Faculty: Borchard, Bordera-Amérigo, Massery, Reagan, and Soric.
(Department of Modern Languages)
The Hispanic Studies program exposes students to the reality that the Hispanic world extends beyond the political borders of Spain and Latin America to include the United States, which has the second-largest Hispanic population worldwide. With nearly 42 million Spanish speakers in North America, the US currently has the fifth-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world and is now home to the second largest Hispanic population worldwide, after Mexico. The Hispanic Studies major is intended to increase the accessibility of our courses to this diverse campus demographic–whose motivation for studying Spanish is not solely centered on language, but on identity and shared experiences–while simultaneously making some upper-level course offerings accessible to students who are not fluent in Spanish. In doing so, students who do not speak Spanish will join conversations centered on cultural practices, traditions, and issues of equity, thereby enhancing their understanding of one of the most culturally and linguistically prevalent populations living in the United States.
Courses at all levels are designed to provide continued opportunities for the use of the language in a variety of modes and settings, on campus, in the Ashland and Richmond communities, and abroad. In addition to imparting linguistic skills, the Hispanic Studies program nurtures critical thinking and synthesis in a program balancing language, civilization and culture, literary and linguistic skills, and professional skills.
The program for a major in Hispanic Studies consists of 10 courses of at least 3 hours beyond SPAN 211, planned in consultation with an advisor in the department. The core of the major, which includes courses in grammar, reading, and conversation, should be completed early in a student’s studies. Although not obligatory, students are strongly encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country. The capstone experience will be fulfilled in the junior or senior year and all majors will take a departmental assessment test. Heritage speakers and those whose initial language placements are higher than SPAN 215 may substitute any SPAN course for SPAN 212/SPAN 215 on the major; please consult with the department chair if you believe your language skills meet proficiency standards of the core requirements (language, reading, writing, etc.).
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Courses in Hispanic Studies
HISP 253 - Spain as a Cultural Crossroad (3 Hours)
“Africa begins in the Pyrenees." "Spain is Different." "America is in Spain." Ranging from derogatory stereotypes to snappy slogans, characterizations of Spain have varied over the centuries but remain consistent in their expression of Spain as a land caught somewhere between the Eastern and Western worlds and the Northern and Southern Atlantic, a cultural crossroads where Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas meet. This course will examine the long history of inter-cultural contact in the literature and culture of what we know as Spain today. Students will spend two weeks in Toledo, a UNESCO world heritage site known as "the city of the three cultures" due to the centuries of coexistence of its medieval Muslim, Christian, and Jewish populations. The course will also examine networks of migration, economics, and power associated with Spain's history as a global empire, the Spanish Civil War, and the present-day immigration boom from Africa and South America as depicted in Spanish works of literature, visual art, and film. As a travel course, students will participate in experiential learning through visits to a number of historical sites in Toledo and overnight excursions to Granada and Córdoba, and experience first-hand the architectural and cultural remnants of Spain's medieval inter-faith cohabitation. An excursion to Madrid will also allow students to experience contemporary life in Spain's major metropolitan capital, including a visit to the world-class Prado Museum. Students taking HISP 253 are not permitted to enroll in SPAN353. This course will be taught in English. C21:AE,EL,HU,OC.
HISP 372 - The Two Spains (3 Hours)
A study of the conflictive process of modernization in Spain that concentrates on the clash between the progressive efforts to modernize and the traditionalist efforts to maintain Spain's unique social and cultural identity. This study abroad course in Spain includes visits to historical and cultural sites. Offered alternate years. C21:EL,GE,HU,OC.
Prerequisite(s): Any 100-level or 200-level Spanish course, or permission of instructor
HISP 400 - Capstone (3 Hours)
This seminar provides intensive study of a literary, cultural, social, political, or linguistic movement, period, phenomenon, or current event, culminating in a major research paper or project. Throughout the capstone seminar, students will learn to situate their work within important frameworks, propose and identify research questions, organize research material, and critically discuss their own, as well as their classmates’ scholarship. Students will complete an original, coherent, accurate, well-documented, and persuasive project that applies the knowledge and skills related to the Hispanic Studies Program. Furthermore, students will integrate, extend, evaluate, and apply knowledge and skills from the Hispanic Studies major program. C21:CS.
