Foreign Languages
- Department Office: BA 221
- Phone Number: 507-537-7155
- Website: https://www.smsu.edu/academics/programs/foreignlanguages/
The Foreign Language Program seeks to develop proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing a second language, and to introduce the student to the literature and civilization of another country in order to broaden his/her perspective and increase his/her understanding and sensitivity of a foreign culture. Graduates may enter careers in international business, education, the tourism and hospitality industries, and government service.
Note: Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits in order to graduate with a Bachelor's degree.
Dunn, Maryjane
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Department of English, Philosophy, Spanish and Humanities
(507) 537-7283
Office: BA 225
Introduces students to the basic vocabulary and structures of Spanish, help build communicative competence and introduces students to the interconnectivity of the Spanish-speaking world to the world at large. Placement: for students with no prior knowledge of Spanish, 1 year or less of high school Spanish or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Continues to introduce students to the basic vocabulary and structures of Spanish, helps build communicative competence and introduces students to the interconnectivity of the Spanish-speaking world to the world at large. Placement: for students with 2 years or less of high school Spanish or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Continue the development of the four basic language skills through the study of the cultures and peoples of North and Central America. Those with sufficient prior preparation may petition to substitute SPAN 311, 312 for any Intermediate Spanish course.
Continue the development of communicative competence in Spanish through the study of the cultures and peoples of South America and Spain.
This course continues the development of Spanish communication skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Selected readings and topics will extend student knowledge and appreciation of culture and social issues in the Spanish-speaking world. This course is a requirement for the Spanish minor; those with sufficient prior preparation may petition the Spanish program to substitute any other 300-level course for SPAN 205.
The 1-credit course, SPAN 211 Latin American and Spanish Cinema, will be taught in Spanish. It will use informative and thought provoking films to focus on the contemporary history, literature, and art culture of the Hispanic world. Supplementary texts and articles will provide background historical events and analysis to enhance the understanding of the circumstances and themes that each of the films address. Students will be able to improve their argumentative and analytical skills, and to develop new, more complex, vocabulary through discussions and writing assignments.
Topics in Hispanic Culture and Literature.
An independent study course designed primarily for Honors Program students. This course allows more in-depth or comprehensive study or research by certain students concurrently enrolled in at least one other Spanish course.
Written and oral practice based on themes drawn from contemporary culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Some review of grammar.
Written and oral practice based on themes drawn from contemporary culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Some review of grammar.
A study of selected works from 20th century Iberian and Latin American authors which will stress major themes and movements.
Work toward proficiency in areas of communication skills required for those who intend to use Spanish as a principal asset in their occupation.
A systematic overview of Iberian culture and civilization. Geography, political, social, and intellectual history will be the basis for reading, writing, and discussion.
Major cultural and historical aspects of Latin America from pre-colonial times to the present will be the basis for reading, writing, and discussion.
For those who have completed basic Spanish. Work toward mastery of reading, writing, listening, and speaking in an immersion setting. Study for credit must have departmental approval prior to departure.
Discussion and analysis of major literary trends and writers from representative authors from Spain.
Discussion and analysis of major literary trends and writers from representative authors from Spain.
Discussion and analysis of major literary trends and writers from representative Latin American authors.
Discussion and analysis of major literary trends and writers from representative Latin American authors.
This advanced Spanish language course presents the fundamentals, concepts, and problems in Spanish linguistics. Special focus is on variation of its use by the cultures and peoples of the Spanish-speaking world.
For advanced students. Credits and hours by arrangement. May be repeated.
Topics in Hispanic Culture and Literature.