Courses

SPAN 101 , SPAN 102, SPAN 103 Elementary Spanish

Development of language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Essentials of grammar with emphasis on culture through language. Reserved for students with no previous Spanish language study or by permission of instructor. Prerequisite(s): for 102 is completion of 101; for 103 is completion of 102; must follow sequence; SPAN 103 is SL; Staff

SPAN 101A , SPAN 103A Intensive Elementary Spanish

Elementary Spanish, but designed for students with previous study in Spanish or another language and/or experience. Prerequisite(s): prior language study and/or placement by examination. Prerequisite for 103A is completion of 101A; must follow sequence; SPAN 103A is SL; Staff

SPAN 101Q Quick Start Spanish I (1 1/2)

Intensive study of language culminating in a trip to a Spanish-speaking locale. The instruction is motivated by the scheduled trip: grammar and vocabulary are structured around situations students will encounter while traveling. Target language instruction includes intensive drill sessions, culture, contextualized grammar and vocabulary; additional instruction (in English and outside regular class meeting times) focuses attention on the history, economy, and the geography of the region visited, and includes practical exercises and keeping a journal of activities. This gives students hands-on experience with the Spanish language that cannot be replicated in the classroom. Prerequisite(s): permission of the instructor; The course requires an additional program fee for the travel portion of the course; T. Foster; R. Ragan

SPAN 103Q Quick Start Spanish II

Further intensive study of language and culture. Student journals from SPAN 101Q serve as prime sources for discussion and exercises. The course tackles some of the more difficult aspects of Spanish grammar such as passive voice, adjective endings and relative clauses. It also includes a series of lectures about political institutions, economic policy and contemporary culture. The latter in particular is enhanced by viewing films and television shows. The course resumes language study using authentic materials acquired by the group during the preceding trip, requiring student reflection on their experiences and simultaneously creating content using more subjective language. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101Q or permission of the instructor; SL; T. Foster; R. Ragan

SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish

This course is designed both as an introduction to interpreting authentic texts (online articles and videos, various literary genres, and film) and as a grammar review, especially those linguistic aspects commonly difficult for intermediate students of Spanish. The course is organized around several cultural and historical themes in order for students to become aware of different perspectives in the Spanish-speaking world. By being exposed to Spanish through readings, videos and film, students will further develop their proficiency in the Spanish language as well as improve their understanding of Hispanic cultures. Prerequisite(s): equivalent of SPAN 103; Cross Listing: SPAN 201H; SL; Staff

SPAN 205 Introduction to Spanish Translation (1/2)

In this course students will practice their Spanish language skills through weekly translation exercises and class discussion on difficult choices in translation. The course will focus on recognizing the common pitfalls of English speakers such as false cognates, common grammatical and syntax errors, etc. We will work on a variety of texts responding to local community needs and through partnerships with NGOs. The class will also translate legal documents such as birth certificates, police reports, and sworn statements related to asylum seeker cases. Finally, we will investigate many aspects of becoming a freelance translator, including how to place a professional bid, the use of translation tools and internship opportunities. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201; R. Ragan

SPAN 206 Introduction to Spanish Interpreting (1/2)

This course offers students the opportunity to refine their language skills, improve memory and fluency while learning about career opportunities for interpreters. We will focus on exercises in three main areas: community, medical, and legal interpreting. In addition to protocols, the course covers aspects of the profession including: ethical dilemmas, the legal rights of LEPs (persons with limited English proficiency), and the interpreter's role as conduit, clarifier, cultural broker, and advocate. In class, students will perform mock scenarios and scripts. Students will be given the chance to practice consecutive, simultaneous, over-the-phone interpreting, and sight translation. Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level Spanish courses or equivalent oral fluency in Spanish; R. Ragan

SPAN 208 Flamenco: The Music and its Social History (1/2)

From the poorest and most marginalized areas of 19th-century Andalucia, Spain emerged a unique musical art form known as flamenco that has since mesmerized audiences across the globe. In this course, students acquire basic vocabulary to analyze and discuss key features of flamenco singing, dance, and guitar, including the various song structures (palos) that constitute flamenco as a musical genre. Attention to the cultural traditions of Andalucia that involve flamenco is also essential, as is the influence that certain ethnic groups, particularly the gitanos (Romani) of Andalucia, have had on the art form over time. Taught in Spanish. No prior knowledge of music is necessary. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 or equivalent; Offered alternate years; F. Gomez

SPAN 209 Spanish in Business and Other Professional Contexts (1/2)

Introduction to what business and other professional contexts look like in the Spanish-speaking world. In addition, we will study the language structures and cultural formalities needed to engage in effective communication and to develop successful relationships in these professional environments. Attention is also given to professional writing and oral tasks in accordance with appropriate cultural conventions. In this way, the course is not only for students wanting to use Spanish for business purposes, but also for those planning to work in non-profit organizations, the public sector, community organizations, or engage in activism. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 or equivalent; Cross Listing: BUS 209; Offered alternate years; F. Gomez

