Courses

Spring 2010 - Spanish Course Descriptions

Spanish 001 — Elementary Spanish I

A - Block C - Nancy Kelly
B - Block F - Elena Paolini
C - Block J - Cheryl Tano

This course uses the communicative approach to teach listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and culture. In particular, it promotes the development of oral/aural skills and the practical use of language in a variety of social situations. Lab work is required. Conducted in Spanish. No prerequisites.

Texts: Spinelli and Rosso-O'Laughlin, Encuentros: Textbook and Workbook, 4^th ed. (Holt, Rinehart & Winston); De Miguel and Santos, Muerte en Valencia (EDI 6).

Spanish 002 — Elementary Spanish II

A continuation of Spanish 001. The course advances and completes the study of basic grammar and vocabulary. It provides the linguistic skills and cultural information needed in a broad range of situations met when studying, working or traveling in a Spanish-speaking country. Lab work is required. Students must also register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 001 or consent.

Texts: Spinelli and Rosso-O'Laughlin, Encuentros: Textbook and Workbook, 4th ed. (Holt, Rinehart & Winston).

Spanish 003 — Intermediate Spanish I

A review of Spanish grammar with stress on the four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Using the communicative approach, the course emphasizes the development of fluency and the functional use of language. Discussion will be based on literary texts as well as newspaper and magazine articles on contemporary issues in Spanish-speaking societies. Several compositions, debates and weekly lab work are required. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 002 or consent.

Texts: González-Aguilar and Rosso-O'Laughlin, Atando Cabos; Textbook and Workbook, 3^rd ed. (Prentice Hall).

Spanish 004 — Intermediate Spanish II

This course continues the review of fundamentals of grammar begun in Spanish 003 and encourages the development of a large active vocabulary and a greater awareness of Spanish-speaking cultures. It aims at developing a level of language proficiency sufficient for survival in unusual or complicated situations (i.e., coping with an unforeseen event); and at participating in conversations about practical topics and current events. There will be regular lab assignments, compositions, class discussions, debates and oral presentations. Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 003 or consent.

Texts: González-Aguilar & Rosso-O'Laughlin, Atando Cabos; Textbook and Workbook, 3^rd ed. (Prentice Hall).

Spanish 021 — Composition and Conversation I

The course combines written and oral/aural practice of Spanish through oral reports, compositions, class discussions and debates on assigned topics, articles, short literary works and films. It offers a review of more advanced grammatical structures with the aim of achieving greater accuracy. Students are required to register for a recitation section that consists of a weekly 40-minute conversation group. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 004 or consent.

Texts: Labarca and Halty, Convocación de palabras, 2^nd ed. (Heinle & Heinle); Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Davis, Supplementary material for Spanish 21 (Pearson Custom Publishing); Antonio Skármeta, No pasó nada, 7^th ed. (Sudamericana). (This text list will change.)

Spanish 022 — Composition and Conversation II

This course continues the grammar review begun in Spanish 021 with emphasis on written and oral expression of Spanish through compositions, oral reports and class discussions. Material for discussions includes literary texts as well as topics of general interest. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 021 or consent.

Texts: Montross and Levine, Vistas y voces Latinas, 3^rd ed. (Prentice Hall); Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Aldecoa, Mujeres de Negro (Anagrama); Davis, Supplementary material for Spanish 22 (Pearson Custom Publishing).

Spanish 022-XA — Temas de hoy

Block E+wf - Anne de Laire Mulgrew

The goal of this course is to improve student's oral and written skills through the study of issues that confront today's world.  We will read articles and editorials on several issues such as immigration, education, the environment, and health care as they pertain to the Spanish-speaking world as well as the US.  Music videos as well as documentaries will be incorporated into the course, along with some review of advanced grammatical topics.  Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 21 or consent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); handouts.

Spanish 022-XB — El espíritu de Puerto Rico

Block L+ - Nancy Levy-Konesky

This class takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Puerto Rico. While students continue to review grammar and to practice oral and aural skills, they will study the history, literature, politics, music, cuisine, art and religions of Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans on the island as well as on the mainland.  They debate the possible political destinies of Puerto Rico: Statehood, Independence or a continuance of the present status of ELA (Free Associated State, or Commonwealth).  Students view two-three films during the semester, sample and learn to prepare Puerto Rican cuisine, and if possible, visit one of the major Puerto Rican neighborhoods of Boston: Villa Victoria and Plaza Betances.  There is an optional opportunity for interested students to work on a volunteer basis with various Hispanic organizations in the Cambridge and Boston areas.

