Languages and Literature
External Credit Information
For information on external credit awards for language courses visit the External Credit section of the catalog.
SPAN 1101 Elementary Spanish I. (Formerly 101) Introduction to the basic structure of the language. Designed to enable the student to begin to develop oral proficiency and writing skills. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 1102 Elementary Spanish II. (Formerly 102) Continued study of the basic structure of the language. Designed to enable the student to continue to develop oral proficiency and writing skills. Prerequisite: SPAN 1101 or placement. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 1108 Elementary Spanish I Lab. (Formerly 108) This course involves small-group work and/or oral practice outside class with a native language assistant on a regular basis throughout the semester. Co-registration with SPAN 1101 required. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 1109 Elementary Spanish II Lab. (Formerly 109) This course involves small-group work and/or oral practice outside class with a native language assistant on a regular basis throughout the semester. Co-registration with SPAN 1102 required. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2201 Intermediate Spanish I. (Formerly 201) Review of the basic structure of the language. Emphasis on extensive language practice in simulated cultural settings in order to enable students to continue to develop their oral and writing proficiency. Prerequisite: SPAN 1102 or placement. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2202 Intermediate Spanish II. (Formerly 202) Continued review of the basic structure of the language. Emphasis on extensive language practice in simulated cultural settings in order to enable students to continue to develop their oral and writing proficiency. Prerequisite: SPAN 2201 or placement. IAI H1900. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2205 Intermediate Spanish I through Study Abroad. (Formerly 205) Credit for language courses taken through accredited programs overseas. 1-3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2206 Intermediate Spanish II through Study Abroad. (Formerly 206) Credit for language courses taken through accredited programs overseas. 1-3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2208 Intermediate Spanish I Lab. (Formerly 208) This course involves small-group work and/or oral practice outside class with a native language assistant on a regular basis throughout the semester. Co-registration with SPAN 2201 required. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2209 Intermediate Spanish II Lab. (Formerly 209) This course involves small-group work and/or oral practice outside class with a native language assistant on a regular basis throughout the semester. Co-registration with SPAN 2202 required. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2211 Intermediate Grammar and Composition. (Formerly 211) Comprehensive review and synthesis of Spanish grammar. Designed to provide students with extensive writing practice in order to prepare them for more effective participation in advanced courses and to enable them to improve their ability to use and manipulate the language with a higher degree of accuracy, flexibility, and assurance. Co-registration with SPAN 2212 strongly recommended. Prerequisite: SPAN 2202 or placement. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2212 Intermediate Oral Communications. (Formerly 212) Emphasis on oral proficiency, syntax, and grammar, as well as on enabling students to develop their ability to respond to the cultural challenges that face someone living in a Hispanic culture. Co-registration with SPAN 2211 is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: SPAN 2202, placement, or department consent. Important note: Native or heritage speakers of Spanish may not be required to take SPAN 2212. These students should seek a waiver of the SPAN 2212 requirement from the Chair of the Department of Languages and Literature. Any student receiving a waiver of the SPAN 2212 requirement must then take an alternative course above the SPAN 2212 level in order to earn at least 36 credit hours in Spanish for the major or 21 credit hours in Spanish for the minor, depending on the minor option chosen. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2218 Intermediate Grammar and Composition Lab. (Formerly 218) This course involves small-group work and/or oral practice outside class with a native language assistant on a regular basis throughout the semester. Co-registration with SPAN 2211 required. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2219 Intermediate Oral Communications Lab. (Formerly 219) This course involves small-group work and/or oral practice outside class with a native language assistant on a regular basis throughout the semester. Prerequisite: co-registration with SPAN 2212 required. 1 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2220 Introduction to Spanish Literature. (Formerly 220) Close reading of selected Spanish short stories, poetry, plays, and essays. Analysis of how these works reflect and influence the thinking of their times and the relevance of their ideas to the contemporary world. This course is designed to help students improve skills in written and oral narration and description, and reading proficiency. IAI H3916. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Literary and Rhetorical (QLR); Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2221 Introduction to Hispanic Literature. (Formerly 221) Close reading of selected works of Spanish-language literature, including poetry, short stories, and plays. Students will learn about the lives of the authors and their times, and will explore the critical role of literature in the social and political development of the Spanish-speaking world. Emphasis on enabling students to develop skills in written and oral narration and description, and reading proficiency. Lisle Campus: IAI H3 916. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive; Literary and Rhetorical (QLR); Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2230 Spanish Civilization and Culture. (Formerly 230) Designed to allow students to work on development of language proficiency through class discussions, written assignments, and selected readings concerned with key elements of Spanish civilization: the family, the Catholic Church, the government, social relations, and how these factors have shaped the artistic, literary, and historic experience of the Spanish people. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Historical (QHT); Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2291 Intermediate Topics in Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature and Culture. (Formerly 291) Intermediate-level study of topics in Spanish and Latin American literature, culture, and/or civilization. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 2295 Independent Study. (Formerly 295) Designed for the intermediate student who wishes to explore an aspect of Spanish language or literature beyond the scope of the regular course offerings. 1-3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12. Department Consent Required.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3213 Business Spanish I. (Formerly 213) Survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of commercial language in Spanish. Designed to help students improve their oral and writing proficiency and cultural sensitivity while developing a vocabulary for business functions. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212, or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3214 Business Spanish II. (Formerly 214) Continued survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of commercial language in Spanish. Designed to enable students to continue to improve their oral and writing proficiency in Spanish and their cultural sensitivity while developing a vocabulary for business functions. