Course Catalog
Spanish and Hispanic Studies Catalog Information
– also see Education – also see Global Studies – also see International Business Programs offered • Major in Spanish (32 credits) • Minor in Spanish (22 credits) • Spanish Education major with a teaching license, grades K-12 (32 credits in Spanish plus 36 credits in education) • World Languages Area of Specialization for Elementary Education majors, grades K-8 (see education) (28 credits) • Major in Spanish with a minor in International Business (see international business) (32 credits in Spanish) • Major in International Business in Spanish (also see international business) (22 credits in Spanish) • Concentrations in Latin American Studies or European Studies in the Cultural and Regional Studies track of the Global Studies major (see global studies) The department of Spanish and Hispanic studies prepares students for participation in a global society through courses designed to expand their knowledge and understanding of the language, cultures and perceptions of the Spanish-speaking world. The goals for the Spanish major are based on the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language’s National Standards for Foreign Language Learning. The Spanish and Hispanic studies department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes: • develop communication skills in the Spanish language • gain knowledge and understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures • make connections between Spanish and other disciplines • develop comparisons based on insight into the nature of the language and the culture • be enabled to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world Courses in Hispanic studies are taught in English and support interdisciplinary programs in global studies and international business. Study Abroad/Language Immersion Requirement • For Spanish majors and anyone seeking teaching licensure in Spanish, a minimum of one semester of study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country is required. Program selection must be approved by the department. Consult with the department for details on petition procedure for alternate ways of satisfying this requirement. • For Spanish minors, at least one May term of study in a Spanish-speaking country is strongly recommended. • For international business majors, study abroad is required. For all majors and minors, program selection must be approved by the department chair for credit. The department of Spanish and Hispanic studies sponsors many opportunities for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. The department offers six study abroad opportunities, including fall semester in Segovia, Spain; spring semester or academic year study at the Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain; the International Business semester at the Universidad de las Americas in Mexico City; a May Seminar to Latin America; and the Spain and Mexico Summer Study programs. (For details on these opportunities see “Global Learning at Concordia,” Page 23.) On campus, the department of Spanish and Hispanic studies provides a variety of resources and opportunities for students. The Casa Hispana (language residence), staffed by the Spanish native assistants, provides the opportunity for students to spend the entire academic year living in a Spanish language and cultural environment. Participation in the national Spanish Honor Society Sigma Delta Pi is open by invitation to students who meet the membership criteria. The department of Spanish and Hispanic studies also sponsors an honors program for exceptional students. (For details on these programs see “Expanded Academic Opportunities,” Page 24, or consult with the department chair.) Liberal Arts Core World Languages Requirement Students may satisfy the Core distribution world languages requirement by either option A or B: A. Successful completion of SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II or a higher-numbered course. All students who have studied Spanish prior to coming to Concordia are required to take a computerized placement test in Spanish to determine which course level is the most appropriate for their individual ability. If the transcript shows that the student has not previously studied Spanish, the student is not required to take the placement exam and qualifies to enroll in SPAN 111 – Beginning Spanish I. B. Achieving successful scores on the oral proficiency interview and a timed written essay that demonstrate the student has mastered the content and scope of the SPAN 111-112 – Beginning Spanish I and II sequence. Students are eligible to take this proficiency exam by placing beyond SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II on the computerized placement exam in Spanish. Major in Spanish The requirements for a major in Spanish are 32 credits above SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II: • SPAN 211 – Intermediate Spanish I, 4 credits • SPAN 212 – Intermediate Spanish II, 4 credits • Span 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context, 4 credits • SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts, 4 credits • SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature, 4 credits • 12 additional credits in Spanish above 212 including at least 2 credits in literature at the 400 level. • A minimum of one semester of study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country is required. The following are suggested supporting courses: HISP 210, GS 210 – Introduction to Latin American Studies; HISP 311 – U.S.