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Spanish

Requirements & Courses

  • 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.

  • Major Requirements

    Thirty-six credits at the 200 level or above which must include:

    1. Sixteen credits (16 cr) of upper-level Spanish classes.
    2. Successful completion of WLC 101
    3. Successful completion of English cognate: 4 credits from ENG 201, ENG 202, ENG 220, or ENG 320.
    4. 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.
    5. A minimum of one semester of approved international study in a Spanish-speaking country.
    6. 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).
    7. 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.
  • Minor Requirements

    Twenty-six credits, which must include:

    1. Two credits of WLC-101
    2. At least eight SPN credits at the 300 level.
    3. A semester or Spring Term of study in a Spanish-speaking country is highly recommended.
    4. 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).
  • 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.

  •
    Department Honors may be achieved in the World Languages and Cultures Department by:
    1. Having a 3.5 GPA in all classes applied to the major.
    2. Performing beyond minimum requirements on the Language Exam portion of the Departmental Comprehensive Evaluation.
    3. Presenting a senior thesis of honors caliber.
    Advanced Credit in a second language may be earned by:
    1. Scoring at the 4 level or higher on the Advanced Placement (AP) exam.
    2. 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

  • SPN
    105
    .
    Spanish Language and Culture
    2 credits
    Novice 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.
  • SPN
    109
    .
    Spanish Reading Club
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission only
    Guided 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.
  • SPN
    111
    .
    Beginning Spanish I
    4 Credits
    Beginning 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.
  • SPN
    112
    .
    Beginning Spanish II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 111 or Permission
    Intensive 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)
  • SPN
    150
    .
    Cultural Topics
    2 credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    151
    .
    Hispanic Geography and Peoples
    4 Credits
    Topics-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
  • SPN
    153
    .
    Health, Wellness, and Culture
    4 Credits
    Topics-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
  • SPN
    185
    .
    Service Learning in Spanish
    1 credit
    May be repeated for credit with a maximum of four credits applied toward the major or minor. Requires permission and placement.
  • SPN
    205
    .
    Language and Culture I
    4 Credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    207
    .
    Spanish for Health Care I
    2 credits
    Part 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.
  • SPN
    208
    .
    Spanish for Health Care II
    2 credits
    Part 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.
  • SPN
    209
    .
    Spanish Reading Club
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission only
    Guided 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.
  • SPN
    210
    .
    Spanish Language and Culture II
    4 Credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    221
    .
    Intermediate Spanish Language I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 112 or Placement
    Continuing 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)
  • SPN
    222
    .
    Intermediate Spanish Lang II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 221
    Continuing 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)
  • SPN
    223
    .
    Intermediate Spanish Language III
    4 credits
    Intermediate 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)
  • SPN
    224
    .
    Intermediate Spanish Language IV
    4 credits
    Intermediate 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)
  • SPN
    250
    .
    Cultural Topics
    2 credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    251
    .
    Art, Music, and Dance
    4 Credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    253
    .
    Sport, Health, and Wellness
    4 Credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    260
    .
    Cultural Topics
    2 credits
    Topics-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.
  • SPN
    261
    .
    Language and Culture in Spain
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    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)
  • SPN
    263
    .
    The Other America
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Travel 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)
  • SPN
    281
    .
    Conversation
    2 credits
    Fluency 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)
  • SPN
    299
    .
    Independent Reading
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Supervised study and research of an area not covered in available courses.
  • SPN
    309
    .
    Spanish Reading Club
    1 credit
    Guided 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.
  • SPN
    311
    .
    Spanish Grammar I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Intermediate 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)
  • SPN
    312
    .
    Spanish Grammar II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Intermediate 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)
  • SPN
    313
    .
    Spanish Grammar III
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Advanced 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)
  • SPN
    314
    .
    Spanish Grammar IV
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Advanced 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)
  • SPN
    315
    .
    Advanced Spanish Language
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Advanced 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)
  • SPN
    316
    .
    Advanced Spanish Language
