SPNS - Spanish

SPNS 101  Elementary Spanish I: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Consent of department. (F, Sp) Placement required. An elementary level course designed to help students acquire basic proficiency in communicating within culturally significant contexts. An integrated approach to teaching language skills with emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and basic grammatical structures

SPNS 102D  Elementary Spanish II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 101 or equivalent as determined by placement exam. (F, Sp, Su) This course builds upon the foundation established in 101 to further develop proficiency in communicating in Spanish within culturally significant contexts. An integrated approach to teaching language skills with emphasis on vocabulary acquisition and basic grammatical structures

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Intermediate Low on the ACTFL Proficiency Scale.
  2. Acquire basic cultural knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world.

SPNS 193  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Outcomes will vary.

SPNS 196  Service/Experiential Learning: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

Service or experiential learning through departmental outreach initiatives or faculty-led study abroad programs.

SPNS 201D  Intermediate Spanish I: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 102D or equivalent, or placement exam. (F, Sp) Intensive, methodical review of grammar and syntax combined with the integrated development of proficiency in the four language skills. Expansion of cultural knowledge and functional vocabulary through intermediate-level readings and discussions. Increased emphasis on written communication

View Course Outcomes:

  1. High Intermediate Low to Low Intermediate Mid - on the ACTFL proficiency scale.
  2. Acquire intermediate cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking World.

SPNS 202D  Intermediate Spanish II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 201D or equivalent, or placement exam. (F, Sp) Designed to follow the third semester review of grammar and basic skills. Taught through a series of carefully selected readings in Hispanic culture, civilization, and literature which will provide the basis for writing essays and reports and developing advanced language skills

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Intermediate-Mid on the ACTFL proficiency scale.\\n
  2. Intermediate understanding of Hispanic culture.

SPNS 250  Spanish for Healthcare Professionals: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 101 or equivalent. (F, Sp) Prepares undergraduates to converse with Spanish-speaking patients and develop cultural competency. Emphasis on conversation/grammar necessary during medical interviews, cultural aspects of Latino health care, interviewing in Spanish. Includes guest speakers, real-world situations, and discussion of current issues

SPNS 291  Special Topics: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: None required, but some may be determined necessary by each offering department. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

SPNS 293  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

SPNS 296  Service/Experiential Learning: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

Service or experiential learning through departmental outreach initiatives or faculty-led study abroad programs.

SPNS 301  Oral and Written Expression in Cultural Contexts: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D or consent of instructor. (F) Development of oral and written skills with an emphasis on Hispanic cultural context

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Reinforce and expand intermediate-level communication skills (description; comparison; narration in past, present, and future time frames) in speaking, writing, and listening.
  2. Acquire vocabulary appropriate to intermediate-level contexts (largely personal experience, family life, daily life, etc.)
  3. Develop a stronger understanding of Spanish-speaking peoples and cultures.

SPNS 302  Spanish Oral & Written Expression II: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 301 or equivalent. (Sp) Further development of oral and written skills with an emphasis on Hispanic cultural context

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Reinforce and expand advanced and superior-level communication skills (narration in all time frames; argumentation; hypothetical situations).
  2. Acquire vocabulary appropriate to advanced- and superior-level contexts (community, nation, controversial topics, etc.)
  3. Develop a stronger understanding of Spanish-speaking peoples and cultures.

SPNS 305  Spanish Phonetics: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 102D or equivalent. (F) Introduction to the analysis of the Spanish sound system (Phonetics and Phonology). Topics will include the physiology of sound production, phonemics, phonetic transcription, rules of syllabification and accentuation, among others. One of the goals of the course will be to improve students' pronunciation of Spanish

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Describe the physiology of sound production in the Spanish language
  2. Explain and analyze the principles of Spanish phonetics
  3. Transcribe texts phonetically
  4. Improve Spanish pronunciation
  5. Describe and analyze the phonetic characteristics of Spanish poetry

SPNS 313  Don Quijote: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 201D
Don Quijote is often considered to be the first novel. In this course, students read and discuss the themes and issues that the novel explores and how they relate to modern society. The reading and discussion of the novel will also be used as a means of building vocabulary and increasing students' proficiency in Spanish.

