Undergraduate majors: Spanish (BA); Portuguese (BA)
Undergraduate minors: Spanish; Portuguese
Graduate degrees: MA in Spanish; MFA in Spanish creative writing; PhD in Spanish
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers courses for the GE CLAS Core world language requirement, undergraduate majors and minors, and three graduate degree programs: MA and PhD in Spanish and MFA in Spanish Creative Writing.
Faculty in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese specialize in language pedagogy, literary and cultural studies, creative writing, linguistics, and Spanish for the professions. Coursework prepares students to be multilingual global citizens, providing them with diverse cultural perspectives; critical and creative thinking skills; opportunities to develop language abilities; and awareness of contemporary and historical issues related to the Hispanic world. Spanish and Portuguese language courses are open to any student who has satisfied the course prerequisites. Beyond the GE CLAS Core world language courses, the department offers a wide range of courses on literature, writing, linguistics, and culture that serve as the foundation for the Spanish major. Additionally, the department offers a wide range of elective courses on topics such as Spanish for the professions (medicine and business), translation, and interpretation. The department also participates in multiple study abroad programs.
Undergraduate students in all majors may satisfy the World Languages requirement of the GE CLAS Core with courses in Spanish or Portuguese; see Language for GE CLAS Core. The department also offers courses taught in English that are approved for GE CLAS Core and a First-Year Seminar designed for undergraduates in their first year at the university.
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is one of the academic units in the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.
Language for GE CLAS Core
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers course sequences that students in all majors may use to satisfy the World Languages requirement of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences GE CLAS Core. Elementary and intermediate courses in Spanish language interrelate five performance goals—listening, reading, speaking, writing, and cultural knowledge—in a staged progression to develop proficiency. The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of Spanish language skills in communicative contexts, enrichment of vocabulary through an introduction to Hispanic culture, and development of grammatical accuracy in speaking and writing.
Students who have previous coursework or other experience with Spanish (for example, speaking Spanish at home or living abroad in a Spanish-speaking country) should take the online placement test, which helps determine the level at which a student should begin Spanish language study at the University of Iowa. Students should take the test before they register for their first University of Iowa Spanish course. Students with experience in Portuguese should take the online placement test, which helps determine the level at which they should begin language study at the University of Iowa.
Spanish
The following course sequences in Spanish satisfy the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement using the fourth level pathway. It is also possible to meet the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement using two levels of Spanish and two levels of another language, or three levels of Spanish plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration course.
For students without previous knowledge of Spanish, the department recommends the following sequence.
Course # | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
SPAN:1001 | Elementary Spanish I | 4 |
SPAN:1002 | Elementary Spanish II | 4 |
SPAN:1501 | Intermediate Spanish I | 4 |
SPAN:1502 | Intermediate Spanish II | 4 |
The accelerated course, SPAN:1503 Accelerated Intermediate Spanish, which combines SPAN:1501 and SPAN:1502, may be appropriate for some students.
Those with previous knowledge of Spanish may be able to reach and complete the fourth level of Spanish with the following sequence.
Course # | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
SPAN:1003 | Elementary Spanish Review | 5 |
SPAN:1501 | Intermediate Spanish I | 4 |
SPAN:1502 | Intermediate Spanish II | 4 |
The accelerated course, SPAN:1505 Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers, may be appropriate for some students who grew up speaking Spanish at home.
Students should consult a departmental advisor to determine which sequence is best for them.
Portuguese
The following course sequences in Portuguese fulfill the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement using the fourth level pathway. It is also possible to meet the GE CLAS Core World Languages requirement using two levels of Portuguese and two levels of another language, or three levels of Portuguese plus a World Language and Cultural Exploration course.
The first sequence that follows consists of two intensive courses that combine two semesters into one so that the sequence is completed in a total of two semesters rather than four. Both courses are open to entering first-year students.
Course # | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PORT:2000 | Accelerated Elementary Portuguese | 5 |
PORT:2500 | Accelerated Intermediate Portuguese | 5 |
The second sequence requires three courses taken in the following order to reach and complete the fourth level of Portuguese.
Course # | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PORT:2010 | Elementary Portuguese I | 3 |
PORT:2015 | Elementary Portuguese II | 3 |
PORT:2500 | Accelerated Intermediate Portuguese | 5 |
Students should consult the general education coordinator to determine which sequence is best for them.
Related Certificates and Minors
Minor and Certificate: Latin American Studies
The department plays an important role in the Latin American Studies Program, which focuses on the history, politics, social organization, economy, art, music, religion, and literature of Latin America. See Latin American Studies in the catalog for information about the program's undergraduate certificate and minor.
Minor: Translation for Global Literacy
The minor in translation for global literacy encourages undergraduate students to explore translation as a crucial dimension of global literacy and communication. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers several courses that count toward the minor. See the minor in translation for global literacy in the catalog for more information.
Certificate: International Business
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Tippie College of Business offer the Certificate in International Business. The program includes requirements for global business; political, environmental, and cultural contexts; and cultural immersion, which can be satisfied with a fourth semester-level world language course. For more information, see the Certificate in International Business in the catalog.
