All Spanish Courses

Undergraduate Courses

SPN 111 Beginning Spanish I (A,R)

Provides students with an active command of basic Spanish in four skill areas (speaking, writing, reading and listening) and increases cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 112 Beginning Spanish II (A,R)

Provides further refinement of language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) and concentrates on increasing ability to communicate across a broad range of cultural situations. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 211 Intermediate Spanish I (A,R)

Prerequiste: SPN 112. Provides further refinement of language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening; concentrates on increasing students' ability to communicate across a broad range of cultural situations. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 212 Intermediate Spanish II (A,R)

Continuation of SPN 211. Provides further refinement of language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) and concentrates on increasing ability to communicate across a broad range of cultural situations. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 213 Accelerated Intermediate Spanish (A)

NOTE: Not open to students with credit for SPN 212. Covers the concepts of the intermediate sequence (211/212) with an emphasis on preparing students for upper-division courses. Provides further refinement of language skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening) and concentrates on increasing students’ ability to communicate across a broad range of cultural situations. Course requires a minimum grade of C (for General Education/Major/Minor/Certification) NYSED requires a minimum course grade of “C” (undergraduate sections) 3 Cr.

SPN 290 Cross-Cultural Experience I: Mexico ()

SPN 290 Cross Cultural Experience I Mexico (A). This course is designed to help students in the Cuernavaca, Mexico, Program maximize their knowledge and understanding of Mexican culture. Only available to students registered in the program and involves living with a host family, attending classes at the host institution, participating in several cultural activities/field trips, and completing the required written and oral assignments. 3 Cr.

SPN 300 Spanish for the Professions (A)

Spanish for the Professions will address the needs of students from different majors who will be in contact with a Spanish-speaking population in their professional careers. In addition to business, this class will cover the following areas: healthcare, legal systems, hospitality and tourism. Its contemporary and practical approach will give students a global perspective on language and culture. 3 Cr.

SPN 301 Spanish Grammar Review (A)

Covers essentials of Spanish grammar through a descriptive analysis of the linguistic forms and functions of Spanish. Requires skill applications in oral practice, reading and writing. 3 Cr.

SPN 302 Write On! (A)

Literature opens up the Hispanic cultures and builds advanced vocabulary and grammar skills. Learn to write a variety of essay types and study organizational structures at the sentence, paragraph and paper level. Learn how to develop a research paper using appropriate sources. 3 Cr.

SPN 330 Barrios, Bod & Brdrs: (Trans)national Displcmnts Americas (A)

Explores various modes of displacement in South America, Mexico and the United States including immigration, deportation and exile. Course readings, films and documentaries cover the social and psychological impact of geographical displacement; the power of the State in controlling migrants’ bodies; the racialization of violence; exclusionary practices of nonconforming identities; language policies and bilingual practices. 3 Cr.

SPN 334 Ghosts of Contemporary Spain (A,D)

Through cultural products and practices (novels, essays, plays, newspaper articles, film, art) students will identify cultural assumptions behind constructions of race, class, and gender privilege, sexual behaviors, and religious values in contemporary Spain. Immigration, terrorism, domestic violence, anti-establishment movements, and nationalism are among the topics of this course. 3 Cr.

SPN 350 It's all Debatable! Communication in Spanish (A)

This bridge course between the intermediate level language sequence and the literature and culture courses reinforces students’ oral and written proficiency in order to prepare them for advanced-level work. Through class discussion and debates of visual and written texts, students acquire knowledge of current controversial topics like immigration, Spanglish, etc. Requires active participation. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 351 Compose Yourself (A)

This bridge course addresses techniques to improve writing skills and teaches students how to create a variety of writing modes, including summary, narration, review, opinion essay and literary analysis. Through a process approach to writing, students are guided to elaborate essays with clear organization, more complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary. Compositions, oral presentations and a research paper are required. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 352 Mexico to Madrid: Hispanic World Today (A)

How much do Hispanic cultures around the world have in common with cultures in the US? What cultural aspects do Hispanic countries share? What differentiates them? This course addresses similarities and differences in Hispanic cultures as well as recent changes in the Hispanic world including the election of Evo Morales, Bolivia’s first indigenous president, the effects of globalization, and human trafficking, etc. 3 Cr.

SPN 353 Literature and Culture of Spain I (A)

Provides a historical survey of the political, social, economic, religious, and artistic life in Spain from the 11th century through the 18th century. Includes the study of the main literary genres of the period and covers elementary concepts of literary theory and analysis. Emphasizes the study of figurative and symbolic language. Requires active class participation. 3 Cr.