SPAN 210 Conversation and Composition (1/2 or 1)

Practice in understanding, speaking, and writing Spanish through the use of cultural texts, such as literature, online articles and blogs, film, and music. Course can be repeated for credit if the topic is different. Instructor's permission is required to take the course a second time. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 103A, SPAN 201, or permission of the instructor; O; Staff

SPAN 220 Spanish for Healthcare (1/2)

This course is designed for the intermediate language learner who would benefit from specific training in Spanish used in a medical context. The course covers anatomy, common illnesses, doctor-patient dialogues, as well as particular cultural elements related to within Hispanic/Latino communities, such as common beliefs, rituals and folkways related to health and healthcare practices. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 or heritage speakers with equivalent level as determined by the professor; Offered alternate years; R. Ragan

SPAN 221 Healthcare, Social Work, and Education in Oaxaca (1/2)

During the term on-campus, the course meets weekly to learn geography, culture, linguistics, social issues and demographics of Oaxaca, Mexico. Once on-site in Oaxaca, students are assigned to one of three areas: education, social work, or medical. For this portion, students spend several hours at the participating institution shadowing professionals through a collaboration with Child Family Health International. The on-site component is designed for students interested in a career in Spanish-English language interpreting, or careers in healthcare, social work and education. The travel component requires an additional fee of approximately $1,800 plus airfare. Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level Spanish courses; Offered alternate years; IMMR; R. Ragan

SPAN 222 Medical Interpreting (1/2)

This course is designed for intermediate-high language learners interested in a career in medical interpreting or who want to improve their knowledge of medical Spanish. The course covers ethics, protocol, and cultural aspects of interpreting in a medical context as well as linguistic elements that differ between Spanish and English that tend to create difficulties for interpreters. Students practice interpreting while classmates role play using scripts. Performances cover consecutive interpreting, over-the-phone interpreting, as well as conference interpreting. Students completing 40 hours of training are qualified to take the National Certification Exam. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 206 or SPAN 220 or permission of the instructor; Offered alternate years; R. Ragan

SPAN 230 A-E Culture of the Spanish-Speaking World

These courses are organized by region to introduce students to both elite and popular cultures of the Spanish-speaking world as well as critical concepts in understanding social constructs and historical events that have shaped the region. A wide array of course materials will be used (literary, non-fiction, film, newspapers, etc.). Students may repeat different sections for credit. A) Spain; B) Mexico and Central America; C) The Caribbean; D) Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay); E) Andean region (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador). Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 or 201H; SPAN 230A-E are PI; SPAN 230B-E cross-listed in LAST; J. Miner; A. Prado del Santo; T. Foster; R. Ragan

SPAN 233 Translating and Interpreting in Legal Contexts (1/2)

Description: This .5 credit course explores the field of interpretation and translation (Spanish-English, English-Spanish) in the context of immigration and the crisis at our border. We will read about immigration issues in the United States, with a focus on asylum seekers, the application process, and recent changes to guidelines. Additionally, we will practice interpreting with mock scripts, and carry out translations for real asylum cases. Students will learn about the country conditions that are leading to an increase in asylum claims in the Northern triangle, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba through first-person narratives, police reports, sworn statements and newspaper accounts. This course will be ideal preparation for anyone looking to serve as a translator or interpreter in this field. Prerequisite: SPAN 205 or SPAN 206. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 205 or SPAN 206; R. Ragan

SPAN 235 Introduction to Hispanic Literatures

This course is designed to introduce students to literature through critical reading of representative works from different genres and diverse countries of the Spanish-speaking world, as well as to the different ways scholars approach literature. Through close readings of texts, including short story, drama, poetry and essays, students acquire analytical and interpretive skills as they study how and why a work is constructed and what its social and cultural implications are. Students explore themes unique to Hispanic literature as well as what connects it to world literature. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201; Cross Listing: LAST 235; IC; Staff

SPAN 248 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

SPAN 295 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Spanish language or literature not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

SPAN 305 Spanish American Literature Through Modernismo

The development of Spanish-American literature from pre-Columbian times to the twentieth century; Popol Vuh, Columbus, Cort�s, Las Casas, Inca Garcilaso, Sor Juana In�s de la Cruz, Bol�var, Sarmiento, Isaacs, Hern�ndez, Mart�, Dario. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): equivalent of SPAN 235, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: LAST 305; T. Foster

SPAN 306 Twentieth Century Spanish-American Literature

The development of the contemporary Spanish-American narrative: Gallegos, Asturias, Carpentier, Rulfo, Garcia M�rquez, Vargas Llosa, Borges, Cort�zar, and Ferr�. Representative works in poetry: Vallejo, Mistral, Storni, Neruda. Alternate years. Prerequisite(s): equivalent of SPAN 235, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: LAST 306; Staff

