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Spanish

(SPAN)

Professor: Manuel Delgado

Associate Professors: Elisabeth S. Guerrero, Ana Mercedes-Patiño, Alice J. Poust (Chair)

Assistant Professors: Isabel Cuñado, Collin McKinney,  Natalia Navarro-Albalakjo (visiting)

The department of Spanish at Bucknell University is committed to providing excellent instruction and learning opportunities that challenge majors and minors, and other interested students to develop their language proficiency in Spanish to the maximum, as well as to know and understand the literature and culture of the Spanish-speaking peoples of the world. We encourage our students to think critically, to question their cultural assumptions about the Hispanic world, and to seek to immerse themselves, as much as possible, in a Spanish-speaking community.

The academic program in Spanish offers coursework in the areas of language, literature, and civilization of the Hispanic world, including Spain, Spanish-America, and the United States. The curriculum takes into account a wide variety of student needs and interests, including those of heritage students, students who plan to pursue graduate study and a career in Spanish/Hispanic studies, and those who hope to apply their language skills and cultural understanding to their chosen profession. The curriculum in Spanish encompasses three levels: first, courses focusing primarily on language acquisition, with a secondary focus on cultural competency (101 through 208). At the next level, courses introduce students with early advanced language proficiency to the breadth and diversity of the literature and cultures/civilizations of the Spanish-speaking world (220, 222, 270, 280, 285).

At the highest level, our courses provide an in-depth study of an author, period, genre, or issue in Hispanic literature or culture (295, 300 and 400-level courses).

The major in Spanish is designed to cultivate our students’ understanding, respect, and appreciation of the rich literary and cultural traditions of Spanish-speaking peoples; to provide a sound foundation for graduate study related to the Hispanic worlds; and to develop our students’ ability to analyze critically literary and cultural works in Spanish.

Through their coursework in the major, students are introduced to the discipline of Hispanic letters, and also explore connections between Spanish and other disciplines in the humanities or in the social sciences. The on-campus curriculum, combined with a semester or year of study abroad on Bucknell en España in Spain or on a program approved by the department for Spanish-America, will enable students to reach an advanced level of proficiency in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish. The language proficiency attained by our students, along with the cultural understanding they gain through their studies at Bucknell and abroad, will allow them to interact effectively with Spanish-speaking peoples throughout the world. By relating to Hispanic cultures, our students increase their own self-awareness and their sense of connectedness to a diverse world.

Students may set out to accomplish the goals outlined for the major by taking up to three language courses beyond the Intermediate-I level: SPAN 105 Intermediate Spanish II, SPAN 207 Grammar, Conversation, Composition in Spanish, and SPAN 208 Advanced Conversation and Composition in Spanish. SPAN 208 is a prerequisite for courses numbered 220 and beyond. After taking the appropriate language courses, students gain an understanding of Hispanic literary and cultural traditions by enrolling in courses that provide an overview of literature and culture/civilization: SPAN 220 Introduction to Spanish Literature, SPAN 222 Introduction to Spanish-American Literature, and SPAN 285 Latino-Latina Literature; SPAN 270 Spanish Civilization and SPAN 280 Spanish-American Civilization, or SPAN 295 Topics in Spanish a course that focuses on a particular topic, author, or genre in literature or culture. In order to achieve a high level of language proficiency and cultural understanding, it is strongly recommended that students majoring in Spanish spend at least one semester of their junior year on Bucknell en España in Spain, or one of the approved program in Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, or Mexico. After taking courses that provide them with a sense of Hispanic literary and cultural traditions, either at Bucknell or on an approved study abroad program, students complete the major with two or more advanced courses or seminars, offering an in-depth study of particular aspects of Hispanic literature and culture. These courses, numbered in the 300s or 400s, are often related to the professor’s area of expertise and normally require that students participate actively in class discussion, make formal presentations in class, and that they write a research paper in Spanish. During the senior year, Spanish majors also will present a portfolio documenting their progress toward the goals articulated by the Spanish department as part of the department’s assessment procedures.

