Spanish (SPAN)

SPAN 1110 Elementary Spanish I    3 Credits

Attributes: MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Designed for students with no prior experience with Spanish or whose placement scores are in the range for this course level. This course, the first in a two-semester sequence, teaches the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage, allowing students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language cultures are explored through a variety of media. Students attend three classes per week and do mandatory online work determined by the instructor. Previously SP 0110.

SPAN 1111 Elementary Spanish II    3 Credits

Attributes: MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Prerequisite: SPAN 1110.

This course, a continuation of SPAN 1110, teaches the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage, allowing students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language cultures are explored through a variety of media. Students attend three classes per week and do mandatory online work determined by the instructor. Previously SP 0111.

SPAN 2210 Intermediate Spanish I    3 Credits

Attributes: MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Prerequisite: SPAN 1111.

This course, the first in a two-semester sequence, prepares students to continue the study of language on a more advanced level, and includes review of essential points of grammar, vocabulary building, and regular practice in speaking and writing. The language cultures are explored through a wide variety of materials (literary texts, press articles, films, etc). Students attend three classes per week and do mandatory online work determined by the instructor. Previously SP 0210.

SPAN 2211 Intermediate Spanish II    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Prerequisite: SPAN 2210.

This course, a continuation of SPAN 2210, prepares students to continue the study of language on a more advanced level, and includes review of essential points of grammar, vocabulary building, and regular practice in speaking and writing. The language cultures are explored through a wide variety of materials (literary texts, press articles, films, etc). Students attend three classes per week and do mandatory online work determined by the instructor. Previously SP 0211.

SPAN 2220 Topics in Language and Culture    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Prerequisite: SPAN 2211.

This course improves proficiency in written and oral expression by focusing on particular topics in Spanish language and culture. Students develop advanced writing and speaking skills while concentrating on grammar, style, and appropriateness. Weekly compositions, based primarily on the genres studied (short story, theater, memoirs, essay) allow students to identify and correct grammatical mistakes. Students present speeches in class and conduct situational dramas such as job interviews, television reporting, courtroom trials, debates in Spanish. Films and various cultural artifacts (comic strips, proverbs, songs) familiarize students with idiomatic Spanish. Previously SP 0220.

SPAN 2220H Advanced Spanish for Heritage Speakers    3 Credits

Attributes: MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum, SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: Placement exam.

This course is directed at heritage speakers of Spanish, that is, students with personal background and prior instruction in Spanish who already possess functional communication abilities in the language. It will prepare students for upper-division literature, culture, linguistics, and translation courses by focusing on the development of advanced reading, writing, and oral abilities in Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on the main stages of the writing process through continuous practice inside and outside of the classroom. The class will use news articles, films, literary works, and other cultural texts. It will be conducted entirely in Spanish. Previously SP 0220H.

SPAN 3225 Spanish and English in Contrast    3 Credits

Attributes: MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This class offers an in-depth review and study of the more problematic aspects of Spanish grammar for English speakers and provides students with the essentials of their own native grammar necessary to comprehend the similarities between English and Spanish. Previously SP 0225.

SPAN 3231B Career-Oriented Spanish for Business    3 Credits

Attributes: BUEL Business Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This course aims to give post-intermediate students of Spanish a solid foundation of business vocabulary, basic business and cultural concepts, and situational practice that will prepare them to succeed in today's growing Spanish-speaking business world. It will incorporate a wide array of real-life situations and problems that will integrate all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing and listening. One of the main objectives of this course is to turn students into potential professionals by improving their critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary in today's globalized business world. Previously SP 0231B.

SPAN 3231N Career-Oriented Spanish for Nursing and Health Studies    3 Credits

Attributes: HSTE Health Studies: Traditions, Delivery, and Ethics, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This to further develop Spanish skills in the four modes: speaking, listening, writing and reading to compliment health, pre-med and nursing studies at a post-intermediate level. In addition to an advanced course in Spanish grammar and vocabulary curated to the health studies needs, we will also explore the following topics through in-class presentations, role play, readings, and authentic texts from the Spanish-speaking world: Cultural competency, Lifespan issues, Bilingual health care systems, Health assessment in Spanish, and Patient teaching. Open to students interested in health professions, pre-med, nursing, etc. Previously SP 0231N.

