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Semester
100
3
LTNST 100 Introduction to Latina/o Studies
This course provides an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of Latinas/os in the United States, beginning with a historical overview of the major events in the U.S. southwest, Mexico, and the Caribbean that led to the creation of Latina/o communities in this country. Within this historical context, the course explores a number of themes: 1) the reasons for migration and the effects on identity of movement between countries and within the United States; 2) the social protest movements of the 1960s, including Chicano and Puerto Rican nationalism, the farmworker movement, and Latina feminism; and 3) present-day issues as they affect the major Latina/o groups in the United States, attending to both similarities and differences within and between the major groups.
Bachelor of Arts: Humanities
United States Cultures (US)
General Education: Humanities (GH)
GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking
GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies
Instructor(s)
100
3
SPAN 100 Intermediate Grammar and Composition
An intermediate level grammar review that also incorporates directed and original composition exercises.
Prerequisite
SPAN 003 or SPAN 020
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit)
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
100
3
SPAN 100A Intermediate Grammar for Spanish Bilinguals
This course will review various grammar and writing topics in formal academic Spanish to help students use the language successfully in various contexts. SPAN 100A is a place for students to increase their comfort level writing in Spanish, expand their vocabulary, become more familiar with different varieties of Spanish, learn when to use written accents, and connect everything they already know in the language with the linguistic terms that are used in Spanish classes. The course also watches a Spanish telenovela together.
Prerequisite
Placement
Bachelor of Arts
Humanities
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
Instructor(s)
100
3
SPAN 100B Intermediate Grammar for Healthcare Professionals
Intermediate Grammar and Composition for Students in Medical-Related Fields. SPAN 100B Intermediate Grammar and Composition for Students in Medical-Related Fields (3) The main goals of the course are to help students develop their competence in using medical terminology in Spanish and to become familiar with the cultural aspects in the health care of Latinos/Hispanics in the United States. In addition, the course will review intermediate level Spanish-language grammar and will provide structure to improve students receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills needed for this specialized vocabulary. During the semester students will learn and practice health terminology in Spanish, and they will apply the specialized vocabulary through case scenarios, noticias (news) and readings. Participants will be exposed to Spanish from the first day and are expected to stay up-to date with the current health news as it relates to the Hispanic/Latino population of the United States. The course is intended for those who are beyond the basic level of Spanish (must have taken Span 003), but participants are not expected to be fluent speakers.
Prerequisite
SPAN 003 or SPAN 020
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
100
3
SPAN 100H Honors Intermediate Grammar and Composition
Honors section of intermediate grammar and composition.
100
3
SPAN 105 Elementary Spanish I for Students in the Agricultural Sciences
The course covers basic Spanish, grammar, and oral, aural, and writing skills for students in the Agricultural Sciences. Students who have received high school credit for two or more years of Spanish may not schedule this course for credit without the permission of the instructor. This course does not count toward Spanish majors or the Spanish minor. SPAN 105 Elementary Spanish I for Students in the Agricultural Sciences (4)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The class will focus on the development of basic language skills, socio-cultural awareness and discourse. The class periods will be used to develop: (1) the student's knowledge of Spanish as a linguistic code through mastery of a personalized vocabulary as well as common idiomatic language structures important to the student's ability to communicate with Spanish speakers employed in their area of agricultural interest; (2) the student's understanding of major grammatical concepts critical to effective communication in work management within the food, agriculture and natural resources industries; (3) the student's cultural awareness of the varied Spanish speaking cultures with which the student will come into contact in the workplace; and (4) the student's ability to be creative with their knowledge of the language as it relates to the development of self-confidence and effective communicative proficiency in Spanish. Frequent short quizzes and the collection and grading of are important components of the course as they are used to encourage the use of Spanish on a daily basis. Classroom activities will be designed to require students to use and develop their communication skills in Spanish to communicate efficiently and relate personally to Spanish speakers. Students will be evaluated based on homework, quizzes, exams, and class participation. Students who have received high school credit for four years of Spanish may not schedule this course for credit, without the permission of the instructor.
