Spanish Courses

Spanish | Courses | Spanish & Portuguese Faculty

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

Note on all courses: Students not adequately prepared for the course in which they are registered may change to a lower level of Spanish through the fourth week of classes, on a space-available basis. The department reserves the right to remove from any class students who have not satisfied its prere-quisite(s). The department also reserves the right to remove from any class students who should be placed at a higher level.

Notes on Elementary and Intermediate Spanish sequences:

1. There are three sequences that cover the Elementary and Intermediate levels. Students interested in Spanish for General Purposes may complete SPAN 110, 120, 230 and 240. Students whose interest is in Spanish for Business and Administration may complete SPAN 111, 121, 231 and 241. Students who readily learn foreign languages may elect the intensive two-semester sequence SPAN 126 and 246. Those who might pursue language study beyond the intermediate level may prepare for this by enrolling in Intermediate Spanish for Specialists, SPAN 232 and 242.

2. All courses in Elementary and Intermediate Spanish progressively develop students' listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Grammar and vocabulary are introduced to support effective acquisition of communication skills. Aspects of culture of the Spanish-speaking world form the background to topics generated for practice of communication skills.

3. The foreign language requirement of the Colleges of Humanities and Fine Arts and Natural Sciences and Mathematics is fulfilled by completion of one of the following: SPAN 240, 241, 242 or 246.

4. Students unclear of their current proficiency should see the department for a placement test.

Credit restrictions on Elementary and Intermediate Spanish sequences:

1. Students may receive credit for only one course in each of the following groupings: 110/111; 120/121; 230/231/232; 240/241/242.

2. No more than six credits may be earned for any combination of courses at the Elementary level (SPAN 110-126). No more than six credits may earned for any combination of courses at the Intermediate level (SPAN 230-246).

110 Elementary Spanish I for General Purposes (both sem)

First of sequence of four courses providing students with skills necessary to communicate in Spanish on a variety of general-interest topics. For students who have little or no Spanish. With required lab.

111 Elementary Spanish I for Business and Administration (both sem)

First of sequence of four courses aimed at students whose area of professional interest is or will be in the commercial/business world. Sequence provides skills necessary to communicate in Spanish on a broad variety of commercial/business topics. For students with little or no Spanish. With required lab.

120 Elementary Spanish II for General Purposes (both sem)

With required lab. Prerequisite: SPAN 110 or 111 with grade of C or better.

121 Elementary Spanish II for Business and Administration (both sem)

With required lab. Prerequisite: SPAN 110 or 111 with grade of C or better.

126 Intensive Elementary Spanish
(both sem) 6 cr

Intensive course covering contents of SPAN 110 and 120 in one semester. For students with little or no Spanish. Not recommended for slow language learners. With required lab.

230 Intermediate Spanish I for General Purposes (both sem)

With required lab. Prerequisite: SPAN 120, 121, or 126 with grade of C or better.

231 Intermediate Spanish II for Business and Administration (both sem)

With required lab. Prerequisite: SPAN 120, 121 or 126 with grade of C or better.

232 Spanish for Specialists I

First of two-semester intermediate sequence for students who wish to carry out more in-depth study of Spanish at the intermediate level, who may be considering Spanish as a major or minor, or who have reached a good level of proficiency in the language and wish to perfect their skills. With required lab. Honors component offered. Prerequisite: at least a B average in prior college-level courses in Spanish, or consent of department's language program director.

240 Intermediate Spanish II for General Purposes (both sem)

With required lab. Focus on development of reading and writing skills within academic/literary area. Prerequisite: SPAN 230, 231 or 232 with grade of C or better.

241 Intermediate Spanish II for Business and Administration (both sem)

With required lab. Focus on development of reading and writing skills within business/commercial area. Prerequisite: SPAN 230, 231 or 232 with grade of C or better.

242 Spanish for Specialists II

Continuation of SPAN 232. With required lab. Focus on development of reading and writing skills within area of academic/literary discourse. Honors component offered. Prerequisite: at least a B average in prior college level courses in Spanish, or consent of department's language program director.

