Department Statement

The study of languages gives students a sound foundation in the liberal arts. Graduates with language backgrounds possess a resource for continuing intellectual growth and personal fulfillment, a passport for moving easily within the world community and its diverse cultures and a practical tool for earning a living.

Programs in the department of modern languages concentrate on the acquisition of language and a knowledge of the culture that the language expresses. The department offers baccalaureate degrees in French, German and Spanish, as well as basic instruction in Japanese.

Special encouragement is given to students who wish to pursue a minor emphasis in modern language to support a major taken outside the department. With the changing population of the United States and the growing interdependence of the international community, career opportunities are expanding rapidly for graduates who know a second language. Second language competency has become highly desirable in teaching, government, social services, diplomacy, law and medicine, mass communications, science, technology, international trade,  and marketing. The programs in modern languages have the latitude and flexibility to fit nearly any career goal.

The department encourages students who wish to acquire proficiency at a "professional" or "near-native" level to spend time in the country whose language they are studying. Programs available through the Office of Studies Abroad give students a chance to master a language and learn more about the culture and customs, often while studying at foreign universities and living with local families.

Spanish Placement Exam

In order to be placed in the correct Spanish class, students must take the Spanish placement exam.  The exam fee is $5.00, payable in the Payment and Disbursement Center, Administration Building, Room 211, prior to taking the test.  Bring the fee receipt and photo ID to the test, held in the  Technical Services Assessment Center (TS115)  Scoring is immediate.  Call to verify current hours 208-426-2762.

Modern Languages Resource Center

Located next to the Department offices in the Library, Room L-144, the Modern Languages Resource Center provides state of the art, interactive lab equipment  to assist students in their language studies. Computers, TV/VCRs, satellite television, videotapes, audio tapes, CD ROM programs, video disc programs and word processing software enhance the language learning experiences. Students can access language newspapers, international bulletin boards and other internet resources. Most elementary and intermediate language courses require conversation practice in the resource center for which students pay an additional fee.

Credit for Prior Learning

Once a student enrolls in and successfully completes any language course beyond the 101-level with a grade of C or higher, he or she may petition to receive credit for all courses that are prerequisites to the course that the student has successfully completed. See the detailed explanation of Challenge Exams and Credit for Prior Learning.

Degree Requirements

SPANISH

Bachelor of Arts

Spanish, Secondary Education

SPANISH MINOR

PRIMARY, SECONDARY, BILINGUAL EDUCATION OR SPANISH EMPHASIS

SPANISH MINOR

BUSINESS EMPHASIS

Spanish: Modern Language Minor Certification Endorsement
                         This option is only available to Secondary Education majors.

Spanish Course Descriptions

FORLNG - Foreign Language

FORLNG 360 TOPICS IN HISPANIC LITERATURE (3-0-3)(F/S) A focused study of Hispanic literature in translation organized around a historical period, a genre, a movement, an author, or a theme.  Topics will vary each time the course is offered. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in English.  May be repeated for credit with PREM/INST.  Available once as an upper-division elective towards the Spanish major or minor if writing assignments are done in Spanish. PREREQ: ENGL 102.

FORLNG 410 APPROACHES TO FOREIGN LANGUAGE EDUCATION (3-0-3)(S) An overview of theories of language acquisition and of changing pedagogical practices in secondary foreign language education.  Examination of contemporary approaches to language teaching and competence, the oral proficiency interview, assessment techniques, syllabus preparation, development of lesson plans, and the integration of cultural components with the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  PREREQ: minimum of six credits upper-division language or PERM/INST. PREREQ/COREQ: LING 305.

SPAN 101 ELEMENTARY SPANISH (4-1-4)(F/S) (Area I) Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers a basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Hispanic culture. Students who complete this course may not receive credit for SPAN 111 or SPAN 112.

SPAN 102 ELEMENTARY SPANISH II (4-1-4)(F/S) (Area I) Continues to develop beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers a basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Hispanic culture. Students who successfully complete SPAN 113 and SPAN 114 may not receive credit for SPAN 102. PREREQ: SPAN 101 or SPAN 112 or satisfactory placement score.

SPAN 108   INTENSIVE ELEMENTARY SPANISH (8-2-8) (F/S). Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers a fast-paced study of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context.   Introduces students to Hispanic cultures. Covers combined material of SPAN 101 and SPAN 102 in one semester. Students who successfully complete this course may not receive credit for SPAN 101, SPAN 102, SPAN 111, SPAN 112, SPAN 113 or SPAN 114.

SPAN 111  ELEMENTARY SPANISH ONLINE 101A (2-1-2)(F, S)(Area I). Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Hispanic cultures. Internet access, CD-ROM capability and telephone required for this online, mastery-based course with no classroom instruction. First half of SPAN 101. Students who successfully complete this course may not receive credit for SPAN 101 or SPAN 108.

SPAN 112  ELEMENTARY SPANISH ONLINE 101B (2-1-2)(F, S)(Area I). Continuation of SPAN 111. Internet access, CD-ROM capability and telephone required to register for this online, mastery-based course with no classroom instruction. Second half of SPAN 101. Students who successfully complete this course may not receive credit for SPAN 101 or SPAN 108. PREREQ: SPAN 111.

