Spanish (SPAN)

SPAN 1410. Beginning Spanish I.

This course is a beginning level Spanish course designed for students with little or no previous experience in the language. It emphasizes the development of basic communicative skills through accurate Spanish pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and foundational grammar structures presented within a rich cultural framework. Students build communicative competence by engaging in integrated reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that reflect everyday situations and wide-ranging Spanish-speaking communities, preparing them to function in simple, real-world interactions.

SPAN 1420. Beginning Spanish II.

This course is the second semester of beginner level Spanish and builds on the competencies introduced in the first term. It develops students’ language skills using vocabulary and grammar structures presented within a range of ethnic, cultural, ideological, and national contexts. Students further practice the four language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing to communicate in Spanish about everyday topics and to engage with information about Spanish-speaking societies and their cultural expressions. (MULT). Prerequisite: SPAN 1410 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 2310. Intermediate Spanish I.

This course is a third-semester Spanish course that continues the development and review of all language skills in a Spanish-language framework. It supports multilingual literacy through the use and analysis of Spanish to strengthen linguistic competence (aspect, mood, compound tenses, passive voice), communication and interactional competence (pragmatics, cultural perspectives), and metalinguistic competence (analysis of oral and written texts, dialectal variation). Students use the target language in varied interactive settings to build understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures. Prerequisite: SPAN 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 2320. Intermediate Spanish II.

This course is a fourth-semester Spanish course that reinforces and expands students’ vocabulary, grammar structures, and their appropriate use in a range of contexts. It emphasizes engagement with culturally authentic texts to strengthen reading and writing skills such as interpreting texts, identifying main ideas and themes, and using context to understand unfamiliar vocabulary. Oral skills in speaking and listening are further developed through presentational communication. This course completes a four-semester language sequence requirement. Prerequisite: SPAN 2310 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3308. Writing in Spanish.

This course aims to further develop and refine students’ writing skills in Spanish. Emphasis is placed on grammatical accuracy, style, vocabulary, register, and audience. The course will examine texts from a variety of genres. Through careful reading along with written and oral responses, students will develop their comprehension of Spanish and their ability to express complex ideas in the language. Writing practice and support activities include in-class writing workshops, peer review, and annotated revisions of compositions. Students may not apply credit to their degree plans for both SPAN 3307 and 3308. (WI) (MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 2320 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3309. Introduction to Hispanic Literature and Literary Analysis.

This course introduces students to key literary genres—including essays, drama, short stories, and novels—from Spanish-speaking countries, laying a solid foundation for ongoing studies in Hispanic literature. Emphasizing advanced writing skills in Spanish, participants read and analyze works by Hispanic authors to develop their ability to think critically and synthesize information. Through a combination of reading, discussions, and written assignments, students develop their capacity to write clear, organized essays and professional documents in Spanish, preparing them for more advanced courses and academic, cultural, or professional environments where bilingual communication is essential. (MULT) (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 2320 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308 either with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3310. Spanish Phonetics and Phonemics.

This course provides an introduction to the sound system of Spanish through the study of articulatory phonetics, phonemic analysis, and allophonic patterns. Students examine how Spanish sounds are produced, organized, and distributed across linguistic environments. Coursework includes pronunciation practice, phonetic transcription, and comparative analysis of Spanish and English sound systems. The course also introduces major dialectal differences in pronunciation across the Spanish-speaking world. Students gain foundational tools for analyzing Spanish pronunciation in academic and applied contexts. (MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3311. Business Spanish I.

This course introduces students to Spanish used in business and professional contexts. Students develop linguistic competencies that support communication in international business settings, with emphasis on professional vocabulary, workplace correspondence, and interpretation of documents related to economic and organizational topics in Spanish speaking regions. The course focuses on grammatical accuracy, clarity of structure, and appropriate use of the professional register. Students examine authentic materials such as reports, digital resources, and business communications to study how information is conveyed in professional environments. Analytical tasks and written assignments reinforce proficiency in professional writing and applied language use. (WI)(MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3312. Business Spanish II.

