Hispanic Studies
With more than 400 million Spanish speakers, Spanish is one of the most important languages in our globalized world.
Globalization is part of the reality of the twenty-first century and speaking Spanish has almost become a necessity. Thus, the study of the Spanish language and its culture is quite practical. Given the Hispanic presence in the United States and the proximity of our Spanish-speaking neighbors in Latin America, proficiency in Spanish is increasingly advantageous and even necessary for numerous professions and careers.
The Spanish area faculty members recognize the need to provide today's students with a broad education and perspective. To that end the Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies offers three different majors as well as a minor. The three majors are:
- Hispanic Studies
- International Studies-Spanish concentration (see International Studies)
- Integrative Studies - Hispanic Studies as one of three concentrations
Dearborn Discovery Core (General Education)
All students must satisfy the University’s Dearborn Discovery Core requirements, in addition to the requirements for the major. Students must also complete all CASL Degree Requirements.
Prerequisites to the Major
Students desiring to major in Hispanic Studies must successfully complete SPAN 202 or exhibit equivalent Spanish language proficiency.
Major Requirements
A minimum of 24 credit hours in upper level Spanish (SPAN) classes must be completed as outlined below.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SPAN 301 | Adv Conversation and Comp I | 4 |
| Specialized Language course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Language of Business | ||
| Intro to Hispanic Linguistics | ||
| Advanced Written Expression | ||
| Oral Expression | ||
| Introduction to Translation | ||
| Culture/Film course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Spanish Food and Cuisine | ||
| Latino Literature | ||
| Spanish Civilization and Cult | ||
| Latin American Civiliztn Cult | ||
| Spain in the Twentieth Century | ||
| Hispanic Cinema | ||
| Spanish Film | ||
| Literature course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Masterpiece of Latin Amer Lit | ||
| Masterpieces of Spanish Lit | ||
| Contemporary Spanish Lit | ||
| Spanish Electives | ||
| Select any two upper level SPAN course | 8 | |
| Cognates | ||
| Select upper level courses from the following disciplines: AAAS, ANTH, ARBC, ARTH, COMM, COML, ECON, ENGL, ENST, FREN, GEOG, GER, GLOC, HIST, HUM, JASS, LIBS, MCL, PHIL, POL, RELS, SOC, WGST. | 6-8 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30-32 | |
Notes:
Majors must take at least one course that deals specifically with Spanish (peninsular - CAPH) topics such as SPAN 321, SPAN 351, SPAN 356, SPAN 358, SPAN 451, or SPAN 465 and at least one course that deals specifically with Latin American topics (CALA) such as SPAN 350, SPAN 353, SPAN 357 or SPAN 450
Majors are encouraged to spend a semester or year in one of the many approved study-abroad programs.
- At least 18 of the 24 upper level hours in Spanish (SPAN) must be elected at UM-D.
- At least one 400 level SPAN course is required.
- A maximum of 4 credits of HUM 485 internship can be used in the cognate area.
Minor or Integrative Studies Concentration Requirements
A minor or concentration consists of 12 credit hours of upper-level courses in Spanish (SPAN).
- A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for the minor/concentration. The GPA is based on all coursework required within the minor (excluding prerequisites).
- The use of transfer credit, field placements, internships, seminars, S/E graded courses, and independent study/research courses is limited to 3 credits in a 12 credit hour minor/concentration and 6 credits in a 15 credit hour and above minor/concentration.
- Courses within a minor/concentration cannot be taken as Pass/Fail (P/F).
- Minors requiring 12 credits may share one course with a major. Minors requiring 15 credits or more may share two courses with a major. This does not apply to concentrations for the Integrative Studies major.
Learning Goals
- Write effectively in target language
- Speak effectively in target language
- Read critically in target language
- Comprehend target language when spoken
- Identify and appreciate cultural difference
- Familiarity with literary histories appropriate to the studied language
- Familiarity with grammar, syntax, phonology of the target language
SPAN 101 Spanish Language & Culture I 4 Credit Hours
Full Course Title: Introduction to Spanish Language and Culture I-First course in the two-course elementary Spanish sequence. Listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are emphasized. Course materials promote the use of language to communicate with others and to function in Hispanic culture. (F,S).
