Course DescriptionsSPANISH
SPAN-101 Elementary Spanish I
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this foundational course, students will apply four language skills – listening, speaking, writing, and reading – in order to be able to communicate at a basic level by exchanging, interpreting, and presenting information; to compare Spanish-speaking cultures’ practices, perspectives, and products to students’ own cultures; to connect the Spanish language to other relevant disciplines; and to begin using the Spanish language outside of the classroom in limited contexts. Content and supporting language structures and vocabulary will be theme-based, with outcomes measured in a variety of ways, including task-based activities that support effective communication around the theme. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-102 Elementary Spanish II
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this second-semester foundational course, students will advance their ability to apply four language skills – listening, speaking, writing, and reading – in order to expand their ability to communicate at a basic level by exchanging, interpreting, and presenting information; to compare Spanish-speaking cultures’ practices, perspectives, and products to students’ own cultures; to connect the Spanish language to other relevant disciplines; and to expand their use of the Spanish language outside of the classroom in limited contexts. Content and supporting language structures and vocabulary that support it will be theme-based, with outcomes measured in a variety of ways, including task-based activities that support effective communication around the theme. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-201 Intermediate Spanish I
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this first intermediate-level course, students will further advance their ability to apply four language skills – listening, speaking, writing, and reading – in order to refine their ability to communicate at a intermediate level by exchanging, interpreting, and presenting information in multiple tenses and contexts; to deepen the comparisons of Spanish-speaking cultures’ practices, perspectives, and products to students’ own cultures; to connect the Spanish language to other relevant disciplines; and to expand their use of the Spanish language outside of the classroom in a variety of contexts. Content and supporting language structures and vocabulary will be theme-based, with outcomes measured in a variety of ways, including task-based activities that support effective communication around the theme. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-202 Intermediate Spanish II
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this second intermediate-level course, students will greatly advance their ability to apply four language skills – listening, speaking, writing, and reading – in order to further refine and expand their ability to communicate at a intermediate level by exchanging, interpreting, and presenting information in complex structures and contexts; to deepen further the comparisons of Spanish-speaking cultures’ practices, perspectives, and products to students’ own cultures; to connect the Spanish language to other relevant disciplines and current topics; and to expand their use of the Spanish language outside of the classroom in a variety of complex contexts. Content and supporting language structures and vocabulary will be theme-based, with outcomes measured in a variety of ways, including task-based activities that support effective communication around the theme. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-203 Advanced Intermediate Spanish I
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this content-based, intermediate course, students will further develop skills in comprehending and speaking Spanish. Grammatical concepts introduced in elementary and intermediate classes will be re-examined with the intention of expanding them for use in conversation. Content will be based on traditional themes, such as interpersonal relationships or the environment, on topics of current interest, such as the effect of globalization or technology on society and on cultural issues. Students will apply their speaking skills in conversations, debates, short presentations and interviews. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-204 Advanced Intermediate Spanish II
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this content-based course, students will further develop skills in writing and reading. Grammatical concepts introduced in elementary and intermediate classes will be reexamined with the intention of expanding them for use in both reading and writing. Content will be based on the themes of religion and politics, family and family roles and on changing values. Students will work with short stories and film as a basis for skill development. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-205 Spanish Through the Media
4 Credits (Humanities Core)
In this content-based, advanced intermediate course, students will further develop skills in comprehending and speaking Spanish. Learning will be based on current authentic Spanish media, including news from satellite channels, broadcast news, printed Spanish newspapers, computer-based materials, public lectures and current events. Grammatical concepts introduced in elementary and intermediate classes will be re-examined with the intention of expanding them for use in conversation. Students will apply their speaking skills in activities such as summarizing, rephrasing, transcribing and presenting. The fundamental goal of this course is to build fluency in all skills while developing an extensive vocabulary through media exposure. (4 hours weekly)
SPAN-220 Cultures of Mexico
3 Credits (Interdisciplinary and
Emerging Issues Core)
Students will explore the cultures of Mexico from the border culture to the valley, from the Yucatan-Penisula to Chiapas. Students will see how the geography and history of Mexico have influenced family life, religion, art and literature, and the economy. (This course is open to all students and is highly recommended for those planning to study in Mexico during HCC’s program in the winter term.) Taught in English; this course does not fulfill the world language sequence requirement. (3 hours weekly)