This course introduces students to Spanish for business and professional contexts. Students develop the linguistic competencies needed for communication in workplace settings, including business terminology, professional writing, and comprehension of materials related to economic and organizational topics in Spanish speaking regions. The course emphasizes grammatical accuracy, clarity of structure, and appropriate professional register. Students analyze authentic documents and digital resources to study economic communication, organizational practices, and professional correspondence. Written tasks and research based activities support the development of workplace communication skills across various professional scenarios. (WI) (MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3313. Spanish and Media.

This course examines Spanish-language media to develop competencies in general and professional language use, cultural understanding, and critical analysis from a competency-framed work. Students study film, television, journalism, digital media, and social platforms from Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latino communities to develop analytical skills and media literacy. Through Spanish-language media students explore traditional and emerging technologies and analyze and determine how representations and discourses relate to identities and social values in public contexts. Spanish proficiency is practiced through written, oral, and multimedia work, with attention to grammatical accuracy and structural clarity. Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3314. Translation Practice and Theory.

This course is an introduction to Spanish translation for upper-division students. Students approach translation as a method of improving their reading comprehension–a fundamental skill for translators–while increasing overall Spanish language proficiency and acquiring the cultural competence required to address the complexities of the translation process. Prerequisite: SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3315. Spanish for Health Professions I.

This course examines Spanish language use in healthcare settings with emphasis on clinical communication, medical terminology, and professional documentation. Students study patient provider interaction patterns, public health discourse, and communication structures used across Spanish speaking communities. Case studies and guided simulations provide opportunities to practice discipline specific vocabulary and structured communication tasks. Attention is given to how contextual, linguistic, and cultural variables shape effective communication in healthcare environments. The course integrates analytical and applied approaches to support students preparing for professional roles that require Spanish language proficiency in clinical and allied health fields. (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3316. Spanish for Health Professions II.

This course examines advanced Spanish communication in healthcare contexts, emphasizing oral proficiency, clinical interaction strategies, and performance-based simulations. Students analyze complex patient-provider dialogues, healthcare presentations, and interdisciplinary exchanges in Spanish-speaking environments. Through reenactments, structured role-play, and applied speaking exercises, students refine specialized vocabulary, persuasive communication techniques, and adaptive discourse skills relevant to health professions. The course integrates linguistic precision, cultural analysis, and performance methodology to strengthen professional communication in medical, clinical, and public health settings requiring advanced Spanish-language interaction. Prerequisite: SPAN 3307 or 3308 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: SPAN 3307 or 3308 with a grade of a "C" or better.

SPAN 3321. Voices of Spain.

This course examines key writers and literary movements in Spain from the Middle Ages through the twenty-first century. Students analyze the evolving artistic, social, political, and cultural frameworks of Spain as portrayed in the genres of narrative, poetry, drama, and essay. Through the study of representative texts, the course explores how multiple literary voices have shaped the Peninsular literary canon. Students evaluate the relationship between historical contexts and creative expression, fostering critical thinking through active dialogue in Spanish. This analysis assesses the stylistic and thematic transformations that define the Spanish literary tradition across various historical periods. Prerequisite: [SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308] AND SPAN 3309, all with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3325. Identities in Latin American Literatures.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the most influential Spanish language writers and literary movements across Latin America, spanning from the colonial period to contemporary works of the twenty-first century. Students will explore how artistic, social, political, and cultural identities have developed and been represented throughout modern Latin American history. By examining a wide range of genres—including narrative, poetry, drama, and essay—students will discuss major themes such as identity formation and cultural transformation. The course encourages critical analysis of texts and cultural contexts, equipping students with a stronger knowledge of literature’s role in shaping and transforming Latin American identities. Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 and [SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308] with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3340. Spanish Grammar Review.

This course provides an upper division review of advanced Spanish grammar at the B2 level. Students examine word structure, sentence patterns, dialectal variation, and contextual nuance to deepen their technical understanding of Spanish. Through structured analysis and practice, students learn to describe and compare grammatical structures, apply them in varied contexts, and recognize how linguistic features shape meaning. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, clarity, and methodical explanation of grammatical concepts. The course supports advanced study in Spanish by strengthening analytical skills essential for linguistics, literature, translation, and professional communication. (MULT) Corequisite: SPAN 3307 or SPAN 3308 either with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 3370. Spanish Civilization.