Bachelor of Arts
Humanities
Instructor(s)
100
3
SPAN 106 Elementary Spanish II for Students in the Agricultural Sciences
Further development of basic Spanish skills and the cultural awareness needed to work with Spanish speakers in the agricultural industries. SPAN 106 Elementary Spanish II for Students in the Agricultural Sciences (4) The class will focus on further development of the elementary language skills, socio-cultural awareness and discourse introduced in SPAN 105. It will also build on the agricultural concepts introduced in Spanish 105. The class periods will be used to develop further: (1) the student's knowledge of Spanish as a linguistic code through further mastery of a personalized vocabulary as well as common idiomatic language structures important to the student's ability to communicate with Spanish speakers employed in their area of agricultural interest; (2) the student's understanding of major grammatical concepts critical to effective communication in work management within the food, agriculture and natural resources industries; (3) the student's cultural awareness of the varied Spanish speaking cultures with which the student will come into contact in the workplace; and (4) the student's ability to be creative with their knowledge of the language as it relates to the development of self-confidence and effective communicative proficiency in Spanish. Frequent short quizzes and the collection and grading homework assignments are important components of the course as they are used to encourage the use of Spanish on a daily basis. Classroom activities will be designed to require students to use and develop their communication skills in Spanish to communicate efficiently and relate personally to Spanish speakers. Students will be evaluated based on homework, quizzes, exams, and class participation. Students who have received high school credit for four years of Spanish may not schedule this course for credit, without the permission of the instructor. This course does not count toward Spanish majors or the Spanish minor.
Prerequisite
SPAN 105
100
3
SPAN 130 Iberian Civilization
Spanish 130 is a general education course on Iberian culture and civilization. The goal of this course is to provide the student with a broad, general introduction to the lands, peoples, history, and cultures of the area known as Spain and Portugal; to inform the student about the region¿s ethnic diversity, cultural heritages, and problems of development; to investigate vital symbols, myths, figures, icons, superstitions, and faiths; to foster critical thinking and associative skills; to suggest continuity and draw parallels between past and present; and to allow for a framework for undertaking further study. This course will survey the civilizations of these European lands and we will get an overview of the main historical events that make up this rich and complex history. The course is designed to expose students to the full range of Iberian history and diversity. Since we are covering centuries of history and several other variables (linguistic, artistic, ethnic, religious, political, economic, geographic, biologic, etc.), this tour will of necessity be pretty rudimentary. However, students will acquire an understanding of the diverse cultural currents and historical milestones that contributed to the creation of modern Spain and Portugal.
Bachelor of Arts
Humanities, International Cultures (IL)
General Education
Humanities (GH)
GenEd Learning Objective
Crit and Analytical Think, Global Learning, Integrative Thinking
100
3
SPAN 131 Ibero-American Civilization
SPAN 131 Ibero American Civilization (3) (GH; IL; US) (BA): Spanish American and Brazilian life from the Conquest to the present; including studies of literature, art, the indigenous heritage, and contemporary problems. This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.The nations and peoples of Latin America have a unique, interesting history and cultural heritage that are rooted in the traditions, beliefs, experiences, values, and struggles of Native American, European, African and other populations. As close neighbors and major trading partners of the United States, Latin American republics have both benefited and suffered from the proximity and foreign policies of the northern capitalist democracy, and have contributed to its strength and growing ethno-racial diversity. This course aims to provide the student with a broad, general introduction to the lands, peoples, and history of Latin America; to inform the student about the region's ethnic diversity, cultural background, and problems of development; and to promote appreciation for the values and practices of other cultures, and a better understanding of relations between the nations of the region and the United States. Traditional resident classes will usually combine presentation of content and discussion of reading assignments, with an expectation of high student participation. Films, videos, and recordings will enhance and illustrate readings. This course will fulfill the Humanities Breadth and Cultural Diversity requirements. The course does not count toward credits in the major or minor in Spanish because it is taught in English. Nevertheless, it will complement the department's offerings by providing students with a greater appreciation of Latin America's cultural origins, socioeconomic development, and everyday realities.
Bachelor of Arts
Humanities, World Cultures, International Cultures (IL), United States Cultures (US)
General Education
Humanities (GH)
GenEd Learning Objective
Crit and Analytical Think, Global Learning, Integrative Thinking
100
3
SPAN 132 Afro-Hispanic Civilization
A general introduction to human and cultural elements of African origin in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries of Latin America. SPAN 132 / AFR 132 / AFAM 132 Afro-Hispanic Civilization (3) (IL) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The nations and peoples of Latin America have a unique, interesting history and cultural heritage that are rooted in the traditions, beliefs, experiences, values, and struggles of Native American, European, African and other populations. This course focuses on the presence and participation of African peoples and their descendants in the formation and development of societies and cultures in representative areas of the Caribbean, South America, and Central America and on the evolution, diversity, and richness of the African heritage therein. Course content includes the African background, the experience and impact of slavery, the social, cultural, and economic heritage of slavery, the role of race in Latin America, and Afro-Hispanic intellectual, literary, and artistic developments (e.g., aspects of folklore, music). The course aims to provide students with a general introduction to human and cultural elements of African origin within the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking nations of the Americas so that they may be more knowledgeable of the meaning, significance and widespread influence of the African diaspora. It proposes to provide the student with a better understanding of Africa's contribution to Latin American identity, diversity, culture, and development; to promote appreciation for the values and practices of other cultures, and greater awareness of the relations between the nations of the region and the United States.