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level Spanish course or 300-level Hispanic Studies course, and junior or senior standing
Courses in Spanish
SPAN 111 - Elementary Spanish (3 Hours)
Essentials of Spanish, stressing the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Required additional scheduled session of language practice. Given in Spanish. Designed for students with no experience of Spanish. C21:FL.
Curriculum: FL
SPAN 112 - Elementary Spanish (3 Hours)
Second half of Elementary SPAN. Required additional scheduled session of language practice. Given in Spanish. C21:FL.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 111
Curriculum: FL
SPAN 115 - Elementary Spanish Review (4 Hours)
Intensive introduction to Spanish, emphasizing the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Designed for students who have taken Spanish but who do not place in intermediate Spanish. Admittance through placement only. Students who have taken SPAN 111 and/or SPAN 112 may not enroll in SPAN 115. Required additional scheduled session of language practice. Given in Spanish. C21:FL.
Curriculum: FL
SPAN 211 - Intermediate Spanish I (3 Hours)
Continued study of the four language skills at a more sophisticated level. Required additional scheduled session of language practice. Given in Spanish. Throughout the course, students will explore cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries. Students will work with authentic materials such as music, videos and articles to negotiate understanding (at a beginning-intermediate level) and awareness of the target culture. Students will also learn to develop cultural awareness of individuals and groups that share Spanish as a common language and relate this awareness to their own understanding and experiences. As part of the course design, activities that facilitate oral and written communication with other students are regularly employed. Furthermore, using online conversation platforms, students are exposed to authentic language use through conversation with native Spanish speakers. C21:FL.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 112/115 or admittance through placement
Curriculum: FL
SPAN 212 - Intermediate Spanish II (3 Hours)
Second half of Intermediate Spanish. Required additional scheduled session of language practice. Given in Spanish. Throughout the course, students will explore cultural aspects of Spanish speaking countries. Students will work with authentic materials such as music, videos and articles to negotiate understanding (at an advanced-intermediate level) and awareness of the target culture. Students will also learn to develop cultural awareness of individuals and groups that share Spanish as a common language and relate this awareness to their own understanding and experiences. As part of the course design, activities that facilitate oral and written communication with other students are regularly employed. Furthermore, using online conversation platforms, students are exposed to authentic language use through conversation with native Spanish speakers. C21:FL.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 211
Curriculum: FL
SPAN 215 - Intermediate Spanish Review (4 Hours)
Spanish 215 serves as an intensive grammar review with an emphasis on the development of oral communication, listening comprehension, writing skills, reading ability, and cultural knowledge pertinent to the Spanish-speaking world. Students in Spanish 215 will apply the grammatical and cultural concepts learned in class to conversations with native Spanish speakers using online conversation platforms, partial exams and group discussions, among other interactive and skill-building activities. Course designed for students who are beyond the SPAN 211 level but do not place out of the language courses. Students who have taken SPAN 211 and/or SPAN 212 may not enroll in SPAN 215. Given in Spanish. C21:FL.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN215 placement
Curriculum: FL
SPAN 232 - Advanced Grammar and Composition (3 Hours)
This language and writing development course offers a comprehensive grammar and composition review to advanced students of Spanish. Vocabulary building and written applications of grammar are emphasized. Given in Spanish. C21:CC.
Curriculum: CC
SPAN 233 - Spanish Academic & Creative Writing (3 Hours)
An intensive writing course that focuses on further developing Spanish writing conventions and the practical and stylistic application of Spanish grammar and vocabulary with the goal of seeking clarity and accurate expression of ideas. Unlike SPAN 232 which mostly focuses on a general review of Spanish grammar and vocabulary and general writing practice, SPAN 233 seeks to deepen the mechanics of writing beyond reviewing grammar in an isolated fashion: through in-class writing workshops students will practice the different stages involved in the writing process: the art of brainstorming, planning, source research, drafting, proofreading, and editing. The course emphasizes the practice of academic writing (academic expository and persuasive writing) as well as creative writing (narrative and descriptive). A digital portfolio will be submitted as part of the final culminating project. Given in Spanish. Given in Spanish. C21:CC.