SPAN 308 Don Quixote

This course is dedicated to reading and discussing both parts of Don Quixote (1605, 1615) in order to understand the text's profound influence on world literature, why many call it the first modern novel, and its relevance to issues in the 21st century. Our primary focus is on the narrative innovations that Miguel de Cervantes created to not only transform and undermine the literary genres of European literature known during the seventeenth century, but also to expose and dismantle the "idealisms" found in the social, political, religious, historical, and literary discourse of his day, the outcome of which is a literary and philosophical text unlike any other seen before or since. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 235 or equivalent or permission of the instructor; F. Gomez

SPAN 308E Don Quixote

(In Spanish or English) This course is dedicated to reading and discussing both parts of Don Quixote (1605, 1615) in order to understand the text's profound influence on world literature, why many call it the first modern novel, and its relevance to issues in the 21st century. Our primary focus is on the narrative innovations that Miguel de Cervantes created to not only transform and undermine the literary genres of European literature known during the seventeenth century, but also to expose and dismantle the "idealisms" found in the social, political, religious, historical, and literary discourse of his day, the outcome of which is a literary and philosophical text unlike any other seen before or since. Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor; F. Gomez

SPAN 309 Contemporary Latin American Cinema

A survey of contemporary cinema of Spanish speaking countries of Latin America. We follow a trend starting with the avant-garde cinema of the political revolutionary turbulence of the 1960's, the "New Latin American Cinema", which continues today with a series of films that originated as a reaction to the neo-liberal and globalized capitalism of the 1990's. The films are treated as visual texts, studying the film as a genre with particular stylistic forms and techniques to represent social reality ideologically and in the context of social and cinematic history. Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level courses in Spanish; Cross Listing: FILM 309;LAST 309;LAST 309; A. Prado del Santo

SPAN 310 Contemporary Spanish Youth: Challenges and Achievements

An exploration of contemporary representations of and expressions by Spanish youth, from 1975 (with Franco's death) through today. The course examines social factors such as affordable housing, late emancipation, unemployment, drug use, political activism, low birth rate, and gender struggles, guided by questions about the motivations of Spanish youth and their level of involvement in all these areas. Sources will include academic studies of Spanish youth, as well as the analysis of song lyrics, films, and some literary texts. Students are also required to interview Spanish young people throughout the course. For final projects, students will research a contemporary activist movement. This course does not fulfill the Peninsular literature requirement. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 230A; R. Ragan

SPAN 322 Golden Age Theatre of Spain

This course surveys examples of the theatrical masterpieces written by the most renowned playwrights of Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries in Spain, including Lope de Vega, Miguel de Cervantes, Tirso de Molina, and Pedro Calder�n de la Barca. Much attention is given to the historical context of the plays and to some of the most polemic issues of the time concerning the Counter Reformation, the code of honor, purity of blood, the representation of women, the uses and abuses of power, as well as the (im)morality of the theatre itself. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 235; F. Gomez

SPAN 328 Monsters in Spanish Literature

This course examines the figure of the "monster" as a literary device in the literature and cinema of Spain. Specifically, the course analyzes preternatural entities, such as zombies, ghosts and demons, as well as humans allegedly associated with evil, such as women, criminals, and the "enemy." Fundamental questions of the course include: what makes a particular entity a monster, how have monsters been used to shape cultural values and a sense of identity during pivotal moments in Spanish history, and what can be learned about Spanish culture by examining the monsters it has produced. Films are rated R and contain graphic images. Prerequisite(s): Two 200-level SPAN courses; Offered alternate years; F. Gomez

SPAN 330 or SPAN 330E Great Themes of Spanish or Spanish American Literature

(In Spanish or English) A study of major topics in Hispanic studies. Some recent topics have been Spanish American literature of New York, bilingual indigenous literature in America, and anarchist culture in Spain. Course may be repeated for credit under different topics. Prerequisite(s): For SPAN 330, SPAN 235 or equivalent or permission of the instructor; for SPAN 330E, permission of the instructor; May be counted toward LAST minor with approval of program chair.; Staff

SPAN 332 ,SPAN 332E The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939): History, Memory, and Culture

A study of the Spanish Civil War from a rich variety of written and visual texts representing the multiple sides of a nation torn by war, trauma, and radicalism. Stress is put not only on the historical information these texts provide but in how that information is shaped by cultural representations. We will look at how the main ideologies of the 20th century played out in this conflict: socialism, anarchism, communism (Stalinism and anti-Stalinism), feminism, liberal democracy, catholic traditionalism, fascism, and nationalism. The course also responds to the historical memory debate occurring in Spain since the late 90's: from blogs, public discussions and publications, to new laws and even grave exhumations. Prerequisite(s): For SPAN 332, two 200-level courses in Spanish; for 332E, sophomore standing; SPAN 332E in English; A. Prado del Santo