200
3
SPAN 200 Intensive Grammar and Composition
Intensive grammar review and composition for majors and prospective majors.
Prerequisite
SPAN 100 or by placement
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit)
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
200
3
SPAN 200A Intensive Grammar for Spanish Bilinguals
This course allows students to further hone the skills they developed in SPAN 100A by practicing several genres of writing. SPAN 200A is a place for students to participate in all steps of the writing process, practice proper citation of sources, continue growing their vocabulary, and examine more complex linguistic structures. The overall course goal is for students to gain confidence using Spanish in academic and professional contexts.
Prerequisite
SPAN 100A
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
Instructor(s)
200
3
SPAN 210 Readings in Iberian Civilization
Intermediate level readings on Iberian history, culture, and society.
200
3-6
Spring 2026
English
SPAN 210N / IT 210N / PORT 210N: Multilingual and Intercultural Communication
This Multilingual and Intercultural Communication course will showcase the fundamental components of the intersection of language and culture through humanities and social science. The content of this course focuses on linguistic strategies for succeeding in multilingual environments as well as intercultural communication practices for navigating new environments. Students will learn how language and culture inform each other through the examination of cultures within the United States and internationally. Students interested in traveling to Spain and Italy for two weeks in May 2026 should email Lauren Halberstadt, Ph.D. at lyp5028@psu.edu for more information.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 9:05 a.m.-9:55 a.m.
Optional embedded travel to Spain and Italy in May 2026
This interdomain course counts for BA, GH, GS, IL, US, and Other Cultures.
Instructor(s)
200
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 215N The Science of Spanish: A Beginner’s Guide to Hispanic Linguistics
Through hands-on experiences, students will uncover how the scientific study of Spanish reveals the intricate patterns and principles behind the language. In this course, we will explore Spanish dialect varieties, language structures, and pronunciation — all while uncovering the science behind the language. In SPAN 215N: The Science of Spanish, students will conduct speech analysis, compare Spanish accents, and explore how technology can be used to learn and preserve indigenous and endangered Spanish varieties.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m.
Prerequisite
SPAN 100 or SPAN 100A or SPAN 100B or SPAN 100C or SPAN 100H or SPAN 200
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), Humanities, World Cultures, Social and Behavioral Sciences
General Education
Humanities (GH), Social and Behavioral Scien (GS), Integrative: Interdomain Honors
GenEd Learning Objective
Effective Communication, Crit and Analytical Think, Integrative Thinking, Key Literacies
This course is required toward the Spanish major and can count toward the Spanish minor
Instructor(s)
200
3
SPAN 220 Readings in Ibero-American Civilization
Intermediate level readings in Latin American civilization and culture.
200
3
SPAN 230 Masterpieces of Spanish Literature in English Translation
Study of major works of Spanish literature in English translation.
200
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 253W Introduction to Literary & Cultural Studies en Español
This course guides students toward the development of skills that will enable them to move toward a greater awareness of how literary and other cultural productions create effects and reactions in readers, viewers, and/or listeners. Moreover, it engages with these forms of expression as reflections of the diverse contexts and communities from which they emerge, situating works by a range of voices from across Latin America, Spain, and/or the U.S. within their historical, political, social, economic, and artistic contexts. Along the way, as distinctive features of each selection are highlighted, students become equipped with key tools and strategies of literary and cultural interpretation. Emphasizing critical thinking and a communicative approach to language learning, the course invites students to explore fiction, poetry, drama, film and/or other areas of cultural production (such as music, painting, photography, performance, and/or comics) through conversations and activities designed to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in Spanish, as well as to deepen their cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 1:25 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 10:35 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
Prerequisite
SPAN 100; SPAN 100A; SPAN 100B; SPAN 100C; SPAN 100H
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities, World Cultures, International Cultures (IL)
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
General Education
Humanities (GH)
Honors
GenEd Learning Objective
Effective Communication, Crit and Analytical Think, Integrative Thinking
Writing Across the Curriculum
Instructor(s)
200
Spring 2026
SPAN 296N Theater and Performance
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 3:05 p.m.-4:20 p.m.
Instructor(s)
200
3
SPAN 297 Introduction to Latin American Visual Culture
Study of Latin American visual expression through photographs, movies, art, and visual media.
200
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 297 Narrating ourselves (From the I to the We): For speakers of Spanish as a heritage language
This course offers a wide variety of pedagogical tools that allow students to explore the study of the Spanish language from the perspective of someone who grew up with Spanish at home or in the community. It entails the recognition of linguistic and cultural patterns that serve as a foundation for completing various classroom activities and reflections. To achieve this, the course integrates modern information and communication technologies, producing diverse forms of textuality (audio, photography, video, written language) and genres (interview, scriptwriting, essay, memoir, chronicle, etc.). This effort aims to identify unique identity traits that transcend the individual, addressing themes of family and community.