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Advanced 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)
  • SPN
    321
    .
    Advanced Composition in Spanish
    4 credits
    Advanced composition in a variety of genres aimed at developing skills appropriate to professional as well as academic contexts. (Alma)
  • SPN
    322
    .
    Written Expression
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Development of written skills and creative expression in a variety of genres. Taught in programs abroad. Prerequisite is placement during study abroad.
  • SPN
    325
    .
    Investigation of Grammar
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Intensive review of Spanish grammatical theory and structures.
  • SPN
    329
    .
    Translation/Interpretation
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    This 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.
  • SPN
    330
    .
    Myths, Tales and Legends
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Reading and discussion of Hispanic folktales and traditional stories. Focus on cultural context and narrative tradition, combined with principles of orality and storytelling.
  • SPN
    331
    .
    Introduction to Hispanic Literature
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Combines 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)
  • SPN
    334
    .
    Mexican Culture and Civilization
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Introduction to the society and culture of Mexico from a historical perspective: political, religious and social institutions.
  • SPN
    335
    .
    Spanish for Business and Commerce
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Acquisition of specific commercial concepts and vocabulary in Spanish and the study of worldwide and local economic factors. (Alma, Alma Programs Abroad)
  • SPN
    340
    .
    Survey of Hispanic-American Literature
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Reading and discussion of selections from major works of Hispanic-American Literature and their relationships to contemporary and subsequent society and culture.
  • SPN
    343
    .
    Survey of Spanish Literature
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Reading and discussions of selections from the major works of Spanish literature and their relationship to contemporary and subsequent society and culture. (Segovia)
  • SPN
    344
    .
    Survey of Regional Hispanic Literature
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Reading and discussion of regional literature, poetry, novels and epics. Themes and authors include pre-Columbian legend, Romanticism, Modernism.
  • SPN
    350
    .
    History of Spanish Civilization
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Introduction 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)
  • SPN
    352
    .
    Hispanic-American Culture & Civilization
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Introduction 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)
  • SPN
    355
    .
    History of Art and Architecture
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Period 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)
  • SPN
    360
    .
    Spanish Literature to 1700
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 331 and WLC-101; or Permission
    Reading 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)
  • SPN
    362
    .
    Hispanic-American Literature to 1888
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 331, WLC-101; or Permission
    Reading 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)
  • SPN
    364
    .
    Indigenous Cultures
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Period, cultural, economic, and ethnic studies of the people of a specific country in Hispanic America. (Alma Programs Abroad)
  • SPN
    370
    .
    Spanish Literature Since 1700
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 331 and WLC 101 or Permission
    Reading 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)
  • SPN
    371
    .
    Religion & Culture in Spain
    4 Credits
    The 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.
  • SPN
    372
    .
    Hispanic-American Literature Since 1888
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: SPN 331 and WLC 101 or Permission
    Reading 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)
  • SPN
    373
    .
    Hispanic-American Theater
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101; or permission
    This 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.
  • SPN
    374
    .
    Regional History of Hispanic America
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    A comprehensive study of the history of specific regions of Hispanic America including pre-Columbian through contemporary issues. (Quito)
  • SPN
    375
    .
    Spanish Civil War in Film and Text
    4 credits
    This 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.
  • SPN
    377
    .
    Studies in Hispanic Film
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    This 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.
  • SPN
    380
    .
    Topics in Spanish
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Requires instructor permission. Prerequisites vary by topic.
  • SPN
    381
    .
    Public Speaking in Spanish
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 (may be taken concurrently), SPN 321, or Permission
    This 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.
  • SPN
    495
    .
    Thesis Preparation
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Requires instructor permission.
  • SPN
    499
    .
    Spanish Independent Study
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Supervised reading and research in an area not covered by available courses. Requires senior standing and instructor permission. (Alma)
  • SPN
    500
    .
    Senior Thesis
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: WLC 101 or permission
    Definition of a question, thesis paper and oral defense in Spanish. Requires senior standing and permission. (Alma)