This course examines Spanish civilization and its culture from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students study history, literature, architecture, art, film, television, journalism, and digital media from Spain to develop Spanish language proficiency, cultural understanding, and critical analysis. Through written and audiovisual texts students explore historical and contemporary narratives and analyze how different representations relate to Spanish identities in domestic and international contexts. Spanish language and analytical skills are practiced through written, oral, and multimedia work, with attention to grammatical accuracy and structural clarity. (MULT) (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 3371. Latin American Civilization.

This course examines the historical, cultural, political, and social processes that have shaped Latin America and the Hispanic United States from pre-Columbian civilizations to the present. Students study major historical moments such as conquest, colonization, independence, and nation formation in order to analyze contemporary cultural and social realities. Topics include Indigenous legacies, colonial structures, national identities, religion, cultural norms and social roles, community formation, political movements, revolutions, and transnational connections. The course emphasizes the development of advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills through the study of historical and cultural texts, visual materials, and scholarly sources. (MULT) (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4300. Professional Internship in Spanish.

This course is a supervised work experience for undergraduate students in a Spanish-speaking environment. Internship placements include regional and international organizations and businesses in sectors including, but not limited to, law, medicine, sports, education, civic engagement, and community outreach. Students work a minimum of 140 hours, performing duties and assignments at least 80% in Spanish. Other course assignments may include entry and exit interviews, reflection papers, and professional résumés as required by the course instructor. Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

SPAN 4302. The Spanish Novel.

This course examines selected Spanish novels from the sixteenth through the twenty-first century, considering their historical, religious, and political contexts. Students analyze the evolution of narrative forms from the Golden Age to the contemporary era through the study of diverse literary movements. By engaging in active dialogue and analytical writing in Spanish, students evaluate themes, narrative techniques, and perspectives within these works. Students also study the development of the Peninsular novelistic tradition and its influence on modern prose. These analyses assess how narrative voices capture the complexities of human experience. (MULT) (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4311. History of the Spanish Language.

This course examines the historical evolution of the Spanish language, focusing on phonological, morphological, syntactic, and lexical change over time. Students study the transition from Latin to early Romance varieties and the development of modern Spanish. The course also explores the role of language contact and historical circumstances in shaping regional varieties. Using authentic texts from different periods, students practice analyzing linguistic evidence and identifying historical patterns. Emphasis is placed on understanding methodological approaches in historical linguistics and applying them to Spanish-language data. (MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 4312. Introduction to Contemporary Spanish Linguistics.

This course introduces contemporary linguistic approaches to Spanish. Students study sound systems, word and sentence structure, meaning, and language use using data from diverse regional varieties and registers. The course emphasizes systematic analysis of linguistic evidence to investigate variation, acquisition, and language change. Through problem-based activities and data analysis, students apply foundational methods from major subfields of linguistics. Topics may vary depending on instructor focus. (MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 4330. The Latin American Novel.

This course offers a survey of Latin America novels from the Independence period (around 1810) to the twenty-first century. The students read canonical novels whose authors come from different countries and literary traditions. The course examines the artistic movements in which those works were written including, but not limited to, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Modernismo, avant-garde, and post-Modernism. It also introduces some theoretical concepts and textual approaches relevant to each novel, and it considers the literature's historical, cultural, economic, social, and political contexts. (MULT) (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4341. Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

This course provides an opportunity for close readings of the narrative fiction of the Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, awarded the Nobel Prize of Literature in 1982. Students explore narrative structures, stylistic techniques, and thematic content to support the development of analytical skills. Emphasis on García Márquez’s sociohistorical background and preferred literary tendencies fosters understanding of his role in Latin American and world literature. The course also supports the development of oral and written proficiency in formal academic Spanish, so that students can articulate interpretations of literary works within their cultural and historical contexts. (WI)(MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 4342. Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quijote de la Mancha.

