Requirements & Courses
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Spanish courses, as designated by the three-letter prefix SPN, are taught in Spanish. World Languages and Cultures courses, as designated by the three-letter prefix WLC, are taught in English. Courses taught internationally may have a different emphasis from those offered on campus.
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Major Requirements
Thirty-six credits at the 200 level or above which must include:
- Sixteen credits (16 cr) of upper-level Spanish classes.
- Successful completion of WLC 101
- Successful completion of English cognate: 4 credits from ENG 201, ENG 202, ENG 220, or ENG 320.
- Students should be aware that a maximum of 6 credits (including WLC 101) may be taken wherein the primary language of instruction is English; courses must be pre-approved by the WLC department.
- A minimum of one semester of approved international study in a Spanish-speaking country.
- Language Proficiency must be demonstrated by taking an approved external proficiency exam. Majors are expected to perform at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Advanced-Low proficiency level as (averaged across the four skills listening, speaking, reading, writing).
- Students will write and defend, in open forum, an acceptable paper of moderate length reflecting on their study of Spanish, study abroad experience and how the role of language and culture combines with the mission of a liberal arts education.
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Minor Requirements
Twenty-six credits, which must include:
- Two credits of WLC-101
- At least eight SPN credits at the 300 level.
- A semester or Spring Term of study in a Spanish-speaking country is highly recommended.
- Language Proficiency must be demonstrated by taking an approved external proficiency exam. Spanish minors are expected to perform at the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Intermediate-High proficiency level (averaged across the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing).
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Spanish Teaching Major Requirements
Thirty-six credits (thirty-four of which must be beyond SPN 203) and which must include:
1. Successful completion of SPN-321.
2. At least four credits from each of the following groups:
- Spain Culture and Civilization - SPN-350, 355, 261/361
- Latin American Culture and Civilization - SPN-334, 352, 364, 374, 263/363
- Literature - SPN-331, 340, 343, 344, 360, 362, 370, 372, 373
3. Successful completion of ENG-225 and EDC-445F.
4. A minimum of one semester of approved international study in a Spanish-speaking country.
5. Students will write and defend, in open forum, an acceptable paper of moderate length reflecting on their study of Spanish, study abroad experience and how the role of language and culture combines with the mission of a liberal arts education.
In order to be recommended for teacher certification, students must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification subject area test in Spanish as well as the ACTFL - OPI at the Advanced-Low level. The Teacher Education Program is proactive about informing students of opportunities for taking these tests.
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Department Honors may be achieved in the World Languages and Cultures Department by:
- Having a 3.5 GPA in all classes applied to the major.
- Performing beyond minimum requirements on the Language Exam portion of the Departmental Comprehensive Evaluation.
- Presenting a senior thesis of honors caliber.
Advanced Credit in a second language may be earned by:- Scoring at the 4 level or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
- Successful completion of International Baccalaureate (IB) exams taken at the Higher Level (HL) with earned scores of (5) or above or earning a minimum score of (5) for the National Foreign Language Examination.
Courses
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SPN105.Spanish Language and Culture2 creditsNovice level course designed to practice communication, emphasizing conversational skills at the ACTFL Novice-Mid to high proficiency levels. NOTE: Open to students who have had two to three years of high school credit, or a college SPN course at the 100 level.
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SPN109.Spanish Reading Club1 creditPrerequisite: Permission onlyGuided reading at the 100, 200, or 300 levels. 100 level texts are generally written for language learners at the intermediate-low level and 200 level texts at the intermediate-high level. 300 level texts are written for native speakers, be they literary works, popular novels, or peer-reviewed articles. May be repeated for credit. Pass / fail graded course.
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SPN111.Beginning Spanish I4 CreditsBeginning level language acquisition course which includes an introduction to present and past tenses and high frequency vocabulary in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Novice-Mid proficiency level. Course is designed for students with limited previous Spanish language experience. NOTE: Students who have completed 3 or more years of high school Spanish study are not eligible to enroll at this level.
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SPN112.Beginning Spanish II4 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 111 or PermissionIntensive course for beginners in Spanish. Primary objective: to help students begin early and meaningful communication in Spanish by acquiring necessary basic skills. Emphasizes all four language skills: reading, writing, and especially listening and speaking. Secondary objective: to provide insight into Hispanic culture and society through readings, discussions and activities. NOTE: Students who have earned credit for three or more years of high school Spanish may not enroll in SPN 111 or 112. (Offered by Alma Programs Abroad only)
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SPN150.Cultural Topics2 creditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Novice-high/Intermediate-Low proficiency levels. Topics vary; may be repeated for credit. NOTE: Open to students who have taken up to three years of high school Spanish. Course fee.