SPN 354 Literature and Cultures of Spanish America I (A)

A historical survey of the political, social, economic, religious, and artistic life in Spanish America from the pre-Columbian times through the 19th century. Provides an understanding of the various forces and events that have shaped life and culture in the Spanish-speaking territories of America. Studies the main literary genres of the period and covers elementary concepts of literary theory and analysis. Emphasizes the study of figurative and symbolic language. Requires active class participation. 3 Cr.

SPN 363 Contemporary Spain (A)

Provides a historical survey of the political, social, economic, religious, literary and artistic life in Spain from the 18th century to the present. Studies the main literary genres of the period and covers concepts of literary theory and analysis. Emphasizes the study of figurative and symbolic language. Requires active class participation and advanced writing skills. 3 Cr. Spring.

SPN 364 Literature and Culture of Spanish America II (A)

Provides a historical survey of the political, social, economic, religious, and artistic life in Spanish-America from the pre-Columbian period through the 19th century. Also provides students with an understanding of the various forces and events that have shaped life and culture in Spanish America. Studies the main literary genres of the period and covers elementary concepts of literary theory and analysis. Emphasizes the study of figurative and symbolic language. Requires active class participation and advanced writing skills. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 371 Community Service Learning in Spanish (B)

Offers Spanish majors and minors the opportunity to participate in community service learning (CSL) programs that will allow them to apply their skills outside the classroom. CSL aims to connect the classroom with the community in a way that is mutually beneficial to all participants: students, faculty and community partners. This course also offers additional benefits to students such as increased civic engagement and the chance for their academic work to make a positive impact in local and global communities. Possible CSL sites include Oak Orchard Health and Monroe County Courts. 1-3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 375 Gender in Latin America (A,I,W)

Analyzes traditional gender roles in Latin American culture and the intersection between race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class and gender identity in socialization processes that perpetuate the exclusion of women from the spheres of power. Examines the impact of patriarchy and globalization on the lives of women and their contribution to different social spheres, especially in politics, literature, and art. 3 Cr.

SPN 390 Cross-Cultural Experience II: Mexico (A)

This course is designed to help students in the Cuernavaca, Mexico, Program maximize their knowledge and understanding of Mexican culture. Only available to students registered in the program and involves living with a host family, attending classes at the host institution, participating in several cultural activities/field trips, and completing the required written and oral assignments. 3 Cr.

SPN 399 Independent Study in Spanish (A)

Arranged in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 410 Bilingual Education and Heritage Language Learners (A,I)

Examines second language acquision and literacy in Spanish heritage speakers and methods of teaching native language arts (Spanish) to bilingual English-Spanish language learners. Also covers Spanish language variations and the major historical, political, social and linguistic issues regarding bilingual education in the Spanish speaking world. 3 Cr.

SPN 452 Guerrrilla, Gays and Gangs: Outsiders in Hispanic Film (A)

Why do we fear outsiders? Because we don’t know them? Because they are different? Or because their difference makes us question our own identity and values? Students in this class will take a closer look at cultural icons such as Ernesto Che Guevara, Latino gay culture, and the social and economic factors driving gang membership, immigration and prostitution. Requires active class participation and advanced writing skills. 3 Cr.

SPN 453 Spanish-American Women Writers (A)

Through an exploration of texts authored by women, this course introduces students to a range of leading Spanish American writers. Students will examine recurrent themes and forms in women’s writing, including the representation of identity; the concept of origins; the intersection of class, race and gender; sexual repression and/or liberation; and the textual strategies underpinning these considerations. 3 Cr.

SPN 456 Negotiating Caribbean Identity (A,D,W)

Through the exploration of essays, poems, short stories and novels written by authors from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, this course examines the process of nation building against imperial powers, racial politics and national identity, gender roles and equality, immigration and marginalization, political oppression and sexuality. 3 Cr. Spring.

SPN 457 War & Peace: Contemporary Spanish Culture (A)

What do contemporary texts show us about identity, history, and power in Spain? This course addresses representative works from various periods during the 20-21st century and gives particular attention to the Spanish Civil War, the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and democratic Spain today. Students will analyze how literature and film have been used to legitimize a military uprising and dictatorship as well as to protest against it. 3 Cr. Spring.

SPN 458 Multiple Voices, Multiple Truths (A)

Explores the notions of Truth and Power in 20th century Spanish American literature. Through the analysis of essays, short stories, novels and poetry, students will identify the multiple ways in which the texts challenge canonical narratives, official national histories and patriarchal myths. 3 Cr. Fall.

