Native speakers of Spanish are encouraged to take Spanish courses above 400; they will not be allowed to take 300-level courses.
SPAN 101
Beginning Spanish
An introduction to Spanish. Special emphasis on understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. Students work on pronunciation and vocabulary-building. 6 units.
SPAN 102
Beginning Spanish
A continuation of Spanish 101 with intensive practice in the language skills. Some use of cultural materials. 6 units.
Prerequisite: SPAN 101, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 201
Intermediate Spanish
A comprehensive review of language skills with emphasis on mastery of forms and structures. Selected readings serve to develop conversational and writing skills. 6 units. Prerequisite: SPAN 102, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 202
Intermediate Spanish
A continuation of Spanish 201. Comprehensive review of language skills with emphasis on discussions in Spanish and on acquisition of language skills needed for advanced study. Selective review of forms and structures. 6 units. Prerequisite: SPAN 201, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 315
Advanced Composition and Conversation
The goal of this course is to develop students’ abilities to communicate, both orally and in writing. The objectives are to improve writing skills, including expansion of vocabulary and control of grammar, to begin mastering rhetorical techniques for organizing information, and to provide intensive practice of oral communication skills. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus. students. 6 units. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 320
Introduction to Literary Texts
A bridge between intermediate and advanced courses, with readings from across the centuries of Latin American and Spanish literature. Reading and composition tasks prepare the student for the literature courses required for the minor and the major. Intensive reading practice using short texts from a variety of genres (short stories, fables, fairy tales, poems, and non-fiction). Includes grammar review and vocabulary building. 6 units. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 330
Introduction to Film
A bridge between intermediate and advanced courses. Intensive discussion, reading, and writing practice using films from a variety of genres (documentaries and feature films, including film adaptations of stories, novels, and plays in Spanish). Emphasis on the analysis of film components and structure and, where relevant, on the interconnections between literary texts and film. 6 units. Also listed as Theatre Arts 352. Prerequisite: One course above SPAN 201 or its equivalent
SPAN 340
Spanish Phonetics
Spanish Phonetics will immerse students in the pronunciation and general phonetics of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Spain and Latin America. The course will help students to perfect their accent in Spanish and make them aware of the different accents of spoken Spanish. It also will serve Conservatory of Music students who desire to practice their diction in Spanish. Taught in Spanish. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus. students. 6 units. Also listed as Linguistics 375. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 341
Spanish Phonetics
Spanish Phonetics will immerse students in the pronunciation and general phonetics of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Spain and Latin America. The course will help students to perfect their accent in Spanish and make them aware of the different accents of spoken Spanish. It also will serve Conservatory of Music students who desire to practice their diction in Spanish. Taught in English. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus. students. 6 units. Also listed as Linguistics 376. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor
SPAN 345
Advanced Grammar Studies
In-depth study of grammar, syntax, and composition that builds on concepts learned in the intermediate courses. Problem areas, particularly at the advanced level of the language, are studied systematically. Course does not count towards the humanities general education requirement for B.A. and B.A./B.Mus. students. 6 units. Also listed as Linguistics 374. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, its equivalent, or consent of the instructor
SPAN 350
Linguistics of the Spanish Language
A broad study of the concepts and terminology of synchronic linguistics, including different levels of language analysis (e.g., phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics), discourse analysis, and interdisciplinary areas of interest (e.g., sociolinguistics, language policy, cognitive science). Emphasis on the application of linguistic issues within the context of the Spanish language. 6 units. Also listed as Linguistics 377. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 400
Latin American Civilization and Culture
