, Elizabeth Nix and Elizabeth Menousek.

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Russian Inauguration Party

A Russian Inauguration party was held at Dr. Yelena Belyaeva-Standen's home on November 6. New members were inaugurated and all members spoke about the Russian program at Saint Louis University and tasted a variety of Russian food. For additional photos from the event, click here.

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French Career Day Draws Crowd

Saint Louis University hosted the first annual French Career Day thanks to the hard work and expert organization of Dr. Pascale Perraudin. Professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries met with over 400 students to explain how the French language has been a vital component to their careers, their success, and their personal enrichment. The event was a huge success and drew interest and inquiries from across the country.

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SLU Students featured in Stuttgart Newspaper

German students of Dr. Gregory Knott recently contributed articles to the Stuttgarter Zeitung, a major German newspaper. The articles focus on the US election and other political events in the St. Louis area as well as the effect of the campaigns' public relations strategies on area voters. The contributions, which are in German, can be viewed here.

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50th Anniversary of Russian Studies

The 50th Anniversary of Russian Studies at Saint Louis University will be observed in 2009. Also in 2009, the first recipient of the Professor Nelya Grosswasser Scholarship for Russian Studies will be named. The award will be made at the anniversary reception. Details to be announced!

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NASES Conference

The North American Society for Exile Studies recently met on Oct. 10-11 on the SLU campus, a conference sponsored by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and the College of Arts and Sciences. Scholars in German Exile Studies from as far away as Croatia, Germany, Austria and France, and as close as Missouri, gave papers on and discussed topics in connection with the overall conference theme of "New Orientations of World View in Exile," especially as it related to the German exile experience as a result of National Socialism.

Click here for a slide show of the conference.

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SLU on The Hill

Italian Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Erika Taretto (pictured far left) and Italian club members enjoyed lunch in the St. Louis historic Italian district known as The Hill on October 4.

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Raclette Dinner

Francophiles became turophiles this weekend during a delicious Raclette dinner. Laurence Beal, this year's French Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, helped direct the preparation of this traditional cheese dish.

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ESL Excursion

ESL student field trip to the Arch, Sept. 25th. Students learned about the importance of the buffalo and the beaver for local economies as well as the reason why the Arch is the Gateway to the West.

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El Flamenco y Yo!

Saint Louis University alum Lucia Artacho leads an enthusiastic group in a Flamenco course.

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Saint Louis University Museum of Art

Spanish language students join Yaoska Tijerino and FLTA Gisele Munoz at the Saint Louis University Museum of Art on September 18. They met at the museum to discuss the film "The Mission" and see the current exhibitions.

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2008 German Cultural Connection Class

Kristin Lange and Annie Goeke enjoy the German cultural connection class on Northern Renaissance Paintings. The German group discussed in German what the Renaissance was about, how it developed in Italy and slowly made its way to Northern Europe undergoing cultural adaptations and innovations.

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Schmeckt nich?, gibt's nicht!

Sunday's first German cooking lesson "Schmeckt nich?, gibt's nicht!"

Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Kristin Lange baked "Amerikaner" with several Language Villa residents. View photos from the event.

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2008 Special Edition Coffee Hour

On Wednesday, May 7th, 2008, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages held its annual Special Edition Coffee Hour to honor the TA and Adjunct Teaching award recipients as well as to say farwell to those not returning in the Fall. View photos from the event.

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New Italian Major and Minor

A Major and a Minor in Italian Studies is now available!

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Delta Phi Alpha Members Initiated

On Friday, April 18th, 2008, 5 new members of the Kappa Phi chapter of the National German Honor Society Delta Phi Alpha were initiated by faculty advisor Dr. Evelyn Meyer. New members are: Benno Kohler, Kara Chapman, Shannon Sweeney, Tom Ryczek, and Trina Kauffmann.View photos from the event.

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Russian Maslenitsa Pictures

The Taste of Russia class and the Russian Club invited everybody to a party celebrating "Maslenitsa" (Russian Butter week or Mardi Gras) on Thursday, March 6th, 2008. There was traditional Russian food (bliny, pirozhki), film clips, music, and fun! Click here for more pictures from the event.

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Russian Event: Maslenitsa

The Taste of Russia class and the Russian Club invites everybody to a party celebrating "Maslenitsa" (Russian Butter week or Mardi Gras)

When: Thursday, March 6, 2008. 12:30 - 1:30
Where: Ritter Hall, room: 222
What: Traditional Russian food (bliny, pirozhki), Film Clips, Music, Fun

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Foreign Language Film Series

All are invited to our Spring 2008 Films in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Free admission to all films. We hope to see you there!

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Language Villa Open House

LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE LIVING EXPERIENCE? Come learn about the Language Villa, Monday, February 4th, 2008, from 4:30pm - 6:00pm in Notre Dame hall.

The Language Villa is a learning community created for students with a passion for exploring different cultures through language. Students with an interest in French, German, Italian or Spanish, with the assistance of a native-speaker graduate student for each language, develop their linguistic skills and cultural knowledge through activities involving conversation, cultural events and common course work. More informaiton is available at http://www.slu.edu/colleges/AS/languages/villa.

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