Texts: Course pack: Includes a brief history of Puerto Rico and a collection of literary selections from major Puerto Rican and Nuyorican authors, such as Jacobo Morales, Pedro Juan Soto, José Luis González, Luis Palés Matos, Julia de Burgos, Tato Laviera, Miguel Algarín, Miguel Piñero, Pedro Pietri, Piri Thomas, Ana Lydia Vega, Luis Rafael Sánchez and Martín Espada; René Marqués, La carreta; Rojas and Curry, Gramática esencial, 2nd ed. (Houghton-Mifflin).

Spanish 022-XC — Teatro breve del siglo veinte

Block H+ - Pam Haltom

The goal of this course is to increase the student's aural/oral fluency and reading/writing competency through the use of theater exercises and short theatrical works while enriching his/her knowledge and appreciation of Hispanic theater and related arts.  Various representative Latin American twentieth century one-acts will be studied as well as one peninsular work, Federico García Lorca's one-act farce Amor de Don Perlimplín con Belisa en su jardín.  Coursework will include one ensemble as well as one individual presentation and three examinations covering both grammar and theater work. No previous experience in theater or acting is required.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or consent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Bound packet of readings available at Gnomon Copy, 348 Boston Ave, Medford.

Spanish 022-XD — Cine de Latinoamérica y España

Block F - Conchita Davis

The aim of this course is to expand the students' oral and written skills through the study of Latin American and Spanish films by well known directors such as Luis Buñuel, Carlos Sorín, Pedro Almodóvar, Icíar Bollaín, Guillermo del Toro or Juan Carlos Tabío. We will discuss topics such as stereotypes, fate, politics, euthanasia, and the power of imagination, among others. The class includes a review of Spanish syntax, a journal, 3 exams, 3 compositions, 4 grammar quizzes, an oral presentation, and a group project. Prerequisite: Spanish 21 or consent.

Texts: Gordon/Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw Hill); bound packet of readings and activities.

Spanish 022-XE — Temas de la guerra civil de España: un seminario

Block I+ - Patricia Smith

The purpose of this course is to practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, and at the same time to explore some literature and film related to the Spanish Civil War.  We will discuss such themes as the Law of Historic Memory, religion, violence against women, education, and the Spanish Republic.  The course will include a review of Spanish grammar, two films, three essays, one presentation, and the reading of a novel by Josefina Aldecoa.  Two round-table discussions will be held, and students will keep a journal.  Class is conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisite: Spanish 21 or consent.

Texts: Gordon and Stillman, The Ultimate Spanish Review and Practice (McGraw-Hill); Historia de una maestro, Josefina Aldecoa, www.puntodelectura.com

Spanish 032 — Main Currents of Spanish Literature II

A - Block D - Teresa Howe
B - Block H+ - Tamara Márquez-Raffetto
C - Block J+ - Kathy Pollakowski

Readings in Spanish peninsular literature from the eighteenth century to the present.  Authors may include Cadalso, Larra, Bécquer, Zorrilla, Unamuno, Valle-Inclán, García Lorca, and others.  Class discussions and writing assignments.  Short writing assignments, mid-term and final exam.  Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 21-22 or consent.

Texts: Fernando de Ibarra and Alberto Machado Da Rosa, Antología de Autores Españoles Modernos II (New York: Macmillan, 1972); Francisco García Lorca, La casa de Bernarda Alba (Castalia Didáctica).

Spanish 035 — Survey of Latin American Literature II

A - Block E+mw - Nina Gerassi-Navarro
B - Block F+tr - Amy Millay
C - Block G+ - Pablo Ruiz
D - Block N+ - Dean Simpson
E - Block Q+ - Dean Simpson

This course traces Latin American literature from modernist prose and poetry of the late 19th century through post-boom literature of the last three decades of the 20th century.  We will examine major authors and literary movements of modern Spanish America in historical and cultural contexts.  Authors may include José Martí, Rubén Darío, Gabriel García Márquez, Elena Poniatowska, Pablo Neruda, César Vallejo, and others.  Varied writing assignments, oral presentations, exams.  Conducted in Spanish.  Not for seniors or for students returning from programs abroad.  Prerequisite:  Spanish 21 or consent.

Texts: see instructor for details.