A major in Spanish requires at least eight credits above SPAN 103 Intermediate Spanish I. Four of these credits, or courses, must be taken at Bucknell. Only one course from Spanish department offerings taught in English may be counted toward the major.

The requirements for the major include the following:

SPAN 208 (unless the placement test demonstrates proficiency beyond this level).

At least three courses at the 200-level beyond SPAN 208, including:

One course in literature (SPAN 220, 222, or 285)*
One course in culture/civilization (SPAN 270 or 280)*
One course in literature or civilization to be selected from Spanish department offerings numbered 200 to and including 295*

Students must take two courses at the 200-level (beyond 208) before enrolling in a 300-level course.

At least two courses at the 300 or 400 level, taken at Bucknell.

* The Spanish department strongly recommends that students take at least one of these courses at Bucknell before studying abroad. Students who plan study abroad during a semester or year in a Spanish-speaking country may meet these requirements by taking comparable courses on a study program approved by the Spanish department. Students must consult in advance with their adviser in Spanish or, if they do not yet have an adviser, with the Spanish department chair, to ensure that they take courses abroad that meet the requirements listed above for the 200-level.

One of the following courses given in English may be counted once toward the major: SPAN 250 Hispanic Literature in Translation; SPAN 331 Spanish Comedia and Shakespeare; SPAN 362 Topics in Hispanic Literature if cross-listed with a course given in English. Otherwise, the medium of instruction must be Spanish in all courses credited toward the major.

A student seeking certification to teach Spanish in elementary or secondary school must complete the major in Spanish, as well as the requirements formulated by Bucknell’s education department, in accordance with the guidelines of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Students who wish to be certified to teach Spanish should consult with the Spanish department chair early in their university career.

Students who are considering a Spanish major should plan to take at least one course in Spanish each semester at Bucknell, if possible. This will ensure that their gains in language proficiency, in particular, will be sustained during one’s four-year program.

Study abroad
Residence abroad in a Spanish-speaking country is the best way to gain the language proficiency and the knowledge of Hispanic literature and cultures expected for the major. Students are strongly urged to study abroad on a program approved by the Spanish department for its majors and minors. Only courses taken on these programs may be counted toward the major and minor. At least one of the courses taken abroad for credit toward the Spanish major must deal with literature. Approved programs may change from year to year.

Study in Spain: The University’s Bucknell en España provides a study abroad experience designed to meet the educational needs of Spanish majors, minors, and other Bucknell students who have taken SPAN 105, or have reached the equivalent level, and who wish to study in Spain. The program is centered at the Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain. Students who wish to study in Spain but who are not sufficiently advanced for Bucknell en España may go on the CIEE program at the Universidad de Alicante.

Study in Spanish-America: For majors and minors, the Spanish department has approved study abroad programs in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Students should consult with their advisers in Spanish, the Spanish department chair, or the Office of International Education regarding these programs.

Honors: Majors with a strong academic record and interest in research are encouraged to speak with a faculty member in Spanish about an honors project in their sophomore or junior year.

The minor in Spanish consists of five courses beyond SPAN 103 Intermediate Spanish I. At least two of the courses for the minor must deal with literature or civilization and at least three of the courses counted for the minor must be taken at Bucknell. Students who go on the Bucknell en España program and plan to minor in Spanish need to take two courses on campus.

101 and 102. Elementary Spanish I and II (I and II; 5, 0)
Beginning language skills (Levels 1 and 2). Practice in listening, speaking, reading, and writing; elementary grammar; introduction to Hispanic culture. SPAN 101 is prerequisite to SPAN 102.

101A. Accelerated Elementary Spanish (II; 5, 0)
Review of basic language skills for students who have studied one or two years of Spanish in secondary school. Prerequisite: one to two years of high school Spanish.

103. Intermediate Spanish I (II; 4, 0)
Continuation of all four language skills (Level 3); review of grammar; some readings in literature and culture. Prerequisites: three years of high school Spanish or SPAN 102 or equivalent is prerequisite to 103.

105. Intermediate Spanish II (I and II; 3-4, 0)
Continuation of intermediate language skills (Level 4). Prerequisite: four years of collegepreparatory Spanish or equivalent. Open to students who have had SPAN 103. Not open to students who have had SPAN 104.