Center for Language and Culture Learning
The Center for Language and Culture Learning provides a wide variety of facilities and services to the Division of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (DWLLC), including a 24-computer Instructional Technology Center (ITC) and five All-In-One Studios/small group study rooms equipped with video production and editing software, a Computer Assisted Language Learning Lab with 25 computers integrated with Sanako software for language practice, and virtual reality hardware and development space.
The center provides spaces for quiet study as well as for group meetings. Departments, programs, and student organizations are welcome to host conversation hours, film nights, study groups, workshops, and more. Peer education services include peer tutoring programs in many of the languages taught in DWLLC, with both in-person and online availability, as well as Directed Independent Language Study, through which faculty, staff, or students can be paired with a tutor to learn a language not taught in DWLLC. Tutors are trained to use the Three Ms for Effective Learning, including developing a growth mindset, using memory strategies to retain knowledge, and reflecting on learning gains.
Spanish and Portuguese language courses are open to all students who have satisfied the specified course prerequisites.
Spanish Course Levels
Basic Spanish Courses
These courses are included in the number range 1000–1900.
Spanish Level 1
These courses are included in the number range 2000–2999. Students should take these courses at the start of the Spanish major and minor.
Spanish Level 2
These courses are included in the number range 3000–3999. Students should have at least one Spanish Level 1 course before starting these courses. Some courses have additional prerequisites.
- Language skills courses are numbered 3000–3099.
- Hispanic linguistics courses are numbered 3100–3199.
- Spanish American literature and culture courses are numbered 3200–3599.
- Spanish literature and culture courses are numbered 3600–3899.
Spanish Level 3
These courses are included in the number range 4000–4999. Undergraduates should take these courses during their last semesters of enrollment. These courses also are open to MA students. All of these courses require a research paper. Prerequisites vary.
Spanish Graduate Level
These courses are included in the number range 5000–7600.
Spanish Courses
SPAN:1000 First-Year Seminar 1-2 s.h.
Small discussion class taught by a faculty member; topics chosen by instructor; may include outside activities (e.g., films, lectures, performances, readings, visits to research facilities, field trips). Requirements: first- or second-semester standing.
SPAN:1001 Elementary Spanish I 4 s.h.
Emphasis on oral and written skills. Taught in Spanish. Recommendations: no previous study of Spanish. GE: World Languages First Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1002 Elementary Spanish II 4 s.h.
Continuation of SPAN:1001; emphasis on oral and written skills. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1001. GE: World Languages Second Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1003 Elementary Spanish Review 5 s.h.
Intensive treatment of material presented in SPAN:1001 and SPAN:1002. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: two years of secondary school Spanish. GE: World Languages Second Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1501 Intermediate Spanish I 4 s.h.
Communication in speaking and writing; cultural topics. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1002 or SPAN:1003. GE: World Languages Third Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1502 Intermediate Spanish II 4 s.h.
Continuation of SPAN:1501. Requirements: SPAN:1501. GE: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1503 Accelerated Intermediate Spanish 6 s.h.
Course sequence SPAN:1501 and SPAN:1502 in one semester. Requirements: SPAN:1002 or SPAN:1003. GE: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1505 Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers 5 s.h.
Focus on communication and consolidation of skills acquired from listening to or speaking Spanish at home; development or improvement of Spanish through reading and writing; emphasis on four language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—via cultural and community activities. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: Spanish placement test score of 401 or higher. GE: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency.
SPAN:1700 Latina/o/x Literature in the United States 3 s.h.
Introduction to growing cultural production of varied Latina/o/x communities (e.g., Chicano, Puerto Rican American/Nuyorican, Cuban American) that have a strong presence in the United States; recent cultural production from borderland transcultural spaces with physical, cultural, economic, political, and mythical elements; visions of the United States from contemporary Latin American writers who recently have become U.S. residents. Taught in English. GE: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts; Values and Culture. Same as LATS:1700.
SPAN:1800 Writing and Writers from Latin America 3 s.h.
Introduction to representative fiction and non-fiction texts from Latin America. Exploration of historical and contemporary themes from multiple regions and cultures. Readings in English translation. Taught in English. GE: World Language and Cultural Exploration.
SPAN:2000 Spanish Language Skills: Writing 4 s.h.
Bridge from second-year Spanish to more advanced courses in Spanish language, linguistics, and literature; emphasis on skill development in writing, critical reading in Spanish, and oral communication. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2005 Writing Global Spanish 3 s.h.
Spanish in the digital age; linguistic varieties of Spanish spoken globally; emphasis on skill development in writing, critical reading in Spanish, and oral communication. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2010 Spanish Language Skills: Speaking 3 s.h.
Development of conversational proficiency and cultural competence through action learning; strategic role playing and creative language use based on everyday situations in Hispanic cultures; composition skills and grammar review. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2020 Hispanic Institute: Language 3 s.h.
Grammar essentials, written exercises, short compositions, conversational activities. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2030 Study of Language: Myths and Concepts 3 s.h.
How linguists look at language; basic concepts of linguistics and grammar. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2040 Spanish for Heritage Speakers 3 s.h.
