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Spanish

The goals of the Spanish Department are to contribute to the liberal education of students by providing courses designed to develop an appreciation of the Spanish language and the Hispanic literature as essential elements of culture, and to promote the sensitivity to human values and the critical thinking that is inherent in the study of cultures other than one's own. The department is committed to the concept of foreign study and strongly encourages students to participate in overseas programs in Granada, Spain; Quito, Ecuador; or Valparaiso and Osorno, Chile; or Oaxaca, Mexico.

A variety of career opportunities are available to students who graduate with a strong grounding in the study of language. These include foreign service, international trade, graduate study, social work among non-English speaking minority groups, and teaching.

Requirements for the Spanish Major (32 semester hours)

Spanish majors are required to complete thirty-two semester hours of coursework beyond the intermediate-level language courses, including Composition and Discussion, at least four semester hours in Civilization, twelve semester hours in Literature and a Senior Year Experience. Of the semester hours listed above, at least sixteen semester hours must be earned in residence at Willamette University, to include at least one 400 level Spanish Literature course and the Spanish Senior Experience: SPAN 497W Research and Discussion of Selected Topics in Literature. For honors in the Spanish major, graduating seniors must have a minimum gpa of 3.85 in the Spanish major and a minimum 3.80 cumulative gpa.

Core courses (12 semester hours)

  • SPAN 331W Spanish Composition and Discussion (4)
  • SPAN 333 Hispanic Civilization (4) or
  • SPAN 335 Cultural Institutions of Spain (4)
  • SPAN 497W Research and Discussion of Selected Topics in Literature (4)

Twelve semester hours in Spanish literature, from the following (12)

To include at least one 400 level Spanish Literature course to be taken at Willamette University

  • SPAN 340 Introduction to Spanish Literature (4)
  • SPAN 352 Peninsular Literature I: Medieval, Early Modern, and American Colonial (4)
  • SPAN 353 Peninsular Literature II: Modern and Contemporary (4)
  • SPAN 355 Latin American Literature I: Conquest to Independence (4)
  • SPAN 356 Latin American Literature II: Modernismo to the Present (4)
  • SPAN 380 Latin American Cinema (4)
  • SPAN 391 Reading and Conference (2 or 4)
  • SPAN 427 Topics in Latin American Literature (4)
  • SPAN 428 Contemporary Mexican Literature (4)
  • SPAN 430 History of Hispanic Thought (4)
  • SPAN 431 Contemporary Novel and Short Story of Latin America (4)
  • SPAN 435 Contemporary Latin American Women Writers (4)
  • SPAN 438 Contemporary Spanish Women Writers (4)
  • SPAN 445 Topics in Medieval and Early Modern Spanish Literature (4)
  • SPAN 446 Topics in Modern and Contemporary Peninsular Literature (4)

Eight additional semester hours in Spanish (8)

Numbered 300 or above

Requirements for the Spanish Minor (20 semester hours)

  • SPAN 331W Spanish Composition and Discussion (4)
  • SPAN 333 Hispanic Civilization (4) or
  • SPAN 335 Cultural Institutions of Spain (4)
  • Eight semester hours in Spanish numbered 300 or above (8)
  • Four semester hours in Spanish at the 400 level to be taken at Willamette University (4)

The department faculty strongly urges its students to improve their language competency and broaden their education through off-campus study in approved programs. Of special interest to students of Spanish are the Willamette semesters abroad in Spain, Ecuador, and Chile, as well as a post-session program in Ecuador.

Credits earned in Willamette University's off-campus study programs, or in other preapproved foreign study programs, may be substituted for required courses in the Spanish Department.

Language students enjoy the use of a state-of-the-art Language Learning Center featuring multimedia stations, foreign language word processing software, foreign television programs transmitted by satellite, and up-to-date communication technology.

Indicators of Achievement

Student Learning Outcomes for the Spanish Major

  1. The ability to read, write, comprehend and speak Spanish at an Advanced level
    • The ability to sustain and defend in written and oral form an argument in Spanish
    • The ability to engage primary and/or secondary texts in Spanish
  2. The ability to use appropriate critical terminology and to understand theories of interpretation, and apply them in their own writing
    • The ability to frame and pursue a research question
    • The ability to identify and integrate into their analysis relevant primary and secondary sources
  3. The ability to analyze texts from the Spanish, Latin American and Latino traditions within their cultural, political, social and historical contexts
    • The ability to synthesize knowledge
    • The ability to think critically in order to reach conclusions that go beyond re-stating the current state of research
    • The ability to place and evaluate the text within its cultural, political, social and historical contexts

Faculty

Part-Time and Visiting Faculty

Professors Emeriti

Course Listings

SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I (4)

Development of basic skills: comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Introduction to the present indicative and other elementary grammatical components. Laboratory work.

  • Offering: Fall
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II (4)

Continued development of basic skills: comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Introduction to more indicative tenses and other elementary grammatical components. Laboratory work.

