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Spanish: Courses
SPA 101 Elementary Spanish 1st Semester
Credits: 5Semester(s): F Sp Su
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
For students who have never had Spanish or had one year or less in high school. Reviews fundamentals of Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar; emphasizes oral proficiency.
SPA 102 Elementary Spanish 2nd Semester
Credits: 5Semester(s): F Sp Su
Prerequisites: SPA 101 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
For students who have never had Spanish or had one year or less in high school. Reviews fundamentals of Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar; emphasizes oral proficiency.
SPA 104 Transitional Elementary Spanish
Credits: 5Semester(s): F Sp
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Students who have completed SPA 101 and/or SPA 102 should not register for SPA 104 as no credit will be given for duplicate courses.
A one-semester review course for students who have taken the Regents' exams or have had previous experience with Spanish, but who are not yet able to go into the second year of language study. Involves all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and, to some extent, writing), emphasizing grammatical structures and vocabulary fundamentals of simple, everyday conversation.
SPA 151 Intermediate Spanish 1st Semester
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp Su
Prerequisites: SPA 102, SPA 104, or three or more years of high school Spanish
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Reviews grammar and pronunciation, structured around extensive conversation practice. Also involves vocabulary expansion through literary and nonliterary readings.
SPA 152 Intermediate Spanish 2nd Semester
Credits: 3Semester(s): F Sp Su
Prerequisites: SPA 151 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Reviews grammar and pronunciation, structured around extensive conversation practice. Also involves vocabulary expansion through literary and nonliterary readings.
SPA 171 Elementary Spanish for Heritage Speakers I
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: open to students who have not studied in a school in which Spanish was the language of instruction
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Students who have completed SPA 104 should not register for SPA 171 as no credit will be given for duplicate courses.
Provides intensive practice in basic grammatical patterns, and encourages vocabulary expansion through reading and writing in the target language. Teaches standard Spanish to students who learned Spanish at home but have little or no formal instruction in the language. SPA 171 satisfies the proficiency requirement for general education. Students who need a fourth semester of a foreign language must continue with SPA 241.
SPA 172 Elementary Spanish for Heritage Speakers II
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: open to students who have not studied in a school in which Spanish was the language of instruction
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Provides intensive practice in basic grammatical patterns, and encourages vocabulary expansion through reading and writing in the target language. Teaches standard Spanish to students who learned Spanish at home but have little or no formal instruction in the language. SPA 171 satisfies the proficiency requirement for general education. Students who need a fourth semester of a foreign language must continue with SPA 241.
SPA 207 Spanish Conversation and Composition
Credits: 3Semester(s): F
Prerequisites: SPA 152, SPA 154 or equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Involves oral communication and development of writing skills in Spanish, intensive conversation, and writing of themes on contemporary topics. Requires oral participation.
SPA 208 Spanish Conversation and Composition
Credits: 3Semester(s): Sp
Prerequisites: SPA 207 or permission of director of undergraduate studies
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Involves oral communication and development of writing skills in Spanish, intensive conversation, and writing of themes on contemporary topics. Requires oral participation.
SPA 210 How to Read a Spanish Text
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SPA 152 or SPA 154 or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Develops students' ability to analyze a piece of Spanish literature; considers prose and poetry from Peninsular Spanish and/or Spanish American literature.
SPA 216 Hispanic Civilization
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SPA 152 or SPA 154 or three years of high school Spanish
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Strengthens the student's knowledge of twentieth-century Hispanic cultures and civilizations and improves the student's command of spoken and written Spanish. Examines some of the major events and trends of the twentieth century that are helpful in understanding the contemporary scene, including the Mexican Revolution, the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, World Wars I and II, the Spanish Civil War, the ascent of the United States as a global power, and the phenomena of neocolonialism and dependency in developing countries. Emphasizes contemporary issues and movements (from 1972 to the present) relevant to Hispanics in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Spain, and South America. Gives students the opportunity to learn how to access cultural information on the Internet. Taught in Spanish.
SPA 241 Spanish for Bilinguals
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
SPA 301 Survey of Spanish Literature: Middle Ages to Seventeenth Century
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies the early history of Spanish literature, from its roots in Mozarabe and the oral tradition to the Golden Age of Spanish baroque drama, verse, and prose. Emphasizes the development of literature in its socio-historical context, as well as its relation to the history of the language.
SPA 302 Survey of Spanish Literature: Eighteenth Century to Present
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces the student to the major cultural trends and some important literary works of modern Spanish literature. Class lectures present general background information on the artistic movements, philosophical vogues, and historical events that have directly contributed to the course of Spanish literature of the past three centuries. We read and discuss works by such authors as Bécquer, Galdós, Pardo Bazán, Unamuno, Lorca, Cela, and Martín Gaite.