A broad introduction to the culture of the Latin American continent and its relations to North American culture. The course presents Latin American civilization, history, economic and political situation, and diverse culture. Emphasis is placed on high cultural manifestations such as art and literature, as well as on the everyday habits of the people. Recommended for students who plan to participate in one of our study-abroad programs in Latin America. 6 units. Also listed as Ethnic Studies 480. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 405
Spanish Civilization and Culture
An overview of Spanish history followed by examination of various aspects of Spanish culture. A broad introduction to the culture of Spain and its relations to North American culture. The course presents Spanish civilization, history, economic and political situation, and diverse culture. Emphasis is placed on high cultural manifestations such as art and literature, as well as on the everyday habits of the people. Recommended for students who plan to participate in one of our study-abroad programs in Spain. 6 units. Also listed as Ethnic Studies 481. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 410
Gender, Politics, and Current Events in Latin America
A critical analysis of current events in Latin America with a focus on gender and political issues. Through films, magazine articles, fiction, and selected radio and television broadcasts from Latin America, students will study major events that relate and give expression to the cultural mores of Latin Americans within the realm of gender and politics. The course allows students to continue to develop their oral communication skills in the target language and, with a wide range of topics and interests, to work toward an understanding of gender issues and political events that have shaped and transformed Latin America. 6 units. Also listed as Gender Studies 410. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 415
Gender, Politics, and Current Events in Spain
A critical analysis of current events in Spain with a focus on the politics of gender, class, and race. Through selected films, magazine articles, fiction, and media broadcasts from Spain, students will study major problems that affect Spanish society today. The course allows students to continue to develop their oral communication skills in the target language and, with a wide range of topics and interests, to work toward an understanding of issues and political events that affect present-day Spain in the wider context of the European Union. 6 units. Also listed as Gender Studies 412. Prerequisite: One 300-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 510
Survey of Peninsular Spanish I: Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque
An introduction to Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque Spanish literature, culture, and society. Reading and discussion of poetry, prose, and theatre from Spain in their historical and cultural contexts. Introduction to basic concepts of literary theory. Texts, discussion, and written assignments in Spanish. Additional materials such as films and paintings may be used for class discussions in order to contextualize readings. 6 units. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 511
Survey of Peninsular Spanish Literature II: Romanticism through 20th Century
An introduction to Romanticism, Realism, Modernism, Generations of ’98 and ’27, and Post-Civil War Spanish literature, culture, and society. Reading and discussion of poetry, prose, and theatre from Spain in their historical and cultural contexts. Introduction to basic concepts of literary theory. Texts, discussion, and written assignments in Spanish. Additional materials such as films and paintings may be used for class discussions in order to contextualize readings. 6 units. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 520
Survey of Latin American Literature I
A study of texts from Pre-Columbian and Spanish-speaking cultures from the 15th to 19th centuries, the period of “discovery writing” of Spanish colonies in Latin America, focusing on development and elaboration of genres and on the search for cultural and political emancipation from Spain. 6 units. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 521
Survey of Latin American Literature II
A study of major Latin American writers and literary movements from the period of Independence (ca. 1810) to the 20th century. 6 units. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 536
Topics in Literature and Culture
Topics for special study of Peninsular and Latin American literatures and cultures. Topics in this series vary from year to year, according to students’ and instructor’s needs and interests. The course may be repeated with consent of the instructor, if the topic has changed. Taught in English. 6 units.
SPAN 545
Women’s Writings
A course on women’s writing from different times and Spanish-speaking cultures. Content varies according to the instructor’s choices. It will emphasize theoretical approaches to women’s writings and closely read relevant authors. Taught in English. 6 units. Also listed as Gender Studies 548
SPAN 546
Women’s Writings
A course on women’s writing from different times and Spanish-speaking cultures. Content varies according to the instructor’s choices. It will emphasize theoretical approaches to women’s writings and closely read relevant authors. Taught in Spanish. 6 units.