Curriculum: CC
SPAN 241 - Reading in Spanish (3 Hours)
This course is designed to help students become critical readers in Spanish. Texts are selected for their value in helping students understand literary forms and how these forms are constructed and read. Emphasis is placed on the constituent elements of narrative prose, poetry, drama, essays, and news media. Readings consist of selections from Spanish and Latin–American literature and press, and attention is paid to close textual reading. This course is conducted entirely in Spanish, and attention to the figurative use of language promotes considerable growth in student's ability to understand and use spoken and written Spanish. SPAN 232 highly recommended Given in Spanish. Partially satisfies the AOK requirement for Arts and Literature (literature). Prerequisites: SPAN212 or SPAN215. C21:AE,HU,WA.
Curriculum: AE,HU,WA
SPAN 242 - Spanish for Social Justice (3 Hours)
In this course, students will hone their reading and writing skills while exploring issues of social justice facing Spanish-speaking communities within the United States. The use of Spanish-language periodicals and online resources will develop vocabulary pertinent to knowledge and discussion of social justice issues also relevant to a diverse range of professional and academic fields; documentaries and short films will be used to deepen the exploration of such issues. Units are organized around the topics of (1) human rights; (2) immigration; (3) employment; (4) education; (5) housing; and (6) citizenship. Classroom visits from multiple community partners with careers in education, law enforcement, and social services will supplement and inform class discussions and written assignments. Students will refine their writing skills in conjunction with their reading proficiency through the regular completion of analytic reading-response papers, in addition to a final research and writing project. SPAN 242 counts as an alternate to SPAN 241, as the required reading skills course on the Spanish major and minor and counts as an elective in the Criminology major and minor. Given in Spanish. C21:CL,DI,HU,WA.
Curriculum: CL,DI,HU,WA
SPAN 251 - Conversation (3 Hours)
Conversation in Spanish is a great first step to increase your proficiency in Spanish! This course ensures intensive practice in conversational Spanish, which is designed to advance students' fluency and vocabulary. Using a variety of mediums that may include videos, news articles, essays and films, students carry out practical exercises created to enhance spoken communication. In doing so, students develop oral communication skills that will help them navigate the Spanish speaking world with greater ease, increased proficiency and linguistic sophistication. Given in Spanish.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN212 or SPAN215
SPAN 255 - Perfecting your Accent (3 Hours)
If you aren't quite happy with your accent yet, this is the course for you! Perfecting your accent is designed to help students develop target-like precision in Spanish, especially as it relates to difficult vowel and consonant production. Using numerous video and audio recordings, special attention is given to identifying and correcting individual pronunciation inaccuracies, while also raising awareness of the linguistic principles that help learners to distinguish between primary dialects within the Spanish-speaking world. Students will also apply concepts learned in class through highly interactive and engaging conversations with native Spanish speakers using TalkAbroad. Given in Spanish. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN212 or SPAN215
SPAN 256 - Spanish Service Learning: Latinos in the U.S. (3 Hours)
This course offers intensive practice in conversational Spanish through the study of current issues relating to Latinos in the U.S. and a service-learning component. Students will explore issues in Latino immigration, politics, and culture through authentic print and film media and will participate in community placements speaking Spanish and working with the Latino communities of Ashland and Richmond. Given in Spanish. Satisfies the CAR requirement for Experiential (field studies). C21:CL,DI,HU,OC.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN212 or SPAN215
Curriculum: CL,DI,HU,SA
SPAN 281 - T:Special Topics (3 Hours)
Prerequisite(s): SPAN212 or SPAN215
SPAN 283 - Humor in Spanish (3 Hours)
Humor in Spanish will help students refine their conversation skills through the in-depth exploration of the linguistic and cultural knowledge necessary to understand humor in Spanish. Students will laugh their way through the theory and history of humor, humor in film and TV, humor in music, internet humor (memes, Instagram, TikTok, etc.), and humor in literature. This class fulfills the Oral Production requirement for the Spanish major and minor.