SPA 303 Romanticism and Realism in Spain
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines historic and aesthetic backgrounds of, and conducts literary analysis of, some representative works of the romantic and antiromantic (realist) movements in nineteenth-century Spain.
SPA 304 Early Spanish American Literature
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Covers works from the time of the encounter between Spain and the Americas, as well as from the colonial period. Study of texts emphasizes cultural and historical issues.
SPA 305 Spanish Literature of the Middle Ages
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines the literature and culture of the Spanish Middle Ages, from the origins of the language to the unification of the peninsula under the Catholic kings.
SPA 310 Introduction to Literary Criticism
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces salient features of various critical methods, including their application to novels, plays, and poetry from Peninsular Spanish and/or Spanish American literature.
SPA 311 Survey of Spanish American Literature
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Reviews Spanish American literature from the earliest times to the present.
SPA 313 Advanced Grammar
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines grammatical categories of Spanish; provides extensive oral and written practice.
SPA 314 Advanced Composition and Conversation
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Develops advanced grammatical and writing skills through literary and nonliterary translations from English to Spanish and vice versa. LEC
SPA 315 Advanced Writing for Native Speakers I
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SPA 241
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
For native speakers of Spanish; provides practice in developing and sustaining various forms of complex writing in Spanish.
SPA 317 Spanish Literature of the Golden Age
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Golden Age of Spanish culture refers to the period stretching roughly from the end of the sixteenth to the beginning of the seventeenth centuries, a time identified by many historians and scholars today as the dawn of the modern age. Examines this "early modernity" through careful attention to the works of such authors as Miguel de Cervantes, Francisco de Quevedo, Lope de Vega, and Calderón de la Barca.
SPA 320 Contemporary Spanish American Literature
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies the principal characteristics of contemporary Spanish American literature, centered in the analysis of poems and short stories.
SPA 323 Business Spanish
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Addresses Spanish for the business world. Topics include correspondence, commercial terminology, readings, occasional translation of articles on financial subjects, discussions of documents, business customs, and practice in practical application. Requires oral participation.
SPA 325 Phonetics
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Covers theory and practice of Spanish pronunciation; helps students develop near-native pronunciation.
SPA 327 Spanish Culture and Civilization
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines the history, geography, art, architecture, music, cuisine, and customs of Spain.
SPA 328 Spanish American Culture and Civilization
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines the history, geography, art, architecture, music, and cuisine of Spanish America.
SPA 330 Spanish American Themes
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines some of the most important themes in Spanish American life through selected readings (The Indian, Emancipation and Revolution, Country and City, Education: The University Reform of 1918), music, song, and dance. Most readings that illustrate the themes are literary works but their content deals with historical, political, sociological, anthropological, educational, and artistic matters.
SPA 333 Intensive Communicative Spanish Abroad
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: two semesters of intermediate Spanish or the equivalent
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Provides intensive oral and written practice in Spanish for participants in the department's summer program at the University of Salamanca in Spain.
SPA 350 Spanish American Short Story
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Involves studying theories on the short story and their application to selected works of Isabel Allende, Juan José Arreola, María Luisa Bombal, Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Gabriel García Márquez, Horacio Quiroga, Juan Rulfo, Arturo Uslar Pietri, and others. Conducted in Spanish.
SPA 360 Spanish American Literature in Translation
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: ENG 201
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies English versions of major works by Spanish American authors.
SPA 361 Spanish Literature in Translation
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: ENG 201
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies English versions of major works by Spanish authors.
SPA 382 Introduction to Second Language Acquisition Theory
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None, although basic linguistics courses and/or language courses helpful
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines second language acquisition (SLA) from a variety of vantage points. Explores the factors that affect learning a second language (e.g. age, native language, environment, goals, and learner strategies), and outlines the succession of theories about how people acquire a second language. Students survey and share some of the relevant research literature on an SLA issue that interests them. Further, students engage in and reflect upon a practical observation or tutoring session.
SPA 383 The Folktale in Spanish Literature
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines content, structure, and function of traditional types of the folktale; considers ramifications of other literary genres between the Middle Ages and the eighteenth century in Spain.
SPA 405 The Quijote
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces students to questions of life, literature, and art in the time of Cervantes and to the meaning these problems can have for us today. Stresses the importance of genre as a means of interpretation. Gives attention to how modern feminist studies impact the experience of reading and understanding a literary text.
SPA 406 Early Twentieth-Century Spanish Literature
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines historic and aesthetic backgrounds and selected readings of the works of Unamuno, Valle-Inclán, Azorín, Baroja, A. Machado, and others. Treats all literary genres (poetry, drama, novel). Gives special emphasis to the theme of Spain, its history, and its myths as they were recreated by these writers.