246 Intermediate Intensive Spanish
(both sem) 6 cr

Intensive course covering contents of SPAN 230 and 240 in one semester. Great-er focus in this course on development of reading and writing skills within area of academic/literary discourse. Not recommended for slow language learners. With required lab. Prerequisite: at least B in SPAN 126 or B average in SPAN 110 and 120, or consent of department's language program director.

301 Conversational Spanish I (both sem)

Discussion, guided conversation in Spanish on specific topics. Emphasis on further development of listening and speaking skills. Prerequisite: "C" average at intermediate college-level Spanish or consent of instructor.

302 Conversational Spanish II

Continuation of SPAN 301. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 or consent of instructor.

306 Golden Age Drama in Translation

Main dramatic works of the 16th and 17th centuries in English translation. Authors: Lope de Vega, Calderon de la Barca, Tirso de Molina. Not for major credit in Spanish.

309 Spanish American Women Writers in Translation

Introduction to selected works of major Spanish-American women writers, from the Colonial era to the present. Topics include: spiritual autobiography, poetry, short story, drama, novel and present women's voices from a number of Spanish-American countries as well as from the United States. Active participation in discussion, two short papers, one final research paper. Not for major credit in Spanish.

310 Continuing Spanish for Nonmajors (AT)

20th-century Latin American and Spanish short stories, plays, poetry, a short novel. Continuation of study of the Hispanic world in its literature. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or consent of instructor.

311 Advanced Spanish Grammar (both sem)

Advanced review of principal elements of Spanish grammar. For majors, minors, and others who plan to continue with Spanish beyond SPAN 240. Prerequisite: "C" average at intermediate college-level Spanish or consent of instructor.

312 Composition (both sem)

The basic principles of writing in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or consent of instructor.

313 Spanish Composition II/Junior Year Writing

For majors only. The elements of effective college-level composition, in Spanish and in English. Prerequisites: SPAN 312 and ENGLWP 112, or consent of instructor.

319 Introduction to Literary Analysis (AL)

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. Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or consent of instructor.

320 Literature of Spain I (AL) (both sem)

Introduction to the literature of Spain from the Middle Ages to 1700. Emphasis on literary currents and their relation to history and culture of the period. Representative poetry, narrative, drama. Prerequisite: SPAN 311 or consent of instructor.

321 Literature of Spain II (AL) (both sem)

Introduction to Spanish literature from 1700 to the present; emphasis on literary currents and their relation to culture and history of the period. Representative drama, poetry, and narrative. Prerequisite: SPAN 311 or consent of instructor.

322 Spanish American Literature I (ALG) (both sem)

Introduction to the literature of Spanish America from the beginnings to the end of the Romantic period. Emphasis on literary currents and their relation to history and culture of the period. Representative poetry, narrative, drama. Prerequisite: SPAN 311 or consent of instructor.

323 Spanish American Literature II (ALG) (both sem)

Introduction to the literature of Spanish America from the end of the Romantic period to the present. Emphasis on literary currents and their relation to history and culture of the period. Representative poetry, narrative, drama. Prerequisite: SPAN 311 or consent of instructor.

354 Spanish for Native Speakers I (1st sem)

Reviews Spanish grammar for native speakers. Emphasis on writing and speaking. Open only to native speakers of Spanish.

367 Hispanic Children's Literature

Oral and literary traditions in Hispanic children's literature. Emphasis on Latin America. Useful for students in elementary education. Prerequisite: SPAN 311 or consent of instructor.

370 General View of Hispanic Linguistics

Introduction to Spanish linguistics: language and communication, Spanish phonetics, phonology, syntax, and semantics. Introduction to psycholinguistics, socio-linguistics. Analysis of Peninsular and Spanish-American forms. Prerequisite: SPAN 378 or consent of instructor.