SPNS 320  Spanish Culture & Civilization: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. This is a history and art history course on Spain that begins in the pre-historical period and ends in the early twentieth century. Students learn about the most famous and consequential events that make Spain the country it is today. Material heritage is taught as the “visible history,” from the cave paintings of Altamira, the dolmens and menhirs scattered throughout the peninsula, and Roman ruins. And architecture (another form of material heritage) is also taught as visible history, beginning with Arabic palaces and Christian medieval churches and cathedrals through the Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassic, Art Nouveau, and ending in the Rationalist period. The course is taught to a considerable extent in Spanish

View Course Outcomes:

  1. explain Spanish history from prehistorical times up to the beginning of the twentieth century.
  2. identify all the different styles of architecture throughout Spanish history up to Rationalism in the 1930's.
  3. identify and explain other forms of material heritage, such as cave paintings, ruins, tombs, etc.
  4. Students will have strengthened their intermediate level proficiency and developed advanced level skills in Spanish on the ACFL proficiency scale.

SPNS 323  Advanced Spanish Grammar & Pronunciation: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. (F, Sp) In-depth review of problem areas in grammar, complete review of the verb system, and a practical study of Spanish sounds. This class is designed to provide prospective teachers and advanced students with an understanding of the function of Spanish grammar

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Know all major grammatical structures of Spanish.
  2. Expand Spanish vocabulary
  3. Strengthen Intermediate level skills and develop Advanced level skills on the ACTFL proficiency scale.

SPNS 324  Spanish:Adv Conversat and Comp: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. (F, Sp) Development and refinement of advanced oral and writing skills, intensive practice in expository and imaginative composition, review of idiomatic expressions, and vocabulary expansion

SPNS 327  Contemporary Spain & Nations: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. This course examines both history and contemporary issues of Spain. One of the course’s main objectives is for students to understand the present more effectively by learning Spanish history. The course moves chronologically: The Second Republic (1931-1936), the Civil War (1936-1939), the Franco dictatorship (1939-1977), the transition to democracy (1975-1982), the successive governments up to the present, and key events such as the attempted coup d’état in 1981, the al-Qaida terrorist attack of 2004, the financial crisis of 2008, the ongoing exhumations of common graves with the bodies of Republicans murdered by the fascists, etc. After the historical segment, which takes up roughly one half of the semester, the course examines masculine violence against women and the LGBTQ community’s achievements and ongoing challenges. The last month of the class explores Spain’s three peripheral nations—Basque Country, Catalonia, and Galicia—and one week is dedicated to learning Galician. From the beginning to the end of the semester, certain days will be dedicated to examining contemporary events, which are usually political in nature. The online Spanish newspapers will be the main source and there is also a strong audiovisual component. Throughout the semester students will watch—outside of class—Spanish movies and short videos that represent the history and social issues covered in the course. Finally, although the professor will teach the course in Spanish, English will be allowed both in speaking and writing to a certain degree

View Course Outcomes:

  1. explain Spanish history from the period of the Second Republic (1931-1936) up until the present.
  2. analyze gender violence in the Spanish context, as well as the LGBTQ community’s hardships under the Franco dictatorship and its present and future challenges.
  3. explain nation-building, why it has failed in Spain and in Galicia, and why it is succeeding in the Basque Country and Catalonia.
  4. have basic concepts and vocabulary of the Galician language.
  5. write papers that describe and analyze topics covered in the class.
  6. Students will have strengthened their intermediate level proficiency and developed advanced level skills in Spanish on the ACFL proficiency scale.

SPNS 329  Early Cultures of Latin America: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Department of Modern Languages.

SPNS 330  Modern Cultures Latin America: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. Readings, lectures and discussions in Spanish. This course examines the historical, social, and ideological aspects of modern Latin American culture. Taught in Spanish

SPNS 332  Contemp Latin Amer Literature: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. An examination of the major authors, works, and literary movements in Latin America from the 19th century until today. Taught in Spanish

SPNS 333  To Infinity and Beyond: Jorge Luis Borges: 3 Credits (3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in, SPNS 202D. An examination of the work of the Latin American writer and thinker, Jorge Luis Borges. Readings may include essays and poetry, but the emphasis will be on Borges's short stories. While the course will explore the themes of Borges's work, activities and assignments will be geared toward strengthening Intermediate level proficiency and developing Advanced level skills on the ACTFL scale. Taught in Spanish

View Course Outcomes:

  1. 1. Strengthen Intermediate level proficiency and develop Advanced level skills in Spanish on the ACTFL proficiency scale..

    2. Formulate and answer critical questions about philosophical and literary issues in the work of Jorge Luis Borges.

SPNS 334  Women Writers of Latin America: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 201D. (Varies) This course focuses on notable women writers across various time periods, literary genres, and countries in Latin America. It will examine works of poetry, short story, journalism, and novels that directly connected to relevant social, political, environmental, and economic issues

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and describe periods of Latin American literary and cultural production.
  2. Analyze the texts and contributions of Latin American women writers.
  3. Strengthen Intermediate level proficiency and develop Advanced level skills in Spanish.