This course examines the intricate narrative architecture of Miguel de Cervantes’s Don Quijote in its original language. Participants identify and interpret the author’s innovative techniques, such as perspectivism and metafiction, while evaluating the text’s deep intertextuality and social criticism. By synthesizing historical contexts with contemporary thought, students analyze the novel and articulate its relevance to the 21st century. Ultimately, learners construct original arguments regarding the blurred boundaries between reality and idealism, demonstrating advanced knowledge of this masterpiece through active, measurable engagement with the Western canon’s first modern novel. (WI)(MULT) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 4350. Hispanic Film.

This course examines Hispanic film to develop competencies in general and professional language use, critical analysis, and cultural understanding. Students study film, television, digital media, and film-related literature from Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latino communities to develop analytical skills and cinematographic literacy. Through written and audiovisual texts students explore filmic narratives and analyze how Hispanic cultures and identities are represented in domestic and international contexts. Spanish language and analytical skills are practiced through written, oral, and multimedia work, with attention to grammatical accuracy and structural clarity. (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4361. Hispanic Poetry.

This course provides an opportunity for close readings of classical and contemporary poetry from Spain and Latin America. Students explore poetic forms and analytic techniques, developing their understanding of literary periods, movements, and the sociohistorical backgrounds of poets. Emphasis is placed on engaging with a variety of texts to foster analytical skills. The course also supports the development of oral and written proficiency in formal academic Spanish, enabling students to articulate informed interpretations of poetry within cultural historical contexts. (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4362. Hispanic Drama.

This course offers an intensive immersion into the evolution of Hispanic drama from Spain and/or Latin America, utilizing original Spanish texts to explore the works of seminal playwrights. By examining the dramatic legacy of different epochs, students move beyond aesthetic appreciation to understand plays as traditionally vital ideological and structural documents. The seminar emphasizes the mastery of dramatic terminology and historical context, challenging students to bridge theory and practice. Ultimately, participants synthesize their literary research into performative activities, demonstrating a sophisticated command of the cultural and linguistic nuances inherent in the Spanish-speaking world. (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4363. Nature and Nation in Latin American Literature.

This course examines how Latin American authors represent the relationship between nature and nation through literary texts written after independence. Students analyze works presenting a range of Western and Indigenous perspectives on the natural world, drawing on scholarly interpretations to examine how these literary portrayals engage with questions of cultural identity and national imagination across Latin America. Through close reading and discussion, the course analyzes language and literature in relation to colonial histories, environmental thought as an intellectual tradition, and processes of cultural transformation. Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4364. Mexican Literature.

This course examines key works of Mexican literature produced since the country’s independence in the early nineteenth century. Through close readings of novels, poetry, and essays, students analyze major literary trends and examine how Mexican society has been represented in literature from the formation of the independent republic to the present. The course explores the relationships between historical events and literary production, considers the role of literature in shaping conceptions of national identity, and examines how authors have addressed themes such as revolution, society, and cultural change throughout Mexico’s history. Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4370. Hispanic Literature of the Southwest.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of Spanish-language literature originating from the American Southwest. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of texts across genres, including poetry, fiction, drama, and essays. The course examines themes that have shaped the region’s literary traditions, such as identity, migration, tradition, and cultural conflict. Through analysis of these works, students examine the historical and social forces that have contributed to the development of the Southwest’s cultural and literary contexts. Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of “C” or better.

SPAN 4380G. Women, Minorities and Marginal Groups in Medieval Spanish Literature.

This course introduces students to some of the principal literary works which portray women, religious minorities, and marginal voices in the socio-political context of medieval Spain. It provides an in-depth analysis based on readings engaged with religious devotion, intercultural interaction, and literary production, focusing on how these works engage historical myths, notions and stereotypes based on behavioral, religious, and group identity as reflected by the authors. Central themes include anti-Semitism, ethnicity, heresy, libel accusations, masculinity, maurophilia, misogyny, otherness, and social order as represented in medieval literary texts. (WI) Prerequisite: SPAN 3309 with a grade of "C" or better.

SPAN 4390. Studies in Spanish Culture, Language, or Literature.