SPAN 336A Bilingual Indigenous Literatures in the Americas

A study of experimental and hybrid literary texts written both in Spanish and Indigenous languages. This course examines emergent bilingual Indigenous literatures that reach beyond the traditional monolingual paradigm of literary studies, unveiling their authors' transcultural disposition and translingual practice in the process of creative writing. It also argues that bilingual Indigenous literatures in the Americas merit recognition amongst canonical Latin American literatures. There are two sections of this course, organized geographically: A) South America and B) Central America and Mexico. Students may take either section for 1.0 credit or register for both sections for 2.0 credits. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 235 or any SPAN 230A-E or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: LAST 336A; J. Noriega

SPAN 336B Bilingual Indigenous Literatures in the Americas

A study of experimental and hybrid literary texts written both in Spanish and Indigenous languages. This course examines emergent bilingual Indigenous literatures that reach beyond the traditional monolingual paradigm of literary studies, unveiling their authors' transcultural disposition and translingual practice in the process of creative writing. It also argues that bilingual Indigenous literatures in the Americas merit recognition amongst canonical Latin American literatures. There are two sections of this course, organized geographically: A) South America and B) Central America and Mexico. Students may take either section for 1.0 credit or register for both sections for 2.0 credits. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 235 or any SPAN 230A-E or permission of instructor; Cross Listing: LAST 336B; J. Noriega

SPAN 337 Hispanic American Fiction of Fantasy

This course will investigate the development of the Hispanic American short story of fantasy, addressing such literary themes as: the fantastic, magic realism, doubles, dreams, metaphysics, and notions of time. Course readings will include essays and stories by Jorge Luis Borges, his main precursors and followers, and critical articles. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 235; Cross Listing: LAST 337; J. Miner

SPAN 339 Hispanic Writers in New York

This course examines the relevance of literary works written by Hispanic writers living in New York from 1880 to 2020 who discuss the impact of their displacement. It examines how Hispanics have helped shape the cultural identity of New York and how, simultaneously, the influence of this cosmopolitan city has transformed the work of its newcomers into a modern and international masterpiece. From the perspective of transatlantic and interdisciplinary studies, the class discussions promote dialogue beyond borders with dialogues on America and Europe, Spanish and English, literature and architecture, journalism, photography, fine arts, and travel, within the context of global, multicultural, and transnational communities. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 235 or any SPAN 230A-E or permission of instructor; Cross Listing: LAST 339; J. Noriega

SPAN 348 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

SPAN 349 Translation and Interpreting Practicum (1/2)

This course is aimed at the advanced language learner who is ready to put translation and interpreting skills into practice in a real world setting. Students will participate in an internship or volunteer experience in which translation and/or interpreting are the main skill sets. Students will contribute 50 hours for .5 credit. Sample placements are: Al Otro Lado, Esperanza Center, Crisis Response Translation, the Dilley ProBono Project, Pro-BAR, among others. At the end of the experience, students will present at a form or panel, or write a reflection paper. May be repeated for up to 1 credit. Prerequisite(s): SPAN 205 or SPAN 206, and permission of the instructor; may be repeated for up to one credit; S/U; IMMR; R. Ragan

SPAN 355 Developing Story-Telling in the Spanish-Speaking World

A study of orality and literacy as complementary techniques that narrate the process of modernization within the Spanish-Speaking World. Special attention is given to the complex and intriguing development from story-telling to story-writing, and even to story-telling again. An analysis of selected colonial, modern, and contemporary stories from Spain and Latin America reveals that the metropolitan-dependence model embraced by many modern travelers and writers is an echo of the former storytelling experience of servants and messengers interacting with their masters prior to the 19th Century. Differences in cultural frameworks between Europe and America use of traditionally-delivered letters and baggage as a kind of "traveling metaphor" is also examined. Further analysis then traces how the colonial sender and receiver turn into elite readers within the modern literary network. Prerequisite(s): Span 235 or any SPAN 230A-E or permission of the instructor; J. Noriega

SPAN 395 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Spanish and Latin American language or literature not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

SPAN 399 Advanced Seminar

Survey of literary theories that help students generate analytical questions about a topic of their interest and build the theoretical framework for their senior research paper. Attention is given to how researchers in Hispanic Studies engage in the intellectual community by building on the work of other academics and positioning their own ideas against these prior studies in order to make their own unique contribution to the field. At the end of the course, students participate in a conference in which they give presentations of their research and take part in the Q and A sessions with the audience that follow. Staff

SPAN 400 Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)

See College Honors Program. Staff