Member of the Division of Humanities

Valérie Benoist, Chair, Yvette Aparicio, Esther Fernández, Dennis Perri*, David Richter, Megan Saltzman, Carmen Valentín

Courses in Spanish examine the diverse cultural achievements of Spain and Latin America and enable students to respond with intelligence and sensitivity to a foreign culture. The department seeks to develop in students from all disciplines the critical ability to identify problems and view them from multiple perspectives: historical, literary, and linguistic. The growing importance of bilingual areas in urban America underscores the advisability of Spanish-language study for careers in health care, bilingual education, community development, and social services.

Students with training in Spanish receive a recommendation as to the appropriate course level (100, 200, 300) for continued language study. Those beginning the language take Spanish 105. The first two years of study in the department follows the sequence 105, 106, 217, and 285. All courses are conducted in Spanish.

The program for majors provides for the acquisition of essential skills for communication in the language, a sound and comprehensive introduction to Hispanic literature, and an exploration of various aspects of Spanish and Latin American culture. Students should balance their Spanish program with a broad selection of interdepartmental courses and study in all three major divisions in order to ensure breadth of learning. The department encourages participation in one of the approved off-campus programs in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, or Spain.


The Major

A minimum of 32 credits. Courses numbered 105, 106, and 204 do not count toward the major. Required are Spanish 343; and either Spanish 385, 386, or 395 (on a Spanish topic); and either Spanish 377, 383, or 395 (on a Spanish American topic). After completing any of the required courses mentioned above, students cannot enroll in Spanish 311, 312, 314, 315, or 316. With permission of the department, Latin American Studies 111 and/or up to 4 credits of coursework with content solely on Latin America or Spain (taken at Grinnell or at a Grinnell-approved off-campus study program) may count toward the major.

At least 20 credits must be taken within the Department of Spanish at Grinnell. Upon declaration of a Spanish major, students will consult with the department concerning their objectives in order to plan an approved program of courses.

To be considered for honors in Spanish, graduating seniors must meet the College’s general requirements for honors.

105 Introduction to the Spanish Language I* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

Treatment of basic language elements with special emphasis on oral communication. Short readings of a historical, cultural, and literary nature. Not regularly offered in the Spring. Prerequisite: none. STAFF.

106 Introduction to the Spanish Language II (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

Completion of the presentation of basic language elements with a special emphasis on oral communication. Short readings of a historical, cultural, and literary nature. Prerequisite: Spanish 105 or permission of instructor. STAFF.

204 Communication in Spanish* (Fall or Spring) 1 credit

Work on improvement of speaking skills. Discussion and conversation based on various cultural materials including current periodicals and satellite television. Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Spanish 285 or any 300-level course except 316, or permission of instructor. Conducted in Spanish. May be repeated once for credit when content changes. S/D/F only. STAFF.

217 Intermediate Spanish (Fall or Spring) 4 credits+

Development of language skills through reading, oral practice, vocabulary building, grammar review, and short compositions. Materials include short literary, nonliterary, and visual texts. Prerequisite: Spanish 106 or placement by department. STAFF.

285 Reading and Discussion of Hispanic Texts (Fall or Spring) 4 credits+

Development of students’ critical and interpretive commentary on literary and cultural texts from Spain and Spanish America. Continued emphasis on language skills. Materials include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and film. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 217 or placement by department. STAFF.

311 Traditions of Independent Spanish America* (Spring) 4 credits+

A study of 19th-century poetry and prose and 20th-century film in their treatment of the challenges faced by the newly independent republics. Focus on the relationship between historical context and changing aesthetics, particularly Romanticism and Modernism. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 285 or permission of the instructor. BENOIST.

312 Modern Spanish Poetry and Drama* (Fall) 4 credits+

Study of dramatic and poetic texts from 18th- to 21st-century Spain, with emphasis on 20th-century drama. A Plus-2 component may be taken on the staging or edition of a short play at the end of the semester. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 285 or permission of the instructor. FERNANDEZ.

314 Contemporary Spanish Narrative* (Fall) 4 credits+

A study of representative Spanish fiction and film since 1940. Close readings and discussion focus on works that respond to, oppose, or subvert the political and ideological pressures exerted by Franco’s regime or, after the dictator’s death, reevaluate the past and dissect the new historical circumstances of a society in change. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 285 or permission of the instructor. RICHTER.

315 Creativity and Dissidence in Modern Spanish America* (Spring) 4 credits+

A study of selected, representative works from the 1920s through the 1960s. Emphasis on texts manifesting social conscience and artistic experimentation; treatment of the culture of protest and imaginative cultural expression. Consideration of poetry, narrative, and visual arts (painting, film). Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 285 or permission of the instructor. APARICIO.

316 Advanced Spanish Language* (Spring) 4 credits+

A Spanish communication course designed to strengthen Spanish oral proficiency and to improve listening and comprehension skills. Emphasis on natural language use of the target language in social encounters, and grammar concepts related to communicate strategies. A variety of authentic materials will be used. Prerequisite: Spanish 285 or permission of the instructor. VALENTÍN.

343 The Art of Language (Fall) 4 credits+

The study of Spanish idiomatic and literary language with a view to developing ability to express oneself with ease, orally and in writing, on a variety of subjects of current interest. Selected texts in Spanish used as a basis for student-written short essays before free range is given to choose and develop the student’s own materials. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 311, or 312, or 314, or 315, or 316, or permission of instructor. VALENTÍN.

377 Modernization and Innovation in Contemporary Spanish America* (Fall) 4 credits+

A study of selected, representative works since 1960, including internationally-respected literature of the “Boom,” subsequent postmodern fictions, and/or recent poetic revolutions. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 311, or 312, or 314, or 315, or permission of instructor. APARICIO.

383 The Spanish American Colonial World* (Fall) 4 credits+

A study of the texts and debates surrounding initial encounters between Spaniards, indigenous and African peoples in the “New World,” and the establishment of colonial culture and society. Spanish, indigenous, mestizo, and African perspectives are considered through the study of myth, narratives, poetry, autobiography, and film. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 311, or 312, or 314, or 315, or permission of instructor. BENOIST.

385 Cervantes and His World* (Spring) 4 credits+

Intensive study of Cervantes’ Don Quijote, with emphasis on the novel’s reflection of Golden Age Spain, its contribution to the genre, and its metafictional dimension. A Plus-2 component may be taken on the Novelas ejemplares or the plays. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 311, or 312, or 314, or 315, or permission of instructor. RICHTER.

386 Studies in Medieval and Golden Age Literature* (Spring) 4 credits+

Examination of texts against the background of the literary and cultural history of medieval and Golden Age Spain. Readings may include the Poema del mio Cid; Lazarillo de Tormes; plays by Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, Calderón de la Barca, and Alarcón; and selected poems. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 311, or 312, or 314, or 315, or permission of instructor. FERNANDEZ.

395 Advanced Special Topics in Literature and Civilization* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits

Intensive study of related authors, a particular group or generation, a movement, a genre, and/or a particular work. Topic is announced each time the course is offered. Conducted in Spanish. Spanish 204 may be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: Spanish 311, or 312, or 315, or permission of instructor. STAFF.