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INTRODUCTORY SPANISH: LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (CUL-221294)

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Course Description:


This course introduces students to the Spanish language so that they can develop proficiency on a basic level. Language learning in this course will focus on understanding and learning to speak simple phrases, learning limited vocabulary and very basic grammatical structures. The course does not overlap with Spanish 1. All language skills will be practiced: listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course also introduces students to the Spanish-speaking cultures of Spain, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. Students will learn similarities and differences in values, attitudes and actions as they investigate different cultures through a wide variety of resources (e.g., online resources, texts, videos). Students will also investigate specific topics related to cultural experiences (e.g., ecotourism in Costa Rica, indigenous cultures in Guatemala). Students who do have advanced knowledge of Spanish cannot take this course.

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.

For Students in the 15 Week Course: Students should be available for 45 minutes for oral practices scheduled between 7:30-9:00 PM EST at least once a week.

For Students in the 8 Week Course: 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 in both courses.

Note: This course incorporates web conferencing using Blackboard Collaborate. Students taking this course must have access to a computer that meets the minimum technological requirements which are described in the information for setting up Blackboard Collaborate. Before enrolling, students should know how to successfully use or have tested the web conferencing service on their computer. Students are encouraged to participate in ESC’s Blackboard Collaborate Student Training.

This course fully meets the General Education requirement in Foreign Language.



This online course is offered through Online Learning. You can take this as an individual course or as part of an online degree program, with term starts in March, May, September, November and January. View current term offerings and all online courses. Click here to register for online courses.

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Liberal Study
Lower Level
Credits: 4
Meets General Education Requirement In: Foreign Language-Full

Term(s) Offered (Subject to Change) : Spring 1. Spring 2. Summer. Fall 1. Fall 2.

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