Emphasis on reading and writing skills for bilingual students who have acquired Spanish listening and speaking skills at home and in their communities; focus on literacy development and registers of use; designed specifically for native or heritage speakers of Spanish. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN:2050 Spanish in the United States 3 s.h.
Issues related to Spanish in the United States; aspects of linguistics and sociolinguistics inherent to the existence and proliferation of Spanish in the United States. Taught in English. GE: Diversity and Inclusion.
SPAN:2060 Spanish Pronunciation 4 s.h.
Pronunciation as a key element of communication in a second language; self-evaluation of pronunciation in Spanish; how sounds differ between English and Spanish; analysis of pronunciation; production exercises. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2080 Business Spanish 4 s.h.
Effective written and oral communication in Spanish in the business world; emphasis on linguistic and cultural proficiency. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2090 Medical Spanish in Contemporary Society 4 s.h.
Vocabulary related to medicine; grammatical concepts; health-related cultural competence; discussion of health issues concerning Hispanic communities in the U.S. and abroad. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503. Same as GHS:2090.
SPAN:2095 Activities Attendance for Spanish Majors 1 s.h.
Attendance at Spanish literary readings, scholarly presentations, and Hispanic cultural events on the University of Iowa campus and in Iowa City, featuring visiting, local, and University of Iowa writers, filmmakers, artists, scholars, and community members. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2200 Introduction to Spanish American Cultures 3 s.h.
Introduction to study of cultural history of Spanish America; topics range from pre-Colombian times to present; for students who are just starting work on the Spanish major or minor. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503. Same as LAS:2200.
SPAN:2300 Spanish Language Skills: Reading 4 s.h.
Close readings of literary texts from Spain and Spanish America; basic concepts of genre (narrative, poetry, theater, essay); writing about literature. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2400 Readings in Spanish Literature 3 s.h.
Tools for improving reading skills; basic concepts for textual understanding; historical overview of literary works, with focus on literature of Spain. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:2500 Readings in Spanish American Literature 3 s.h.
Tools for improving reading skills; basic concepts for textual understanding; historical overview of literary works, with focus on Spanish American literature. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503. Same as LAS:2500.
SPAN:2700 Introduction to Latin American Studies 3 s.h.
Cultures of Latin American countries with emphasis on cultural history and cultural production; interdisciplinary survey. Taught in English. GE: World Language and Cultural Exploration. Same as COMM:2800, IS:2700, LAS:2700, PORT:2700.
SPAN:2800 Screening Latin America 3 s.h.
Basic introduction to contemporary Latin American societies and cultures through fiction feature films (i.e., comedies, dramas) and documentaries by major filmmakers; previous knowledge of film analysis not required. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503. Same as LAS:2800.
SPAN:2850 Brazilian Narrative in Translation 3 s.h.
Representative readings of modern and contemporary novels, short stories, and other narrative forms; cultural background; focus on major writers. Taught in English. GE: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts. Same as LAS:2850, PORT:2850.
SPAN:2900 Music of the Hispanic World 3 s.h.
Introduction to music of Spain and Latin America, including the United States; listening skills, music appreciation, continuing development of Spanish language skills. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503. Same as LAS:2900.
SPAN:2901 Diversity and Cultures in Spain 3 s.h.
Introduction to diversity of cultures within Spain; political, social, and economic background, cultural movements. Taught in English. GE: Values and Culture.
SPAN:2910 Hispanic Institute: Study/Life in Spain 1 s.h.
SPAN:2999 Major Ambassadors 1 s.h.
Students serve as representatives for Spanish and Portuguese majors during class visits and recruiting events; course format includes instruction for presentations and answering questions.
SPAN:3000 Cultural Narratives for Heritage Speakers 3 s.h.
Development of writing skills in Spanish, focus on expository writing for academic purposes. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3010 Advanced Spanish Speaking and Writing 3 s.h.
Development of oral proficiency; secondary emphasis on continuing development of writing skills; cultural knowledge of several Spanish-speaking countries. Requirements: two courses taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3015 Fast Fixes: Improved Spanish in Six Weeks 1 s.h.
Varied topics focused on improving common problems with Spanish grammar; emphasis on written and oral expression. Requirements: SPAN:2000 or SPAN:2005 or SPAN:3000 or SPAN:3020 or SPAN:3060.
SPAN:3020 Journalistic Writing in Spanish 3 s.h.
Spanish writing skills; introduction to style and practice of journalistic reporting and writing. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above. Same as JMC:3445, LAS:3020.
SPAN:3030 Translation Workshop: English to Spanish 3 s.h.
Introduction to translation theory and effective translation processes; examination of potential translation problems in specific areas of English to Spanish translation; primary focus on nonfiction. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3035 Translation Practicum: English to Spanish 1 s.h.
Students develop a plan of work in consultation with instructor and submit a community outreach translation project (English to Spanish) for a local nonprofit organization of their choice, periodical translation reports, and a final portfolio of their work. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN:3030 with a minimum grade of B.
SPAN:3050 Translation Workshop: Spanish to English 3 s.h.
Spanish to English literary translation; meaning, form and equivalence, authenticity; questions of untranslatability. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3060 Introductory Workshop on Creative Writing in Spanish 3 s.h.