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SPN151.Hispanic Geography and Peoples4 CreditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Novice-high/Intermediate-low proficiency levels. This is a high-beginner course, appropriate for students who have completed 1-year of high school Spanish. Course fee. Prerequisite: Minimum 1-year high school Spanish or SPN 111 or SPN 113
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SPN153.Health, Wellness, and Culture4 CreditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Novice-high/Intermediate-low proficiency levels. This is a high-beginner course, appropriate for students who have completed 1-year of high school Spanish. Course fee. Prerequisite: Minimum 1-year high school Spanish or SPN 111 or SPN 113
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SPN185.Service Learning in Spanish1 creditMay be repeated for credit with a maximum of four credits applied toward the major or minor. Requires permission and placement.
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SPN205.Language and Culture I4 CreditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Intermediate-low/Intermediate-mid proficiency levels. Significant focus on the past tenses, pronouns, and narrative structures. This is an intermediate-level course, appropriate for students who have completed 3 or more years of high school Spanish. Course fee.
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SPN207.Spanish for Health Care I2 creditsPart I of a 2-credit, 2-course sequence that introduces basic vocabulary and cultural information specific to health care contexts in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). This sequence will not be sufficient for translation or interpretation certification, nor for practicing medicine in Spanish, but it provides basic communication skills that students could build on if they so choose. SPN 207 is not appropriate for students with no previous Spanish experience, nor for students who have the equivalent of SPN 202 or higher. Course fee.
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SPN208.Spanish for Health Care II2 creditsPart II of a 2-credit, 2-course sequence that introduces basic vocabulary and cultural information specific to health care contexts in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). This sequence will not be sufficient for translation or interpretation certification, nor for practicing medicine in Spanish, but it provides basic communication skills that students could build on if they so choose. SPN 208 is not appropriate for students with no previous Spanish experience, nor for students who have the equivalent of SPN 203 or higher. Course fee.
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SPN209.Spanish Reading Club1 creditPrerequisite: Permission onlyGuided reading at the 100, 200, or 300 levels. 100 level texts are generally written for language learners at the intermediate-low level and 200 level texts at the intermediate-high level. 300 level texts are written for native speakers, be they literary works, popular novels, or peer-reviewed articles. May be repeated for credit. Pass / fail graded course.
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SPN210.Spanish Language and Culture II4 CreditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Intermediate-mid/Intermediate-high proficiency levels. Significant focus on the subjunctive, advanced grammatical and rhetorical structures. This is an intermediate-level course, appropriate for students who have completed 3 or more years of high school Spanish. Course fee.
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SPN221.Intermediate Spanish Language I4 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 112 or PlacementContinuing study of the Spanish language with additional emphasis on reading and writing skills. Study of Hispanic culture and close reading of selected Hispanic texts from various genres. Extensive grammar review, composition, and oral-aural practice. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN222.Intermediate Spanish Lang II4 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 221Continuing study of the Spanish language with additional emphasis on reading and writing skills. Study of Hispanic culture and close reading of selected Hispanic texts from various genres. Extensive grammar review, composition, and oral-aural practice. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN223.Intermediate Spanish Language III4 creditsIntermediate level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed second year college Spanish but whose language skills need strengthening before they enter upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement into this course. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN224.Intermediate Spanish Language IV4 creditsIntermediate level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed second year college Spanish but whose language skills need strengthening before they enter upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN250.Cultural Topics2 creditsTopics-based analysis of culture focused on the development of intercultural competencies and language proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Intermediate - Low/Mid proficiency levels. Topics vary; may be repeated for credit. Course fee.
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SPN251.Art, Music, and Dance4 CreditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Intermediate-low/Intermediate-mid proficiency levels. This is an intermediate-level course, appropriate for students who have completed 3 or more years of high school Spanish. Course fee.
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SPN253.Sport, Health, and Wellness4 CreditsTopics-based approach to developing intercultural awareness and increasing Spanish proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Intermediate-low/Intermediate-mid proficiency levels. This is an intermediate-level course, appropriate for students who have completed 3 or more years of high school Spanish. Course fee.
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SPN260.Cultural Topics2 creditsTopics-based analysis of culture focused on the development of intercultural competencies and language proficiency in all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) at the ACTFL Intermediate-Mid proficiency level. Topics vary; may be repeated for credit. Course fee.