SPAN 3245 Analysis and Interpretation of Hispanic Literature    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, MWAC Magis Core: Writing Across Curriculum

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

The course provides students with the fundamentals of literary analysis in the genres of poetry, narrative, theater, and film. It uses materials from around the Hispanic world to present a broad historical-cultural context for further reading and to sharpen the skills of analysis, argumentation, speaking, and writing. Focused on a literary study whose critical terms derive from the structure of literature itself (plot, scene, shot, verse, etc.), the course includes a survey of the periods of literary history. Students complete critical papers. Previously SP 0245.

SPAN 3251 Spanish Civilization and Culture    3 Credits

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This course presents the main currents of Spanish civilization by means of lectures and student participation in written and oral reports. Studies of the geography, history, literature, and fine arts of Spain underscore class discussions. Previously SP 0251.

SPAN 3253 Spanish-American Civilization    3 Credits

Attributes: DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature, WDIV World Diversity

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This course presents a general view of Spanish-American civilization from pre-Columbian times to the present. Participants study the culture, social history, and politics of Spanish-America through select literary readings, articles, documentaries, films, newspapers, and Internet research. The course includes a special topic covering the globalization in Latin America and its impact in the 21st century. Students complete exams, oral presentations, written papers, and a final paper. Previously SP 0253.

SPAN 3271 Hispanic Film    3 Credits

Attributes: DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, GDFT Graphic Design: Film and Television, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature, MEVP Magis Core Exploration: VPA, VPCH Visual and Performing Arts Core: History Course, WDIV World Diversity

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This course examines and analyzes film by Spanish and Latin-American directors (Buñuel, Saura, Littín, Sanjinés, etc.). Students initially study films as an independent genre using specific structural form as the means of analysis (close-up, soundtrack, frame, etc.). Students then begin to formulate interpretations that move between the formal, technical composition of films and the concrete socio-historic and cultural reality to which each film refers. Course activities include screening of films, discussion of articles that deal with literary theory and analysis of film, and writing short papers. Previously SP 0271.

SPAN 3285 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics    3 Credits

Attributes: MWID Magis Core: Writing in the Discipline

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220.

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of language, with a focus on Spanish. It particularly aims at both the descriptive and applied levels. At the descriptive level, it will focus on the understanding of the mechanisms of the language in various areas: how sounds are articulated and work within a system (phonetics and phonology); how small units with meaning are combined to form words (morphology); how words are combined to form sentences (syntax); how meaning is attached to the different units, and how meaning operates at different levels (semantics). At the applied level, it will also explore topics such as linguistic variation, second language acquisition, bilingualism, and the situation of Spanish in the United States. Taught in Spanish. Previously SP 0285.

SPAN 3286 Languages and Identities: Sociolinguistic Approaches to Spanish in the U.S.    3 Credits

Attributes: DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: SPAN 2220 or SPAN 2220H.

While the increased visibility of Spanish has surprised some in recent decades, people have been speaking Spanish in what is now the US for hundreds of years. This course offers an introduction to sociolinguistics, i.e., the study of the language in relation to social factors, with a focus on Spanish in the US. Particular emphasis is placed on social and political issues that impact the use and representation of Spanish. Taught in Spanish.

SPAN 3980 Internship    3 Credits

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

The internship program gives students first-hand experience in the fields of translation, interpretation, cataloging, public relations, advertising, teaching, etc., in the language of their specialization. Department members, who agree to guide the endeavor, supervise student work. When required by a faculty supervisor, evaluation of student interns may be required from the institution where students work. The student's work should demand no less than one full day per week, or its equivalent. Previously SP 0377-0378.

SPAN 3990 Independent Study    3 Credits

Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Students undertake readings and studies in a specialized area of Spanish, under the direction of a staff member. Designed to fill the special needs of specific students, this course is offered at the discretion of the department chair. Enrollment by permission only. Previously SP 0382.

SPAN 4302 Remembering the Spanish Civil War Through Contemporary Literature and Film    3 Credits

Attributes: MELT Magis Core Exploration: Literature, SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course examines the recent investigative and cultural expression of events of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), Franco Dictatorship (1939-75), and Transition to Democracy (1975-82). This cultural production parallels a push to physically excavate hundreds of Civil-War mass graves. Much like the demands to recover family members' bodies from these graves, an explicit social justice agenda is motivating novelists, playwrights, and filmmakers while they excavate the memory of these events. Through the study of contemporary Spanish literature and film, we examine the complex relationships between politics, social justice, cultural production, and the push to "recover" Spain’s historical memory. Previously SP 0302.