Development of writing skills in Spanish through creative writing. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: one course numbered SPAN:2000 or above.
SPAN:3080 Spanish for International Business 3 s.h.
Tools for effective business communication; linguistic, sociolinguistic, and practical skills for effective oral and written communication developed through discussion of business case studies, presentations, and meetings; selected Spanish and Latin American companies examined through varied media including news and internet; role of transaction intermediaries in international trade. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3090 Spanish at Work 1 s.h.
Uses for a Spanish degree; knowledge and skills gained as a Spanish major that are in high demand among a wide variety of employers; important steps taken as a student that translate unique career dreams into reality; includes work with Pomerantz Career Center staff. Requirements: at least two courses numbered SPAN:2000 or above.
SPAN:3092 Spanish in the Community 3 s.h.
Students work directly with Spanish speakers through community-based service learning; focus on issues of interest to the local Latina/o/x community, develop oral proficiency, and enhance their civil engagement. Requirements: two courses numbered SPAN:2000 or above. Same as GHS:3092.
SPAN:3093 Teaching Spanish Heritage Speakers 3 s.h.
Focus on cutting-edge research and methods to develop suitable language curriculum for Spanish heritage speakers (SHS); topics include bilingual development, sociolinguistics, language teaching, and heritage speakers' affective needs; use of these theories to help understand and apply best practices in teaching SHS; topics also help create best practices in teaching mixed language courses for second language and heritage students. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above. Same as EDTL:3492.
SPAN:3095 Spanish Composition and Grammar 3 s.h.
Development of three types of compositions; selected readings and comprehension activities; vocabulary expansion; grammar review with exercises. Requirements: proficiency in written and oral Spanish, based on several university Spanish classes (about half the coursework towards a Spanish major), plus study abroad experience in a Hispanic country.
SPAN:3099 Spanish Linguistics Lab I 1 s.h.
Hands-on research experience collecting and analyzing linguistic data.
SPAN:3100 Structures of Spanish: Words and Sentences 3 s.h.
Basic concepts and methods for analysis of linguistics as applied to Spanish patterns of word formation (morphology) and sentence formation (syntax). Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3105 Linguistic Aspects of the Lusophone World 3-4 s.h.
Introduction to Portuguese incorporating formal (theoretical), historical, and sociolinguistic perspectives; linguistic analysis of phonetics/phonology, morphology, and syntax; origins of Portuguese and its expansion to Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Taught in English. Same as LING:3105, PORT:3105.
SPAN:3110 Spanish Sound Structure 3 s.h.
Articulation of Spanish sounds—description and practice; how Spanish sounds are organized into classes, relations among the different classes, how they are implemented in context, patterns they exhibit. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3120 Foundations in Sociolinguistics 3 s.h.
Dialects, speech communities, variation, choosing a code, solidarity and politeness, language and gender, language planning. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3130 Introduction to Bilingualism 3 s.h.
Psycholinguistic and sociolinguistic aspects of bilingualism; language usage, maintenance, attitudes, shift, transfer, loss; code-switching. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3151 Spanish Applied Linguistics 3 s.h.
Concepts of linguistic analysis applied to Spanish; focus on problematic areas of Spanish grammar, lexicon, semantics; introduction to cross-cultural pragmatics; connections between language learning, technology, and assessment; for future teachers of Spanish. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3170 Introduction to Spanish Language Acquisition 3 s.h.
Basic principles of language acquisition theory applied to learning Spanish as a first or second language. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above. Recommendations: completion of SPAN:3100.
SPAN:3205 Spanish Health Narratives 3 s.h.
Narratives are the central communicative act through which humans make sense of wellness and illness, life and death, always within contexts of language and culture; students focus on reading and analyzing narratives about health and health care, and opportunities to create their own narratives; particular emphasis on health care disparities and issues they present for Spanish-language communities in the United States and abroad as context for individual narratives. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: one course numbered SPAN:2000 or above. Same as GHS:3045.
SPAN:3210 Cultural Storytelling 3 s.h.
Examination of memoir, short story, and journalism from Latin America to distinguish truth from accuracy and individual choices within cultural norms; course will enrich students' Spanish language fluency and writing as well as their knowledge of Latin American cultures. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3215 Medellin 3 s.h.
Medellin, Colombia has been transformed from one of the most violent places on Earth to an award-winning city of innovation in only 20 years; introduction to the city and its people through literature, music, and a digital map project. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course numbered SPAN:2000 or above. Same as LAS:3215.
SPAN:3225 Latin American Women Writers 3 s.h.
Focus on long tradition of strong female writers in Latin America; materials may include poetry, theater, fiction, and essay from the Spanish-speaking countries of Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above. Same as LAS:3225.
SPAN:3230 Modern Mexico 3 s.h.
Twentieth-century Mexican cultural history, including nationalism, gender relations, Indigenous cultures, border issues, and popular culture; materials range from journalistic and literary writing to film, music, images, and television. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3240 Mexico City 3 s.h.
Broad historical survey of Mexico City as center of cultural life in Mexico and Latin America and city of global importance; conquest and contemporary narratives, visual culture, music, and film. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3250 Buenos Aires 3 s.h.