Who should take Spanish 297? Heritage students aiming to delve into the study of their language and identity will find an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge of their cultural framework. Simultaneously, they will acquire powerful linguistic tools to elevate their professional standards within a highly competitive and sensitive professional environment.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 12:20 p.m.-1:10 p.m.
Bachelor of Arts
Humanities
Instructor(s)
300
3
SPAN 300 Advanced Grammar and Composition
Advanced grammar review and composition for proficient communication.
300
3
SPAN 300B Advanced Grammar and Composition for Spanish Bilinguals
Advanced grammar and writing skills for Spanish heritage speakers.
300
3
SPAN 305 Spanish for Social Services
SPAN 305 provides practical language applications for students going into social work, psychology, and the legal and medical professions. At the same time, there is an emphasis on the wide range of historic, linguistic and cultural influences that make up the Hispanic community in the United States today. Students will read and discuss relevant resources to develop an understanding of the social and cultural nuance in the above professions with respect to Spanish and Spanish speakers.
Prerequisite
SPAN 215 or 253W
300
3
SPAN 310 Business Spanish
This course, Business Spanish, introduces students to the intercultural communication skills at the intersection of multilingualism and professional language. The overarching goal is to prepare students of all majors and academic backgrounds to succeed in navigating professional contexts using their Spanish language skills. Students will learn foundational elements of business language and linguistic strategies, explore real world examples of business and marketing, and put those talents to practice. Students will also learn translation, interpreting, and localization as skills that are highly relevant to international business. The focus of this course is on language use in the global Spanish context.
300
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 314 Spanish Sounds
This course covers Spanish phonetics and phonology. In SPAN 314, we will discuss the inventory of consonants and vowels in Spanish, how they are articulated, and the phonological contexts in which they appear. Time will be spent on overcoming common pronunciation challenges faced by English-speaking learners of Spanish. We will also consider various dialects of Spanish with respect to how they differ in their pronunciation and the particular sounds that make them distinct.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m.
Prerequisite
SPAN 215
Instructor(s)
300
Spring 2026
SPAN 315N Spanish and Spanish speakers in the U.S.
This course, taught in Spanish, examines the use and role of Spanish in the United States, asking who speaks it, when, where, and why, and exploring its importance in Hispanic and Latino identity formation and U.S. society. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the linguistic dynamics of U.S Latino communities, in connection with cultural and historical aspects. Through hands-on assignments and a final project involving an interview with a Latina/o individual, students will practice critical and integrative thinking and cross-cultural analysis.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 12:05 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
The course fulfills General Education requirements in Communication, Literacies, and Humanities.
Instructor(s)
300
3
SPAN 316 Spanish Morphology and Syntax
Building words and sentences in Spanish" is an introduction to the study of Spanish morphology and syntax. In linguistics, morphology is the study of the morphemes (e.g. affixes, words, roots) of language and how they combine together to form words. Syntax is the study of how words combine together to form phrases and sentences. Because this course is for Spanish majors and minors, the focus in this course is on the structure of words, phrases, and sentences in Spanish, how Spanish compares to other languages, and how morphology and syntax vary across Spanish dialects. Special focus will be made on explaining the kinds of errors typical of English-speaking learners of Spanish as a second language, and a primary goal of the course is for students to improve their proficiency in using Spanish morphosyntax. The course is taught in Spanish.
Prerequisite
SPAN 215
300
3
SPAN 326 Reading the Border/Lands
This course examines representations of the U.S.-Mexico border in relation to the actual geographic space. SPAN 326 Reading the Border/Lands (3) (GH;US) This class will center on discussions of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands in cultural theory and practice. "Borderlands" is understood as a transcultural space filled with physical, cultural, economic, political, and mythical elements. The aim is to view how different artists from the Borderlands, both northern Mexican and Chicano, mediate their borderlands reality. That is to say, the goal of the class is to examine the different imaginative geographies in the borderlands. We examine a wide-ranging mix of cultural texts that includes prose, poetry, essays, and performance art, as well as film and video art. We explore how writers have historically rethought notions of citizenship, identity, and culture to create more fluid spaces of representation in cultural contact zones. We will in particular, pay close attention to the relationship between national geography and the shaping of regional identities and popular cultures and relationships between the maps that nations draw and the cultural forms that cut across them.