373 Contrastive Analysis of Spanish and English (2nd sem)

Comparative analysis of structures of English and Spanish, including lexical, phonetic, phonological, morphological, and syntactical systems. Prerequisite: SPAN 370 or consent of instructor.

378 Spanish Phonetics (both sem)

Language laboratory included. Sound system of Spanish, improvement of pronunciation, preparation in phonetics for future teachers. Readings on Spanish phonetics. Language lab work with videos and audio-cassettes. Prerequisite: SPAN 240 or consent of instructor.

415 Culture and Civilization of Spain

Spain's history and identity; the role of the church, women, and social classes. Use of literary and non-literary texts, and videos. Historical periods covered depend on the instructor and/or semester. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or 321 or 322 or 323, or consent of instructor.

417 Culture and Civilization of Spanish America (ALG)

The historical development of Spanish American culture and civilization through its different manifestations. Historical periods and topics covered depend on the instructor and/or semester. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or 321 or 322 or 323, or consent of instructor.

465 Business Spanish (2nd sem)

Presentation of major trends and developments in the Spanish-speaking world. Analysis of economic, legal, and international business issues. Utilization of Spanish terminology in commercial correspondence and business. Prerequisites: SPAN 311 or consent of instructor. Conducted in Spanish.

471 Linguistic Variety and Pluralism

Introduction to regional and social varieties of Spanish in Spain, Spanish America and the U.S., and to situations of language contact and multilingualism affecting Spanish in those areas. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or 321 or 322 or 323 or consent of instructor.

512 Spanish Language Minority in the U.S.

Literary, social, psychological, and dialectal aspects of language used to study the characteristics and values of the Hispanic minorities. Emphasis on Puerto Ricans and Cubans; Chicanos and other Hispanos also discussed. Articles in journals and government publications. Prerequisite: SPAN 322 or 323 or consent of instructor.

520 Spanish Literature, Beginning to 1500

Significant Spanish medieval works, prose and poetry; their literary and historical contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

521 Spanish Medieval Poetry

Medieval poetry in authentic versions; epic poetry, lyric poetry and other Spanish medieval poetry. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

522 Spanish Medieval Prose

Development of prose narrative from exemplum to early novels of the 15th century. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

531 Prose of the Golden Age

Major prose works of 16th- and 17th-century Spain: humanism, mysticism, the novel emphasized (excluding Don Quixote). Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

532 Lyric Poetry of the Golden Age

Spanish poetry of the 16th and 17th centuries from Garcilaso to GÛngora. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

533 Drama of the Golden Age

The significant comedias of the major 17th-century playwrights, from just before Lope de Vega to CalderÛn. Prerequisites: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

534 Cervantes

Intensive reading of Cervantes' masterpiece, in the context of the economic, sociological, and ideological factors of that time. Cervantes' significance in world literature stressed. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 or consent of instructor.

540 Spanish Literature, 1700 through Romanticism

The Enlightenment in Spain within the European context through works of FeijÛo, Cadalso and Jovellanos; the classical tradition and the neoclassic theater of MoratÌn; the Romantic movement: poetry of Espronceda, drama of Duque de Rivas and JosÈ Zorilla, and the articles of Larra. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or consent of instructor.

541 19th-Century Spanish Novel

Several novels of major 19th-century Spanish peninsular writers read closely and discussed from the standpoint of thematics and the evolution in novelistic techniques; selected works representing differing critical approaches reported on in class, discussed, and evaluated. Emphasis on developing competency in reading and analyzing literary texts. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or consent of instructor.

545 Modern Spanish Theater

Historical and critical view of the theater in Spain from the late 19th century to present. Includes the avant-garde and poetic theater, the revitalization of tragedy and farce as vehicles for innovation, and the satirical response of contemporary playwrights to Spanish rightist regimes and contemporary society in general. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or consent of instructor.

546 20th-Century Spanish Prose Fiction

The novel of Spain from 1898 to 1936; emphasis on the Generation of 1898 (Unamuno, Valle-Incl·n, Baroja, AzorÌn) and the vanguardist prose. Special attention to the novel as art form and its relations to the theories of the novel propos-ed by the same novelists or their contemporaries (especially Ortega y Gasset). Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or consent of instructor.

