2007-08 Academic Catalog	home FAQs request

Courses

Spanish Courses

Language and Culture

SPAN 111 — Beginning Spanish I, 1.0 credit. 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 — Beginning Spanish II, 1.0 credit. 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 — Intermediate Spanish I, 1.0 credit. 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 — Intermediate Spanish II, 1.0 credit. 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, 1.0 credit. 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 or Spain, 0.5 credit. D.
This course, an overview of the cultures and geography of Spain or 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 or Spain. Appropriate travel vocabulary is also reviewed.
Prerequisite: SPAN 112 — Beginning Spanish II (concurrent registration acceptable) or permission of the instructor

SPAN 300 — May Seminar, 1.0 credit. MS.

SPAN 321 — Composition and Conversation in Cultural Contexts, 1.0 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context, 1.0 credit. 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 331 — Business Spanish, 1.0 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar
in Context

SPAN 335 — Advanced Oral Communication, 0.5 credit. 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, 0.5 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context

SPAN 351 — Contemporary Latin American Culture, 0.5 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context

SPAN 361 — Latin American Historical and Cultural Perspectives, 0.5 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context

SPAN 363 — Mexican Culture, 0.5 credit. 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, 0.5 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context

SPAN 366 — Introduction to Interpretation, 0.5 credit. 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, 0.5 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context or permission of the instructor

SPAN 380 — Special Topics, 0.5 to 1.0 credit. D.
Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department chair for more information.

SPAN 386, P SC 386 — Modern Spain: A Critical Look, 1.0 credit. 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, 0.5 to 1.0 credit. D.

SPAN 395 — Cooperative Education at the Concordia Language Villages, 0.5 to 1.0 credit. 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 course work 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 Village 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, 0.25 to 1.0 credit. 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, 1.0 credit. 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, 0.5 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context or permission of the instructor

SPAN 326 — Introduction to Hispanic Literature, 1.0 credit. 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 322 — Spanish Grammar in Context or permission of the instructor

SPAN 411 — Latin American Literature, 1.0 credit. 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, 1.0 credit. 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, 0.5 credit. 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: Span326 — Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of the instructor

SPAN 421 — Peninsular Spanish Literature, 1.0 credit. 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, 0.5 credit. 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: Span326 — Introduction to Hispanic Literature or permission of the instructor

Hispanic Studies Courses  
Courses taught in English

HISP 310 — Introduction to Latin American Studies, 1.0 credit. 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, 1.0 credit. 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, 0.5 to 1.0 credit. D.
Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department chair for more information.

HISP 390 — Cooperative Education, 0.5 to 1.0 credit. D.

HISP 480 — Independent Study, 0.25 to 1.0 credit. 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.