Broad historical survey of Buenos Aires as center of cultural life in Argentina with emphasis on how the city has been portrayed in the arts; interdisciplinary approaches to the study of city life. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3290 Topics in Cinema and Society 3 s.h.
Film and cultural history of one Latin American nation. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above. Same as LAS:3290.
SPAN:3310 Spanish American Short Story 3 s.h.
Works by 19th- and 20th-century Spanish American writers; emphasis on reading strategies and historical, cultural, literary backgrounds. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above. Same as LAS:3310.
SPAN:3320 Spanish American Poetry 3 s.h.
Poetry as a literary genre, short history of its development, early forms in Spanish America, poets from Modernism to present; readings from writers including Rubén Darío, Pablo Neruda, César Vallejo, Octavio Paz, J.L. Borges. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3350 Contemporary Spanish American Literature 3 s.h.
Comprehensive view of 20th-century literature from Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas, including narrative and poetry; examination of issues related to texts and contexts through written and oral analysis. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3370 Topics in Literatures and Cultures 3 s.h.
Literature and culture of specific regions, countries, or cities of Latin America. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3500 Topics in Culture of the Hispanic World 3 s.h.
Specific topics; culture of different parts of Spanish-speaking world, or cross-regional or cross-national cultural phenomenon. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3520 Introduction to Film Studies 3 s.h.
Introduction to film analysis and theory; focus on Latin American and Spanish cinemas in context of international film history. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3600 Cultures of Spain 3 s.h.
Political, religious, social, economic background; important cultural, literary movements. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3610 Hispanic Institute: Culture 3 s.h.
Overview of geography, history (political, economic, social), architecture, painting, music of Spain; readings, slides, video and audio cassettes, visits to local sites of cultural significance. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:3620 Madrid 3 s.h.
Contemporary Madrid as one of the premier capital cities of the European Union; history and present day reality of the city; examination of paintings, descriptions, movies, fashion, and customs from several historical periods. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3630 Spanish Youth Culture 3 s.h.
Literary texts, films, and music produced by young people in Spain from 1939 to present; gender issues and relationships between market, popular culture, and high culture. Requirements: one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3650 Fitness Culture in Spain 3 s.h.
Fitness as a cultural practice; how Spanish fitness practices reflect quite different values, economics, and public infrastructures than those of the U.S.; comparative cultural studies approach to fitness cultures; topics include fitness and Spanish cultural norms, nutrition and gastronomy, and active tourism in Spain. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course numbered SPAN:2000 or above.
SPAN:3750 Literature in the Time of Cervantes 3 s.h.
Introduction to literary questions of 15th to 17th centuries in Spain; understanding of literary Spanish and cultural issues of the period—end of the feudal mind, beginning of individualism, poetry, emergence of theater, crisis of empire. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3790 Hispanic Institute: Literature 3 s.h.
Introduction to poetry, narrative, and theater in Spanish literature; textural commentary and critical interpretations of major representative works of selected historical periods. Requirements: SPAN:1502 or SPAN:1503.
SPAN:3820 Modern and Contemporary Spanish Literature 3 s.h.
Works of the last 30 years of the 19th century, up to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War; Realism, Naturalism, generation of 1898, generation of 1913, generation of 1927. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3840 Contemporary Spanish Short Story 3 s.h.
Contemporary short stories from 20th- and 21st-century Spain; emphasis on reading strategies and interpretation skills; focus on historical and social contexts. Requirements: at least one course taught in Spanish at the 2000 level or above.
SPAN:3903 Introduction to Medical Spanish-English Interpretation 1,3 s.h.
Introduction to Spanish-English language interpretation; focus on history, techniques, types, and practice with emphasis on the medical field. Prerequisites: SPAN:2090 with a minimum grade of B+ or SPAN:2040 with a minimum grade of B+. Requirements: advanced level of oral proficiency and familiarity with basic medical terminology.
SPAN:4100 Introduction to Spanish Phonology 3 s.h.
Sound patterns of Spanish; how various theoretical approaches solve basic problems in Spanish phonology; identification of linguistic universals, how they are manifested in the sound structure of Spanish. Taught in Spanish. Same as SLA:4301.
SPAN:4150 Introduction to Spanish Syntax 3 s.h.
Basic principles of generative syntax as applied to analysis of Spanish syntactic structure; extensive syntactic analysis. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN:3100. Same as SLA:4300.
SPAN:4160 Language, Justice, and the Law 3 s.h.
Focus on language policy, immigrants' linguistic rights, and cultural communication in context of U.S. law; development of Spanish language skills in legal and cultural contexts. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: two courses in Spanish numbered 3000 or above. Same as LATS:4160.
SPAN:4170 Second Language Acquisition 3 s.h.
Linguistic approaches to acquisition of Spanish as a second language. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisites: LING:3001 or CSD:3117 or CSD:3118 or PSY:2601 or EDTL:4410 or EDTL:4417 or SPAN:3130 or SPAN:3100 or SPAN:3110 or SPAN:3120.
SPAN:4190 Topics in Hispanic Linguistics 3 s.h.
Prerequisites: SPAN:3100 or SPAN:3110 or SPAN:3120 or SPAN:3130. Requirements: completion of at least one Hispanic linguistics course.
