Fall 2024

SPA 101 - Beginning Spanish I: Language and Culture

An introduction to the Spanish language and to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing for students at the novice level. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Intended for students with no previous study of Spanish. 
Credits: 4

 

SPA 102 - Beginning Spanish II: Language and Culture

Continuation of SPA 101. Continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing for students at the novice level. Cultures of the Spanish-speaking world integrated throughout. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Students may not receive credit for both SPA 102 and SPA 150. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better, or credit, in SPA 101, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 120 -  Beginning Spanish for Health Care 

Beginning Spanish for Health Care is a practical course preparing students to develop rapport, manage emergency situations, and converse using basic Spanish. It also includes cultural sensitivity work. Students will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills with situational activities and role plays. This course cannot be applied to the BA language requirement but hours may be applied to the 120 hour degree completion requirement. Hybrid in Fall 2024. 
Credits: 3

 

SPA 150 - Accelerated Beginning Spanish: Language and Culture

One semester accelerated review of beginning Spanish for students with prior study. Covers the same material as SPA 101-102. Development of speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural competencies. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Students cannot receive credit for both SPA 102 and SPA 150. Prerequisite: Prior study of Spanish.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 201 - Intermediate Spanish I: Language and Culture

Continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing for students at the intermediate level. Cultures of the Spanish-speaking world integrated throughout. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better, or credit, in SPA 102 or SPA 150, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 202 - Intermediate Spanish II: Language and Culture

Continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing for students at the Intermediate level. Review of grammar and expansion of vocabulary. Focus on cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through authentic texts. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better, or Credit, in SPA 201, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 300 - Reading and Telling Stories

This course introduces some of the most important short story writers from Spain and Latin America of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It is designed to aid students to develop reading strategies, as well as to become more skilled storytellers. Offered fall and winter semesters. Part of the Creativity: Ideas and Innovations Theme. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in SPA 202, or credit, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 304 - Spanish for Health Professionals

A third-year Spanish course designed to prepare students in the health professions to successfully communicate with Spanish-speaking clientele. Prerequisites: SPA 202 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 308 - Spanish Phonetics

Introduction to the sound system of Spanish. Phonetic transcription of texts in Spanish. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 202 with a grade of C (not a C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 309 - Advanced Spanish Grammar

A study of the syntax and morphology of Spanish designed to give students a deeper understanding of the language and to increase their accuracy and range in the use of it. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Fall 2024: #@%$ grammar mistakes! Still struggling with preterit & imperfect, ser & estar, subjunctive, etc.? Take this class and decipher the linguistic codes that will resolve those pesky grammar issues. We don’t just memorize a lot of grammar rules, but rather learn to think about and talk about the Spanish language, so that we can understand and use it better.

 

SPA 310 - Spanish Civilization and Culture

An introduction to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Spain. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Fall 2024: This class meets on Zoom, approximately once every two weeks, the rest of the time it is asynchronous. It includes a final group project that involves researching and trying to solve a real-world problem that Spain is currently grappling with but has its roots in the history and cultural traditions of the country. Some topics include Catalán independence, bull fighting, and Spain’s form of government.

 

SPA 313 - U.S. Latino/a Civilization and Culture

An introduction to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Latinos/as in the United States that leads to an appreciation and awareness of the cultural roots and current lifestyles of these groups. Fulfills Cultures - U.S. Diversity. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Fall 2024: From Celia Cruz to Bad Bunny, e/spanglish and quinceañeras, we will learn and explore the close connections between Latin America and the U.S., and how Latinos/as/x have shaped the culture and history of this country, and Michigan!

 

SPA 314 - Teaching Methods

This course provides future Spanish teachers with an introduction to the basic concepts of Spanish pedagogy with particular emphasis on the communicative approach. Students will learn to write lesson plans, design and teach communicative activities, and create appropriate evaluation materials such as exams and quizzes. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-), and SPA 310 or SPA 311 or SPA 312 or SPA 313.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 320 - Composition and Conversation for Spanish Heritage Speakers

This course focuses on developing the academic language skills of heritage learners of Spanish, defined as those who have acquired Spanish through cultural connections with family, community, or country of origin. SPA 320 is designed for heritage speakers who have intermediate-high or advanced proficiency. Prerequisite: SPA 203 or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 321 - Composition and Conversation I

First of a two-part sequence designed to improve proficiency in oral skills and academic writing in Spanish as well as listening and reading skills. Course will present a systematic review of grammar and promote the acquisition of new vocabulary in the context of Hispanic culture. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in SPA 202, or credit, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 322 - Composition and Conversation II

Second of a two-part sequence designed to improve proficiency in oral skills and academic writing in Spanish as well as listening and reading skills. Course will present a systematic review of grammar and promote the acquisition of new vocabulary in the context of Hispanic culture. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in SPA 321.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 329 - Sociolinguistics of Spanish

An introduction to the relationship between Spanish language and society, including the evolution of Spanish in Spain and Latin America, dialectal variation, Spanish in contact with other languages, and Spanish as a component of individual and group identity. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better, or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Fall 2024: You’ve studied Spanish structures for years now and have learned what the rule books and grammar texts have to say about it. But did you know that in real-life contexts, in real Spanish-speaking communities, the Spanish spoken in different social contexts is, well... different. In this class we’ll listen to samples of this variation and learn about why variation exists—and how people frequently react to it. Sign up for SPA 329, Introduction to Spanish Sociolinguistics, to explore these differences. No prior linguistics courses are required.