SPN 459 Mexico Today (A)

Provides an introduction to contemporary Mexico: its history and geography; political, social, and economic systems; art, literature, and music; people and their lifestyles. Uses media and other materials to supplement course content. 3 Cr.

SPN 461 Advanced Spanish Grammar (A)

Covers grammatical structures of Spanish and includes a study of Spanish morphology, syntax, and lexicon. Gives special attention to analysis and correction of interference from English. Conducts discussions of specific structures in Spanish, followed by oral and written exercises, including translations. Crosslisted with SPN561. 3 Cr.

SPN 462 Spanish Language Variations in the US (A)

Provides an introduction to Spanish dialectology, including both the diachronic and synchronic description of the Spanish language. Covers the cultural, social, linguistic, and historical factors that determine language variations. 3 Cr. Spring.

SPN 490 Cross-Cultural Experience III: Mexico ()

This course is designed for students who participate in the Cuernavaca, Mexico, Program whose proficiency level is advanced low. Involves living with a host family, attending classes at the host institution, participating in several cultural activities/field trips, and completing the required written and oral assignments. * 3 Cr.

SPN 499 Independent Study in Spanish (A)

Content to be identified in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr.

Graduate Courses

SPN 552 Guerrrilla, Gays and Gangs: Outsiders in Hispanic Film (A)

Why do we fear outsiders? Because we don’t know them? Because they are different? Or because their difference makes us question our own identity and values? Students in this class will take a closer look at cultural icons such as Ernesto Che Guevara, Latino gay culture, and the social and economic factors driving gang membership, immigration and prostitution. Requires active class participation and advanced writing skills.Prerequisite: Any 300 level literature and culture course in Spanish. Why do we fear outsiders? Because we don’t know them? Because they are different? Or because their difference makes us question our own identity and values? Students in this class will take a closer look at cultural icons such as Ernesto Che Guevara, Latino gay culture, and the social and economic factors driving gang membership, immigration and prostitution. Requires active class participation and advanced writing skills. 3 Cr.

SPN 553 Spanish American Women Writers (A)

Following a chronological perspective, this course explores both theoretical and literary writings by a selection of leading Spanish American women writers representing different literary movements and reflect on a variety of national problems. Students will examine recurrent themes in women's writing, including: the representation of identity; the intersection of class, race and gender; and the textual strategies underpinning these considerations. 3 Cr.

SPN 556 Negotiating Caribbean Identity (A,D,W)

Through the exploration of essays, poems, short stories and novels written by authors from Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, this course examines the process of nation building against imperial powers, racial politics and national identity, gender roles and equality, immigration and marginalization, political oppression and sexuality. 3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 557 War and Peace Contemporary Spanish Culture (A)

What do contempoai:y texts show us about identity, history, and power in Spain?1bis comse addresses representative works from various periods during the 20-21st century and gives partic:ola.r attention to the Spanish Civil War, the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, and demoa:atic Spain today. Students will analyze how liteatture and film have been used to legitimize a miliau:y uprising and dictatol'Ship as well as to protest against it. Gaaduate students are required to complete a 15 page research paper and additional reading responses. 3 Cr.

SPN 558 Multiple Voices, Multiple Truths (A)

Explores the notions of Truth and Power in 20th century Spanish American literature. Through the analysis of essays, short stories, novels and poetry, students will identify the multiple ways in which the texts challenge canonical narratives, official national histories and patriarchal myths. 3 Cr.

SPN 559 Mexico Today (A)

Provides an introduction to contemporary Mexico: its history and geography; political, social and economic systems; art, literature and music; people and their lifestyles. 3 Cr.

SPN 561 Advanced Spanish Grammar (A)

Covers grammatical structures of Spanish and includes a study of Spanish morphology, syntax, and lexicon. Gives special attention to analysis and correction of interference from English. Conducts discussions of specific structures in Spanish, followed by oral and written exercises, including translations. Required course. Crosslisted with SPN461. 3 Cr.

SPN 599 Independent Study in Spanish (A)

Content to be identified in consultation with the instructor-sponsor and in accordance with the procedures of the Office of Academic Advisement prior to registration. 1-3 Cr. Every Semester.

SPN 605 Literacy Instruction for Heritage Learners (A)

Allows the Spanish heritage speakers and advanced Spanish learners to explore the acquisition of literacy skills in Spanish through the study of several research-based approaches to the teaching of native language arts, using the native language and English, for meeting New York State learning standards for students. It focuses on the development of reading and writing as well as in depth analysis for later creation of research projects. 3 Cr. Spring.