This course is an individual study course in Spanish under the direct supervision of a professor. It is generally available to graduating seniors who have completed several advanced courses or graduate students with special needs. Also, students enrolled in an education abroad program offered by the Department of World Languages & Literatures may take the course to fulfill up to two upper division elective courses in their degree plan. Students may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study. The course is repeatable for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

SPAN 4600. Professional Internship in Spanish.

This course is a supervised work experience for undergraduate students in a Spanish-speaking environment. Internship placements include regional and international organizations and businesses in sectors including, but not limited to, law, medicine, sports, education, civic engagement, and community outreach. Students work a minimum of 280 hours, performing duties and assignments at least 80% in Spanish. Other course assignments may include entry and exit interviews, reflection papers, and professional résumés as required by the course instructor. Prerequisite: SPAN 3308 or SPAN 3307 with a grade of "C" or better and instructor approval.

SPAN 5100. Practicum in Teaching Spanish.

This course is a graduate-level practicum designed for M.A. students in Spanish who are teaching or tutoring introductory Spanish courses. This course is taken over multiple semesters and provides ongoing pedagogical support, professional development, and reflective practice opportunities. Through seminars and workshops, students develop practical teaching strategies, lesson planning skills, assessment practices, and classroom management techniques. The course emphasizes the development of communicative activities and the ability to create student-centered learning environments, supported by classroom observations and feedback from the instructor. The course may be repeated for credit with different instructional emphases. This course does not earn graduate degree credit.

SPAN 5199B. Thesis.

This course is an independent research project in Spanish under the direct supervision of the student’s master’s thesis advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of graduate-level research that contributes to knowledge and practice in Spanish. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained research progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the thesis research and writing process. This course is a required component of the master’s degree with a major in Spanish.

SPAN 5299B. Thesis.

This course is an independent research project in Spanish under the direct supervision of the student’s master’s thesis advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of graduate-level research that contributes to knowledge and practice in Spanish. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained research progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the thesis research and writing process. This course is a required component of the master’s degree with a major in Spanish.

SPAN 5303. Spanish for Health Professionals.

This course is designed for graduate students in the health professions who require knowledge of Spanish in the professional settings of nutrition, physical therapy, nursing, and respiratory therapy. Students develop elementary communicative proficiency and accuracy in the use of the Spanish language with Spanish-speaking clients, with an emphasis on oral communication. Along with basic structures and vocabulary utilized in health-care contexts, the course also introduces students to cultural factors that may influence communication practices in Spanish-speaking communities. The course cannot be counted for credit in the Spanish M.A. program.

SPAN 5310D. Gabriel García Márquez.

This course provides an opportunity for the advanced study of the narrative fiction of the Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982. Students explore narrative structures, stylistic techniques, and thematic content to foster analytical skills. Analysis of García Márquez’s sociopolitical and historical background and literary preferences fosters understanding of his prominence in Latin American and world literature. The course supports the development of oral and written proficiency in formal academic Spanish and research skills, enabling students to analyze and articulate interpretations of literary works within their cultural and historical contexts.

SPAN 5310E. Hispanic Film.

This course examines Hispanic film and related media to build advanced competencies in scholarly and professional Spanish, theory-driven critical analysis, and intercultural literacy. Through sustained engagement with feature film, television, digital media, and film-related criticism from Spain, Latin America, and U.S. Latino communities, students refine cinematic literacy and methodological tools for close reading, historiography, and industry/reception studies. Working across written and audiovisual corpora, students examine narrative form, genre, and authorship, and evaluate how Hispanic cultures and identities are represented, interpreted, and circulated in national, transnational, and diasporic contexts. Spanish serves as the primary language of inquiry; students strengthen grammatical control and rhetorical precision through research-based essays, seminar facilitation, conference-style presentations, and multimedia projects that emphasize analytical rigor and structural clarity. The course may be repeated for credit with different emphasis. (MULT).

SPAN 5310F. Contemporary Mexican Narratives.

This course focuses on contemporary Mexican narratives. Students will study Mexico's literary trends such as La nueva narrativa, the Crack Generation, women's literature, and the new historic and testimonial fictions, in order to better understand the cultural process of the Mexico's society in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. (MULT).

SPAN 5311. Studies in Medieval and Golden Age Spanish Peninsular Literature.