300
3
SPAN 353 Topics in the Cultures of Spain
This course offers a comparative study of the literature, artistic manifestations, intellectual traditions, and cultural productions of Spain. Depending on the semester focus, topics related to literary movements, comparative approaches to genre, and/or connections between textual representation and politics, social movements, and/or Spain's long and complex history (both locally and globally) may be at the center of discussion. Additionally, varied issues of gender, race and ethnicity, rural and urban environments, religion, and evolving conceptions of nationhood may be included as overarching themes. Particular literary genres and representative works may be foregrounded in yet another iteration of the course, wherein students will study and discuss principal readings against cultural backdrops framed by exposure to art, film, music, and/or other historical, intellectual, sociopolitical, and/or media-based materials of relevance to the semester-specific context at hand.
Prerequisite
SPAN 253W
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
300
3
SPAN 354 U.S. Latina/o Culture
This course offers a study of borders as key sites of contact, exchange, conflict, hybridity, and identity production in and across varied contexts of Spanish, Latin American, and/or Latina/o culture(s). This course offers a study of borders - geopolitical, social, intellectual, literary, artistic, and/or historical - as key sites of contact, exchange, conflict, hybridity, and identity production in and across varied contexts of Spanish, Latin American, and/or Latina/o culture(s). While diverse variables (including diaspora, gender, race and ethnicity, sexuality, colonialism, nationhood and transnationalism) will inform particular iterations of the course, approaches and text selection will be shaped by an understanding of borders as constructs defined by conditions of dynamic interaction and transformation. Materials to be considered in the course, which will vary according the focus, may include literary, artistic, and intellectual works, film, media-based texts, music, and/or historical documents
Prerequisite
SPAN 253W
300
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 354W – 001 Topics in Cultural Contact and Exchange Borders and Boundaries: Literature, Art, and Film in Spain and Hispanic America
This interactive course examines borders as sites of contact, exchange, conflict, and identity production in literary texts, works of art, and films of Spain and Hispanic America. We will analyze literary and visual productions that deal with borders as constructs of dynamic interaction and transformation. Topics include Spanish colonialism, race, slavery, mestizaje, and transculturation, as well as questions of neocolonialism, decolonialism, and national identity in Caribbean writers and artists. Considered is the crossing of temporal and spatial boundaries in fantastic short stories, social borders in Roma ballads, and feminist works that cross traditional boundaries by challenging gender stereotypes and socially accepted conceptions of beauty.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 12:20 p.m.-1:10 p.m.
Instructor(s)
300
3
SPAN 355 Topics in the Cultures of Latin America
This course offers a comparative study of the literatures, artistic manifestations, intellectual traditions, and cultural productions of the Latin American region. Throughout the course, we will reflect on the (im)possibility of characterizing a vast region by taking into account ongoing factors its broader history and culture, as well as national and local particularities. Topics will vary by semester and may include: literary and artistic periods and movements, (post)coloniality and decoloniality, the politics of race, gender, and sexuality, urban and rural sociopolitical movements, (self-)representations in old and new media, discourses of the political (populisms, revolutions, dictatorships, and neoliberalism), and migration studies. Students will engage with literary texts, historic documents, art, music, and other materials in order to understand different kinds of writing and forms of representation. While most materials will be in Spanish, the course may also include works in translation from Brazil, as well as the English- and/or French-speaking Caribbean.
Prerequisite
SPAN 200 and SPAN 253W
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities, World Cultures, International Cultures (IL)
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
300
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 356 Journeys of Becoming — Latin American Literature and Cinema
This course examines how Latin American literature, film, and television portray the challenges of growing up and self-discovery. Focusing on works from the late twentieth century to the present, we analyze characters’ journeys from childhood to adulthood while exploring critical perspectives on contemporary Latin American history and culture.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 1:35 p.m.-2:50 p.m.
Instructor(s)
300
3
SPAN 356 Topics in the Cultures of the Americas
This course offers a comparative study of the literatures and cultures of the Americas, bringing Latin America into dialogue with the United States (and, in some instances, Canada). Throughout the course, we will explore the (dis)continuities that both connect and divide the hemisphere, and we will trace the movement of people, artistic practices, and ideas across borders while paying attention to the distinctive aspects of national and local cultures. Topics will vary by semester and may include: empire and colonialism, the literary and cultural legacies of slavery, the figure of the "native," crime literature or science fiction in the Americas, theater of the Americas, literatures and cultures of the Spanish-American War, media and the United States/Mexico border, and cultures of the Caribbean diaspora. Although the course may cover English-language materials, or works in translation from Brazil and/or the French-speaking Caribbean, most of the texts/recordings/films will be in Spanish, as will all assignments written by students.
Prerequisite
SPAN 200 and SPAN 253W
300
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 397 Autocracies in the Hispanic and Lusophone Worlds
Study of autocratic systems (caudillismo, colonialism, dictatorships) in Iberia, Latin America, and Africa, guided by analyses of literary, artistic, and cultural materials.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 1:35 p.m.-2:50 p.m.
Instructor(s)
300
3
SPAN 397 Spanish Horror and Fantasy Movies
Analysis of Spanish horror and fantasy film genres.