SPAN 102 Spanish Language & Culture II 4 Credit Hours
Full Course Title: Introduction to Spanish Language and Culture II- Second course in the two-course elementary Spanish sequence. Continued emphasis on culture and the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. (F,W,S).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 101 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 102 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 201 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 202 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 301 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 302
SPAN 201 Spanish Language and Culture III 4 Credit Hours
An intermediate-level course designed to increase the proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing within a cultural context. Emphasis is placed on acquiring new vocabulary and expanding the use of grammar structures. Course materials promote the use of language to communicate with others and to function in Hispanic culture. (F).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 102 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 202 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 301 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 302 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 201
SPAN 202 Spanish Language and Culture IV 4 Credit Hours
Continuation of SPAN 201 with emphasis on the development of all language skills. (W).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 202 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 301 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 302
SPAN 231 Introductory and Survival Spanish for Healthcare Professionals 4 Credit Hours
Introductory and Survival Spanish for Health Professionals (231) is a 4-credit hour hybrid course focusing on communication needs in the real world and the use of highly specialized vocabulary in clinical situations and medical terminology. The course addresses today's growing demand for Spanish-speaking physicians and healthcare workers. It provides basic Spanish skills, sample interview questions, relevant cultural information, and more, in addition to online videos of physician-patient interactions, interactive self-assessment tools, and clinic vignettes. Students will develop better physician-patient communication skills, increase their cultural competence, and make better clinical decisions in their practice. Native speakers of Spanish will be invited to the face-to-face class to act as “real” patients. (W).
SPAN 301 Adv Conversation and Comp I 4 Credit Hours
An advanced course in conversion, composition, and syntax designed to strengthen existing skills. An intensive review of grammar combined with pronunciation and vocabulary exercises should enable the student to make progress in composition and conversation. Oral and written assignments will be based on readings from contemporary sources. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (F).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 202 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 301 or Spanish Language Placement with a score of 302
SPAN 305 Language of Business 4 Credit Hours
An introduction to the language and practices of the Hispanic world of business. Particular emphasis will be placed on learning the terminology used in typical business correspondence and documents. A variety of businesses will be examined and practice in reading and composing business letters will be provided. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 310 Intro to Hispanic Linguistics 4 Credit Hours
This class provides students with a systematic overview of key areas of Spanish linguistics, including the sound system, forms of words, syntactic patterns, the development of the language, and regional, social and contextual variation. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Level is Undergraduate
SPAN 321 Spanish Food and Cuisine 4 Credit Hours
Spanish 321 is a course intended to provide students with an overview of Spanish Peninsular culture, civilization and history through the analysis and exposure to its foods, products, dishes and social events around its eating habits. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (OC).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 350 Masterpiece of Latin Amer Lit 4 Credit Hours
A survey of Latin American literature from the colonial period to the present. Emphasis will be placed on such influential and outstanding contemporary authors as Borges, Garcia Marquez, Paz, Poniatowska, Rosario, Ferre, and Rulfo. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 351 Masterpieces of Spanish Lit 4 Credit Hours
An overview of Spanish Peninsular literature beginning with the Medieval period. Students read and discuss outstanding works from a variety of literary periods and genres. Works by authors such as Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderon, Galdos, Unamuno, Lorca, and Goytisolo are included. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 353 Latino Literature 4 Credit Hours
The course offers a selection of literary representations from a range of Latino groups with an emphasis on Cubans, Dominicans, Mexicans, and Puerto Ricans in the United States. Students examine these minority groups and the realities of their migrations through a variety of literary periods and genres. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (OC).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 355 Yucatan: The Mayan Junction in Mexico 4 Credit Hours
This is a 5-week interdisciplinary course that will focus on the rich and complex cultural identity of the Yucatan Peninsula, due to its distinctive geoposition and its blend of traditions from Maya civilizations and those brought by Spanish and other European cultures. This course will explore how this cultural amalgam continues to shape political challenges and the societal landscape in the 21st century. This course is taught in-situ, the city of Mérida, and seeks to engage students in the interpretation of key landmarks as well as primary texts, cultural and historical artifacts, including cuisine, literary works, essays, news reports, films and art. (S, OC).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 202
