Department or Program: Foreign Languages

Course Number: 201 Number of Credits: 04

Course Title: Intermediate Spanish I

Catalog Description: Further development of communication skills. Study of grammar essential to skills. Selected readings in Spanish. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent. Offered yearly.

This is an existing course that has previously been approved by A2C2: Yes

This is a new course proposal: no (If this is a new course proposal, the WSU Curriculum Approval Form must also be completed as in the process prescribed by WSU Regulation 3-4.)

Department Contact Person for this course: Mercedes Juan-Saura, Minne 126

Email: msaura@winona.edu

This course fulfills three credits of the Unity and Diversity requirement in the Multicultural Perspectives area of the University Studies Program.

Course Outline:

Course: Spanish 201 (4 S.H.)

Instructor: Dr. Mercedes Juan Saura, Foreign Language Department.

Minne, 126. (507) 457-2393.

Textbook: Pasajes, Literatura, Cultura y Lengua, Bretz, Dvork, Kirschner et al., McGraw Hill 4^th edition, New York, 1997

Description: Further development of communication skills. Study of grammar essential to skills. Selecting reading in Spanish. Prerequisite: 102 or equivalent of three years of high school Spanish. Offered yearly.

Material to

be covered: Chapter 1 through 6 (Book Literature, book Culture, book Grammar)

Tests: One examination after the study of each chapter is completed. The exam consists of three parts: 1. Grammar, 2. Culture, and 3. Literature.

a. Demonstrate knowledge of diverse patterns and similarities of thought, values, and

beliefs as manifest in different cultures:

The material for this course (three books and videos) are used to teach the diversity and range of Spanish language and culture in Spain, and all other countries in Latin America. The course integrates mini-dramas, authentic cultural and historical footage and personal testimonials by native speakers from all nineteen countries to provide learners with an in-depth view of the Spanish language and the history and the history and the cultures of the societies that speak it.

A comparative approach is used throughout the course. The course consistently discusses the similarities between the nineteen Spanish speaking countries as well as the differences that distinguish each of them from the others.

b. Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interpretation and expression of events, ideas, and experiences:

The Spanish-speaking peoples’ views divers history, culture, and traditions, are presented throughout the course. Their views are then also contrasted.

c. Understand the extent to which cultural differences influence the interactions between individuals and/or groups:

The course deals with ways in which the Spanish speaking peoples (as groups and individuals) interact with one another in everyday situations in public and in the family. It also explores the tacit assumptions they make about the world and society and how they differ from the assumptions made by Americans.

d. Examine different cultures through their various expressions:

Students will study the literary and artistic traditions of Spain, and the others countries in Latin America using the Spanish Language. They will learn the language while covering a wide array of cultural and historical topics from many different perspectives. Topics of discussion in Spanish range from everyday life, family, work, and daily routines to political and social issues affecting Spanish speaking people today.

e. Posses the skills necessary for interaction wit someone from a different culture or cultural group.

Students will learn to communicate in Spanish in meaningful cultural context at an intermediate 1 level of proficiency by the end of the course. Through classroom discussion in Spanish and written assignments and test they will prepare to participate effectively in conversation with Spanish speakers In Spain and the others countries in Latin America. Opportunities will also be available to relate to Spanish speakers in the form of native speakers on the internet, teachers, and advances students. The goal is for them to move as far as possible towards becoming full participants in Spanish culture rather than mere outside observers.