This course introduces students to major literary works of medieval and Golden Age peninsular Spanish literature that contributed to the formation of early modern Spain. The course centers on foundational intellectual, religious, legal, and literary texts, situating them within their historical, cultural, and ideological contexts. Critical thinking and research skills are honed through selected readings engaged with religious devotion, intercultural interaction, and literary production, and how they negotiated the tensions between faith, rational inquiry, and artistic expression. Central themes for analysis include anti-Semitism, the Baroque, the Counter-Reformation, empire, maurophilia, misogyny, mysticism, otherness, the picaresque tradition, Reconquista, and social order. The course may be repeated for credit with different emphasis.

SPAN 5312. Studies in Spanish Peninsular Literature from the Eighteenth Century to the Present.

This course examines the evolution of Spanish narrative from the eighteenth century to the present, analyzing how writers utilize the genre to reflect and question historical realities. Students analyze the relationship between the text and its social and cultural contexts through the study of representative works. The course emphasizes formal narrative techniques, narrative voices, and perspectives, providing a framework for critical discussion and active dialogue. By engaging with primary sources and diverse theoretical frameworks, students appraise the intellectual shifts and narrative practices throughout modern and contemporary Spain. Students also examine the intersections of literary form and social history. (MULT).

SPAN 5313. Studies in South American Literatures.

This course offers an advanced study of major works of South American literature from the nineteenth century to the present, including fiction, poetry, essay, theater, and film. Readings examine key aesthetic traditions and cultural debates that have shaped literary production in the Southern Cone. The course analyzes representations of landscape, cultural difference, modernity, and nation formation. Students engage in close textual analysis and critical discussion in Spanish, developing advanced research and interpretive skills appropriate for graduate-level study. The course may be repeated once with a different thematic emphasis. (MULT).

SPAN 5314. Studies in Central American and Caribbean Literatures.

This course examines selections of fiction, poetry, theater, essay, and film from Central America and the Caribbean. Students analyze genre conventions, formal structures, and rhetorical strategies across multiple literary traditions. The course situates texts within relevant historical and cultural contexts and incorporates comparative analysis to examine how genre and technique develop across regional and pan-Caribbean literary contexts. Students evaluate how literary and cinematic forms engage historical conditions and thematic concerns across Central America and the Caribbean. May be repeated once with different emphasis for additional credit. (MULT).

SPAN 5315. Studies in Mexican and Mexican-American Literatures.

This course presents an overview of Mexican and Mexican American literature in Spanish. Students analyze the evolution of modern literary works from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, focusing on their role in shaping Mexican identity, beginning with Independence through to the onset of the Mexican Revolution and its subsequent cultural influence. The curriculum includes the study of fiction narratives spanning pre-independence Mexico to post-revolutionary eras. Readings cover fiction, poetry, theater, essays, and films authored by Mexican and Mexican American writers, providing a comprehensive examination of literary contributions. (MULT).

SPAN 5316. Studies in Spanish Peninsular Culture.

This course examines the development of Spanish culture from the medieval period to the present through the analysis of historical, social, and literary texts. Students analyze complex cultural phenomena, including marginalization, the impact of the Black Legend, and the tensions between nationalism and regionalism. The course emphasizes critical debate and the appraisal of Spain’s cultural evolution through structured academic dialogue. By engaging with diverse primary and secondary sources, students interpret the multifaceted reality of contemporary Spain. This analysis incorporates various theoretical frameworks to evaluate the historical transformations of Spanish society and its diverse cultural manifestations. The course may be repeated for credit with different emphasis. (MULT).

SPAN 5317. Studies in the Cultures of the Americas.

This course examines key aspects of Latin American culture and society through the analysis of literature, film, art, music, folklore, and media. Students analyze cultural expressions ranging from canonical works to popular and mass forms using theoretical frameworks commonly employed in cultural and social analysis. The course introduces major scholarly debates, including perspectives associated with neocolonialism, underdevelopment, dependency, and cultural studies, as analytical tools. While the primary focus is on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, selected materials may also reference nineteenth-century or colonial contexts, depending on the topics examined. The course may be repeated once for credit with different emphasis.