SPAN 4305 Popular Culture in Latin America    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course examines the interaction among mass, elite, traditional, and indigenous art forms, their relationship with the dynamics of national/cultural identity in Latin America in the 19th and 20th centuries, and globalization. Forms of expression include oral poetry and narrative; the folletin (19th-century melodramas by installment) to 20th-century "fotonovelas," "radionovelas," and "telenovelas"; broadsides; comics; musical and political movements such as neo-folklore, new song, Nueva Troba, and Rock Latino; artistic movements such as Mexican muralist; traditional and popular crafts; cooking; popular dance; and film. Previously SP 0305.

SPAN 4306 Cuban Film: A Close Look at the Revolution    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, MELT Magis Core Exploration: Literature, MWID Magis Core: Writing in the Discipline, SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective, WDIV World Diversity

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This class investigates topics in Cuban history, culture, and politics, by focusing on the impact of the Cuban Revolution on society as presented through one of the strongest contemporary Cuban cultural artifacts: Cuban film and film about Cuba. Since 1959 film has played a crucial role in officially narrating, shaping, critiquing and questioning the Revolution. We will analyze how film continues to serve as a space to reflect on the complexities of Cuban society, and how social media and technology is now challenging the limits of Cuban film, and possibly of the Revolution itself. Previously SP 0306.

SPAN 4307 Translation Theory and Practice: Spanish and English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course offers an introduction to the field of Translation Studies, both from theoretical and practical perspectives. Great emphasis will be placed on the translation process through continuous practice inside and outside of the classroom. Likewise, metalanguage and key concepts from translation theory will be progressively introduced through readings to facilitate the critical reflection and discussion of translation problems and solutions. The course will be taught in Spanish. Previously SP 0307.

SPAN 4309 Bilingualism in the Spanish-Speaking World    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

The theme of this course is the issue of bilingualism, analyzed from three different angles: sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and educational. Bilingualism is a natural and widespread phenomenon, and research on this area has been growing over the last years in various fields, such as Applied Linguistics, Psychology, Sociology, or Education. Approximately half of the world population speaks two or more languages, and current research also shows cognitive advantages for those who speak more than one language. This course will offer students a critical overview of this phenomenon from the three perspectives mentioned above. The course will be conducted in Spanish. Previously SP 0309.

SPAN 4311 Glory, Splendor, and Decay: Spanish Golden Age Literature    3 Credits

Attributes: MELT Magis Core Exploration: Literature

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course studies the most important literary manifestations of the 16th and 17th centuries' Golden Age Spanish culture, with emphasis on Cervantes, Tirso de Molina, Lope de Vega, Quevedo, Góngora, and Calderón de la Barca. Previously SP 0311.

SPAN 4341 20th Century Spanish Literature    3 Credits

Attributes: MELT Magis Core Exploration: Literature

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course examines works and literary movements from the early part of the 20th century (Generation of '98) to present times. Representative authors include Unamuno, Baroja, Valle-Inclán, García Lorca, J.R. Jiménez, Cela, Laforet, Delibes, and Matute. Previously SP 0341.

SPAN 4346 Contemporary Spanish Theatre    3 Credits

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course examines several current themes in contemporary Spanish theatre. One topic is how Spanish theatre has engaged with the memory of historical moments such as the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), the ensuing Franco dictatorship (1939-75), and terrorism under democratic rule, particularly the post-9/11 terrorist bombings in Madrid. While reading a selection of contemporary Spanish plays, we will study the strategies used by playwrights to evoke or avoid the historical memory of these events. Previously SP 0346.

SPAN 4353 Spanish-American Narrative    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This critical analysis and discussion of key words of the narrative genre emphasizes the 20th-century development of the novel and short story. Authors include Azuela, Quiroga, Borges, Bombal, Somers, Cortázar, García Márquez, Fuentes, Ferré, and Allende. The course also considers experimental writing, the short story of fantasy, testimonio, and others, and requires critical papers and oral reports. Open to juniors and seniors only. Previously SP 0353.

SPAN 4357 The Spanish Novel    3 Credits

Prerequisites: SPAN 3245, junior standing.

This course studies the novel of Spain from its first tentative manifestation with the picaresque through its major development with Cervantes and into the 20th century, emphasizing the works of more important writers. Previously SP 0357.

SPAN 4359 Culture, Civilization, and Literature in the Spanish-American Caribbean Region    3 Credits

Attributes: DEIE Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Elective, EDCG Educational Studies Cognate, EDDV Educational Studies Diversity, LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature, MELT Magis Core Exploration: Literature, PJST Peace and Justice Studies, WDIV World Diversity

Prerequisites: SPAN 3245, junior standing.