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212, or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3215 Medical Spanish I. (Formerly 215) Survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of medical language in Spanish. Students will also review grammatical structures that are often used in medical contexts. The course is designed to help students improve their oral and writing proficiency as well as their cultural sensitivity while developing specialized vocabulary to communicate effectively in Spanish in medical settings and emergency situations. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3216 Medical Spanish II. (Formerly 216) Continued survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of medical language in Spanish. Students will give formal presentations, engage in role-plays, practice typical health care interview routines, read texts useful for future health care professionals, learn how to interpret and fill out Spanish-language forms used by US hospitals, and study specialized medical terms in Spanish. The course is designed to enable students to continue improving their oral and writing proficiency in Spanish as well as their cultural sensitivity while developing a specialized vocabulary to communicate effectively in medical settings and emergency situations. It is strongly recommended that SPAN 3215 be taken before SPAN 3216, but it is not required. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3225 Legal Spanish I. (Formerly 225) Survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of judicial language in Spanish. Designed to help students improve their oral and writing proficiency and cultural sensitivity while developing a vocabulary for the legal profession. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212, or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3226 Legal Spanish II. (Formerly 226) Continued survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of judicial language in Spanish. Designed to enable students to continue to improve their oral and writing proficiency in Spanish and their cultural sensitivity while developing a vocabulary for legal functions. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212, or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3231 Latin American Civilization and Culture. (Formerly 231) Designed to allow students to work on development of language proficiency through class discussions, written assignments, and selected readings concerned with key elements of Latin American civilization: the family, the Catholic Church, indigenous peoples and religions, social and political movements, and how these factors have shaped the artistic, literary, and historic experience of Latin American peoples. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212, or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Historical (QHT); Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3297 Intermediate Internship. (Formerly 297) Professional experience designed to enhance language proficiency and cultural understanding through work in an organization or setting where Spanish is the primary language. Internships may involve cultural mediation, educational support/tutoring, mentorship, advocacy, event organizing, community organizing, community outreach, or any task requiring intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish that can help struggling, disenfranchised, or displaced Latino individuals and/or communities. Students interested in serving as community interpreters (e.g., in medical, mental healthcare, legal, or social service settings) should register for SPAN 4397 or SPAN 4398 instead. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent; approved internship application. 1-6 semester credit hour/s. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3310 Advanced Hispanic Literature. (Formerly 310) Study of representative literary works. Discussion of the political, social, economic, and religious issues reflected in the works. Emphasis on enabling students to develop skills in oral and written analysis, narration and description in Spanish, as well as to strengthen reading proficiency. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3325 Advanced Spanish for Mental Healthcare. Survey of the fundamental vocabulary and concepts of psychology in Spanish. Designed to help students improve oral and writing proficiency as well as cultural sensitivity while developing a vocabulary for the mental healthcare profession. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212, or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3350 Competency in Latino Culture for Health Care. (Formerly 350) Continued emphasis on developing oral and writing proficiency in Spanish, particularly as related to the language used in health care settings and/or emergency situations. In addition, students will learn about and discuss in Spanish aspects of the culture of the various Spanish-speaking countries or Latino communities in the US of particular interest to health care professionals and/or emergency responders. For example, students will develop cultural and linguistic competency by exploring cultural and racial diversity in the Spanish-speaking world; Latinos in the US; the traditional Hispanic diet; traditional medicine, remedies, practices, and beliefs in the Hispanic world; health care systems in some major Spanish-speaking countries; cultural and religious sensitivities that can affect the quality of health care that Latinos receive in the US; and socio-economic challenges facing the Hispanic population in the US that impact access to and quality of health care. This class may include a short service-learning experience. (Spanish majors will NOT be able to use this experience in place of the study abroad requirement.) It is strongly recommended that SPAN 3215 and/or SPAN 3216 be taken before SPAN 3350, but it is not required. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Global
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3360 Introduction to Medical Interpretation in Spanish. (Formerly 360) This course provides students with: a) ample opportunities to improve their oral and writing proficiency in Spanish, particularly as related to the grammatical structures and specialized terminology most commonly used in medical settings, b) exposure to some of the most frequently encountered colloquial and formal dialectal variations in the Spanish-speaking world, c) extensive practice interpreting oral and written medically-related discourse from Spanish to English and vice versa in all three main modes of interpretation (consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation), d) exposure to some common traditional medical beliefs and practices of the US Latino population, e) a brief overview of the most significant differences between the U.S. health care system and that of some major Spanish-speaking countries, f) familiarity with issues related to the profession of medical interpretation such as the ethical, legal, and personal self-care responsibilities of a professional medical interpreter; cultural conflict in medical settings and strategies to resolve it; common health care interview routines and related forms; standard interpreting protocols; and detailed information on the minimal qualifications and procedures necessary to become a fully certified medical interpreter. This class may include a short service-learning experience. (Spanish majors will NOT be able to use this experience in place of the study abroad requirement.) It is strongly recommended that SPAN 3215 and/or SPAN 3216 be taken before SPAN 3360, but it is not required. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Odd Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3391 Advanced Topics in Spanish Language and Hispanic Literature and Culture. (Formerly 391) Advanced level study of topics in Spanish and Latin American culture, civilization, and/or literature. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 3395 Independent Study. (Formerly 395) Designed for the advanced student who wishes to explore an aspect of Spanish language or Hispanic literature, civilization, or culture beyond the scope of the regular course offerings. 1-3 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12. Department Consent Required.
