SPAN201

Intermediate Spanish 1, the first semester of a yearlong sequence, offers an intensive review of basic structures of Spanish as well as an introduction to more complex structures and elevated vocabulary through a video-integrated approach. Language is not abstracted from cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. Topics include personal relationships and emotions, media, family life, nature and ecology, and more will be contextualized in authentic Hispanic cultural products such as film, literature, music and other arts, history, even fashion. Learning language requires continuous practice and attention to linguistic detail. However, because language carries culture, a key pan of
learning a new language is cultural competence that is required to effectively negotiate our diverse global world. In order to be able to engage with others authentically, we must understand the dynamics of power and privilege and identify and move beyond ethnocentric views we receive from our culture. The class will be conducted entirely in Spanish and students are expected to be active learners of the language. Grammar explanations will be presented only as needed in meaningful contexts. This is because research tells us that, While grammar is very important, language is acquired through using it meaningfully rather than memorizing linguistic rules.