SPAN 5318. Advanced Composition and Research Methods.

This course examines the advanced techniques and methodologies essential for academic research and professional writing in Spanish. Students analyze the structural requirements of the graduate thesis, including topic selection, time management strategies, and the systematic organization of research materials. The curriculum emphasizes the refinement of descriptive, narrative, and analytical writing styles through rigorous composition exercises. By evaluating bibliographic search procedures and the synthesis of secondary sources, students construct cohesive academic arguments. The course provides a framework for organizing complex data and structuring formal scholarly works. Students critique various research models to align with professional standards.

SPAN 5319. Synchronic Spanish Linguistics.

This course introduces contemporary issues in Spanish linguistics while providing a foundation in the scientific study of language. Students examine core subfields, including phonetics and phonology (sounds), morphology (word structure), syntax (sentence structure), and semantics and pragmatics (meaning). The course explores language structure, variation, acquisition, and history with particular attention to Spanish dialectology, regional varieties, and different registers. Students also consider how migration, language contact, and social factors shape Spanish, including topics such as language maintenance and death and theories of koineization and the formation of new dialects. Specific topics vary depending on instructor focus. May be repeated once with different emphasis for additional credit. (MULT).

SPAN 5320. Diachronic Spanish Linguistics.

This course examines the diachronic development of Spanish from its Latin origins to its modern global forms. Students investigate phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic changes, as well as the historical evolution of pronunciation, word formation, and sentence structure. The course also explores regional and social varieties of Spanish and their connections to language contact with Arabic, Indigenous languages, and other culturally influential languages. Students analyze authentic texts to understand how contemporary Spanish emerged. The course may be repeated once with a different emphasis. (MULT).

SPAN 5321. Spanish Applied Linguistics.

This course examines major areas of applied linguistic research as they relate to Spanish. Students explore current theories of second language acquisition, instructional methodologies, bilingualism, performance, syntax in applied contexts, and computer-assisted language learning. Emphasis is placed on analyzing empirical studies, evaluating theoretical frameworks, and connecting research to pedagogical and technological applications. Topics may vary according to instructor focus. May be repeated once with different emphasis for additional credit. (MULT).

SPAN 5322. Spanish for the Professions.

This course develops advanced proficiency in Spanish for use in a range of professional contexts. Students analyze authentic materials, terminology, and communication practices from multiple sectors and complete applied tasks such as reports, presentations, correspondence, and simulated workplace interactions. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, clarity, and audience specific adaptation. Through repeated practice, students strengthen their advanced linguistic and pragmatic competence for effective professional communication in Spanish. (MULT).

SPAN 5323. Translation History and Theory.

This course introduces students to the history and theory of translation. Students analyze historical and contemporary translation practices and theories and the inherent challenges and complexities of translating a source text into a target language. Effective communication skills are developed through a variety of genres to acquire proficiency to produce accurate translations from English to Spanish and Spanish to English in both professional and scholarly formats. Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA in 12 hours of advanced undergraduate Spanish.

SPAN 5324. Applied Translation Methods.

This course examines applied methods of Spanish–English translation, emphasizing analytical, linguistic, and cultural strategies for problem-solving in diverse translation contexts. Students apply professional techniques involving translation technologies, terminology management, and field-specific methods to analyze issues of accuracy and clarity. The course supports preparation for advanced study or professional practice in translation across sectors such as business, law, healthcare, and media. The course may be repeated once for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: 3.0 GPA in 12 hours of advanced undergraduate Spanish.

SPAN 5325. Professional Internship in Spanish.

This course is a supervised work experience for graduate students performed in a Spanish-speaking environment. Internship placements include regional and international organizations and businesses in sectors including, but not limited to, law, medicine, sports, education, civic engagement, and community outreach. Students work a minimum of 140 hours performing duties and assignments at least 80% in Spanish. Additional course requirements include a professional résumé and a substantial term paper developed in consultation with the course instructor.

SPAN 5342. Reading Miguel de Cervantes's El ingenioso don Quijote de la Mancha.