SPA 407 Contemporary Literature of Spain
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies main trends and analyzes some of the most significant works written in Spain after 1936. Includes all genres (poetry, novel, and drama).
SPA 408 History of Spanish Cinema
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SPA 151; SPA 152 or the equivalent; SPA 207, SPA 208, or SPA 210 or permission of the instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces Spanish film history, including renowned directors, the current scene, and the principles of film theory. Accompanying readings deal with cinema as an integral part of Spanish cultural heritage. Class discussions are conducted in Spanish.
SPA 409 Age of Lorca
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Centered on García Lorca's poetry and theatre, the course deals with one of the most important poetic groups in Hispanic letters and in twentieth-century European literature: the so-called Generation of 1927 (Lorca, Salinas, Guillén, Diego, Alexandre, Alberti, and Cernuda). Studies several important avant-garde movements, such as surrealism, as well as currents in the contemporary period.
SPA 411 Spanish American Novel
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SPA 210 or SPA 310
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Even though many critics agree that the Spanish American novel dates back to 1816, this course focuses on novels published between 1955 and 1990. Examines representative texts of what has been termed the New Novel. Explores some of the main themes in the works (dictatorship, revolution, love, death, and writing) and looks closely at narrative technique. Writers include Allende, Cortázar, Ferré, Fuentes, García Márquez, Puig, and Rulfo.
SPA 413 Grammar: Writing and Translation
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Develops advanced grammatical and writing skills through literary and nonliterary translations from English to Spanish and vice versa.
SPA 415 Spanish American Poetry
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Reviews the poetic production of Spanish America. Emphasis on period varies. Readings may be selected from baroque and romantic poetry, modernism, the avant-garde, and contemporary poetry.
SPA 416 Spanish American Theatre
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: SPA 210 or SPA 310
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Students read and analyze ten plays while examining the following literary movements: realism, vanguardism, the Theatre of the Absurd, metatheatre, and postmodernism. Students use their Spanish speaking skills, as class participation is strongly encouraged.
SPA 421 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Introduces the fundamentals of Spanish phonology, morphology, syntax, and historical and dialectal variation.
SPA 422 History of the Spanish Language
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Studies the evolution of Spanish from its origin as a local variety of the Latin spoken in the Iberian Peninsula to its contemporary manifestation as a web of dialects spoken in Spain and the Americas.
SPA 423 Cervantes: Novel and Drama
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Focuses on Cervantes' dramatic and shorter prose works, including the Novelas Ejemplares, the Comedias, and the Entremeses.
SPA 444 Special Topics Abroad
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines Spanish civilization, including history, geography, literature, art, and culture. For participants in the department's summer program at the University of Salamanca.
SPA 449 Special Topics I
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: junior/senior standing or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
An independent study course with variable content. Open only to students who have taken at least two courses at the 300/400 level.
SPA 450 Special Topics II
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: junior/senior standing or permission of instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
An independent study course with variable content. Open only to students who have taken at least two courses at the 300/400 level.
SPA 451 Catalán
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines modern Catalán syntax; utilizes readings in contemporary fiction and poetry. For those familiar with the grammar of another Romance language. Requires oral participation.
SPA 452 Special Topics III
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
An independent study course with variable content. Open only to students who have taken at least two courses at the 300/400 level.
SPA 455 Spanish Phonology
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Explores the sound system of contemporary Spanish; provides theoretical and descriptive treatments.
SPA 456 Spanish Syntax
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: LEC
Examines Spanish sentence structure in its relation to semantic structure.
SPA 488 Undergraduate Literature Seminar Abroad
Credits: 3Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: SEM
Examines major figures, works, and/or movements in Spanish literature; for participants in the department's summer program at the University of Salamanca.
SPA 496 Internship/Practicum
Credits: 1 - 6Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Hands-on experience in language and cultural studies at institutions and community organizations in the Western New York area.
SPA 498 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity
Credits: 1 - 6Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Students collaborate with faculty research mentors on an ongoing faculty research project or conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty member.
SPA 499 Independent Study
Credits: 1 - 12Semester(s): N/A
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Type: TUT
The content of this course is variable and therefore it is repeatable for credit. The University Grade Repeat Policy does not apply.
Open only to students who have taken at least two courses at the 300/400 level and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their Spanish major or minor. Students must design a course of study they want to undertake in one semester. They choose a professor whose area of expertise most closely approximates their topic and must consult with the professor prior to registering for the course. The topic must not duplicate the content of a regular course.
Last updated: Wednesday, 23-Apr-2008 15:43:10 EDT