Campus: LISLE
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4311 Advanced Composition. (Formerly 311) Designed to enable students to improve writing skills through extensive practice and intensive study of various forms of written communication. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Designation: Writing Intensive
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Fall Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4312 Advanced Oral Communications. (Formerly 312) Continued emphasis on developing oral proficiency and on improving oral syntax and grammar in Spanish. Students will work on their ability to respond to the communication challenges faced when living in a Hispanic culture and/or working in a variety of professional settings requiring some proficiency in the Spanish language. Typically taught concurrently with SPAN 4313, SPAN 4314, and /or SPAN 4315. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4313 Advanced Oral Medical Spanish. (Formerly 313) Continued emphasis on developing oral proficiency and on improving oral syntax and grammar in Spanish. Students will work on their ability to respond to the communication challenges faced when using Spanish in authentic professional contexts, particularly those related to health care issues (including physical and mental well being, and nutrition). Typically taught concurrently with SPAN 4312, SPAN 4314, and /or SPAN 4315. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4314 Advanced Oral Business Spanish. (Formerly 314) Continued emphasis on developing oral proficiency and on improving oral syntax and grammar in Spanish. Students will work on their ability to respond to the communication challenges faced when using Spanish in authentic professional contexts, particularly those related to the business world. Prerequisite: Span 2211 and 2212 or department consent. Typically taught concurrently with SPAN 4312, SPAN 4313, and /or SPAN 4315. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4315 Advanced Oral Legal Spanish. (Formerly 315) Continued emphasis on developing oral proficiency and on improving oral syntax and grammar in Spanish. Students will work on their ability to respond to the communication challenges faced when using Spanish in authentic professional contexts, particularly those related to law and law-enforcement issues. Prerequisite: Span 2211 and 2212, or department consent. Typically taught concurrently with SPAN 4312, SPAN 4313, and /or SPAN 4314. 3 semester credit hour/s.
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Spring Term, Even Years)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4397 Advanced Internship. ((Formerly 397) Advanced professional experience designed to enhance language proficiency and cultural understanding through work as an interpreter in a healthcare facility, a human service agency, an educational institution, or a business organization where Spanish is the primary language, and/or by performing duties requiring advanced proficiency in Spanish. Students interested in working as mental health interpreters/translators should register in SPAN 4398 instead. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent; approved internship application. 1-6 semester credit hour/s. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
SPAN 4398 Advanced Internship in Mental Healthcare Settings. Advanced professional experience designed to enhance language proficiency and cultural understanding through work in a healthcare facility, a human service agency, an educational institution, or a business organization that primarily serves Spanish-speaking mental health patients and/or their families. Prerequisite: SPAN 2211 and SPAN 2212 or department consent; approved internship application. 1-6 semester credit hour/s. Course Repeatable. Maximum number of units allowed: 12. Department Consent Required.
Designation: Engaged Learning
Campus: LISLE (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
MESA (Typically Offered: Periodically)
Faculty
Zubair Amir (2006), Ph.D.
Department Chair, Languages and LIterature
Professor, Languages and Literature
Ph.D., 2005, Cornell University
M.A., 2000, Cornell University
B.A., 1997, St. Mary's College of Maryland
Rafael Iglesias (1999), Ph.D.
Spanish Language and LiteratureProfessor
Professor, Languages and Literature
Ph.D., 1999, The Florida State University
M.A., 1994, The Florida State University
Licenciatura, 1991, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Joaquin Montero (2000), Ph.D.
Languages and LIterature
Professor, Languages and Literature
Ph.D. 2000, University of Leon, Spain
M.A. 1994, University of Leon and UNED, Madrid