 

SPA 330 - Introduction to Literary Analysis

Introduction to the literary analysis of the narrative, poetry, and drama of Spain and Spanish America. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 plus three credits at the 300 level with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Fall 2024: Find it difficult “reading between the lines”? Learn to crack the code! You’ll engage and analyze a variety of Hispanic texts—narrative, poetry, drama, film, and visual media—as you develop the skills needed to reveal the hidden messages to understand contemporary topics and issues of Spain and Latin America.

 

SPA 331 - Survey of Spanish Literature

A historically grounded survey of the principal literary works and movements of Spain. Prerequisite: Completion of SPA 322 plus three credits at the 300 level with a grade of C (not C-) or better. May be taken in conjunction with SPA 330.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 360 - Perspectives on Hispanic Culture & Society

A multidisciplinary study of Spanish-American and Peninsular culture and society, as represented in architecture, food, music, sports, the visual arts and other cultural expressions. Special emphasis is placed on the historical and sociopolitical contexts of the examined material. The topic of this class varies according to the discretion of the instructor. Previous topics have included graphic novels, music and dance, soccer, and telenovelas. Prerequisites: SPA 321 with a C or better. 
Credits: 3

 

SPA 460 - Women Authors

An in-depth study of Spanish and Spanish American women authors whose literature, across the centuries, has dealt with a particular historical, cultural, social, and philosophical experience. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 330, and SPA 331 or SPA 332 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 

 

Winter 2025

SPA 101 - Beginning Spanish I: Language and Culture

An introduction to the Spanish language and to the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing for students at the novice level. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Intended for students with no previous study of Spanish.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 102 - Beginning Spanish II: Language and Culture

Continuation of SPA 101. Continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing for students at the novice level. Cultures of the Spanish-speaking world integrated throughout. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Students may not receive credit for both SPA 102 and SPA 150. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better, or credit, in SPA 101, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 120 -  Beginning Spanish for Health Care 

Beginning Spanish for Health Care is a practical course preparing students to develop rapport, manage emergency situations, and converse using basic Spanish. It also includes cultural sensitivity work. Students will have the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills with situational activities and role plays. This course cannot be applied to the BA language requirement but hours may be applied to the 120 hour degree completion requirement. Online in Winter 2025.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 150 - Accelerated Beginning Spanish: Language and Culture

One semester accelerated review of beginning Spanish for students with prior study. Covers the same material as SPA 101-102. Development of speaking, listening, reading, writing and cultural competencies. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Students cannot receive credit for both SPA 102 and SPA 150. Prerequisite: Prior study of Spanish.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 201 - Intermediate Spanish I: Language and Culture

Continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing for students at the intermediate level. Cultures of the Spanish-speaking world integrated throughout. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better, or credit, in SPA 102 or SPA 150, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 202 - Intermediate Spanish II: Language and Culture

Continued development of speaking, listening, reading and writing for students at the Intermediate level. Review of grammar and expansion of vocabulary. Focus on cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through authentic texts. Supplemented by multimedia and the Language Resource Center. Fulfills Cultures - Global Perspectives. Prerequisite: C (not C-) or better, or Credit, in SPA 201, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 4

 

SPA 300 - Reading and Telling Stories

This course introduces some of the most important short story writers from Spain and Latin America of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It is designed to aid students to develop reading strategies, as well as to become more skilled storytellers. Part of the Creativity: Ideas and Innovations Theme. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in SPA 202, or credit, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 304 - Spanish for Health Professionals

A third-year Spanish course designed to prepare students in the health professions to successfully communicate with Spanish-speaking clientele. Prerequisites: SPA 202 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 306 - Spanish for Business

The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the Spanish business terminology and to teach the fundamentals of practical commercial correspondence (oral and written) in advertising, insurance, transportation, banking, and foreign trade. Special attention will be paid to cross cultural differences and similarities in specific countries. Prerequisites: SPA 202 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 307 - Death and Dying in Hispanic Literature

Examines the literary representations of and responses to death and dying within the historical and cultural context of Spain and Latin America through the reading and discussion of representative poetic, dramatic, and narrative works. Prerequisite: SPA 321 with a C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 308 - Spanish Phonetics

Introduction to the sound system of Spanish. Phonetic transcription of texts in Spanish. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 202 with a grade of C (not a C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 309 - Advanced Spanish Grammar

A study of the syntax and morphology of Spanish designed to give students a deeper understanding of the language and to increase their accuracy and range in the use of it. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Winter 2025: #@%$ grammar mistakes! Still struggling with preterit & imperfect, ser & estar, subjunctive, etc.? Take this class and decipher the linguistic codes that will resolve those pesky grammar issues. We don’t just memorize a lot of grammar rules, but rather learn to think about and talk about the Spanish language, so that we can understand and use it better.

