SPAN 210 The Spanish Language in the World

This course is a general overview of the Spanish language in the world, the evolution of the language throughout the centuries, and its place in our modern society. The course focuses on the diversity of the global communities that speak Spanish, and key differences in dialect, grammar, and vocabulary throughout modern Spanish-speaking societies, in comparison with those used in the different regions of the United States. The course also includes a brief introduction to the disciplines of translating and interpreting, and the importance of conveying a clear message in a variety of social contexts. Texts used to study the language include fiction, poetry, critical essays, film, music videos, and other Latin American/Spanish cultural production. Prerequisite: SPA 203 or permission of the instructor.  

Credits

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

0

SPAN 210The Spanish Language in the World

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

English and Languages Academic

II. Course Specification

Course Type

{D7A8FC71-978F-4003-9933-512C476323B2}

Credit Hours Narrative

3 Credits

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

45

Semester Contact Hours Lab

0

Repeatable

No

III. Catalog Course Description

This course is a general overview of the Spanish language in the world, the evolution of the language throughout the centuries, and its place in our modern society. The course focuses on the diversity of the global communities that speak Spanish, and key differences in dialect, grammar, and vocabulary throughout modern Spanish-speaking societies, in comparison with those used in the different regions of the United States. The course also includes a brief introduction to the disciplines of translating and interpreting, and the importance of conveying a clear message in a variety of social contexts. Texts used to study the language include fiction, poetry, critical essays, film, music videos, and other Latin American/Spanish cultural production. Prerequisite: SPA 203 or permission of the instructor.  

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Cultivate an increased understanding of and appreciation for the linguistic diversity of the cultures within the Spanish-speaking world, including those of the United States.
  • Gain awareness of the value of students’ own language and culture at a global level.
  • Evaluate “non-standard” vocabulary and grammar structures as they relate to a greater understanding of the distinct linguistic systems of diverse Spanish-speaking cultures.
  • Develop a greater appreciation of Hispanic/Latino /Chicano literature as a lens for understanding the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

  • Analysis of early Spanish works (Lazarillo, Sor Juana, novela picaresca)  
  • The Moorish occupation of Spain and the influence of Arabic on the development of the language.
  • Spanish in the Southern Continent: the use of “vos” and its unique verb conjugations in Argentina and Uruguay. 
  • The Evolution of a Classic: Don Quixote in Spanglish
  • Portfolio/Semester project(s) 
  • Mid-term and final conferences to assess academic progress 

VI. Delivery Methodologies

Required Exams

no specific exams or in-course evaluations are required