207. Grammar, Composition, and Conversation (I or II; 3, 0)
Intensive practice in writing and speaking Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 105 or equivalent.

208. Advanced Conversation and Composition (I or II; 3, 0)
Advanced study and practice in the Spanish language to enhance oral and written proficiency. The reading of texts from a variety of sources, which can include news articles, essays, and literary texts, will serve as a point of departure for class discussion and written assignments.

220. Spanish Literature (I, II; 3, 0)
An introduction to landmark works of Spanish literature across major artistic and cultural periods, such as the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and the Modern. The course will include an overview of fundamental cultural attitudes and beliefs that have informed Spanish society throughout history. In Spanish.

222. Spanish American Literature (I, II; 3, 0)
An introduction to the broad range of authors, topics and genres that constitute the literary tradition of Spanish-America. The course is designed to provide students with a foundation for more specialized study in Spanish American literature. In Spanish.

245. Vida y Cultura en España (I or II; 3, 0)
Guides students in their experience of life and culture in Spain and fosters their reflection on the cross-cultural learning experience. Prerequisite: SPAN 105 or equivalent. Only given in the Bucknell en España program.

270. Spanish Civilization (I, II; 3, 0)
An introduction to the civilization and culture of Spain through the study of art, history, literature, and film. In Spanish.

280. Spanish American Civilization (I or II; 3, 0)
An introduction to the civilization and cultures of Spanish-America through the study of art, history, literature, and film. In Spanish.

285. Latino/Latina Literature in the U. S. (I or II; 3, 0)
This course will discuss issues of cultural identity within the literary production of Hispanics living in the U. S. (some film included). In Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 208.

290. Independent Study (I or II: R)
Subject to be selected by student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

295. Topics in Spanish (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Given in Spanish, this course will deal with different aspects of the language, literature, or civilization of the Spanish-speaking peoples.

310. Advanced Topics in Spanish Language (I or II; R; 3, 0)
This course will provide study of the Spanish language for very advanced students. It will emphasize oral and written communication functions. In Spanish.

322. Modern Spanish Literature (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Spanish literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. This course will be devoted to a different major author, movement, or genre each time it is given. In Spanish.

323. Topics in Spanish American Short Story (I; 3, 0)
Focuses on the art and the theory of the short story in Spanish America. This course will be devoted to different authors or a different set of readings each time it is given. In Spanish.

324. Twentieth-century Spanish American Literature (I or II; R; 3, 0)
This course will be devoted to a different major author, movement, or genre each time it is given. In Spanish.

325. Post-war Spanish Novel and Film (I or II; 3, 0)
This course examines the memory of the Spanish Civil War in the narrative and films from the 1940s to the present. Selected works include novels and short stories by Rodoreda, Laforet, Cercas, Marias, and Rivas; and films by Erice, Loach, Saura, and Cuerda. Prerequisite: two courses at 200-level beyond SPAN 208.

326. Spanish Literature and Society of the 19th Century (I or II; R; 3, 0)
Devoted to the major authors of the 19th century –Bécquer, Galdós, Clarin, Pardo Bazán – this course will cover a different topic and set of readings each time it is given. Possible topics include: science and literature, masculinity, text and image. Prerequisites: two 200-level course numbered 208 or higher.

334. García Lorca, Salvador Dalí, and Luis Buñuel (I or II; 3, 0)
This course presents the works of three of the best known artists of 20th-century Spain – Lorca, Dalí, and Buñuel – who will be studied in the context of cultural and intellectual issues treated in the intersecting realms of literature, film, and painting. In Spanish.

335. Spanish Drama Workshop (I or II; 3, 0)
This course features the study of the so-called "theater of liberation," the theater that seeks social, political, and religious freedom, as well as the "theater of democracy," written after 1975. Students will present scenes from the plays studied in class. In Spanish.

338. Goya and the Drama of His Times ( I or II; 3, 0)
This course will draw on the intersecting disciplines of art, drama, history, and film to provide a comprehensive picture of the social and political context of the Spain of Francisco de Goya (18th and 19th centuries). Reference also will be made to the 20th-century Civil War and Franco periods. In Spanish. Crosslisted as SPAN 424.