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 410 Advanced Oral Expression and Communication Hot Topics: Listening, Watching, Reading, and Speaking about Current Events in the Spanish-Speaking World
What do people in most places around the world talk about in their everyday, informal conversations? Often, they talk about political elections, shocking scandals involving public figures, economic woes, tragic natural disasters, celebrity gossip, and frivolous fashion trends. In other words, they talk about a wide array of topics reported on by diverse media outlets. In this course you will practice your conversational skills in Spanish while also becoming familiar with important media sources in the Spanish-speaking world—and in the process, you will catch up with what is happening right now in Latin America and Spain.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 1:35 p.m.-2:50 p.m.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and (SPAN 215 or SPAN 253W)
Instructor(s)
400
3
SPAN 411 The ABCs of Bilingualism: Acquisition, Brain, and Community
In SPAN 411, students will learn to understand the bilingual landscape of the Spanish-speaking world and its consequences for communities and individuals. SPAN 411 the ABCs of Bilingualism: Acquisition, Brain, and Community will showcase the fundamental components of bilingualism (first language acquisition, language mixing, language and society, language contact, and cognitive consequences of bilingualism) situating them in the Spanish speaking world. The course requires an introductory level understanding of linguistics and presupposes familiarity with Spanish at the 15-credit level or higher. The purpose of this course is to adopt an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of bilingualism and what it means to be a bilingual speaker, as well as understand the community-level impact of speaking multiple languages. Students will learn theories surrounding the study of bilingualism and apply linguistic knowledge to better understand bilingual communities that are new to them.
Prerequisite
SPAN 215
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Social and Behavioral Sciences
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
Instructor(s)
400
3
SPAN 412 Translation
Techniques of written translation from Spanish to English and vice versa, particularly for business, literature, and social work. Students will learn translation theory and best practices, as well as strategies for overcoming the most common translation problems in Spanish-English translation. Some time will be spent on a review of grammar issues that most commonly result in errors in translation. Students will also learn how to deal with colloquial language and cultural references in a Spanish source text, and will be taught to consider the function of dialect, style and register in a source text and their impact in translation. In the final weeks of the semester, the focus shifts from the theoretical to the practical, as students apply their skills to the translation in advertising, scientific and technical texts, documents, and literary and artistic translation.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and (SPAN 215 or SPAN 253W or SPAN 300B)
400
3
SPAN 413 Interpretation
Introduction to the art of interpretation, with particular attention to the professions for which it is most commonly required. SPAN 413 Interpretation (3) Spanish 413 will provide students with demonstrations and exercises designed to develop the skills required in sight translation and in consecutive, simultaneous and summary interpretation. The course does not presume to provide the training needed for entrance into the profession; it is intended to give students sufficient understanding of the rigors and demands of the profession and to help them determine whether they have the interest and skills to pursue further training in this area. At the same time, it will provide students with a unique opportunity to improve their listening comprehension and fluency in the target language, whether English or Spanish.
Prerequisite
SPAN 412
400
3
SPAN 417 How Languages Are Learned
This class is a linguistics course that focuses on language acquisition in children and adults. Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure, and linguistic inquiry focuses on various levels of language: phonology examines the sounds of language, morphology examines the structure of words (e.g., root words and their inflections), and syntax focuses on the structure of phrases and sentences. Using the tools of phonology, morphology, and syntax, this course will address the following questions. What is unique about human language? How is language learned in infancy? How do humans learn additional languages after they have learned their first language? How does bilingual language development compare to monolingual language development? Can knowing more than one language actually be detrimental? What are the different languages spoken by bilinguals in the Spanish-speaking world? What sorts of bilingual education programs are there in the Spanish-speaking world, including in the U.S.? By answering these questions, this course introduces students to bilingualism and bilingual language acquisition.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 215
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), Social and Behavioral Sciences
Instructor(s)
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 418 The Evolution of Spanish
Why do Spanish speakers say el arte but las artes? Why is mano feminine but día masculine? Why do some dialects use vos tenés instead of tú tienes? This course explores these and other puzzles of Spanish, tracing how sounds, words, and grammar have shifted across history and how change shapes today’s diverse varieties. Students will analyze data, study language contact, and connect linguistic evolution to issues of identity and justice. By the end, you’ll not only understand how Spanish came to be but also develop a sharper eye (and ear) for the living history behind today's language.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 3:05 p.m.-4:20 p.m.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 215
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All)
Bachelor of Arts
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Instructor(s)
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 420 Spanish for Business and International Trade
Elevate your professional skills with SPAN 420, a course tailored for mastering Spanish in business contexts. Learn essential terminology and cultural nuances crucial for effective communication in international trade, marketing, human resources, and more. Through targeted readings and hands-on exercises, enhance your proficiency in virtual collaboration and videoconferencing. Perfect for professionals aiming to build impactful relationships with Spanish-speaking clients and colleagues, SPAN 420 blends language skills with practical business applications.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 1:25 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Prerequisite
SPAN 100A or SPAN 200 and SPAN 215 or SPAN 253
Bachelor of Arts
Humanities, International Cultures (IL)
