Spanish (SPA)

A beginning course in spoken and written Spanish with emphasis on oral expression. Students learn basic language skills while learning about Spanish culture. Oral practice in the classroom combined with a solid foundation of grammar and vocabulary prepare students for advanced training in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For students who are beginning Spanish and for those who have studied Spanish for no more than two years in high school. Bilingual students will not receive credit for this course. A placement exam in Spanish is available to students who have taken 3 years of high school Spanish or beyond.

Continaution of SPA-1101.

An in-depth study of Spanish grammar with emphasis on reading and writing for students proficient in spoken Spanish whose formal education has been in English. Vocabulary and critical thinking are developed through literary and cultural readings and put into practice in class discussions and compositions.

A course designed for majors in education programs to promote the attainment of audio-lingual skills in the Spanish language; specifically, speaking and understanding the language at a level apropriate for daily conversation in and around the classroom. Bilingual students and those with more than two years of high school Spanish will not receive credit for this course. They should seek placement in the appropriate advanced Spanish courses by the Foreign Language department.

Continuation of SPA-1117.

Intended to promote speaking, understanding, and reading skills in the Spanish language used in daily communications within the business world. Also an exploration of the cultural practices, customs, and traditions of the Latin American business and social world. A comparison will be made with the same practices in the U.S.

Continuation of SPA-1119.

Spanish for Health Professionals I is an introductory course designed for students in medical fields. This is the first of two courses needed to complete the health professional language program. These courses must be taken in sequence. This course will help students to develop the skills necessary to understand and communicate in Spanish (at the beginning level) in a health care environment. A relevant and precise vocabulary will be introduced as well as cultural innuendos related to Hispanic patients.

Spanish for Health Professionals II is a continuation of Spanish for Health Professionals I. These courses are designed for students in medical fields. Students must complete Spanish for Health Professionals I. If the student is of Spanish heritage and has basic knowledge of the language, he or she will be placed in this course only after taking and passing a placement exam. This exam is administered by the Language Coordinator. Spanish for Health Professionals II will help students to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to understand and communicate in Spanish at an intermediate level in a health care environment. A relevant and precise vocabulary will be introduced as well as cultural innuendos related to Hispanic patients. The course offers health professionals the practical vocabulary and medical terminology to gather patient's medical information, to be able to explain medical conditions, body parts that are affected, the illness that is 2 diagnosed, and the process to be followed: surgery, rehabilitation, and other treatments. The main emphasis of the course is communication and a relation between health professionals and patients that leads to excellence in treatment, comfort and positive patient outcomes.

The control of elementary audio-lingual skills and their further development; emphasis on developing reading skills. Students should have three years of language reading and conversation in high school, a passing score on a placement test, or SPA-1102 before enrolling in this course.

Continuation of SPA-2103.

A conversation course based on everyday topics and readings from a wide range of literary and non-literary sources.

Reading and discussion of major works of Spanish and Latin American literature.

Continuation of SPA-2201.

A study of the outstanding authors of the 20th century and their works.

Selections from principal Spanish-American writers from the 16th century to the present.

Continuation of SPA-3305

A study of the characteristics of Spanish culture based upon anthropological and sociological studies; humanistic and scientific contributions to civilization; reading and reports.

In 1945, Gabriela Mistral, a Chilean poet, was the first Latin American to win the Nobel Laureate for literature. Subsequently, several Latin American authors have been recognized internationally for their literary accomplishments. In this course we will read, listen to, and view works of prose, poetry, and drama from Latin American Nobel Laureates.

A study and analysis of the culture and literature of the Hispanic ethnic groups living in metropolitan New York, the West Coast, Southwest, and South Florida, including Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Mexicans, Central and South Americans. The course will explore their contributions to literature, art, music, and film.

A course to develop the technique and vocabulary of discussion as a supplement to expression in the areas of expertise.

An analysis of Cervantes' works and their importance in the literature of the Siglo de Oro; readings and discussions; reports.

Readings and discussions on the culture and history of Puerto Rico and its development in contemporary times. Topics on the relations between national identity, literature, and politics will be presented for discussion.

A study of Latin American painting and film in relation to the emergence of national identities and values. This course is devoted to the works of the most important Latin American artists, writers, and directors.

Offered in conjunction with a trip to Spain, Latin America, or the Caribbean conducted by the department. Travel experience is supplemented by lectures before and during the trip. Each student also prepares a research paper on a topic approved by the instructor: (a) Spain and/or Portugal; (b) the Caribbean and/or Central America; and (c) South America.

A research and reading project, agreed upon by professor and student, is carried out under the professor's supervision. The student's progress is monitored by regular meetings and reports. Evaluation by means of any of several methods: examinations, written assignments, term papers, oral reports.

This thesis course is designed to lead the student through the entire process of preparing a senior thesis on a topic in Spanish culture or language resulting in the completion of a paper of at least 35 pages. The thesis will not be accepted unless correct form is used throughout, following the guidelines of the _MLA Handbook_. High standards of grammar, punctuation, and spelling will apply. The student will choose his/her topic and mentor with the approval of the chairperson of the department. The student will meet regularly with the mentor throughout the semester. The thesis may be written in either English or Spanish per the agreement of the student, mentor, and chairperson.

Cross-listed with: ICS-5341. This course explores cultural and literary expressions of Latinos in the United States. It analyzes the artistic, cultural, social and economic impact of the immigrant experience and the incorporation of Latinos into United States society. Various genres will be studied from a social and cultural context: autobiographical essays, poetry, novels, stories, documentaries, film, music and art. Topics include: identity in relation to ethnicity, nationality and race and their impact on cultural expression; struggle for self-determination; class and gender struggle; and being bilingual/bicultural or living within a margin. Representative authors and artists to be studied: Julia Alvarez, Cherie Moraga, Cristina Garca, Achy Obeja, Rosario Ferr, Gloria Anzalda and James de la Vega. Open to students in the Honors Program only.