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University of San Diego
Languages and Literatures
Founders Hall 138
5998 Alcalá Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4070
languages@sandiego.edu
Department Chair
Richard Stroik, Ph.D.
rstroik@sandiego.edu
Media Contact
Liz Harman
harman@sandiego.edu
(619) 260-4682
Find us on
Spanish Courses
Lower Division Courses (SPAN)
101 First Semester Spanish / 3 UNITS
The first course in the three-semester core language sequence is an introduction to the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Throughout the sequence, emphasis is placed on the development of communicative proficiency — with a focus on oral practice — and on heightening students’ awareness of cultural contexts. This course is open only to those who have never studied Spanish, or who have not studied it in a considerable amount of time, as determined by the director of placement (see Web site). (every semester)
102 Second Semester Spanish / 3 UNITS
The second course of the core language sequence introduces new structures and continues the development of cultural awareness, as well as communicative proficiency, in the four basic skills described above. Prerequisite: SPAN 101 or equivalent, or placement exam. (every semester)
201 Third Semester Spanish / 3 UNITS
The final course of the core language sequence completes the introduction of the basic structures of the language, with continuing emphasis on communicative proficiency. At this level students are encouraged to participate in community service-learning and/or cultural activities within the Spanish speaking community. Prerequisite: SPAN 102 or equivalent, or placement exam. (every semester)
202 Fourth Semester Spanish / 3 UNITS
A review of the structures of the language, as well as practice in composition and conversation, in preparation for upper-division work. Prerequisite: SPAN 201 or equivalent, or placement exam. (every semester)
Upper Division Courses (SPAN)
Both SPAN 301 and 303 are prerequisites for Spanish courses numbered 320 and higher.
Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are recommended for the Single Subject Teaching Credential.
300 Conversation / 3 UNITS
A course designed for students who wish to enhance their command of spoken Spanish, including building vocabulary and expanding the use of more advanced grammatical structures. This course does not accept students who already have oral proficiency in the language. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. (every semester)
301 Grammar and Composition / 3 UNITS*
An in-depth study of the grammatical structures of Spanish with emphasis on the fundamentals of various modes of written expression. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. (every semester)
302 Cultural History of Spain / 3 UNITS*
An introduction to the civilizations and cultures of Spain from pre-Roman times to the present. The course is designed to introduce the cultural history of Spain through a wide variety of readings and materials. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. (every semester)
303 Introduction to Hispanic Literature / 3 UNITS*
An introduction to the literatures of Latin America and Spain through the reading of different genres: narrative, poetry, theater, and essay. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. (every semester)
304 Cultural History of Latin America / 3 UNITS*
An introduction to Latin American civilizations and cultures from Pre-Columbian times to the present. The course is designed to introduce the cultural history of Latin America through a wide variety of readings and materials. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent. (every semester)
305 Spanish for Business and International Trade / 3 UNITS
The course is designed to enable the student to become acquainted both with the culture of the business world in Spanish-speaking countries and with the language of business as used in these countries. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent.
306 Spanish Phonetics / 3 UNITS*
A study of the production and description of the sounds of Spanish and their similarities and differences with the English sound system. Attention is given to various aspects of teaching Spanish pronunciation. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 or equivalent.
307 Spanish Applied Linguistics / 3 UNITS*
An introduction to linguistics and its applications. Students participate in the practical aspects of classroom techniques for the teaching and learning of Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 301 or equivalent.
320 Survey of Spanish Literature / 3 UNITS*
A survey of Spanish literature from its origins in the Middle Ages to the present, including representative works and authors from major periods. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 303, or equivalents.
360 Survey of Latin American Literature / 3 UNITS*
A survey of representative works and authors of Latin American literature from pre-Columbian times to the present. Includes readings in prose, poetry, and drama. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 303, or equivalents.
422 Studies in Medieval Spanish Literature / 3 UNITS
Readings from the prose and poetry of the Middle Ages in Spain, from the 10th century to the 15th century. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 302, and 303, or equivalents.
423 Studies in Spanish Literature of the Golden Age / 3 UNITS
A study of the masterpieces and authors of Spain’s Golden Age (1500-1700). Readings may include poetry, theater, and the novel. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 302, and 303, or equivalents.
424 Don Quijote de la Mancha / 3 UNITS
Considered Spain’s greatest contribution to world literature, Cervantes’ Don Quijote is read and analyzed. Includes reading and discussion of appropriate critical commentary. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 302, and 303, or equivalents.
426 Spanish Literature of the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries / 3 UNITS
Selected representative works of Spain’s foremost dramatists, poets, and prose writers from the Enlightenment to the Generation of 1898. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 302, and 303, or equivalents.
427 Twentieth-Century Spanish Literature / 3 UNITS
Intensive readings and discussion of selected works by major writers in Spain during the periods spanning the Generation of 1927, the Civil War, dictatorship, and democracy. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 302, and 303, or equivalents.
430 Studies in Hispanic Film / 3 UNITS
A study of major Latin American and/or Spanish films in relation to their cultural, historical, and social contexts. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 303, or equivalents.
448 Latin American Short Story / 3 UNITS
Principal Latin American short story writers from the beginning of the genre in the 19th century to the present. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 303 and 304, or equivalents.
449 Latin American Novel / 3 UNITS
A study of the novel in Latin America from the 19th century to the “Boom” and beyond. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 303 and 304, or equivalents.
451 Latin American Poetry / 3 UNITS
A study of the development of Latin American poetry from pre-Columbian times to the present. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 303 and 304, or equivalents.
453 Mexican Literature and Culture / 3 UNITS*
A study of major works of prose, poetry, and drama in Mexico in relation to other significant aspects of Mexican culture. Prerequisites: SPAN 301, 303 and 304, or equivalents.
493 Field Experience in Spanish / 1-3 UNITS
Placement in a community agency where developed language skills will be used. A maximum of 2 units may be applied to the major, but none to the minor. Prerequisite: Community placement requires approval by the department chair.
494 Topics in Hispanic Literature / 3 UNITS
Study of special topics in Spanish and/or Latin American literature. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 303, or equivalents; and 302 or 304 to be determined according to course topic.
499 Independent Study / 1-3 UNITS
A program arranged between student and instructor to provide intensive study in a particular area of interest. This course is not intended to substitute for regular course offerings. A maximum of three units may be applied to the major, but none to the minor. Prerequisites: SPAN 301 and 303, or equivalents, and approval of the department chair.