SPAN 301 - Spanish for Business (3 Hours)
If you are considering working or interacting with Spanish-speaking professionals, this course will help prepare you for the venture! Spanish for Business serves as an introduction to business environments in the Spanish-speaking world, helping students to develop the necessary skills they will need to successfully navigate international corporate settings. Using a task-based approach to learning, students are exposed to industries such as fashion, tourism, marketing, food, and banking, among others. Students will be required to research lucrative businesses abroad, search for job opportunities that require Spanish, lead discussions, analyze reports, write business proposals, and carry out interviews in the target language. Given in Spanish. Offered alternate years.
Prerequisite(s): a 230 or 240 level SPAN course.C21:CL,HU
Curriculum: CL,HU
SPAN 303 - Spanish for the Medical and Healthcare Professions (3 Hours)
An introduction to the world of medicine and healthcare conducted in Spanish. This course is intended for advanced Spanish students who wish to expand their language skills using practical situations in everyday encounters within the healthcare setting. This course helps students develop the ability to interact with Spanish-speaking patients, doctors, nurses, technicians, and EMT professionals in the medical field and healthcare industry by providing them with the appropriate vocabulary and cultural competence skills. Variety of topics include but are not limited to language and cultural views on health and the relationship with healthcare practitioners, the socio-cultural perspective on diverse healthcare systems, regional linguistic nuances in medical terminology, and exploring and understanding the cultural relationship among patients, doctors, and nurses. Given in Spanish. C21:CL,DI,HU,OC.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: CL,DI,HU,SA
SPAN 335 - Structure & Symbols of Spanish (3 Hours)
Have you ever wondered why Spanish uses accent marks? Have you ever questioned why Spanish sentences don't require explicit subjects? Do you remember asking your Spanish teachers why there were so many irregular verbs? If you are looking for answers, this course takes an analytical approach to the Spanish language, exposing students to fundamental topics, such as sentence structure, word formation, pronunciation, and the construction of meaning. Throughout the course, students will learn to break down and rebuild language from the bottom up, like a puzzle, using problem-solving exercises and hands-on activities. Other topics include the investigation of social and cultural distinctions via the lens of linguistic nuance. Given in Spanish. Offered alternate years. C21:HU,QS.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: HU,QS
SPAN 336 - Learning & Teaching of Spanish (3 Hours)
Second Language Acquisition (SLA) focuses on language issues as they relate to the syntactic, phonetic, and morphological development of learners' interlanguage (i.e., developing) systems. Throughout the course, students are exposed to fundamental theoretical models in the field of SLA, which they apply to real-life situations. Through hands-on experience and practical exercises, students learn how to identify linguistic processes that complicate second language acquisition, as well as design lessons that are effective in helping themselves and others address questions pertaining to interlanguage development. As a result of the training provided in this course, students cultivate critical thinking and pedagogical skills that are applicable both in and outside of the second language classroom.