SPNS 335IH  Travel in Latin Am Lit & Film: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D or Junior standing. (Su) The course examines travel in Latin America texts and films as exploration and search for individual and national identity and as disruptive displacements caused by political and economic forces and the problems of adapting to a new environment. In English

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and discuss themes in literary works and films in written form.\\n
  2. Compare and analyze literary works and films\\n

SPNS 342  Spanish Literature and Art: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 201D. () This course covers canonical Spanish literary works. The readings comprise a combination of short texts (poems and short stories) and three novels. Students learn the aesthetic and philosophical tenets of different periods. Spanish painting produced during the same periods is taught to help elucidate these tenets. Students take written response quizzes throughout the semester as well as write a midterm paper and a final paper. The course is taught mostly in Spanish

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and explain Spanish literary and artistic styles as well as the philosophies and attitudes that undergird them.
  2. Describe and analyze literary works and paintings.
  3. Strengthened intermediate level proficiency and developed advanced level skills in Spanish on the ACFL proficiency scale.

SPNS 350  US Latino Cultures: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D for majors and minors or; Junior standing for non-majors. Examines the history and culture of Latino communities in the US. It centers on the largest Hispanic populations found in the US today: Mexican, Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban. Taught in Spanish

SPNS 351  US Latino Literature: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. Examination of the major authors, works, and literary movements of U.S. Latino literature. Taught in English. Spanish majors and minors will read and write in Spanish

SPNS 352IH  U.S. Latino Text & Cinema: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: WRIT 101W and/or consent of instructor. This course will focus on different topics concerning U.S. Afro-Latino communities in the United States. Through the reading and viewing of a variety of Latino literature and films, students will learn about themes such as immigration, race, identity, gender, language and politics that characterize the Mexican American, Cuban, Puerto Rican and Dominican communities. Alternates English and Spanish

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will be able to analyze and compare the significance of race, gender, sexuality and class relations as socially, culturally, historically and politically constructed categories within the Afro-Latino community.
  2. Students will be able to develop a framework to interpret the historical interplay among economics, race, and politics in the evolution of intergroup relations and identity in Afro-Latino communities.
  3. Students will be able to identify the unique historical, socio-economic, racial and cultural structures of the Afro-Latino community.
  4. Students will be able to interpret how different cultural texts (films or texts) produce and convey or not the experience of Afro-Latinos.

SPNS 361  Latin American Text and Cinema: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 323 or SPNS 324
This course will focus on different topics of Latin America through the reading and viewing of a variety of literature and movies. These themes may include history, race, gender, politics and literary trends in Latin America. Focus will vary depending on the professor. In Spanish.

SPNS 362  Hispanic Poetry: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. This course focuses on poetry from Spain and Latin America. Students learn how to identify and analyze poetic devices, and they complete short writing assignments throughout the semester on the assigned poems. Taught in Spanish
Department of Modern Languages Literatures.

SPNS 363IH  Spanish Cinema: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

This course explores the history of Spanish cinema and students watch movies that are representative of diverse styles and social/political issues, such as surrealism, class struggle under the Franco dictatorship, the postmodern society ushered in during the transition to democracy, the trivialization of violence in the media, the representation of historical events, masculine violence against women, and Spain's peripheral nations (Galicia, Basque country, and Catalonia). Taught in Spanish.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. analyze and compare the significance of class relations, gender, and sexuality as socially, culturally, historically, and politically constructed categories within Spanish society as portrayed in Spanish cinema.
  2. identify the unique historical, socio-economic, and cultural structures of Spain.
  3. identify and analyze cinematic techniques and functions.
  4. demonstrate high intermediate or low advanced level proficiency in Spanish.

SPNS 371  Latin America in Focus: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 201D. () Analyze one topic in depth. Topics address periods, authors, issues, or themes in Latin America (i.e. The New Bolivarian Revolution, Violence in the US-Mexican border, migration, religion, race, etc.). Topics may vary with instructor and year
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Identify and describe periods of Latin American literary and cultural production or issues in Latin American history and culture.
  2. Analyze Latin American literary and cultural products.
  3. Strengthen Intermediate level proficiency and develop Advanced level skills in Spanish.

SPNS 393  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

SPNS 396  Service/Experiential Learning: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

(F, Sp) Service or experiential learning through departmental outreach initiatives or faculty-led study abroad programs.
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Students will experience service or experiential learning through departmental outreach initiatives or off campus, faculty-led study.