-Latin American Relations; HIST 320 – Latin American History. Minor in Spanish The requirements for a minor in Spanish are 22 credits above SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II: • SPAN 211 – Intermediate Spanish I, 4 credits • SPAN 212 – Intermediate Spanish II, 4 credits • SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts, 4 credits • 10 additional credits in Spanish above 212 • One May term of study in a Spanish-speaking country is strongly recommended. Licensure for Teaching Spanish In order to receive departmental approval for student teaching, all candidates for licensure must pass a screening at the intermediate-high level of oral language proficiency as described by the Board of Teaching Standards. Students seeking licensure are required to study abroad for at least one semester and are strongly encouraged to work at Concordia Language Villages in the weekend and/or summer programs in order to develop oral proficiency at the level required on the oral proficiency exam and the Praxis II Productive Language Test required for licensure. Spanish Education Major with a Teaching License, Grades K-12 The requirements for a Spanish education major with a teaching license, grades K-12, are 32 credits above SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II plus 36 credits in education: • SPAN 211 – Intermediate Spanish I, 4 credits • SPAN 212 – Intermediate Spanish II, 4 credits • SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context, 4 credits • SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts, 4 credits • SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature, 4 credits • SPAN 341 – The Culture of Spain, 2 credits • SPAN 361 – Latin American Historical and Cultural Perspectives, 2 credits • 8 additional credits in Spanish above 212 including at least 2 credits in literature at the 400 level • Successful completion of the secondary/K-12 curriculum requirements. The required methods of teaching courses are: – EDUC 362 – Secondary Methods of Teaching in World Languages, 4 credits – EDUC 363 – FLES Methods of Teaching, 4 credits Study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country for at least one semester is required. The following are suggested supporting courses: HISP 310, GS 210 – Introduction to Latin American Studies; HISP 311 – U.S.-Latin American Relations; HIST 320 – Latin American History. Major in Spanish with a Minor in International Business The business requirements for a major in Spanish with a minor in international business are listed in the international business pages of the catalog. Major in International Business in Spanish The business requirements for a major in international business in Spanish are listed in the international business pages of the catalog. A minor in Spanish is required (see requirements above). In order to participate in the international business program in Mexico, students must take the following courses: • SPAN 211 – Intermediate Spanish I, 4 credits • SPAN 212 – Intermediate Spanish II, 4 credits • SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts, 4 credits • SPAN 331 – Business Spanish, 4 credits • SPAN 361 – Latin American Historical and Cultural Perspectives, 2 credits • SPAN 480 – Independent Study, 4 credits, completed in Mexico • BUS 390 – Cooperative Education, 4 credits, a four-month Cooperative Education experience taken abroad SPAN 211, 212, 321 and 331, as well as courses specified in the international business pages, must be completed before participation in the semester abroad program in Mexico. Students interested in completing their study abroad requirement in another location should consult with the director of the international business program. The following are suggested supporting courses: HISP 210, GS 210 – Introduction to Latin American Studies and HISP 311 – U.S.-Latin American Relations.
Spanish and Hispanic Studies Courses
Spanish Courses Language and Culture
SPAN 111 – Beginning Spanish I, 4 credits. E. The first semester of a two-course sequence designed to introduce students to the skills needed for proficiency in the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Classroom sessions are supplemented with instructional technology. Emphasis is on reading and listening comprehension and oral and written communication in Spanish.
SPAN 112 C, W – Beginning Spanish II, 4 credits. E. The second semester of a two-course sequence designed to introduce students to the skills needed for proficiency in the language and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Classroom sessions are supplemented with instructional technology. Emphasis is on reading and listening comprehension and oral and written communication in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 111 – Beginning Spanish I
SPAN 211 C, U, W – Intermediate Spanish I, 4 credits. E. Exposes students to the diversity found in the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students refine oral and written communication skills through oral presentations, group activities, cultural readings, essays and a thorough examination of Spanish grammar. Conversation groups with the native assistants outside class time are required. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II
SPAN 212 G, C, W – Intermediate Spanish II, 4 credits. E. Exposes students to the diversity found in the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Students refine oral and written communication skills through oral presentations, group activities, cultural readings, essays and a thorough examination of Spanish grammar. Conversation groups with the native assistants outside class time are required. Prerequisite: SPAN 211 – Intermediate Spanish
SPAN 222 – Latin American Culture and Civilization, 4 credits. S. College credit course offered at Concordia Language Villages for advanced high school juniors and seniors, focusing on the historical antecedents that influenced contemporary culture and civilization, exploring political, social and artistic developments affecting the image of nations and reality of governments in modern Latin America.