This course examines Miguel de Cervantes’s El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha (Parts I, 1605; II, 1615) in its original language at an advanced level. Students analyze and critique the novel to develop advanced reading, oral, and writing skills in formal academic Spanish. The course investigates the novel’s structure, narrative techniques, intertextuality, and reception, and examines its influence across historical, literary, and cultural contexts. Through sustained textual analysis, students engage critically with a foundational work of early modern Spanish literature.

SPAN 5361. Poetry of Spain and Spanish America.

This course provides an opportunity for a closed and advanced-level reading of classical and contemporary poetry from Spain and Spanish America. Students explore poetic analysis techniques, deepening their understanding of literary periods, movements, and the sociohistorical backgrounds of poets. Emphasis is placed on engaging with a variety of texts to foster analytical skills. The course also supports the development of oral and written proficiency in formal academic Spanish, enabling students to articulate informed interpretations and critical perspectives on poetry within its cultural and historical contexts.

SPAN 5363. Voyages and Encounters in Spanish Peninsular Literature.

This course examines the evolution of Spanish travel literature (including nature writing, outdoor literature, guidebooks, and travel memoirs) from the 18th century to the present. The course investigates how authors portray social and cultural contexts and how their experiences inform their perspectives. Analysis of these works considers the development of writing techniques and thematic approaches in travel narratives, including how authors depict cultural encounters and social contexts.

SPAN 5364. Contemporary Mexican Narratives.

This course examines contemporary Mexican narratives by examining influential literary movements, including the new narrative, the literary “Boom,” the Crack Generation, women’s literature, the new historical novel, and testimonial fiction. Through close reading and analysis, students examine how these trends engage with cultural, social, and historical processes in Mexico from the late twentieth century through the early twenty-first century. The course emphasizes analysis of narrative form, thematic concerns, and literary responses to changing conceptions of society and national identity.

SPAN 5390. Studies in Spanish Culture, Language, or Literature.

This course is an individual study course in Spanish under the direct supervision of a professor. It is available to graduate students who have completed several courses and are working closely with a professor on a project. Also, students enrolled in an education abroad program offered by the Department of World Languages & Literatures may take the course to fulfill up to two upper division elective courses in their degree plan. Students may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study. This course may be repeated once with a different emphasis for additional credit. (MULT) Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

SPAN 5399A. Thesis.

This course is an independent research project in Spanish under the direct supervision of the student’s master’s thesis advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of graduate-level research that contributes to knowledge and practice in Spanish. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained research progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the thesis research and writing process. This course is a required component of the master’s degree with a major in Spanish under the thesis option.

SPAN 5399B. Thesis.

This course is an independent research project in Spanish under the direct supervision of the student’s master’s thesis advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of graduate-level research that contributes to knowledge and practice in Spanish. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained research progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the thesis research and writing process. This course is a required component of the master’s degree with a major in Spanish under the thesis option.

SPAN 5599B. Thesis.

This course is an independent research project in Spanish under the direct supervision of the student’s master’s thesis advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of graduate-level research that contributes to knowledge and practice in Spanish. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained research progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the thesis research and writing process. This course is a required component of the master’s degree with a major in Spanish under the thesis option.

SPAN 5600. Internship.

This course provides an internship experience of at least four weeks in the United States or in a Spanish speaking country. Students work with organizations or independent researchers who use Spanish in professional contexts relevant to the students' academic or career goals and submit a major internship report upon their return. Internships may be complemented by structured observations, lectures, interviews, or other supervised activities that support reflective engagement with professional practices. Students apply Spanish language skills in real world settings while experiencing the professional functions of Spanish within the host environment. Graduate advisor approval is required. Prerequisite: Completion of 18 credit hours required for the Master of Arts with a major in Spanish.

SPAN 5999B. Thesis.

This course is an independent research project in Spanish under the direct supervision of the student’s master’s thesis advisor. Students engage in the development, execution, and documentation of graduate-level research that contributes to knowledge and practice in Spanish. Continuous enrollment during long semesters ensures sustained research progress, faculty mentorship, and academic oversight throughout the thesis research and writing process. This course is a required component of the master’s degree with a major in Spanish.