SPNS 416  Latin America: Culture and Revolution: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 202D. An intensive study of the cultural materials produced as a result of dictatorships and revolutions in Latin America and Spain including movies, documentaries, songs, literature and art. Will encourage the understanding of the mutual influence between historical events and cultural production in Hispanic countries. Focus will vary depending on the professor. In Spanish

SPNS 430  Latin Amer Perspectives: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: SPNS 201
This course approaches historical developments, literature, and constructions of identity in twentieth-century Latin America. Taught in English with Spanish reading/writing option. Focus will vary by professor. Cross-listed with HSTR 433.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. 1. Understand how the Americas came into the “gaze” of European colonizers, and later, the United States. 

    2. Understand how twentieth century Latin American authors writing across genres (fiction, nonfiction, and poetry) comprehended the region’s experience with European and North American empires.

    3. Strengthen intermediate-level language skills in reading, writing, and speaking and develop advanced-level skills in those areas.

SPNS 438  Latin American Nature in History and Culture: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Examines Latin American history and culture through the intersection of human and natural worlds from Precolumbian times to the present day. Topics will include: the globalization of biota and the making of modern Latin American societies; various human constructions of nature and their real-world implications; how the region's environmental diversity has shaped human societies; and nature's role in shaping Latin American identites and cultures.

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Understand how nature has shaped human history in Latin America, and how human actions have transformed nature.
  2. Understand how human societies in Latin America have construed their relationship with the natural world through cultural expression.
  3. Develop cross-disciplinary analytical aptitudes by working with historical documents and literary sources.
  4. Language acquisition: Develop advanced-level (ACTFL) proficiencies Spanish writing and reading comprehension, and gain vocabulary relevant to this topic.

SPNS 445  Hispanic Caribbean: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

Focuses on the cultures and societies of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Uses cultural material (i.e. novels, films, music, and art) as well as scholarly essays to address the region's history, politics class/gender/race dynamics, religion, etc. In English.

SPNS 470R  Seminar: Hispanic Literature: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Senior standing. (Sp) Senior capstone course. This is a project-based course in which student will produce an original research paper on a literary/cultural studies topic. Core Qualities Effective Communicators This capstone research seminar is designed around a single research project that models the kind of analysis that literary and cultural-studies scholars publish. Students learn how to formulate an analytical and interpretive thesis, to present valid evidence in support of that thesis, present their findings in an oral presentation, and to engage in academic debate. Thinkers and Problem Solvers The research project required for this class involves “using evidence gathered through scholarly, disciplinary, and interdisciplinary methods” to “analyze, construct,” and “critique” arguments taking into consideration premises, assumptions, contexts, and conclusions.” Students in this class must (1) read and analyze primary sources; (2) study, analyze, and develop theoretical and methodological frameworks; (3) read and analyze secondary criticism by other scholars; and (4) Take a stance and defend a position both orally and in writing. Core Perspective Research This class is a project-based course designed entirely around the development and execution of a research project in literary/cultural studies. Students bring the knowledge and skills they have learned in their previous course work, and they learn how to put that knowledge to work in more extended research

View Course Outcomes:

  1. Produce original research\\n
  2. Conduct research using primary and secondary sources;\\n
  3. Formulate an analytical thesis;\\n
  4. Develop a supporting argument that engages with other criticism and presents valid evidence from primary sources; \\n
  5. Formulate an effective conclusion; \\n
  6. Follow a consistent format and style (e.g., MLA).

SPNS 490R  Undergraduate Research: 1-6 Credits (1-6 Other)

Directed undergraduate research which may culminate in a research paper, journal article, or undergraduate thesis. Course will address responsible conduct of research. May be repeated.
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

SPNS 491  Special Topics: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Course prerequisites as determined for each offering. Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number
Repeatable up to 12 credits.

SPNS 492  Independent Study: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

PREREQUISITE: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Directed research and study on an individual basis
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

SPNS 493  Study Abroad: 1-15 Credits (1-15 Lec)

Repeatable up to 99 credits.

SPNS 496  Service/Experiential Learning: 1-3 Credits (1-3 Other)

Service or experiential learning through departmental outreach initiatives or faculty-led study abroad programs.
Repeatable up to 6 credits.

SPNS 588  Professional Development: 3 Credits (3 Lec)

PREREQUISITE: Graduate standing, teaching experience and/or current employment in a school organization, consent of instructor and Dean of Graduate Studies. Courses offered on a one-time basis to fulfill professional development needs of in service educators. A specific focus is given to each course which is appropriately subtitled