  • Prerequisite: SPAN 131
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 199 Topics in Spanish (1-4)

A semester-long study of topics in Spanish. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
  • Prerequisite: Topic dependent
  • Offering: Occasionally
  • Professor: Staff

SPAN 220 Culture of Ecuador, Level 1 (4)

This course introduces students to Ecuador’s present-day culture and society. To achieve this goal, the course covers significant aspects of Ecuadorian history, sociocultural traits, and current affairs that provide students with some of the fundamental facts and information that have shaped the country and its people. This course is offered in the Quito, Ecuador, Summer Program.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: Study Abroad
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 132
  • Offering: Summer program
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I (4)

Development of language skills: comprehension, speaking, reading and writing with classroom and laboratory exercises. Introduction to the subjunctive and more grammatical components. Laboratory work.

  • Prerequisite: Elementary Spanish or two years of high school Spanish, or equivalent with satisfactory AP scores
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II (4)

Continued development of language skills. Comprehension, speaking, reading and writing with short reading and compositions assignments. Introduction to more tenses and applications of the subjunctive and more grammatical components. Laboratory work.

  • Prerequisite: SPAN 231
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 253 Oral and Written Exploration of Latin American Culture (4)

Taught in Quito, this course will have a dual focus on written and spoken Spanish structures and Latin American cosmovision, culture and realities (with a particular focus on Ecuador). Course themes include: Ecuadoran politics, health, education, food, migration, diversity of population and geography, cultural stereotypes and natural resources. The course will explore ways in which Ecuador is a part of a unified Latin American culture and experience and ways in which Ecuador is unique.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 231
  • Offering: Summer program in Ecuador
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 260 Hispanic Literature in Translation (4)

This course will focus on English translations of major literary works originally written in Spanish and their literary, cultural, social, and historic impact. Specific topics will vary. Taught in English. Does not count towards major or minor.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: CV
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 231
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 299 Topics in Spanish (1-4)

A semester-long study of topics in Spanish. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
  • Prerequisite: Topic dependent
  • Offering: Occasionally
  • Professor: Staff

SPAN 320 Culture of Ecuador, Level 2 (4)

This course continues the study of Ecuador’s culture and society. To achieve this goal, the course covers in depth aspects of Ecuadorian history, sociocultural traits, and current affairs that provide students with important facts and information so they can understand the country and its people. This course is offered in the Quito, Ecuador, Summer Program.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: Study Abroad
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 232
  • Offering: Summer program
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 331W Spanish Composition and Discussion (4)

Oral and written compositions based upon readings of texts emphasizing Spanish culture and literary vocabulary needed in more advanced letters courses. Exercises in syntax and introductory phonetics. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: NEL 231 or higher, Service Learning (topic dependent on Service Learning component)
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 232 or completion of language proficiency
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 332 Spanish Conversation and Culture (4)

Classroom discussion and conversation in Spanish about selected topics of Spanish and Latin American culture. Emphasis on vocabulary-building and acquisition of oral communication skills. Classroom presentations and participation required. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Spring
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 333 Hispanic Civilization (4)

Studies in the geography, history and chronological development of culture and ideas in Hispanic America from 1492 to the present. Class discussion, oral and written reports. Oral and written exams. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Fall
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 335 Cultural Institutions of Spain (4)

Study of how the political, social, and cultural structures of the Spanish Iberian Peninsula changed from Golden Age to modern times. By analyzing historical, literary, artistic, and film texts, the course will examine the changing institutions of Church and State from 15th Century Castile to 21st Century Spain. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Spring
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 340 Introduction to Spanish Literature (4)

Close textual analysis of representative Spanish and Latin American works of narrative, poetry, and drama. Emphasis on acquiring tools and methodology of literary analysis. One term paper, three midterm exams. Class participation mandatory. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 352 Peninsular Literature I: Medieval, Early Modern, and American Colonial (4)

A survey of pre-18th century Spanish and Latin American literature including narrative, lyric poetry, and drama. The historical, anthropological, and political backgrounds of the period, as well as other artistic representations, such as painting, and architecture, will also be analyzed. Primary texts include works such as “El burlador de Sevilla,” “Valor, agravio y mujer,” selected poems by Sor Juana Inéz de la Cruz, and works by Guaman Poma de Ayala and Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: CV
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Alternate Fall semesters
  • Instructor: Montero

SPAN 353 Peninsular Literature II: Modern and Contemporary (4)

A detailed study of representative works by Spanish authors from the 18th century to the present, or Neoclassicism and Romanticism to Post-Franco feminism. Literary criticism and theory will be applied to several genres including narrative, poetry, and drama with reference to their historical, literary and social contexts. Primary texts include works by Bécquer, Galdós, Pardo Bazán, Valle-Inclán, Unamuno, A. Machado, García Lorca, Sánchez Ferlosio, Martín Gaite, and others. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Spring
  • Instructor: Overstreet

SPAN 355 Latin American Literature I: Conquest to Independence (4)

A study of representative works of Latin American literature from 1492 to 1900, including Inca Garcilaso, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Fernández de Lizardi, Heredia, Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda, Echeverría, and Sarmiento. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: CV
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Fall semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 356 Latin American Literature II: Modernismo to the Present (4)