Prerequisite(s): a 230 or 240 level SPAN course
SPAN 351 - Introduction to Literature of Spain (3 Hours)
A study of Spanish peninsular literature from the Middle Ages to the present. Selected works from prose narrative, poetry, theater, and essay are read and studied from a chronological or thematic approach. Emphasis on analysis of literary texts, use of critical terms, and historical and cultural context. Given in Spanish. Partially satisfies the AOK requirement for Arts and Literature (literature). C21:AE,HU,OC,WA.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: AE,HU,SA,WA
SPAN 353 - Spain as a Cultural Crossroad (4 Hours)
Africa begins in the Pyrenees." "Spain is Different." "America is in Spain." Ranging from derogatory stereotypes to snappy slogans, characterizations of Spain have varied over the centuries but remain consistent in their expression of Spain as a land caught somewhere between the Eastern and Western worlds and the Northern and Southern Atlantic, a cultural crossroads where Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas meet. This course will examine the long history of inter-cultural contact in the literature and culture of what we know as Spain today. The course will also examine networks of migration, economics, and power associated with Spain's history as a global empire, the Spanish Civil War, and the present-day immigration boom from Africa and South America as depicted in Spanish works of literature, visual art, and film. This course will be taught in English and meet the AOK requirement in Literature. When cross-taught with FLET 253, Spanish Majors and Minors will complete an extra credit hour in Spanish. These students will be required to read course materials in Spanish where appropriate and analyze and discuss additional materials in Spanish. Students taking SPAN 353 are not permitted to enroll in FLET 253. C21:AE,EL,HU,OC.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
SPAN 356 - Introduction to Latin-American Literature (3 Hours)
A study of Latin-American literature from the colonial period to the present. Prose narrative, poetry, and theater are studied. Emphasis on analysis of literary texts and use of critical terms. Given in Spanish. Partially satisfies the AOK requirement for Arts and Literature (literature). C21:AE,HU,WA.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or instructor permission
Curriculum: AE,HU,WA
SPAN 357 - Regional Approaches to Topics in Modern Latin American Lit & Film (3 Hours)
This course will evaluate various elements of 20th-century Latin America society through a regional approach to analyzing various topics such as dictatorships, drug wars, diversity, immigration, music, revolution, and more through literature, film, and other media. Emphasis on comparative analysis, use of critical terms, and developing an understanding of the historical context of each work studied. Given in Spanish. Students may not receive credit for both FLET 257 and SPAN 357. Partially satisfies the AOK requirement for Arts and Literature (literature). C21:AE,HU,WA.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: AE,HU,WA
SPAN 371 - Spain's Civilization (3 Hours)
A survey of political, intellectual, and artistic life in Spain from earliest times to the 21st century. Ideas and traditions that have had the most profound and long-lasting influence on the cultural heritage of Spain are emphasized. Given in Spanish. Offered alternate years. C21:GE,HU,OC,WA.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: GE,HU,SA,WA
SPAN 373 - Contemporary Spanish Culture through Film and Music (3 Hours)
This course explores contemporary Spanish culture and society through recent film and music production. Topics include the different perspectives and critiques of social structures and constructs like the family, gender, gender roles, sexuality, and "machismo"; Spanish politics of the nation and the significance of memory in film representations of Spanish history (the Spanish Civil War); immigration and ethnic minorities. Pop music and its visual representation through musical clips or videos will also play an important part in understanding social issues through their narratives. Supplementary critical readings on Spanish culture and course topics (scholarly articles, media) will provide students with the background to analyze these topics and their visual representations. Given in Spanish. Offered alternate years. C21:GE,HU,OC,WA.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: GE,HU,SA.WA
SPAN 375 - Spanish in the US (3 Hours)
Did you know that there are more Spanish speakers in the United States than in Colombia, Spain, and Argentina? Have you noticed the increasing presence of Hispanic politicians, influencers, and artists in mainstream media and commercial markets in North America? This course examines how Hispanic populations are contributing to a changing demographic and cultural landscape that is reshaping the political, economic, linguistic, and social panorama of the United States. Throughout the semester, students will be exposed to the fundamental ideologies that promote these changes, including inclusive language, the impact of immigration, heritage identities, bilingual education, and movements such as LatinX. Additionally, through conversations with native speakers, readings, articles, and oral presentations, students will gain a better understanding of the Spanish language, not only in terms of communication, but also its professional applications. To this end, students will learn about the demand for Spanish in the North American job market by completing exercises that focus on analyzing competitive employment opportunities that require bilingual skills. Finally, students will be able to identify the uses of Spanish in fields such as education, hospitality, medicine, business, public security, and forensic linguistics, among others. C21:CL,HU,DI
Curriculum: CL,HU,DI
SPAN 376 - Latin-American Civilization (3 Hours)
Study of the culture and civilization of Spanish-speaking America from a variety of viewpoints: historical, literary, sociological, anthropological, and political. Extensive use of audio-visual materials. Given in Spanish. Offered alternate years. C21:GE,WA.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or permission of instructor
Curriculum: GE,WA
SPAN 381 - Special Topics (3 Hours)
Intensive work in areas of language or literature not covered in the general curriculum, tailored to the needs of advanced students. Given in Spanish.