SPAN 113 ELEMENTARY SPANISH ONLINE 102A (2-1-2)(F, S)(Area I). Develops beginning abilities in all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Offers basic study of grammatical structures and vocabulary in a communicative context. Introduces students to Hispanic cultures. Internet access, CD-ROM capability and telephone required to register for this online, mastery-based course with no classroom instruction. First half of SPAN 102. Students who successfully complete this course may not receive credit for SPAN 102 or SPAN 108. PREREQ: SPAN 112 or SPAN 101 or satisfactory placement score.

SPAN 114 ELEMENTARY SPANISH ONLINE 102B (2-1-2)(F, S) (Area I). Continuation of SPAN 113. Internet access, CD-ROM capability and telephone required to register for this online, mastery-based course with no classroom instruction. Second half of SPAN 102. Students who successfully complete this course may not receive credit for SPAN 102 or SPAN 108. REREQ: SPAN 113.

SPAN 120 SPANISH FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS  I (3-0-3)(F/S)   This course is designed as an introduction to prepare health care professionals to better serve and assist their Spanish-speaking patients. Specific cultural aspects and practices related to health care professionals and patient communication will be addressed. Emphasis on vocabulary building and linguistic forms related to health care issues. Course conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 121 SPANISH FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS  II (3-0-3)(F/S)   Continued preparation of health care professionals to better serve and assist their Spanish-speaking patients. Specific cultural aspects and practices related to health care professionals and patient communication will be addressed. Emphasis on vocabulary building and linguistic forms related to health care issues. Course conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 201 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I (4-1-4) (Area I) (F/S)
Intended to further develop all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Intensive review of fundamentals of structure and vocabulary in a communicative context. Topics for conversation, reading and writing focus on Hispanic cultures. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 102 or SPAN 108 or SPAN 114 or satisfactory placement score.

SPAN 202 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II (4-1-4) (Area I) (F/S) Intended to further develop all four language skills: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Intensive review of fundamentals of structure and vocabulary in a communicative context. Topics for conversation, reading and writing focus on Hispanic cultures. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 201 or satisfactory placement score.

SPAN 203 INTERMEDIATE SPANISH FOR THE NATIVE OR NEAR-NATIVE SPEAKER (4-0-4) (Area I) (F/S) A course designed for students with native or near-native speaking ability, but with little or no formal training in grammar, reading and writing. Provides introduction to and practice in the formal register in all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Topics for conversation, reading and writing focus on U.S. Latino cultures. Students who qualify for this course may not receive credit for SPAN202. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 201 or equivalent as determined by placement exam and PERM/INST.

SPAN 303 ADVANCED SPANISH CONVERSATION AND COMPOSITION (3-0-3) (F/S)
Expands ability in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening with special emphasis on accuracy in the formal registers of spoken and written Spanish. Offers analysis of grammar and expansion of vocabulary through cultural and literary readings. Discussion of topics related to Hispanic contemporary trends. Includes frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: Either SPAN 202 or SPAN 203 or equivalent as determined by placement exam and/or PERM/INST.

SPAN 304 INTRODUCTION TO HISPANIC LITERATURE (3-0-3) (F/S). Develops and expands composition and conversation skills through the use of Hispanic literary terms and forms..  A broad introductory course for students wishing to concentrate in culture and literature and for those students who will be teaching at any level. Frequent writing assignments.  Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 303 or SPAN 313.

SPAN 305 SPANISH FOR BUSINESS (3-0-3) (F/S) Introduction to the terminology and etiquette of business practice in the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis on appropriate terminology and structures for business letters and other forms of business communication.  This course is highly recommended for students majoring/minoring in international business and for those who wish their Spanish major or minor emphasis to be in business. Frequent writing assignments.  Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 303 or SPAN 313.

SPAN 311 ADVANCED CONVERSATION (1-0-1) (F/S) Expands listening and speaking skills through intensive conversation. Vocabulary activities designed to strengthen students' ability to converse about a variety of topics of general interest. Concurrent enrollment in SPAN 303 recommended.  Course conducted in Spanish. (Pass/Fail) PREREQ: SPAN 202 or SPAN 203 or satisfactory placement score or PERM/INST.

SPAN 312 GRAMMAR REVIEW (1-0-1)(F/S). Review of grammar concepts. Topics include ser/estar, preterite/imperfect, present and past subjunctive, and other grammar topics. Concurrent enrollment in SPAN 303 recommended. Course conducted in Spanish. (Pass/Fail) PREREQ: SPAN 202 or SPAN 203 or satisfactory placement score or PERM/INST.

SPAN 313 ADVANCED SPANISH CONVERSATION AND COMPOSITION FOR NATIVE SPEAKERS (3-0-3)(F/S) Course equivalent to SPAN 303. Designed for students with native or near-native speaking ability.  PREREQ: SPAN 202 or SPAN 203 or satisfactory placement score or PERM/INST.

