R408 is a continuation of R407 using materials that are somewhat more advanced and without glossaries prepared for each text by the instructor.  Like R407, it is a translation course using non-literary texts.  Selections vary and are drawn from history, c
ultural history, memoirs, biography, etc.  Both nineteenth- and twentieth-century sources are used.

Every text is completely translated during class recitations.  There is a test given at the conclusion of the translation of each text.  There is a cumulative mid-term exam over the first half of the materials covered, and a cumulative final over the seco
nd half.  Test scores count for 75% of the final grade.  Class participation and attendance count for 25%.

Students are also required to select two texts for individual translation, each ten pages in length.  The first is to be prepared before the mid-term, and the other is to be completed by the semester's end.  Students submit only the first page of each tex
t for the instructor's corrections, but separate tests are given to spot-check comprehension of both as part of the mid-term and of the final exam.  The instructor is available for any needed additional assistance on an individual basis.

Attendance in any language course is very important; any absences put the student at a disadvantage and are discouraged.  This is especially true in a translation course where all the texts are translated during recitations.  Any more than two unexcused a
bsences (an excused absence is one with a doctor's written excuse or with the advance permission of the instructor) will result in an automatic lowering of the final grade by one-half letter grade for every two absences.  Being more than fifteen minutes l
ate for class counts as an absence.

Tests must be taken on the day designated by the instructor.  If an emergency situation makes it impossible for you to take a test, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor (not a secretary!) that same day-or earlier, if possible-to arrange a ma
ke-up time