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SPN261.Language and Culture in Spain4 creditsPrerequisite: PermissionSpanish language instruction, investigation and comparative studies of social and ethnic issues. Students live with a host family. Destination may vary. Course fee. (Spring Term course)
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SPN263.The Other America4 creditsPrerequisite: PermissionTravel and study in “The Other America.” Spanish language instruction, investigation and comparative studies of social and ethnic issues. Students live with a host family. Destination may vary. Course fee. (Spring term course)
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SPN281.Conversation2 creditsFluency in oral expression developed through extensive class discussion. May include oral reports, summaries of reading and viewing materials, phonetics and pronunciation exercises, colloquial expressions and creative dramatic performance. May be repeated for a total of four credits. (Alma, Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN299.Independent Reading1 creditPrerequisite: PermissionSupervised study and research of an area not covered in available courses.
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SPN309.Spanish Reading Club1 creditGuided reading at the 100, 200, or 300 levels. 100 level texts are generally written for language learners at the intermediate-low level and 200 level texts at the intermediate-high level. 300 level texts are written for native speakers, be they literary works, popular novels, or peer-reviewed articles. May be repeated for credit. Pass / fail graded course.
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SPN311.Spanish Grammar I4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionIntermediate level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed third year college Spanish but whose language skills need strengthening as they pursue upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma, Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN312.Spanish Grammar II4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionIntermediate level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed third year college Spanish but whose language skills need strengthening as they pursue upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma, Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN313.Spanish Grammar III4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionAdvanced level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed third year college Spanish and who are pursuing upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN314.Spanish Grammar IV4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionAdvanced level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed third year college Spanish and who are pursuing upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN315.Advanced Spanish Language4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionAdvanced level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed third year college Spanish and who are pursuing upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN316.Advanced Spanish Language4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionAdvanced level study of Spanish. Designed for students who have completed third year college Spanish and who are pursuing upper level courses while studying abroad. Requires placement. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN321.Advanced Composition in Spanish4 creditsAdvanced composition in a variety of genres aimed at developing skills appropriate to professional as well as academic contexts. (Alma)
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SPN322.Written Expression4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionDevelopment of written skills and creative expression in a variety of genres. Taught in programs abroad. Prerequisite is placement during study abroad.
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SPN325.Investigation of Grammar2-4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionIntensive review of Spanish grammatical theory and structures.
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SPN329.Translation/Interpretation4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionThis is a service-learning course in which students will study and practice theories and techniques of translation and interpretation. Students will apply their developing skills to Spanish translations of English-language materials submitted by a variety of community organizations.
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SPN330.Myths, Tales and Legends4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionReading and discussion of Hispanic folktales and traditional stories. Focus on cultural context and narrative tradition, combined with principles of orality and storytelling.
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SPN331.Introduction to Hispanic Literature4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionCombines practical and theoretical approaches to reading and understanding literature from Spain and the Americas. Study of the attributes of various genres as well as selected works representative of the same. Provides the basic analytical foundation necessary for advanced study and interpretation of Hispanic literature required for the major. (Alma)
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SPN334.Mexican Culture and Civilization4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionIntroduction to the society and culture of Mexico from a historical perspective: political, religious and social institutions.
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SPN335.Spanish for Business and Commerce4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionAcquisition of specific commercial concepts and vocabulary in Spanish and the study of worldwide and local economic factors. (Alma, Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN340.Survey of Hispanic-American Literature4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionReading and discussion of selections from major works of Hispanic-American Literature and their relationships to contemporary and subsequent society and culture.
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SPN343.Survey of Spanish Literature4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionReading and discussions of selections from the major works of Spanish literature and their relationship to contemporary and subsequent society and culture. (Segovia)
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SPN344.Survey of Regional Hispanic Literature4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionReading and discussion of regional literature, poetry, novels and epics. Themes and authors include pre-Columbian legend, Romanticism, Modernism.