A study of representative works of Latin American literature from 1900 to today, including José Martí, Rubén Darío, Vicente Huidobro, Delmira Agustini, César Vallejo, Jorge Luis Borges, Pablo Neruda, Rosario Ferré, Rosario Castellanos and Gabriel García Marquéz. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: CV
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Spring semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 365 Spanish Translation (4)

Study of theory and practice of translation. The course includes in-depth study of certain aspects of the Spanish language: slang, idioms, syntax, etc. Through the translation of different genres (poetry, literary prose, newspapers, etc.) the following issues will be addressed: importance of context and situation, relationship between language and culture, relationship between English and Spanish. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Alternate Fall semesters
  • Instructor: Blanco-Arnejo

SPAN 380 Latin American Cinema (4)

This course examines films, features and documentaries by and about Latin Americans. It focuses on the political, economic, social, and aesthetic tensions that characterize the region and contextualize cinematic production. This course also explores the constitution of Latin American cultural identity through film. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; PDE
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Alternate Spring semesters
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 390 Reading and Conference (4 or 2)

Designed to enable a student to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience of literary genres or periods and of topics which are not covered by courses offered at Willamette University. Conducted in Spanish. Papers or exams may be required.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 391 Reading and Conference (2 or 4)

Designed to enable a student to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience of literary genres or periods and of topics which are not covered by courses offered at Willamette University. Conducted in Spanish. Papers or exams may be required.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 331W
  • Offering: On demand
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 399 Topics in Spanish (.25-1)

A semester-long study of topics in Spanish. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
  • Prerequisite: Topic dependent
  • Offering: Occasionally
  • Professor: Staff

SPAN 427 Topics in Latin American Literature (4)

Changing topics in Latin American literature will be discussed in a seminar-style course. Topics such as post-colonial thought, indigenismo, testimony and exile literature will set the discussion for the exploration of Latin American culture and society through its literature. Conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 428 Contemporary Mexican Literature (4)

Study of different aspects of Mexican literature. The changing topics will include literature on the Mexican revolution; women writers; contemporary writers; and marginal voices in literature. Conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 429 Topics in Spanish (1-4)

A semester-long study of topics in Spanish. Topics and emphases will vary according to the instructor. This course may be repeated for credit with different topics. See the New and Topics Courses page on the Registrar’s webpage for descriptions and applicability to majors/minors in other departments.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Topic dependent
  • Prerequisite: Topic dependent
  • Offering: Occasionally
  • Professor: Staff

SPAN 430 History of Hispanic Thought (4)

Writings dealing with the Spanish mind, its influence on Latin America and the relationship of both to the United States. Representatives from art history, mysticism, philosophy, politics, sociology and psychology. Conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 431 Contemporary Latin American Novel and Short Story (4)

A study of representative prose fiction writers of Latin America, including Gallegos, Alegría, García Marquéz, Carpentier, Asturias, Borges, Quiroga and Cortázar. Conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 435 Contemporary Latin American Women Writers (4)

This course will examine the changing role of the Latin American woman in political and social life as reflected in the literary works of such authors as Valenzuela, Ferré, Burgos, Castellanos, Alegría and Mastretta. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: CV
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 340 or SPAN 352 or SPAN 353 or SPAN 355 or SPAN 356
  • Offering: Alternate Fall semesters
  • Instructor: Staff

SPAN 438 Contemporary Spanish Women Writers (4)

This course will study contemporary narrative texts by Spanish women. We will examine the texts in their socio-historical context, focusing on the impact of the civil war, the fascist dictatorship and the unleashing (destape) of cultural and political energies, including the development of Spanish feminism in the post-French period in women's lives. Conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 445 Topics in Medieval and Early Modern Spanish Literature (4)

This seminar focuses on various aspects of medieval and early modern Spanish literature promoting an interdisciplinary approach that combines the in-depth analysis of literary texts, with the study of visual texts and other artistic manifestations. Emphasis is placed on the historical and anthropological background, and gender issues. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Arts & Humanities; World Engagement: CV
  • Prerequisite: SPAN 340 or SPAN 352 or SPAN 353 or SPAN 355 or SPAN 356
  • Offering: Alternate years
  • Instructor: Montero

SPAN 446 Topics in Modern and Contemporary Peninsular Literature (4)

This course offers advanced study of selected literary texts within their socio-historical context. Topics will vary but may include literature of the Generation of '98, the Postwar, Francoism and censorship, the "destape" or unleashing of cultural and political energies after Franco, as well as emerging feminist trends in contemporary Spanish literature and film. Conducted in Spanish.

SPAN 497W Research and Discussion of Selected Topics in Literature (4)

This seminar course will serve to integrate the linguistic, cultural, historical and literary experiences of seniors in the language. The class will be taught in a flexible manner in order to allow students to highlight their varying individual backgrounds in Spanish and Hispanic cultures. Students must write a thesis and conduct a presentation at the end of the semester. Conducted in Spanish.

  • General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing-centered; Arts & Humanities
  • Prerequisite: Senior standing and Spanish major or minor
  • Offering: Every semester
  • Instructor: Staff

Contact Information

College of Arts & Sciences Catalog
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301
U.S.A.
503-370-6737

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