Instructor(s)
400
3
SPAN 425 The Spanish Your Teachers Never Taught You
Have you ever failed to understand someone because they didn't use the word "whom" properly? There is often a big difference between how one is "supposed to" use a language, and how the language is actually used in the world. Where does this difference come from? Why are some ways of speaking considered to be more correct, more logical, or more polite, and others are disdained, discouraged, or ridiculed? More importantly, how do these judgments spread, and what are their consequences? In this course we will read and conduct rigorous linguistic (e.g. phonetic or syntactic) analyses of how Spanish is used in a wide range of communities both in countries where Spanish is the majority language as well as in the United States, we will apply methods from sociolinguistics to explore how linguistic variation is associated with social meanings, and we will critically examine how standard varieties are defined and promoted, and how nonstandard varieties are evaluated, both positively and negatively. We will also engage with points of view of Spanish users, community members, and others through critical study of literary works and other primary sources (e.g. social media, opinion writings, political statements, interviews), to listen to what different people say about varieties of Spanish, and about those who use those varieties. Through these efforts we will explore why languages vary and change, and how and why people come to be evaluated (negatively or positively, accurately, or inaccurately) on the basis of how they speak. Satisfies requirements for the major and minor in Spanish.
Prerequisite
C or better in SPAN 215
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, International Cultures (IL), United States Cultures (US)
Instructor(s)
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 439 Don Quixote
In this class, we will read and discuss Don Quijote, the masterpiece of Spanish literature, in its entirety. We will analyze the book from a contemporary perspective, focusing on its sociopolitical, historical, and literary context. We will also incorporate analytical approaches that apply to our modern viewpoint. Throughout the course, we will examine the various genres that influenced the work, as well as specific topics such as character development, the relationship between violence and law, marginalized individuals, urban and rural settings, open and hidden sexuality, and the idealization of love. Specialists have pointed out that Don Quijote not only represents the maturity and highpoint of the Spanish language, but also decisively developed it. Through a variety of assignments and exercises inspired by the reading, the student will see their Spanish skills deeply developed as well.
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 12:05 p.m.-1:20 p.m.
Instructor(s)
400
3
SPAN 470: Youth Cultures in Latin(a/o) America
Young people have been at the center of political and cultural revolutions around the world and throughout history. For example, revolutions, urban movements, ethnic/racial pride, LGBTQ+, feminist movements, music basaars, DJs and rave parties, and "barras de futbol" are only some of the manifestations associated with young people in Latin(a/o) American literature, film, music, and journalism. Nevertheless, the concept of "youth" as an academic category only appeared in the 1960s. In this course, we will study different manifestations of youth cultures in the Hemispheric Americas, paying special attention to the Latinx communities in the United States and Latin America, since the 1960's and until the contemporary moment. The key question that will guide us is: How does each of these literary, artistic, and media representations of youth enter into dialogue with political events in which young people have been at the center of efforts to bring about political changes in the U.S. Latinx communities and Latin American? Using short fiction, film and documentaries, songs, blogs, and other cultural materials (YouTube clips, images, graffiti, etc.), we will identify and compare different youth cultures in Latinx communities in the United States and Latin America in terms of their productions, representations, and effects in the public sphere. We will enrich our analysis of primary materials with theoretical and critical readings that will help us to contextualize the different manifestations in our study.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
400
3
SPAN 472 The Contemporary Spanish American Novel
SPAN 472 is dedicated to examining the genre of the Latin American novel and the social context in which such works have been produced in the twentieth- and twenty-first-centuries. Students will practice close, critical reading of the assigned texts, analyze and discuss them in class, and complete written reflections based on what they have read and learned throughout the course. Particular attention will be paid to the history and cultural background that informs Latin American authors' perspectives, including issues such as race, colonialism, war, and politics. The course will contrast novels with shorter novellas and whenever relevant, other forms of media such as graphic novels will be examined. Students will hone their skills of identifying theses, interpreting historical and social themes, synthesizing arguments, and comparing the assigned readings to their own cultural experiences in class discussions and written essays; in the process they will refine their written and spoken proficiency in Spanish.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
400
3
SPAN 474 Many Mexicos
Overview of Mexican literature, culture and history from pre-colonial period to present.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
400
3
SPAN 476 Masterpieces of Spanish American Literature
We will devote our study in SPAN 476 to Latin American authors that have produced masterpieces in literature and other arts, by engaging with a variety of topics such as race, society, history, and politics. In our examination of these works, we will pay attention to both their contents and their forms: Why can we call these productions "masterpieces"? What does each one of them tell us about the historical and cultural contexts in which they were created? How do they engage with other variables of identity (e.g. gender, sexuality, social class, etc.)? How do they relate and intersect, in their topics and formats, throughout different periods of time and across national borders? Students will read, discuss, and analyze selected major works of Spanish American prose and poetry, and often other cultural productions (e.g. film, music, art). In doing so, students will increase their abilities to identify, interpret, and communicate information and material from historical, literary, film, and performance sources.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities, World Cultures, International Cultures (IL)
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 479 U.S. Latina/o Culture en Español
Examination of the historic, political, socioeconomic, and cultural realities that shape the diverse Latina/o experiences in the United States through literature and film (1542–present).