Spanish 091-01 — Ladino Language & Culture (cross-listed as JS 91)

Block F+tr - Gloria Ascher

Introduction to the language known as Ladino and the culture of the Sephardic Jews who have spoken it for over 500 years. When they were expelled from Spain in 1492, Jews took this language with them, and it has been enriched through contact with languages encountered in their various lands of resettlement. Emphasis on the living language: understanding, speaking, and writing (including creatively). Texts will include proverbs, stories, and songs from the folk tradition as well as contemporary poems and songs, and basic language materials: grammar text and verb tables.  Some background in Spanish (or Ladino!) is helpful, but not essential.

Spanish 94 — Independent Study (in English)

ARR - Members of the Department

Guided individual study of an approved topic in Spanish peninsular or Latin American literature or civilization.  Variable credit. Prerequisite: consent. To register for an Independent Study, see the Department Administrator.

Spanish 122 — Advanced Composition and Conversation II

A - Block L+ - Dean Simpson

This course aims to improve the student's written and oral expression.  The focus of the course will be four-fold: the discussion and critique of daily reading assignments; the creation of creative and analytical work; the study of key grammar points; and the study of colloquial expressions in Spanish. 10 one-page reflections on readings, grammar and activities in class, 2 skits, presentations, and collaborative project-based midterm and final. Conducted in Spanish. Not for native speakers. Prerequisite: Spanish 121 or consent.

Texts: David Burke. Street Spanish 2: The Best of Spanish Idioms; Gilda Nissenberg. Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Spanish Grammar; Daina Chaviano. La isla de los amores infinitos; Carlos Luis Zafón. El príncipe de la niebla; Arturo Pérez Reverte. Limpieza de sangre.

Spanish 124 — Spanish-English Translation Workshop

Block G+ - Andrew Klatt

The theory and practice of translation as applied to the contrasting communicative strategies of Spanish and English, emphasizing lexical, grammatical, and stylistic  differences and the treatment of culturally-specific references.  The methodical use of dictionaries and other reference materials to explore language  use  and the background knowledge necessary to a closer understanding of the source text and to produce a faithful translation.  Conducted in Spanish.  Course Requirements:  Active participation in class discussions and workshop activities.  Weekly readings on translation and Spanish to English translation assignments in literature, humanistic social sciences, and creative journalism.  Midterm exam. Final translation project including commentary and class presentation.

Spanish 129 — Creative Writing in Spanish (*in English or Spanish)

Block L+ - Juan Alonso

Just as most Jewish-American writers write in English and not Hebrew or another European language, so do the majority of Latino writers write in English.  There are, however, some who do not, and some who write in both English and Spanish.  This course will be conducted principally in English but the writing can be in either language.  Devoted to the short story.  This course is not remedial. Professor Juan Alonso is a Latino novelist.  See juanalonso.com for more information.  Does not count for the 100-level literature component of the Spanish major; counts for the 120-level component of the Spanish major.  Counts for the Fine Arts distribution requirement.

Spanish 142 — Don Quijote

Block H+ - Teresa Howe

A close reading of both parts of the Quijote (1605 and 1615) with special attention paid to the themes of identity, appearance vs. reality, and the nature of fiction's relationship to history.  Oral discussion, writing of critical papers (5-7 pages), mid-term and final exams.  Prerequisite: Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Spanish 150 — Latin American Civilization

Block N+ - José Antonio Mazzotti

This course will examine the main determinants shaping Latin American civilization and culture at the start of the new millennium.  Particular emphasis will be placed on issues of ethnicity and hegemony as definers not only of all major historical and cultural processes of the Latin American past, but also of the main challenges of its present and future.  Reading materials will cover both canonical works as well as cultural production generated from the margins.  This course counts towards the culture option, International Relations major, Latin American Studies and Africa and the New World minors, and the World Civilization requirement.

Texts: Packet of selected readings.

Spanish 192-A — Enchantment and Fantasy in 19^th Century Spanish Literature

Block J+ - Tamara Márquez-Raffetto

This course will examine the treatment of the themes of Fantasy and Enchantment as they emerged in 19th century Spain, a period shaped by civil war and defined by the opposing ideals of Romanticism and Realism. During the span of these contrary literary and historical movements, thematic notions of fantasy and enchantment endured and evolved from explorations of myth and folklore into highly imaginative tales of marvel and other-worldly occurrences. The element of the Fantastic held a particular allure for many of Spain's most prominent 19^th century authors, including Bécquer, Clarín, Valera, Pardo Bazán and Galdós.  Their diverse treatment of magical and supernatural elements in their short fiction will be considered within the social, historical and literary background of Spain's tumultuous 19^th century. Midterm and final exams, oral presentation, 8-10 page term paper. Prerequisites: Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Texts: Bécquer, Gustavo Adolfo.  Leyendas (Cátedra); Espronceda, José de.  El estudiante de Salamanca (Editorial Crítica); Pérez Galdós, Benito.  Cuentos fantásticos  (Cátedra); bound packet available at Gnomon Copy