SPAN 250 – Pre-May Seminar to Latin America, 2 credits. D. This course, an overview of the cultures and geography of Latin America, is designed to prepare students for a meaningful experience of travel and learning in Spanish-speaking countries. Students will begin a research project in their individual area of interest to be completed with follow-up research in Latin America. Appropriate travel vocabulary is also reviewed. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II (concurrent registration acceptable) or permission of the instructor
SPAN 300 – May Seminar to Latin America, 4 credits. MS.
SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context, 4 credits. E. An in-depth study of Spanish grammar. This review, expansion and contextual analysis of grammatical structures will equip students with the increased accuracy in oral and written expression in the Spanish language necessary to communicate in the cultures they will encounter during their professional lives. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 – Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 321 U – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts, 4 credits. E. This course is designed to develop students’ oral and written communication skills. Assignments and class discussion are based on a variety of readings representing different writing styles, genres, rhetorical purposes and cultural concerns. Varied oral assignments include speeches, debates, group discussion and peer teaching, as well as a weekend immersion experience at Concordia Language Villages. Frequent written assignments emphasize organizational and rhetorical skills and various modes of written discourse. Contemporary movies in Spanish complement written texts as a point of departure for discussion. Prerequisite: SPAN 212 – Intermediate Spanish II
SPAN 331 G – Business Spanish, 4 credits. E2. A course designed for students interested in using Spanish for a business-related career. Cross-cultural management skills, international economic trends and international marketing theory appropriate to the Hispanic business world are emphasized. This course must be completed prior to the semester abroad internship in Mexico City. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts or SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context
SPAN 335 – Advanced Oral Communication, 2 credits. E1. The objective of this course is to develop speaking skills in Spanish in both formal and informal discourse. Formal, precise speech is practiced through mock trials. Informal speech is practiced in conversation, debates and other class activities. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts
SPAN 341 – The Culture of Spain, 2 credits. E. A study of Spain’s rich cultural and artistic heritage and political development from prehistoric times to the present. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts or SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context
SPAN 351 – Contemporary Latin American Culture, 2 credits. E2. This course explores current political, social and artistic developments taking place in Latin American countries. Issues of race, class and gender, as well as the image of nations and the reality of governments, receive special attention as elements that promote a multicultural approach to the study of culture. Students make constant use of the World Wide Web in order to be up-to-date on the events and debates shaping contemporary Latin America. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts or SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context
SPAN 361 – Latin American Historical and Cultural Perspectives, 2 credits. E. Focusing on Latin America’s culture and civilizations, this course analyzes the shaping of these countries, including contributions made by different ethnic groups, the road to independence, internal and external conflicts, the search for identity, and major achievements. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts or SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context
SPAN 363 – Mexican Culture, 2 credits. D. A four-week living experience with a family, this course forms the culture component of the Mexico Summer Study Program. In addition to constant immersion in the Spanish language and culture with families, students investigate historical sites, attend cultural events, and participate in field trips to sites that reflect contemporary Mexican society. Readings and a reflective dialogue journal are required. Prerequisite: SPAN 112 – Beginning Spanish II
SPAN 365 – Introduction to Translation, 2 credits. E2. An introduction to the theory, methods, techniques and challenges encountered in translation from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. Contextualized translation of documents and reports related to professions and academic disciplines form a major component of the course. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context
SPAN 366 – Introduction to Interpretation, 2 credits. D. An introduction to the basic principles of oral interpretation including consecutive interpretation, simultaneous interpretation and sight translation. Professional issues, ethical standards and accuracy are given special consideration. Prerequisite: SPAN 365 – Introduction to Translation
SPAN 367 – Spanish for Health Professions, 2 credits. E2. Designed for students who have health-related majors or minors, this course addresses the need of health care providers to understand the language and culture of the patients with whom they come in contact. Students learn about medical terminology as well as ethics as practiced in the U.S. and in Spanish-speaking countries. Prerequisite: SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context or permission of the instructor
SPAN 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department chair for more information.
SPAN 386 X, PSC 386 – Modern Spain: A Critical Look, 4 credits. E1. Offered as part of the fall semester program in Segovia, Spain, this course examines a series of moral and ethical questions raised by modern Spanish history, from the Spanish Civil War and a study of the ideologies in conflict, the participation of American volunteers in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, U.S. government policy during the war, aspects of the 36-year dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, population movements, the political assassination of Franco’s hand-picked successor, Basque nationalism and ETA terrorism (the latter of which originated during the Franco regime), to the Spain after the transition to democracy, the Spain of the European Union and the global world. Prerequisite or co-requisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts
SPAN 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits. D.
