Students who plan to take a language in the Fall must complete a language placement form in STAR. Each language has a questionnaire and/or exam that must be completed before a student can register for a language course.
Learn more on the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures website.
Advanced Placement: A score of 4 or 5 on an AP language exam earns college credit and counts toward the language studies common area requirement; a score of 4 or 5 on a literature exam earns college credit and counts toward the language studies or literature common area requirement. Students with AP credit in Spanish earn placement in the curriculum but not progress toward the minimum number of courses required by the major.
Majors: Students who are considering a Spanish major should enroll in a Spanish course at the appropriate level based on the results of the Spanish Background Questionnaire.
Courses
SPAN 101
Directed Independent Elementary Spanish 1
Common Area: Language Studies
The first course in our Elementary Spanish sequence, SPAN 101 provides an introduction to basic structures and vocabulary of Spanish, with a focus on all language skills as well as cultural content. It is offered in our Directed Independent Spanish Curriculum (DISC) program. As such, students complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. Two weekly Practicum sessions and independent work.
SPAN 102
Directed Independent Elementary Spanish 2
Common Area: Language Studies
The second course in our Elementary Spanish sequence, SPAN 102 continues our introduction to basic structures and vocabulary of Spanish, with a focus on all language skills as well as cultural content. It is offered through our Directed Independent Spanish Curriculum (DISC) program. As such, students complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. Two weekly Practicum sessions and independent work.
SPAN 103
Intensive Elementary Spanish
Common Area: Language Studies
An intensive review of materials covered in our Elementary Spanish sequence, this course is specifically designed for students with high-school experience in Spanish. Five class hours weekly, including two hours of Practicum.
SPAN 108
Directed Independent Intensive Elementary Spanish
Common Area: Language Studies
Like SPAN 103, this course provides an intensive review of materials covered in our Elementary Spanish sequence, but is offered through our Directed Independent Spanish Curriculum (DISC) program. As such, students complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. Two weekly Practicum sessions and independent work.
SPAN 201
Intermediate Spanish 1
Common Area: Language Studies
The first course in our intermediate Spanish sequence, SPAN 201 is designed for students who have completed SPAN 102 or 103 or 108 or the equivalent. The course focuses on all four skills and expands the students’ general command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. Students will learn to narrate in the past, present and future, describe people, places and things, give commands, and state opinions. Discussion of short videos as well as cultural and literary readings will help students expand their vocabulary and broaden their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Four class hours weekly, including one hour of Practicum.
SPAN 202
Intermediate Spanish 2
Common Area: Language Studies
The second course in our two-semester Intermediate Spanish sequence, SPAN 202 is designed for students who have completed SPAN 201 or 215 or the equivalent. The course focuses on oral expression, reading, writing, and listening comprehension through the use of authentic materials. Students will hone their abiLiteraturey to narrate and describe in different tenses and to express their opinions on a variety of topics and contexts, expanding their vocabulary and grammar. Four class hours weekly, including one hour of Practicum.
SPAN 215
Directed Independent Intermediate Spanish 1
Common Area: Language Studies
An alternative approach to Spanish 201 which allows students to complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. One class hour weekly and laboratory practice.
SPAN 216
Directed Independent Intermediate Spanish 2
Common Area: Language Studies
The second course in our two-semester Intermediate Spanish sequence, SPAN 216 is the equivalent of SPAN 202, but in our Directed Independent Spanish Curriculum program. As such, students complete course requirements by working independently with technology-based materials. One Practicum session weekly and independent work.
SPAN 301
Spanish Composition & Conversation
Common Area: Language Studies
A prerequisite to other 300- and 400-level courses in Spanish, this class provides intensive composition and conversation practice through the discussion and analysis of texts, podcasts, and films produced by authors and filmmakers from different national and cultural backgrounds. The goal is to expand the students’ command of Spanish grammar and vocabulary, to develop their communicative and rhetorical skills as well as their fluency and pronunciation, and to reflect critically on the experiences of Spanish-speaking communities across the world. Five hours per week, including two Practicum sessions.
SPAN 302
Composition for Bilingual Speakers
Common Area: Language Studies
A prerequisite to other 300- and 400-level Spanish classes, this course is the equivalent of SPAN 301 for native and heritage students with a high level of oral Spanish proficiency. The class provides intensive reading and writing practice through the discussion and analysis of texts, podcasts, and films produced by authors from different national and cultural backgrounds, including contemporary Latinx and Afro-Latinx writers and filmmakers. Building upon their previous knowledge and experiences, students will broaden their awareness of particular aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures and identities, and practice different writing techniques to suit different purposes. Four hours per week, including one Practicum session.
SPAN 305
Introduction to Textual Analysis
Common Area: Language Studies or Literature
This course invites students to engage critically with narrative, poetry, drama, and film in Spanish. We will read a variety of literary works from Latin America and Spain, reflecting on the political, social, and cultural issues they address. Theoretical readings will provide the necessary tools to dissect and discuss both written and visual texts. How does a text work? What makes it elicit certain reactions in the reader? Why is it appealing (or not!)? Through close readings, students will learn to analyze literary texts and articulate their views with clarity and conviction. Conducted in Spanish.