346. Utopia/Dystopia in Urban Latin America (I or II; 3, 0)
This interdisciplinary course explores cities of Latin America through the lens of utopia and dystopia. Sources of inquiry include film, architecture, art, fiction, poetry, and readings in history, politics, economics, and environmental studies. Crosslisted as SPAN 446.

347. Historical Consciousness in Argentine Literature (I or II; 3, 0)
Examines the portrayal of Argentine history in contemporary literature of Argentine. Prerequisite: SPAN 208.

348. Gender in Twentieth-century Spanish-American Literature (I or II; 3, 0)
Examines the construction of gender in selected works by Spanish-American and Latino-Latina writers of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Prerequisites: two courses at 200-level numbered 208 or higher.

361 and 362. Topics in Hispanic Literature (I or II; R; 3, 0)
These courses will deal with topics in Spanish or Spanish-American literature on an advanced level. In Spanish. SPAN 362 may be counted once toward the major when it is crosslisted with courses in English; otherwise, it may be repeated.

364. Topics in Spanish Civilization (I or II; R; 3, 0)
This course will deal with different topics in the civilization of Spain on an advanced level. In Spanish.

366. Mexican Revolution: Literature and Art (I or II; 3, 0)
This course charts the creation of a national identity, exploring literature and visual arts that depict the massive social changes brought about by the Mexican Revolution. In Spanish. Prerequisite: junior or senior status. Crosslisted as SPAN 466.

390. Independent Study (I or II; R)
Subject to be selected by student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

399. Honors Course in Spanish (I or II; R)
For selected seniors, who will be supervised in individual work. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

410. Advanced Topics in Spanish Language (I or II; 3, 0)
Varied readings and discussions of the Spanish language which will increase language proficiency and a cultural understanding of the Hispanic world. Prerequisite: SPAN 208.

423. García Lorca, Salvador Dalí, and Luis Buñuel (I; 3, 0)
Students will study the theater of Federico García Lorca, the paintings of Salvador Dalí and the film production of Luis Buñuel. Crosslisted as SPAN 334.

424. Goya and the Drama of His Times ( I or II; 3, 0)
This course will draw on the intersecting disciplines of art, drama, history, and film to provide a comprehensive picture of the social and political context of the Spain of Francisco de Goya (18th and 19th centuries). Reference also will be made to the 20th-century Civil War and Franco periods. In Spanish. Crosslisted as SPAN 338.

446. Utopia/Dystopia in Urban Latin America (I or II; 3, 0)
This interdisciplinary course explores cities of Latin America through the lens of utopia and dystopia. Sources of inquiry include film, architecture, art, fiction, poetry, and readings in history, politics, economics, and environmental studies. Crosslisted as SPAN 346.

461 and 462. Topics in Hispanic Literature (I or II; R; 3, 0)
These courses will deal with different topics in Spanish or Spanish American literature on a Capstone level. In Spanish.

464. Topics in Spanish Civilization (I or II; R; 3, 0)
This course will deal with different topics in the civilization of Spain on a Capstone level. In Spanish.

465. Topics in Spanish American Civilization (I or II; R; 3, 0)
This course will deal with different topics in the civilization of Spanish America on a Capstone level. In Spanish.

466. Mexican Revolution: Literature and Art (I or II; 3, 0)
This course charts the creation of a national identity, exploring literature and visual arts that depict the massive social changes brought about by the Mexican Revolution. In Spanish. Prerequisite: junior or senior status. Crosslisted as SPAN 366.

Courses offered occasionally: 240. Vida y Cultura en Granada, 250 Hispanic Literature in Translation, 264 Hispanic Topics, 331 Spanish Comedia and Shakespeare, 351 Women’s Writing in the Hispanic World, 353 Intercultural Communication: The Anglo-Hispanic Connection, 360 Literature and Film of the Hispanic World, 365 Topics in Spanish-American Civilization, 375 Magical Realism and the Fantastic