This study and explanation of distinctive elements of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Central American countries focuses on the fusion of indigenous, Black, and Hispanic as manifestation in the Spanish-American Caribbean Region. Students will read, study, and critically analyze relevant documents, and cultural materials from pre-Columbian populations until the contemporary period. Previously SP 0359.

SPAN 4360 Dictatorships and Revolutionary Movements in Contemporary Latin America    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature, MELT Magis Core Exploration: Literature, WDIV World Diversity

Prerequisite: SPAN 3245.

This course will analyze various revolutionary movements in Latin America as well as the dictatorships that emerged in early 20th Century and ended almost at the turn of the century. We will discuss the new "neo-socialist" governments that have emerged in 21st Century Latin America since the end of the Socialist Block (1990s), under the dominant global economy. In this class we will read, analyze, and discuss critical essays and literature (narrative, poetry, and testimonies), and other cultural forms (such as fiction and documentary films, art, music, etc). Previously SP 0360.

SPAN 4371 Images of Latin American Indians    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective, LCSC LACS Minor: Spanish Culture and Literature, WDIV World Diversity

Prerequisites: SPAN 3245, junior standing.

This course examines the vision of Latin American Indians from the first letters of the "discoverers" and conquistadores (Colón, Cortés, Bernal Díaz del Castillo), and missionaries (Bartolomé de las Casas) through relevant novels, short stories, and films of the 19th and 20th centuries. To understand the post-discovery vision of the Indians, this course also studies the major pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica and the Andean region. Authors include: Matto de Turner, Icaza, Arguedas, Castellanos, and others. Previously SP 0371.

SPAN 4391 Introduction to Translation and Interpreting Studies, Spanish <> English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Corequisite: SPAN 4392.

Prerequisite: Placement exam.

This course offers an exploration of key principles, main schools of thought, and fundamental controversies in translation and interpreting theory. It will provide a conceptual foundation for students to draw on when describing, planning, assessing, and justifying their translations. English-Spanish translations will be used to discuss theoretical concepts. The course will be taught in English and Spanish.

SPAN 4392 Non-Specialized Translation Practice, Spanish <> English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Corequisite: SPAN 4391.

Prerequisite: Placement exam.

This course offers advanced intensive translation practice of non-specialized, non-fiction, non-literary texts. It will focus on the different steps of the translation process and it will emphasize detection and solving of translation problems through continued practice and reflection. Translation from Spanish into English will be prioritized, but translation from English into Spanish will also be practiced. The will be taught in English and Spanish.

SPAN 4393 Computer-Assisted Translation Tools, Spanish <> English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Corequisite: SPAN 4394.

Prerequisite: SPAN 4391, SPAN 4392.

This course offers a hands-on introduction to computer-assisted translation tools used in the translation industry with a particular emphasis on SDL Trados Studio. Students will learn how to translate and review using SDL Trados Studio and how to manage terminological data using SDL Multiterm through the complexion of various English-Spanish translation tasks which mirror professional practice. The course will be taught in English and Spanish.

SPAN 4394 Commercial and Legal Translation, Spanish <> English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Corequisite: SPAN 4393.

Prerequisite: SPAN 4391, SPAN 4392.

This course offers an introduction to the specifics of commercial and legal translation through advanced intensive translation practice of specialized commercial and legal texts. Translation from Spanish into English will be prioritized, but translation from English into Spanish will also be practiced. The course will be taught in English and Spanish.

SPAN 4395 Medical Translation, Spanish <> English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Corequisite: SPAN 4396.

Prerequisite: SPAN 4393, SPAN 4394.

This course offers an introduction to the specifics of medical translation through advanced intensive translation practice of specialized medical texts. Translation from Spanish into English will be prioritized, but translation from English into Spanish will also be practiced. The course will be taught in English and Spanish.

SPAN 4396 Community Interpreting, Spanish <> English    3 Credits

Attributes: SPME Spanish Major or Minor Elective

Corequisite: SPAN 4395.

Prerequisite: SPAN 4393, SPAN 4394.

This course offers an introduction to interpreting in community settings, emphasizing medical and legal contexts. Sight translation, consecutive interpreting, and simultaneous interpreting will be practiced. The course will be taught in English and Spanish.

SPAN 4999 Capstone Seminar    3 Credits

Attributes: LCEL LACS Minor: Elective

Prerequisite: Senior standing.

This course is the senior capstone, in which every senior Spanish major during the spring semester of their senior year must complete a research paper for the major. The topic varies according to the professor teaching the capstone that semester. Enrollment by permission only. Previously SP 0381.