SPAN 403 SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE I (3-0-3) (F)  A global survey of the forms and genres of Latin American literature from the Pre-Columbian epoch to Modernism. Analysis of literary texts and the socio-historical circumstances in which they were produced. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 404 SURVEY OF LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE II (3-0-3) (S)  A global survey of the forms and genres of Latin American literature from Modernism to the present. Analysis of literary texts and the socio-historical circumstances in which they were and are produced. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 304.
   
SPAN 405 SURVEY OF SPANISH PENINSULAR LITERATURE I (3-0-3) (F) A global survey of the forms and genres of Spanish Peninsular literature from the Middle Ages to the end of the Golden Age. Analysis of literary texts and the socio-historical circumstances in which they were produced. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 406 SURVEY OF SPANISH PENINSULAR LITERATURE II (3-0-3) (S)  A global survey of the forms and genres of Spanish Peninsular literature from the 18th century to the present. Analysis of literary texts and the socio-historical circumstances in which they were and are produced. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 412    ADVANCED SPANISH GRAMMAR AND SYNTAX  (3-0-3) (F/S)  An intense study of the formal written and spoken registers of Spanish.  Also develops an awareness of and sensitivity to the variety of spoken and written registers, especially those of Spanish in the United States.  Special emphasis on appropriateness in the written register. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 202 or SPAN 203.

SPAN 425 MEXICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE (3-0-3) (F/S) (Alternate years.) A survey of writings by Mexican American authors. Discussion of topics such as an analysis of Mexican American cultural and identity formation from 1848 to the present as represented in literature. Primary genres and movements, as well as gender issues within the field of Mexican American literature, with special attention given to works produced during or after the Chicano Renaissance (1960's). Frequent writing assignments in Spanish. Course conducted in Spanish. Course may be repeated once for credit with PERM/INST. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 430 TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE (3-0-3) (F/S) (Alternate years.) A focused study of Latin American literature organized around a historical period, a genre, a movement, an author, or a theme. Topics will vary each time the course is taught. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. May be repeated once for credit with PERM/INST. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 440 TOPICS IN SPANISH PENINSULAR LITERATURE (3-0-3) (F/S) (Alternate years.) A focused study of Spanish Peninsular literature organized around a historical period, a genre, a movement, an author, or a theme. Topics will vary each time the course is taught. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. May be repeated once for credit with PERM/INST. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPANISH 450 BASQUE LITERATURE IN SPANISH TRANSLATION (3-0-3)(F/S). Analysis of the evolution of written literature in the Basque Country from the 15th century to the present. Readings will include critical articles. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPANISH 202 or 203.

 SPANISH 491 BASQUE CINEMA (3-2-3)(F/S). Evolution of cinema in the Basque Country from 1890 to the present, including films produced under the censorship of Franco’s dictatorship, during the transition to democracy, and in the contemporary Basque Country. Film lab required. Readings will include critical articles. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPANISH 202 or 203.

SPANISH 475 LATIN AMERICA TODAY (3-0-3)(F/S)(Alternate years). An in-depth analysis of contemporary nonliterary events in Latin America. Discussion includes social and political structure, educational systems, economic and business life, science, theater, arts, music, and recreation. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPANISH 303 or 313.

SPAN 477 WOMEN'S LITERATURE OF THE SPANISH-SPEAKING WORLD(3-0-3) (F/S) (Alternate years.) An introduction to literature written by women in the Spanish-speaking world. All periods, all genres. Discussion of topics such as issues concerning women writers, representation of women in literature, and/or the social and historical climate in which the literature was and is produced. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. Course may be repeated once for credit with PERM/INST. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 480 ADVANCED BUSINESS SPANISH (3-0-3)  An in-depth analysis of business etiquette, practices and climate in the Spanish-speaking world.  Discussions of topics such as appropriate forms of correspondence, advances in technology, the impact of the social and political climate on business practice, as well as the changing demographics of the Spanish-speaking population in the United States. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPAN 303 or SPAN 313 and SPAN 305.

SPAN 490 TOPICS IN HISPANIC CINEMA (3-2-3) (F/S) (Alternate years.) An advanced culture course using films from Hispanic cultures for further refinement of linguistic and analytical skills. Topic will be chosen from Spanish Peninsular, Latin American, and/or U. S. Latino Cinema. Film lab required. Readings will include critical articles on the films and/or literary texts from which films were adapted. Frequent writing assignments. Course conducted in Spanish. May be repeated once for credit with PERM/INST. PREREQ: SPAN 304.

SPAN 498 SENIOR SEMINAR (3-0-3) (F/S)  A capstone, exit requirement course. Topic chosen by instructor on a rotating basis. Discussion of topics such as literary, linguistic, and/or social and historical subject matter. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the written and oral codes by means of a research paper and an expanded oral presentation on the topic of the paper. Frequent writing assignments. Course includes an exit oral proficiency interview. Course conducted in Spanish. PREREQ: SPANISH 403 or SPANISH 404 or SPANISH 405 or SPANISH 406..

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