Course Description:
Advanced Spanish Language and Culture focuses on real communication within meaningful contexts to develop and consolidate skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. This course is designed for students who have experience with the language and knowledge of nouns and pronouns, present, past and future tenses, and the subjunctive mood. Students will interact in the target language as they learn advanced grammatical concepts and broaden their vocabulary to enable more in-depth discussions about customs, traditions, stereotypes, personal relationships, technology, and the environment. Students will focus on meaningful communication by pairing with native Spanish-speaking peers at a partner institution in Mexico, and by working collaboratively to analyze and discuss short literary texts and films, and creating oral presentations and digital projects.
Because of the intensive nature of the course and the focus on developing all four skills in Spanish (reading, writing, listening, speaking, as well as the cultural component), students should be prepared to devote a significant amount of time to the course in independent study but also to the live sessions: Students will be required to practice speaking and listening skills weekly in real time over the Internet with the instructor and/or teaching assistants. Students should be available for 45 minutes for oral practices scheduled between 7:30-9:00 PM EST at least twice a week. Special accommodations will be made for Army students.