547 Modern Spanish Poetry

Lyric poetry in Spain from post-Romanticism to the present. Special concerns: Generations of 1898 and 1927, postwar poets, contemporary poetry. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or consent of instructor.

548 Modern Spanish Essay

Development of the essay in Spain from the late 19th century to the present, as a major vehicle for the expression of ideas and as a literary genre. Focus on Unamuno and Ortega; such figures as the Krausists, Ganivet; AzorÌn and Aranguren. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 or consent of instructor.

550 Spanish American Literature to Independence

Spanish American literature from the European arrival to the beginning of the Romantic period. Emphasis on representative authors (Bernal DÌaz, Garcilaso, Sor Juana, Ercilla), their search for originality and authenticity, and their relation with Western cultural ideas and the realities of the new land. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

551 Spanish American Literature from Independence to Modernismo

Selected works of the most representative Spanish American authors of the 19th century, from Independence to the early 1880s. Emphasis on historical as well as aesthetical developments, European literary movements and their adaptation in Spanish America, and the search for an original way of writing. Authors studied include Lizardi, Bello, EcheverrÌa, Heredia, GÛmez de Avellaneda, Isaacs, Sarmiento, and Hern·ndez. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

552 The Modernist Movement

The renovation of Spanish American literature from 1882 to 1916, focusing on the plurality of its aesthetical sources and ideological principles. The innovative impact of modernismo in the essay, prose fiction and poetry examined through works of MartÌ, GutiÈrrez-N·jera, Casal, Silva, DarÌo, RodÛ, Larreta, and Lugones. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

553 Spanish American Poetry Since Modernismo

The development of lyric poetry in Latin America since 1916. Emphasis on the avant-garde movement and its impact on Latin American poetic language. Readings: poetic works of Gonz·lez MartÌnez, LÛpez Velarde, Storni, Huidobro, Vallejo, Neruda, and Paz. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

554 Modern Spanish American Drama

Historical and critical view of the theater in Spanish America from the beginnings of the 20th century to the present. Focus on the intention to develop a valid and innovative drama by the critical adaptation of the experimental dramatic principles of this century to the Spanish American experience and cultural tradition. Authors include Florencio S·nchez, Roberto Arlt, RenÈ MarquÈs, Virgilio PiÒera, JosÈ Triana, and Luis R. S·nchez. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: either SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

555 Spanish American Prose Fictionó20th Century

Major Spanish American fiction writers in 20th century. Emphasis on regional and psychological fiction, and the experimental novel. Readings in literary history and criticism. Informal oral presentations. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

557 Hispanic Literature of the Caribbean

The literary development of the Hispanic Caribbean (emphasis on the 20th century in Puerto Rico and Cuba); this literary development related to the various historical, sociocultural, and economic phenomena that have influenced it. Readings: novels, drama, and poetry illustrative of these literary developments and of the principal cultural phenomena of the Hispanic Caribbean. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

558 The Spanish American Essay

The essay in Latin America (from the discovery to the present) as a literary genre and as a reflection of the various processes that have helped to shape that part of the world and create its cultural identity. Prerequisites: SPAN 322 and 323 or consent of instructor.

572 Hispanic Dialectology

Introduction to dialectology. The origin and present status of the Spanish spoken in the Americas, including the U.S. Prerequisite: SPAN 470 or consent of instructor.

574 Bilingualism and Language Contact

Introduction to history of language contact; theories developed from these contacts. Bilingualism as a sociological, psychological, and linguistic phenomenon. Active participation expected. Prerequisite: SPAN 470 or consent of instructor.

579 Structure of Modern Spanish

Comprehensive study of Spanish language structure including phonology, morphology, and syntax. Prerequisite: SPAN 470 or consent of instructor.

Spanish | Courses | Spanish & Portuguese Faculty