Prerequisite(s): Prerequisite: a 230 or 240 level SPAN course
SPAN 400 - Capstone (Appl Cult or Ling) (3 Hours)
An intensive study of culture and/or an advanced topic that culminates in a major research paper or project. This seminar provides a culminating experience in which students will widely integrate, extend, critique, and apply knowledge and skills from the Spanish major program. C21:CS.
Prerequisite(s): One 300-level Spanish course or 300-level Hispanic Studies course, and junior or senior standing
Curriculum: CS
SPAN 401 - Capstone (Literature) (3 Hours)
An intensive study of an author, literary movement or literary time period that culminates in a major research paper or project. This seminar provides a culminating experience in which students will widely integrate, extend, critique, and apply knowledge and skills from the Spanish major program. C21:CS.
Prerequisite(s): Two 300-level Spanish courses and junior standing
Curriculum: CS
SPAN 450 - Internship in Spanish (3 Hours)
Individually designed field studies and projects for students of junior or senior status whose maturity and proficiency in Spanish will enable them to enter the fields of business, industry, government, health, or social services. The internship provides 130-160 hours of practical application of knowledge of Hispanic culture and language. Application required with appropriate class status and GPA requirement; see Internship Program. Given in Spanish. Offered as needed. C21:EL. A special fee ($200) is charged for this course.
Prerequisite(s): a 230-level Spanish course and a 240-level Spanish course or instructor permission
Curriculum: EL
SPAN 455 - Directed Field Study (3 Hours)
This course allows qualified students to gain practical experience by applying their Spanish language skills and cultural competency strategies and techniques through collaborations with volunteer organizations, directed research, and/or other projects as designed with a faculty member. Offered occasionally.
Prerequisite(s): completion of a 300-level SPAN course or permission of instructor; declared Spanish major or minor; and junior or senior status
SPAN 481 - Special Topics (3 Hours)
These courses focus on areas of spanish not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of advanced students.
Prerequisite(s): one 300 level SPAN course
SPAN 491 - Independent Study (3 Hours)
An independent study under the guidance of a member of the department. At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA and approval by the curriculum committee are required. Given in Spanish. C21:EL.
Curriculum: EL
SPAN 492 - Independent Study (3 Hours)
An independent study under the guidance of a member of the department. At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA and approval by the curriculum committee are required. Given in Spanish. C21:EL.
Curriculum: EL
SPAN 496 - Senior Project (3 Hours)
This two-semester sequence allows qualified senior majors in the department to research a topic intensively and independently. A formal paper and an oral examination are required. Majors who intend to attempt a senior project are urged to notify the department of their intention during the spring term of their junior year at the latest. Student earns a total of six hours for the full senior project experience (496, 497, and 498).
SPAN 497 - Senior Project (3 Hours)
This two-semester sequence allows qualified senior majors in the department to research a topic intensively and independently. A formal paper and an oral examination are required. Majors who intend to attempt a senior project are urged to notify the department of their intention during the spring term of their junior year at the latest. Student earns a total of six hours for the full senior project experience (496, 497, and 498).
SPAN 498 - Senior Project (3 Hours)
This two-semester sequence allows qualified senior majors in the department to research a topic intensively and independently. A formal paper and an oral examination are required. Majors who intend to attempt a senior project are urged to notify the department of their intention during the spring term of their junior year at the latest. Student earns a total of six hours for the full senior project experience (496, 497, and 498).