SPAN:4195 Spanish Linguistics Lab II 3 s.h.
Hands-on research experience collecting and analyzing linguistic data. Requirements: at least one linguistics course.
SPAN:4205 Culture, Language, and Health 3 s.h.
Exploration of health, wellness, and illness from a perspective of language and culture; languages we use to describe our mental and physical health that are situated within culture-specific ideas of human bodies, minds, disease, and wellness; understanding where beliefs about health and wellness come from and exploring other systems of belief on their own terms prepares students to be better informed health care practitioners, more aware patients within health care systems, and more sensitive caregivers in health related settings; emphasis on observation, asking questions, and analyzing health care worlds. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: two courses in Spanish numbered 3000 or above. Same as GHS:4205.
SPAN:4330 Colonial Spanish American Literature 3 s.h.
Readings from the formative period of Spanish American culture; may include discovery and conquest, ethnicity and gender, dissent and popular resistance. Requirements: one literature course taught in Spanish numbered SPAN:3200 or above.
SPAN:4390 Topics in Spanish American Literature 3 s.h.
Taught in Spanish. Requirements: one literature course in Spanish numbered SPAN:3200 or above. Same as LAS:4390.
SPAN:4650 Don Quijote 3 s.h.
Exploration of Cervantes' Don Quijote; sociohistorical context, questions of human existence, literary tradition, metafiction, influence of Don Quijote on novelists and filmmakers, critical reception of the text. Requirements: two literature courses in Spanish, at least one of which must be numbered SPAN:3300 or above.
SPAN:4690 Topics in Spanish Literature 3 s.h.
Requirements: two literature courses in Spanish, at least one of which must be numbered SPAN:3300 or above.
SPAN:4805 Chicano Cinema 3 s.h.
History of Chicano independent and industry film and television production since the Chicano political and cultural movement began in the 1960s. Taught in English. Requirements: one Spanish literature or culture course numbered SPAN:3200 or above, or one film studies course numbered above CINE:2100. Same as CINE:4705, LATS:4805.
SPAN:4815 Lost Childhoods: Marginal Children of Latin America 3 s.h.
Focus on lost childhoods from a cultural studies perspective; analysis of marginal perspectives that emerge from a globalized urban landscape; evolution of literary, artistic (art, photography, comics), and film productions about dispossessed children, the construction of childhood by nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations, and how these cultural productions denounce social violence. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: two courses numbered SPAN:3000 or above. Same as LAS:4815.
SPAN:4830 The Hispanic World in the Digital Era 3 s.h.
Global digital space and construction of culture in Hispanic world; how digital data creates knowledge and ways it represents and impacts societies; power of computer technology to disseminate critical thinking, social outreach, and creative expressions; how digital realities and tools of constant communication promote change. Requirements: two literature or culture courses in Spanish, at least one of which must be numbered SPAN:3300 or above.
SPAN:4850 Topics in Cultural Studies 3 s.h.
Requirements: one literature or culture course taught in Spanish numbered SPAN:3200 or above.
SPAN:4880 Comic Books and Graphic Novels in the Hispanic World 3 s.h.
Analysis of comics and graphic novels from Hispanic world; diverse Hispanic representational perspectives on creativity, humor, storytelling, culture, politics, nationality, and ethnicity; opportunity for students to express their own creativity with comics. Recommendations: two literature or culture courses taught in Spanish, at least one of which must be numbered SPAN:3200 or above.
SPAN:4900 Latin American Studies Seminar 3-4 s.h.
Examination of past, present, and future of Latin America; interdisciplinary. Taught in English. Same as ANTH:4700, HIST:4504, LAS:4700, PORT:4700.
SPAN:4925 Topics in Film Narrative 3 s.h.
Exploration of relationship between film narratives and social systems. Taught in English. Same as LAS:4925.
SPAN:4950 Advanced Workshop on Creative Writing in Spanish 3 s.h.
In-depth consideration of characters, dialog, conflict, setting, point of view, other fundamentals of fiction; experience writing short stories and other pieces, with class discussion; fictional texts by renowned writers, authors' essays on their own creative process; narrative strategies of short stories, songs, painting, films. Requirements: one creative writing course in Spanish and one literature course in Spanish numbered SPAN:3300 or above, or two literature courses in Spanish numbered SPAN:3300 or above.
SPAN:4980 Advanced Translation: Spanish to English 3 s.h.
Examination of translation through practical exercises and readings related to the problem of working with literature between languages; questions related to style and form as well as historical and cultural distance will be examined. Requirements: SPAN:3030 or SPAN:3050 and one literature course taught in Spanish.
SPAN:4998 Honors: Research and Thesis 2-3 s.h.
Requirements: honors standing.
SPAN:4999 Special Work 1-3 s.h.
SPAN:5000 Teaching and Learning Languages 3 s.h.
Readings in pedagogical theory and practice, second language acquisition; experience designing activities for teaching and assessment with critiques based on current theories and approaches; development of reflective practices toward one's language teaching. Taught in English. Same as FREN:5000, GRMN:5001, SLA:5000, WLLC:5000.