SPAN 356 Spanish Civilization and Cult 4 Credit Hours
Spanish 356 is intended to provide students with an overview of Spanish Peninsular culture, civilization and history through the analysis of filmic and textual sources. Critical thinking and analysis of texts will be the primary focus of this class. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 357 Latin American Civiliztn Cult 4 Credit Hours
A survey of Hispanic culture in the Americas from its inception to the present. The course examines the contributions of the Latin American ethnic groups and explores the relationship between Latin America's past and contemporary achievements and problems. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 358 Spain in the Twentieth Century 4 Credit Hours
A cultural study of the institutions, issues, and values of Spanish society in the twentieth century as seen in art, architecture, music, literature, film, and the media. Special emphasis is placed on contemporary Spain from the end of the Franco era through the development of a democracy. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (OC).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 359 Three Cultures of Spain 1 Credit Hour
Spanish 359 complements Spanish 356, Civilization and Culture of Spain. In Spanish 356, students learn the culture and civilization of Spain from 711 to 1492 when Christians, Muslims and Jews were sharing territory and culture was flourishing due to the hybridity connections during these centuries. In this course, the legacy of these cultures/philosophies in Spain are studied in order to show students the importance of architecture, scientific advances (monuments, towns, castles, mosques, synagogues, old towns, ruins, and palaces) in Spain's three cultures era. (OC)
SPAN 398 Independent Studies in Spanish 1 to 6 Credit Hours
Readings or analytical assignments in Spanish in accordance with the needs and interests of those enrolled and agreed upon by the student and instructor. Students may receive a maximum of six credit hours for a combination of SPAN 398 and SPAN 399. (F,W).
SPAN 399 Independent Studies in Spanish 1 to 6 Credit Hours
Readings or analytical assignments in Spanish in accordance with the needs and interests of those enrolled and agreed upon by the student and instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours. (F,W).
SPAN 406 Advanced Written Expression 4 Credit Hours
Through the reading and analysis of authentic materials students will develop and improve their writing skill in various narrative styles such as dialogue, description, essay or research paper. Writing as a process involving editing and revision will be emphasized. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 409 Oral Expression 4 Credit Hours
A course designed to increase the conversational skills of advanced-level students. A variety of activities and assignments will help students refine their oral accuracy and expand upon the number of social situations in which they can function. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 420 Introduction to Translation 4 Credit Hours
An introduction to the history, theory and practice of English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English translation. Emphasis will be placed on material selected from the fields of business and commerce, the legal system, and brief passages of literature. Class projects will include translations of advertisements, brochures, and documents provided by area businesses. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 450 Hispanic Cinema 4 Credit Hours
An introduction to the history and critical analysis of representative Hispanic films of major directors from Spain and Latin America. Emphasis will be placed on the historical, political, and cultural content of these films as they reflect the problems, customs, and contradictions of Hispanic culture. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 451 Spanish Film 4 Credit Hours
An introduction to the history and critical analysis of representative Spanish films of major directors from Spain. Emphasis will be placed on the historical, political, social and cultural content of these films as they reflect the problems, customs, and contradictions of Spanish culture. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences. (AY).
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
SPAN 465 Contemporary Spanish Lit 4 Credit Hours
Spanish 465 provides students with an overview of Contemporary Spanish Peninsular literature and culture through the analysis of narrative texts. Selected readings provide the basis for stylistic and textual analysis. Fostering critical thinking through an analysis of texts is the primary focus of the class. The course specifically examines narrative works that belong to the Spanish literary canon produced after the end of an almost forty year dictatorial regime in 1975. The literary works are deeply rooted in Spain¿s social and cultural history. Consequently, they describe the contemporary socio-political scene in which they were produced and look at the uncertain future of this reborn nation. This course is a Project Based Learning centered on a major project and/or on a research question related to the topic of the class and will imply hands-on work for a good portion of the semester. The project can be local or international community-driven and will connect to real-life experiences.
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 301
Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Sophomore or Junior or Senior
*An asterisk denotes that a course may be taken concurrently.
Frequency of Offering
The following abbreviations are used to denote the frequency of offering: (F) fall term; (W) winter term; (S) summer term; (F, W) fall and winter terms; (YR) once a year; (AY) alternating years; (OC) offered occasionally