Spanish: Gender & Race in Modern Lat Am

Writing practice, sentence structure, correct expression, and guided discussions in Spanish of cultural topics. A good command of basic grammar expected. May repeat for credit with different content. Topics vary by offering; periodic offering at intervals that may exceed four years. Prerequisite: SPAN 2200 or equivalent; or Instructor permission.

Prereq: SPAN 2200 or equivalent PACE students with permission and override

Spanish 3110 is an intensive writing course. This advanced Spanish composition and conversation course uses the theme of globalization and identity as a lens to explore gender and race issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. Three countries, Mexico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, will be utilized as case studies to explore: 1) gender and labor in the maquiladora industry on the U.S./Mexico border; 2) problematic gender relations in drug trafficking in Colombia; and 3) the paradox of (in)visibility: Haitian migration to the Dominican Republic. Through an analysis of these issues, students will learn about historical and contemporary power relations in these regions of the world, will make connections between them, and draw correlations to similar issues affecting Latinos, African Americans, and women in the United States. Important: Within three months prior to enrolling in your first language class at UVM, you need to take the online placement test (even if you haven't studied the language) and enroll in the course level recommended. Note that if you enroll in a class without taking the test, or enroll in a class below your recommended level, the system will disenroll you from the course (you will receive an email notification if this occurs). Find the placement test at go.uvm.edu/flp

The University of Vermont respects the Department of Education’s definition of a credit hour. For every hour spent in class, you are expected to spend approximately 2 hours outside of class. Thus, in SPAN 3110, a 3-credit course, you should plan to spend about 6 hours a week outside of the classroom preparing assignments and studying.

Homework consists of grammar activities, critical readings to provide students a contextual background for understanding the course theme and specific topics, and extensive writing tasks. Course assignments will include in-class discussions, debates and oral presentations, online discussion forums, compositions, written exams, and a final research paper. This blend of assignments will allow students to practice speaking Spanish about academic topics, develop more sophisticated vocabularies, master advanced grammar structures, and practice different styles of writing (i.e. descriptive, narrative, argumentative, and expository).