SPAN:5002 Pedagogical Practicum 2 s.h.
Practice in lesson design, classroom management techniques, evaluation skills during work with faculty. Requirements: PhD standing.
SPAN:5003 Professional Training and Development 1 s.h.
Professional training and preparation for a variety of professional opportunities within and outside of academia. Requirements: Spanish PhD standing.
SPAN:5005 Heritage and Dual Language Teaching 3 s.h.
Theoretical issues (e.g., ideological, educational, linguistic) of heritage language teaching and learning; pedagogical issues including curriculum development and assessment for dual language programs in the United Statues; focus on teaching heritage language learners (those who learned a language other than English at home) or dual language education (those who develop academic skills in their native language while building skills in a different language) in the United States. Taught in English. Same as WLLC:5005.
SPAN:6110 Spanish Phonology 3 s.h.
Modern approaches to synchronic phonology as applied to Spanish; focus on traditional descriptive problems, recent generative analyses. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: phonology or linguistics course. Same as SLA:6303.
SPAN:6120 Spanish Syntax 3 s.h.
Spanish syntactic constructions examined in framework of selected syntactic theory; emphasis on development of syntactic argumentation. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: one course in syntax. Same as SLA:6304.
SPAN:6150 Topics in Spanish Language Acquisition 3 s.h.
Theoretical linguistic approaches to monolingual, bilingual, and second language acquisition of Spanish and Portuguese; varied topics. Taught in Spanish. Requirements: at least one course in linguistics (e.g., general introduction to linguistics). Same as SLA:6301.
SPAN:6180 Topics in Hispanic Linguistics 3 s.h.
Taught in Spanish or English.
SPAN:6190 Topics in Comparative Romance Linguistics 3 s.h.
Comparative study of phonology, morphology, or syntax of the main Romance languages as informed by linguistic theory; diachronic or synchronic perspective. Taught in English. Recommendations: additional graduate coursework in linguistics. Same as LING:6190, SLA:6302.
SPAN:6210 Fiction Workshop 4 s.h.
Craft of writing short stories; underlying principles examined through lectures, readings, craft analysis, discussions, exercises, and workshops; activities linked with International Writing Program. Requirements: admission to MFA Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6220 Poetry Workshop 4 s.h.
Construction and recognition of poetic voice through readings, analysis, and exercises from different poets and by students; poetic voice in three spaces (diary of poetic prose, collection of poems, object poem). Requirements: admission to MFA Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6231 Graphic Novel/Comic Script Workshop 1,4 s.h.
Basic steps to develop a comic book or a graphic novel; different styles and ways to develop scripts and characters; main authors and their graphic works; students work on possible script or group of characters. Requirements: admission to MFA Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6235 Film Script/Theater Workshop 4 s.h.
Basic steps to developing plays; different styles and ways to develop plays and characters; reading main authors and their plays; student work on a possible play. Requirements: admission to MFA in Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6241 Creative Project Development 4 s.h.
Development of creative project. Requirements: admission to MFA Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6251 Workshop on Editing a Literary e-Journal 4 s.h.
Plan, produce, write, and edit a literary digital magazine; manage and write for Iowa Literaria. Requirements: admission to MFA in Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6280 Nonfiction Workshop 4 s.h.
Practice of self narrative and construction of the self in literature; readings of self-narrated texts in different literary forms and cultural traditions (from autobiography to testimonial narratives); various ways in which the narrating self is formed and deformed by literary conventions that define him/her; readings as springboards for thinking on ways to write the self; series of autobiographical sketches. Requirements: admission to MFA Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6290 Topics in Spanish Creative Writing 4 s.h.
Examination of special issues related to craft, context, and practice of Spanish creative writing.
SPAN:6295 Practicum Editing a Literary e-Journal arr.
Practice in planning, producing, and editing Iowa Literaria. Recommendations: SPAN:6251.
SPAN:6299 Thesis: Creative Writing arr.
Continuation of work on student manuscript. Requirements: admission to MFA Spanish Creative Writing program.
SPAN:6300 Colonial Spanish American Literature 3 s.h.
Chronicles of the conquest: close reading with focus on role of writing and operations of "othering"; balance between critical secondary sources and primary sources.
SPAN:6320 Contemporary Spanish American Narrative 3 s.h.
Narrative from mid-20th century to present; emphasis on the Boom, post-Boom.
SPAN:6330 Spanish American Narrative: Modern and Regional 3 s.h.
SPAN:6390 Topics in Spanish American Literature 3 s.h.
SPAN:6600 Medieval Spanish Literature 3 s.h.
Critical reading of canonical medieval texts in their cultural context; application of modern theory to medieval texts; works such as El Poema del Cid, El Romancero Viejo, Milagros de Nuestra Señora, El Conde Lucanor, El Libro de Buen Amor.
SPAN:6620 Spanish Renaissance and Baroque Literature 3 s.h.
Critical analysis of social, moral, political function of literature in early modern Spain; Renaissance and Baroque poetry; La Celestina; pastoral literature; Don Quijote; narratives of the court; modern subjectivity; the question of genre.
SPAN:6660 Contemporary Spanish Fiction 3 s.h.
