Courses

Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Please Click Here for a listing of Spring 2009 Undergraduate course syllabi.

Spanish 319 - Introduction to Literary Analysis

The basic tools of textual analysis. Development of the ability to discuss literature in a critical manner through the study of its three most representative genres: narrative, poetry, and drama. An introduction to the technical terminology needed to articulate textual responses.

Spanish 322/323 - Introduction to Spanish American Literature I/II

Introduction to the literature of Spanish America from the beginnings to the end of the Romantic Period. Emphasis on literary currents and their relations to history and culture of the period. Representative poetry, narrative and drama.

Spanish 354 - Spanish for Native Speakers I

This course reviews Spanish grammar with an emphasis on the particular necessities of native Spanish speakers who have not studied the language extensively in an academic setting. Particular attention is given to writing and reading. Open only to native speakers of Spanish.

Portuguese 320 - Introduction to Portuguese Literature

Introduction to the literature of Portugal from the Middle Ages to 1700. The main literary currents and techniques of the period and their relation to history and culture. Selections from representative poetry, drama, and narrative. Taught in Portuguese. Prerequisite: PORTUG 240 or consent of instructor. (Gen.Ed. AL)

Portuguese 497D - The Story of Romance Languages
This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the history of the languages derived from Latin (mainly Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese) and of the people who speak them, as well as of their cultures. After an introduction to the origin of Homo Sapiens and human language, we will review the historical events that lead to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, its culture and language. Then we will analyze the fragmentation of the linguistic and political unity held through Latin and the Roman empire, at the birth of national languages, cultures and literatures during the Middle Ages. Also, the phonetic and syntactic similarities and differences between Romance languages will be studied and explained. The last topic will deal with the present situation of Romance languages within and outside of the European Community, their cultural and political reality and their future.