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SPN350.History of Spanish Civilization4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionIntroduction to the history of Spanish civilization and culture. Political, religious and social institutions; art, architecture, literature and music. Readings, lectures, compositions and discussions in Spanish. (Alma, Alma Programs in Spain)
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SPN352.Hispanic-American Culture & Civilization4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionIntroduction to society and culture of contemporary Hispanic-America through examination of political, social, religious and artistic forces. Emphasis on social-political problems and their effect on the United States. Readings, lectures, compositions and discussions in Spanish. (Alma, Alma Programs in Hispanic-America)
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SPN355.History of Art and Architecture4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionPeriod and manner studies of the great Spanish and Hispanic-American painters. Vision of aesthetic ideas through painting. Architectural concepts and styles. Site visits in Madrid and the surrounding area. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN360.Spanish Literature to 17004 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 331 and WLC-101; or PermissionReading and discussion of the major works of the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods in Spain: the Cantar del Mio Cid, La Celestina, Lazarillo de Tormes; poetry of Garcilaso, San Juan de la Cruz, Gongora and Quevedo; drama of Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina and Calderon. (Alma)
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SPN362.Hispanic-American Literature to 18884 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 331, WLC-101; or PermissionReading and discussion of principal works in Hispanic-American literature from pre-Columbian to Modern: chronicles of the Conquest, poetry of the Colonial period, poetry and prose of Romanticism, Realism and Naturalism. (Alma)
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SPN364.Indigenous Cultures4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionPeriod, cultural, economic, and ethnic studies of the people of a specific country in Hispanic America. (Alma Programs Abroad)
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SPN370.Spanish Literature Since 17004 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 331 and WLC 101 or PermissionReading and discussion of representative works from the Romantic period to the present in Spain: Becquer, Galdos, Unamuno, Ortega y Gasset, Garcia Lorca and others. (Alma, Alma Programs in Spain)
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SPN371.Religion & Culture in Spain4 CreditsThe role of religion in Spanish culture including Roman Christianization, the splendor of Al Andalus, anti-clerical movements, and post-war secularism. Students will engage with a variety of literary and non-literary texts to explore one of the foundational pillars of Spanish culture and identity.
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SPN372.Hispanic-American Literature Since 18884 creditsPrerequisite: SPN 331 and WLC 101 or PermissionReading and discussion of representative works in Hispanic-American literature from Modernism to the present: Dario, Marti, Borges, Neruda, Paz, Cortazar, Vargas Llosa, Fuentes, Garcia Marquez and others. (Alma, Alma Programs in Hispanic America)
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SPN373.Hispanic-American Theater4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101; or permissionThis course introduces students to select texts and movements of twentieth and twenty-first century Hispanic-American drama and performance. We will analyze and engage with dramatic texts, performances, and key theoretical perspectives to approach questions of theater practices and intersections with society and politics, representations of race/ethnicity, class, gender/sex/sexuality. Although the course includes all four skill areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening), the course emphasizes oral production through class presentations, dramatic readings, performance, etc.
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SPN374.Regional History of Hispanic America4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionA comprehensive study of the history of specific regions of Hispanic America including pre-Columbian through contemporary issues. (Quito)
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SPN375.Spanish Civil War in Film and Text4 creditsThis course explores the historical background and socio-political context of the Second Republic and the Civil War in Spain. Students will engage with a variety of literary and non-literary texts, music, and film to explore how the war was reflected and is remembered through different media.
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SPN377.Studies in Hispanic Film4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionThis course, taught in Spanish, examines contemporary Hispanic cultural issues through a critical analysis of Hispanic film. Goals include learning to watch film critically to understand how cinematographic elements contribute to a deeper analytic understanding of the film. Additionally, students will critically examine the ways films engage with history and culture, analyzing them as sources of knowledge. Possible course fee.
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SPN380.Topics in Spanish2-4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionRequires instructor permission. Prerequisites vary by topic.
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SPN381.Public Speaking in Spanish4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 (may be taken concurrently), SPN 321, or PermissionThis course, taught in Spanish, focuses on developing effective oral communication skills in a variety of contexts, with emphasis on diagnosing rhetorical situations, inventing and delivering informative and persuasive presentations, and facilitating public discussion. Students will become more effective communicators through researching, outlining, writing, presenting, discussing, critiquing, and revising their own work, as well as that of their peers and of other public speakers. The structure of the course allows students to pair other majors/interests with Spanish.
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SPN495.Thesis Preparation1 creditPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionRequires instructor permission.
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SPN499.Spanish Independent Study1 creditPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionSupervised reading and research in an area not covered by available courses. Requires senior standing and instructor permission. (Alma)
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SPN500.Senior Thesis4 creditsPrerequisite: WLC 101 or permissionDefinition of a question, thesis paper and oral defense in Spanish. Requires senior standing and permission. (Alma)