The post-Franco novel in Spain; literary "postmodernism" and relationships between Spanish literature, politics, and society since 1975; representative significant works.
SPAN:6670 Contemporary Spanish Poetry 3 s.h.
Poetry on the Spanish literary scene circa 1968; authors' reactions to predecessors, their connections with foreign traditions, metapoetry, the aesthetics of culturalism.
SPAN:6680 Contemporary Non-Castilian Narrative Spain 3 s.h.
Readings in Spanish of novels and short stories written in another language of the Spanish state or by a member of one of Spain's non-Castilian historic nationalities.
SPAN:6690 Topics in Spanish Literature 3 s.h.
SPAN:6850 Topics in Literary Studies 3 s.h.
SPAN:6860 Topics in Cultural Studies 3 s.h.
SPAN:6998 Special Work arr.
SPAN:6999 Thesis arr.
SPAN:7001 Language Justice: Multilingual Community Engagement and Scholarship 3 s.h.
Application of language justice to lived experiences of multilingual individuals; exploration of how communities can incorporate language justice into shared spaces and interactions within those spaces; engagement with local community groups that support multilingual Iowans whose personal language practices are less valued than the default monolingual English norm. Taught in English. Same as WLLC:7001.
SPAN:7200 Seminar: Literary Studies 3 s.h.
Specific topics on aspects of Spanish and/or Spanish American literature.
SPAN:7505 Readings: Latin American History arr.
Introduction to historiography in the field of Latin American history; students deepen their understanding of the region's history and become acquainted with trends in topical concerns, sources, and methods that are shaping historical research on Latin America's past. Taught in English. Same as HIST:7505.
Portuguese Courses
PORT:1000 First-Year Seminar 1 s.h.
Small discussion class taught by a faculty member; topics chosen by instructor; may include outside activities (e.g., films, lectures, performances, readings, visits to research facilities, field trips). Requirements: first-semester standing.
PORT:2000 Accelerated Elementary Portuguese 5 s.h.
First-year course in one semester; comprehending, speaking, reading, writing modern Portuguese; emphasis on speaking; previous knowledge of Portuguese not required. GE: World Languages Second Level Proficiency.
PORT:2010 Elementary Portuguese I 3 s.h.
Emphasis on oral and written skills; first in a series; no previous knowledge of Portuguese necessary. Recommendations: no previous study of Portuguese. GE: World Languages First Level Proficiency.
PORT:2015 Elementary Portuguese II 3 s.h.
Emphasis on oral and written skills; second in a series. Requirements: PORT:2010. GE: World Languages Second Level Proficiency.
PORT:2500 Accelerated Intermediate Portuguese 5 s.h.
Second-year course in one semester; reading comprehension, oral and writing skills; grammar review. Requirements: PORT:2000. GE: World Languages Fourth Level Proficiency.
PORT:2700 Introduction to Latin American Studies 3 s.h.
Cultures of Latin American countries with emphasis on cultural history and cultural production; interdisciplinary survey. Taught in English. GE: World Language and Cultural Exploration. Same as COMM:2800, IS:2700, LAS:2700, SPAN:2700.
PORT:2850 Brazilian Narrative in Translation 3 s.h.
Representative readings of modern and contemporary novels, short stories, and other narrative forms; cultural background; focus on major writers. Taught in English. GE: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts. Same as LAS:2850, SPAN:2850.
PORT:3050 Intensive Portuguese for Spanish Speakers 4 s.h.
Compare and contrast Spanish and Portuguese; development of basic communicative skills in Portuguese. Taught in Spanish and Portuguese. Requirements: undergraduate Spanish native speaker, Spanish heritage speaker, or two courses in Spanish numbered SPAN:4000 or above, or graduate standing.
PORT:3100 Writing and Speaking 3 s.h.
Speaking and writing skills through discussion, oral presentations, grammar and vocabulary review, composition. Taught in Portuguese. Requirements: PORT:2500.
PORT:3105 Linguistic Aspects of the Lusophone World 3-4 s.h.
Introduction to Portuguese incorporating formal (theoretical), historical, and sociolinguistic perspectives; linguistic analysis of phonetics/phonology, morphology, and syntax; origins of Portuguese and its expansion to Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Taught in English. Same as LING:3105, SPAN:3105.
PORT:3150 Topics in Portuguese Language 3 s.h.
Various aspects of Portuguese language use. Taught in Portuguese. Requirements: one course numbered PORT:2500 or above.
PORT:4700 Latin American Studies Seminar 3-4 s.h.
Examination of past, present, and future of Latin America; interdisciplinary. Taught in English. Same as ANTH:4700, HIST:4504, LAS:4700, SPAN:4900.
PORT:4995 Portuguese Senior Project 3 s.h.
Voluntary student-initiated projects outside the classroom; designed or executed during senior year; similar to independent study, but based on research and completed in close consultation with a faculty mentor. Requirements: at least one course taught in Portuguese numbered PORT:4000 or above.
PORT:4998 Special Work 1-3 s.h.
Independent study arranged between student and a faculty member to complete requirements for the major in Portuguese.
PORT:4999 Honors Research and Thesis 2-3 s.h.
Requirements: honors standing.