Also listed as Gender Studies 549. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 550
Cervantes: Don Quijote
Close reading and discussion of Don Quijote, Parts I and II. Attention is given to the social and political context of the work. 6 units. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 555
20th-Century Spanish Fiction
A study of modern Spanish fiction in post-Franco Spain through works dealing with issues of memory and national identity. Authors include Juan Marsé, Eduardo Mendoza, Manuel Vázquez Montalbán, Manuel Rivas, and Nuria Amat. 6 units. Prerequisite: One Spanish 400-level course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 560
The Romance Languages and Their Histories
An introduction to the development of Romance languages from Latin. Emphasis on a comparative study of the structures of the modern Romance languages. Taught in English. 6 units. Also listed as Classics 520, Linguistics 510. Prerequisite: Knowledge of Latin or a Romance language beyond the intermediate level, or consent of instructor
SPAN 565
Hispanic Issues
This course covers the main cultural issues in the contemporary Hispanic world. It concentrates on both the Hispanics of Latin America and those of the United States. Through theoretical materials as well as literature, film, historical documents, testimony, etc., this course addresses a variety of subjects related to the Hispanic culture. Taught in English. 6 units. Also listed as Ethnic Studies 582. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor
SPAN 566
Hispanic Issues
This course covers the main cultural issues in the contemporary Hispanic world. It concentrates on both the Hispanics of Latin America and those of the United States. Through theoretical materials as well as literature, film, historical documents, testimony, etc., this course addresses a variety of subjects related to the Hispanic culture. Taught in Spanish. 6 units. Also listed as Ethnic Studies 583. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 570
Narrative: Text and Theory
An advanced study of narrative texts in Spanish (primarily literature), alongside a survey of theoretical approaches to narrative. Emphasis on the application of key concepts in narratology and stylistics to selected texts. Taught in Spanish. 6 units.
Prerequisite: One literary survey (e.g., SPAN 510, SPAN 511, SPAN 520, SPAN 521) or equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 571
Narrative: Text and Theory
An advanced study of narrative texts in Spanish (primarily literature), alongside a survey of theoretical approaches to narrative. Emphasis on the application of key concepts in narratology and stylistics to selected texts. Taught in English. 6 units.
Prerequisite: One course in English at the 230-level or above, its equivalent, or consent of instructor
SPAN 575
Latin American Visual Art
The course introduces the cultures of Latin America through a survey of its major movements and artists from the early 19th century to the present. Image-based lectures will be accompanied by discussion of visual and thematically related texts (i.e., biographies, letters, scholarly articles) and carefully selected fragments of videos. Taught in English. 6 units. Also listed as Art History 270
SPAN 576
Latin American Visual Art
The course introduces the cultures of Latin America through a survey of its major movements and artists from the early 19th century to the present. Image-based lectures will be accompanied by discussion of visual and thematically related texts (i.e., biographies, letters, scholarly articles) and carefully selected fragments of videos. Taught in Spanish. 6 units. Also listed as Art History 271. Prerequisite: One 400-level Spanish course, its equivalent, or consent of the instructor
SPAN 190, 390, 590, 690
Tutorial Studies in Spanish
Topic of study and the term’s work depend on the interest of the student and the instructor and on the subject matter. Tutorials are not substitutes for courses but opportunities to pursue topics suggested by courses. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
SPAN 195, 395, 595, 695
Internship in Spanish
An opportunity for students to apply their Spanish language and culture skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector, on the regional, national, and international level. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes readings, discussions, and a report and/or portfolio. Internships in Spanish-related fields are available during the summer or the academic year and may carry academic credit if they meet the guidelines for academic internships and receive prior approval from the Spanish department chair. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
SPAN 199, 399, 599, 699
Independent Study in Spanish
A thorough investigation of a topic of the student’s choice, carried out in consultation with an instructor. Recent independent studies in Spanish have included: Chicano Identity in Chicano Literature, Feminism in the Writings of Isabel Allende, and Inca Religion in Colonial Literature. All independent studies in Spanish must be approved in advance by the Spanish department chair. Variable units. Prerequisite: Counter registration required
Recent tutorial topics in Spanish
Literature and History of Venezuela
Women Writers of Latin America
Chicano Literature and Culture
Representation of Women in Isabel Allende’s Works
Literatura de los Gauchos