Class Times
Tuesdays, Thursdays from 9:05 a.m.-10:20 a.m.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
Instructor(s)
400
3
SPAN 488 War, Revolution, and the Struggles for Modernity: Spain 1898–1998
This course, conducted in Spanish, examines Spanish literature from 1898 to 1939.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
400
3
SPAN 490 Masterpieces of Spanish Prose
With the goal of developing students' understanding of literature's fundamental role in constructing our conception of culture, society and history, this course will examine masterpieces in the genre of Spanish prose (e.g. novels and short stories). In a given semester, particular literary themes, genres and representative works may be emphasized, encouraging students to investigate and discuss principal readings against cultural and historical contexts. Readings will include novels, essays, and short stories but may also be informed by visual media such as films and art. Class sessions will emphasize close, sustained reading and directed conversation in Spanish, while written assignments will offer students an opportunity to explore critical and theoretical texts of relevance to the topics being discussed. Students will write essays and analytical papers, as well as additional assignments such as presentations and original creative writing.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
400
3
SPAN 491 Masterpieces of Spanish Drama and Poetry
This course will explore written poetry and theatrical works from Spain. Specific topics and time periods will vary, but students will identify and examine master works of Iberian theater and poetry and explore the different dramatic and literary traditions that fostered their creation. From heroic, epic poetry to comedy and tragedy, we will delve into a selection of works through close reading and critical analysis. Particular attention will be paid to the historical and cultural contexts in which such works were produced, considering their reflection of social values and cultural norms. Through class discussion, written essays, and audiovisual projects, students will gain an appreciation of the diverse viewpoints, genres and components that make up the Spanish theatrical and poetic traditions, such as narrative, satire, representation, morality, philosophy, etc. We will also consider the evolution of drama and poetry in addition to discussing the lasting impact of masterpieces on the works produced since their creation.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 100A or SPAN 200) and SPAN 253W
Bachelor of Arts
World Language (All), World Lang (12th Unit), Humanities, International Cultures (IL)
Exceeds 12th Unit of World Language
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 497-001 Living, breathing language
There are more than 7,000 languages spoken in the world today. How did human language first develop and where did all those different languages come from? How are they all different? How are they similar? What happens when they die? What happens when a language like Spanish comes into contact with other varieties? This course will explore linguistic diversity and historical change through the lens of evolutionary biology. Using examples from Spanish and recent scientific evidence, we will learn how language can be metaphorically characterized as a living, growing, changing organism.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 12:20 p.m.-1:10 p.m.
Instructor(s)
400
Spring 2026
SPAN 497-002 Short Stories and Film Shorts in Spanish
This course will feature short stories by some of Spain and Latin America's most vibrant modern narrative voices. Special attention will be given to the mechanics of suspense, cultural context, conceptions of “the real” and the fantastic, social critique, the play of language, and commentary on the human condition. We will also discuss a series of film shorts chosen as thematic companion pieces to the stories. Brief reaction papers, creative writing assignments, presentations, and active participation will be privileged over exams and research essays.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 2:30 p.m.-3:20 p.m.
Instructor(s)
400
3
Spring 2026
SPAN 497-003 Cuba: A Hybrid Island
This interactive course examines Cuba’s long and complex history with Spain and Africa, and the ways in which a unique hybrid culture was produced through political, social, racial, and religious influences. We start with the indigenous population of the Caribbean before 1492, and its continued presence in Cuba. We explore Spanish colonialism and the slave trade, focusing on the African roots of its literature, music, and dance, with special attention to the blending of African beliefs with Catholic religious strands and hybridity as it relates to concepts of race, gender, and transculturation. We analyze how the aesthetics of poetry-making blended with political ideology and how the Spanish language is interlaced with linguistic strands from African dialects. Included are films on cultural memory and music-making in pre- and post-revolutionary Cuba.
Class Times
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays from 10:10 a.m.-11:00 a.m.