 

SPA 312 - Latin American Civilization and Culture II

Designed to provide students with the knowledge of major historical, literary, and cultural moments in Latin America from Independence to the present day. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 313 - U.S. Latino/a Civilization and Culture

An introduction to the political, social, economic, and cultural history of Latinos/as in the United States that leads to an appreciation and awareness of the cultural roots and current lifestyles of these groups. Fulfills Cultures - U.S. Diversity. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Winter 2025: From Celia Cruz to Bad Bunny, e/spanglish and quinceañeras, we will learn and explore the close connections between Latin America and the U.S., and how Latinos/as/x have shaped the culture and history of this country, and Michigan!

 

SPA 314 - Teaching Methods

This course provides future Spanish teachers with an introduction to the basic concepts of Spanish pedagogy with particular emphasis on the communicative approach. Students will learn to write lesson plans, design and teach communicative activities, and create appropriate evaluation materials such as exams and quizzes. Prerequisites: Completion of SPA 322 with a grade of C (not C-), and SPA 310 or SPA 311 or SPA 312 or SPA 313.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 320 - Composition and Conversation for Spanish Heritage Speakers

This course focuses on developing the academic language skills of heritage learners of Spanish, defined as those who have acquired Spanish through cultural connections with family, community, or country of origin. SPA 320 is designed for heritage speakers who have intermediate-high or advanced proficiency. Prerequisite: SPA 203 or permission of the instructor.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 321 - Composition and Conversation I

First of a two-part sequence designed to improve proficiency in oral skills and academic writing in Spanish as well as listening and reading skills. Course will present a systematic review of grammar and promote the acquisition of new vocabulary in the context of Hispanic culture. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in SPA 202, or credit, or appropriate placement test score.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 322 - Composition and Conversation II

Second of a two-part sequence designed to improve proficiency in oral skills and academic writing in Spanish as well as listening and reading skills. Course will present a systematic review of grammar and promote the acquisition of new vocabulary in the context of Hispanic culture. Prerequisites: C (not C-) or better in SPA 321.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 332 - Survey of Spanish American Literature

A historically grounded survey of the principal literary works and movements of Spanish America. Prerequisite: Completion of SPA 322 plus three credits at the 300 level with a grade of C (not C-) or better. May be taken in conjunction with SPA 330.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 335 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics

A general introduction to modern linguistic concepts, applied especially to the Spanish language. Includes the sound system (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), the structure of utterances (syntax), meaning and usage (semantics and pragmatics), and language variation. Prerequisites: SPA 309 with a grade of C (not C-) or better or permission of instructor.
Credits: 3

 

SPA 360 - Perspectives on Hispanic Culture & Society

A multidisciplinary study of Spanish-American and Peninsular culture and society, as represented in architecture, food, music, sports, the visual arts and other cultural expressions. Special emphasis is placed on the historical and sociopolitical contexts of the examined material. The topic of this class varies according to the discretion of the instructor. Previous topics have included graphic novels, music and dance, soccer, and telenovelas. Prerequisites: SPA 321 with a C or better.  
Credits: 3

 

SPA 378 - Contemporary Latin American Literature

A survey of Spanish literature of the past three decades in English translations, taking in a variety of nations, regions, and cultures, including Afro-Latin and Indigenous voices. Genres to be studied include the novel, the short story poetry, drama, testimonial narrative, speeches, folklore, and film. Cross-listed with ENG 378 and LAS 378. Prerequisites: WRT 150 and one literature course (SPA 330 for Spanish majors).
Credits: 3

 

SPA 495 - Cross-National Literary Movements (Capstone)

Interdisciplinary exploration of a major literary period or genre such as Romanticism, Rationalism, or Symbolism from a cross-national perspective. Prerequisites: Completion of three credits at 400 level (literature) with a C (not C-) or better and senior standing with a major in Spanish. Required of all Spanish majors.
Credits: 3

• Section Description for Winter 2025: The focus of this course is: Representations of the Spanish Civil War. We will first delve into the history of the conflict that attracted young people from all over the Western World (even from Grand Rapids) to fight in favor of democracy and against fascism. We will read poetry and stories, view films, analyze photographs, listen to songs, even read a graphic novel produced during and after the war.