SPAN 395 – Cooperative Education at the Concordia Language Villages, 2 to 4 credits. D. This course is intended to provide students of modern languages with opportunities to teach and study the language of their choice at the Concordia Language Villages. Prerequisite for acceptance: at least two years of coursework or the equivalent in the language. The final decision on acceptance into this course is based on mutual agreement of both Concordia language department faculty and Concordia Language Villages faculty concerning both the student and the project. A total maximum equivalent of two full courses from 390 and 395 may be counted toward graduation.
SPAN 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department chair for more information.
SPAN 490 – Practicum, 4 credits. D. A two-month living and learning experience in a Spanish-speaking country arranged as an extension of the May Seminar or Mexico Summer Study Program. Students participate in the culture of a host family. A research project and journal are required. Prerequisite: SPAN 300 – May Seminar in Latin America or Spain, or SPAN 363 – Mexican Culture or approval of department chair
Literature
SPAN 325 – Hispanic Women Writers, 2 credits. E1. A study of contemporary Spanish and Latin American women writers with emphasis on feminist literary theory. The course may also fulfill requirements for a women’s studies minor. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts or SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context or permission of the instructor
SPAN 326 R – Introduction to Hispanic Literature, 4 credits. E. A survey of major works from both Spanish and Latin American writers, this course introduces students to basic methods of literary analysis and various critical approaches to the study of narrative fiction, poetry and drama. Prerequisite: SPAN 321 – Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts or SPAN 320 – Spanish Grammar in Context or permission of the instructor
SPAN 411 – Latin American Literature, 4 credits. D. A historical study of major works by Latin American writers from European contact to the present day. The course will include the review and refinement of literary theory and text interpretation and analysis with practical applications. Prerequisite: SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of instructor
SPAN 412 – Contemporary Spanish-American Narrative, 4 credits. D. Concentrates on 20th century narrative fiction by key figures of the Spanish-American literary intelligentsia, including the so-called “Boom” and “Post-Boom” writers. Prerequisite: SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of instructor
SPAN 413 – Topics in Latin American Literature, 2 credits. E. Selected topics whose main focus is a thorough understanding and interpretation of literary, cultural, historical and societal factors that give shape to Latin America. Concentration could be on a period, a literary genre, a literary movement, a thematic unit, representative texts, representative authors or an author in particular. Repeat credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisite: SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of the instructor
SPAN 421 – Peninsular Spanish Literature, 4 credits. D. Focusing on 20th century literature, this course offers students the opportunity to read novels, plays and poetry by major Spanish writers. Texts will be discussed from both cultural and theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of instructor
SPAN 423 – Topics in Spanish Literature, 2 credits. E. Selected topics addressing the nature and complexity of thought, aesthetics, and social reality in any period of Spanish history, as exemplified by a particular group of literary texts. All activities conducted in Spanish. Topics could focus on a selected genre or period, a major literary figure, a canonical work, a theme or a Spanish play performance, including the study of dramatic literature related to the play to be performed. Repeat credit is allowed for varying topics. Prerequisite: SPAN 326 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of the instructor
Hispanic Studies Courses Taught in English
HISP 210, GS 210 G – Introduction to Latin American Studies, 4 credits. A2. This course is designed to introduce students to the field of Latin American Studies, discuss key contemporary issues, understand the historical roots of Latin American dilemmas and challenges, and explore the political implications for development and democracy in Latin America. The course includes journal keeping, group discussions, oral presentations and lectures presented by various experts.
HISP 311 – U.S.-Latin American Relations, 4 credits. A2. An analytical approach to reciprocal interactions between the United States and Latin America. Key historical events and themes will be highlighted, such as territorial expansion, security needs, economic interests, political issues, domestic policies, drug trafficking, immigration, and cultural expressions. Original documents created in both regions will add to a more balanced view of different dimensions of this relationship.
HISP 380 – Special Topics, 2 to 4 credits. D. Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department chair for more information.
HISP 390 – Cooperative Education, 2 to 4 credits. D.
HISP 480 – Independent Study, 1 to 4 credits. D. This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth research of a particular topic under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department chair for more information.