Intended for students who have some experience with Spanish, this course reviews concepts from beginning Spanish through the use of culturally authentic audio, video, and text materials. The course is designed to help students review and further develop their basic speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. By the end of the semester, students will reach the Novice High proficiency level established by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Independent reading and/or research under the guidance of a language faculty member. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

This course continues the study of language and culture of the Deaf community in the United States undertaken in ASL 2. Focus is on advancing ASL linguistic concepts and vocabulary as well as Deaf cultural behaviors, conversational strategies, history, and accommodations. Prerequisite: 202.

This course will give students theoretical tools to understand Latin America from a interdisciplinary perspsective. Using a wide range of cultural products, we will seek to understand the region beyond a descriptive approach by taking a closer look into its socio-historical formation. Among others, we will examine issues of class, race, and gender as well as political tradition and intellectual history. Prerequisite: any 100-level VUSM course or transfer student placement. LDW

Non-classroom experiences in the field of Latin American studies. Placements are off-campus, and may be full- or part-time, and with or without pay. Credit for experiences must be sought prior to occurrence, and learning contracts must be submitted before the end of the first week of the semester. See the experiential learning: internship section of this catalog for more details. Restricted to students with freshman or sophomore standing. Graded CR/NC.

Guided reading and research on a topic selected by the student and approved by the instructor. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.

Life and culture of the Spanish-speaking populations in the U.S. This course focus is on the social, economic, political, historical, and religious issues that these populations confront within themselves and in relation to other cultural groups. Taught in English. Students may not receive credit for both LASP 312 and SPAN 312.

Contemporary literature of men and women from primarily the Mexican-American, Cuban-American, and Puerto Rican-American cultures. This course will focus on the poetry, prose, fiction, and non-fiction writings reflecting the current cultural realities of these groups. Taught in English. Students may not receive credit for both LASP 316 and SPAN 316.

This course has been designed to introduce films focusing on the social, historical, and political dimensions of Latin America during the last three decades. The core of the course will be devoted to the examination of recent Latin American films and documentaries that reflect on contemporary issues such as dictatorships in the 20th century, neoliberal reforms, social movements, and immigration. This course is offered in English. Audiovisuals materials are in Spanish with English subtitles. Prerequisite: 100 and/or HIST 153 recommended. (Equivalent to SPAN 336.)

Guided reading and research on a topic selected by the student and approved by the instructor. Refer to the academic policy section for independent study policy. Independent study contract is required. May be repeated for credit.