Spanish 192-B — Experimenting Space in Latin America

Block I+ - Nina Gerassi-Navarro

This course examines the construction of space in Latin America.  In what ways has the exuberance of the tropics, the boundless pampas, the arid deserts or the mythological past shaped Latin America's identity.  From nineteenth century travel narratives to contemporary films and novels, we will analyze how foreigners and Latin Americans (both Spanish Americans and Brazilians) have portrayed, distorted and reimagined this landscape.  Particular attention will be paid to theorizing space and its relation to time.  Readings include works by Charles Darwin, Alexander von Humboldt, José Eustaquio Rivera, Ciro Alegría, Jorge Luis Borges, Alejo Carpentier, and Gabriel García Márquez among others; films by Carlos Sorín, Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Werner Herzog. Class discussions, oral presentations, midterm and final paper. Prerequisites: Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Spanish 192-C — Experiments with Reality in Latin American Fiction

Block K+ - Pablo Ruiz

Magic realism has become the dominant model and even a cliché of twentieth century Latin American literature. Equally important, but either marginalized under its shadow or simply confused with it, is a strong tradition of literatura fantástica. In both cases, we have authors less interested in offering a realistic depiction of the world than in imagining alternative ones. This course seeks to explore these major traditions of Latin American literature, and try to understand the intellectual and creative forces driving them. Do these two conceptions relate? How do they differ and what are their similarities? Was Borges a magic realist? Why? And why do we need those terms in the first place? We will study works by Jorge Luis Borges, Felisberto Hernández, Alejo Carpentier, Juan Rulfo, Gabriel García Márquez and Silvina Ocampo, among others. Oral presentations, four short papers in Spanish (2 pages), final paper in Spanish (7-10 pages). Prerequisites: Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Spanish 192-D — The Literature of Puerto Rico: The Floating Nation and the Flying Bus

Block D+ - Amy Millay

This course explores Puerto Rico, an island that has produced a diverse national literature despite its prolonged status as a Spanish colony, and its current political association with the United States.  We will examine classic interpretations of Puerto Rican identity, described by Antonio Pedreira (1934), and José Luis González (1980), looking at how these paradigms unfold in literary texts of their respective periods; and how metaphors of national identity evolved over the course of the past century.  We will extend the concept of Puerto Rican culture beyond the island when we study the narrative of immigration and the emergence of Nuyorican writers.  Writers include Luis Palés Matos, René Marqués, Magali García Ramis, Ana Lydia Vega, Rosario Ferré, Luis Rafael Sánchez, Mayra Santos-Febres, Tato Laviera, Pedro Pietri, and Pedro Juan Soto.   Texts include novels, plays, short stories, essays, poetry, and film.  Varied writing assignments, oral presentations, 2 papers, and 1 exam.  Prerequisites; Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Spanish 192-E — Latin American Poetry and the Spanish Civil War

Block G+ - Kathy Pollakowski

This course will study the impact of the Spanish civil War on the poetry of César Vallejo, Pablo Neruda and Nicolás Guillén, three of Latin America's most distinguished literary figures.  Focus will be placed on the thematic and stylistic evolution of each writer and also on the historical context of Latin America within which they lived and developed as poets.  Class discussion, oral presentations, two papers and a final exam.  Conducted in Spanish.  Prerequisites: Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, or consent.

Texts: César Vallego, Antología poética (Austral); Pablo Neruda, Antología esencial (Losada); Nicolás Guillén, Suma poética (Cátedra).

Spanish 194 — Independent Study (in Spanish)

ARR - Members of the Department

Guided individual study of an approved topic in Spanish peninsular or Latin American literature or civilization.  Variable credit. No more than one credit in Independent Study may be counted toward the major. Prerequisites: one 100-level literature course and consent. To register for an Independent Study, see the Department Administrator.

Spanish 199BT — Honors Thesis (Spring Semester)

ARR - Members of the Department

Open to qualified students. Variable credit. Prerequisites: Spanish 31 or 34, and 32 or 35, and consent. To register for an Honors Thesis, see the Department Administrator. Once the topic has been approved by the Chair, the thesis must be registered in the Office of the Dean of the Colleges.

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