Courses - Spring 2026
SPAN103
Elementary Spanish for Intercultural Communication I
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP) score.
Restriction: Must not be a native/fluent speaker of Spanish. Native/fluent speakers of Spanish or students who have previously attended school in Spanish speaking countries should take the WLP and see the Spanish Undergraduate Advisor to identify the correct Spanish course for which to register.
Credit only granted for: SPAN102 or SPAN103.
Develops students' communicative competence at the novice mid/high level of proficiency. Introduces students to global Hispanophone cultures.
SPAN203
Elementary Spanish for Intercultural Communication II
Credits:
4
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN103; or must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP) score.
Restriction: Must not be a native/fluent speaker of Spanish. Native/fluent speakers of Spanish or students who have previously attended school in Spanish speaking countries should take the WLP and see the Spanish Undergraduate Advisor to identify the correct Spanish course for which to register.
Continues to develop students' communicative competence at the novice high/intermediate low level of proficiency. Furthers the introduction to global Hispanophone cultures.
SPAN204
Intermediate Spanish for Intercultural Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN203; or must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP) score.
Restriction: Must not be a native/fluent speaker of Spanish. Native/fluent speakers of Spanish or students who have previously attended school in Spanish speaking countries should take the WLP and see the Spanish Undergraduate Advisor to identify the correct Spanish course for which to register.
Further develops students' communicative competence at the intermediate mid/high level of proficiency. Fosters expanded knowledge of and appreciation for global Hispanophone cultures.
SPAN207
Reading and Writing in Spanish
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in SPAN204; or must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP) score.
Selected readings with emphasis on reading comprehension and the development of reading strategies. Work in composition writing and a review of selected grammatical topics. Complements material of SPAN204.
SPAN235
Issues in Latin American and Caribbean Studies II
Cross-listed with: LACS235, PORT235.
Credit only granted for: LASC235, PORT235, SPAN235, or LACS235.
Formerly: LASC235.
Major issues shaping Latin American and Caribbean societies including the changing constructions of race, ethnicity, gender and class as well as expressions of popular cultures and revolutionary practices. Taught in English.
SPAN301
Advanced Grammar and Composition I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in SPAN207.
Practice of complex grammatical structures through reading and writing of compositions and essays. Specific lexical, syntactic, rhetorical, and stylistic devices will be highlighted.
SPAN303
Approaches to Cultural Materials in the Hispanic World
Prerequisite: SPAN301.
Recommended: May elect to take SPAN311 and/or SPAN316 in same semester as SPAN303.
Development of proficiency in critical thought through the reading, viewing, and analytical discussion of major genres and styles of cultural materials selected from Spanish-speaking world. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN306
Spanish for Heritage Speakers II
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN206.
Practice of complex grammatical structures through reading and writing of compositions and essays. Specific lexical, syntactic, rhetorical and stylistic devices will be highlighted. Designed for Spanish speakers educated in English. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN307
Oral Communication Skills for Heritage Speakers of Spanish
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Native or near native knowledge of and no formal education in Spanish.
Development of techniques for formal public speaking in Spanish. Writing and delivering oral presentations for varied audiences and purposes. Includes strategies for organization, the use of rhetorical patterns, and the development of effective discourse. Designed for Heritage speakers of Spanish with native or near native knowledge of Spanish, but no formal education in Spanish. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN311
Advanced Communication I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN301; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in SPAN303.
Restriction: Must not be a native/fluent speaker of Spanish.
Further development of listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish. Opportunity to develop oral and written fluency, improve pronunciation and increase vocabulary. Individual and/or group oral presentations. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN316
Spanish Translation I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN301; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in SPAN303.
Translation of texts into Spanish and/or English. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN332
Spanish Culture, Civilization and Literature II: Renaissance and Baroque
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
An overview of cultural and literary production of Spain from the late 15th through late 17th centuries, exploring the production of literary texts in their socio-historical, political, religious and cultural contexts and development. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN333
Spanish Culture, Civilization and Literature III: Modern Times
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
An overview of cultural and literary production of Spain from the late 17th century through the present day, exploring the production of literary texts in their socio-historical, political, religious and cultural contexts and development. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN359P
Spanish for the Professions; Spanish in Politics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Designed to strengthen communication and critical thinking skills to understand and analyze political and international issues. Provides approaches to historical and cultural contexts in order to engage in class discussions on issues that affect the Hispanic/Latino world, Hispanics in the US, and the region's relationship with the US. Among others, these will include migration, the growing fascination with fascism, strengthening democratic institutions, and voting rights. Assignments will include practical engagement with, for instance, Spanish-speaking stakeholders. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN359T
Spanish for the Professions; Creative Writing and Technology in Spanish Social Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Designed for students from all majors and career paths, whether you're an artist, business professional, marketer, or future lawyer, this innovative course invites students to explore the intersection of creative writing and visual storytelling. By integrating technology and platforms like Canva or Adobe, students will learn to craft compelling narratives that blend words and images, essential skills for any field where storytelling is key. Whether presenting a personal story, promoting a product, or conveying an idea, the ability to tell a story effectively is invaluable. Taught in Spanish and English.
SPAN359U
Spanish for the Professions; Introduction to US Latinx Studies
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with USLT498F. Credit only granted for SPAN359U or USLTT498F.
Introduces students to the histories, struggles, and major issues pertaining to Latina/o/x/e communities in the United States through the lenses of language, expression, and representation. Intends to give students context to work in and with Latine communities. Class readings and discussions will be in Spanish and English. Writing will be in Spanish for Spanish minors and majors and in English for students in other majors. All are welcome!
Introduces students to the histories, struggles, and major issues pertaining to Latina/o/x/e communities in the United States through the lenses of language, expression, and representation. Intends to give students context to work in and with Latine communities. Class readings and discussions will be in Spanish and English. Writing will be in Spanish for Spanish minors and majors and in English for students in other majors. All are welcome!
SPAN362
Latin American Literatures and Cultures II: From Independence to Nation Formation
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
An overview of cultural and literary production of Latin America from the 18th Century to approximately 1900, exploring the production of literary texts in their socio-historical, political, and cultural contexts and development. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN363
Latin American Literatures and Cultures III: From Modernism to Neo-Liberalism
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
An overview of cultural and literary production of Latin America from the late 19th through the early 21st centuries, exploring the production of literary texts in their socio-historical, political, and cultural contexts and development. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN370
Spanish for Business I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
Business Spanish terminology, vocabulary and practices. Emphasis on everyday spoken and written Spanish. Readings and discussions of Spanish commercial topics. May include exposure to Spanish commercial topics. May include exposure to Spanish business environments. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN371
Spanish for the Health Professions
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
Exploration of cultural and linguistic skills for the health professions including vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and strategies. No experience in the professional area necessary. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN373
Spanish in the Media
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
Exploration of Spanish in current events in the Hispanic world in local and international press and varied media, and production of journalistic articles.
SPAN386
Experiential Learning
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
SPAN388W
Writing Center Internship
Prerequisite: Permission of the Writing Center (1205 Tawes Hall). Repeatable to 12 credits.
Cross-listed with: ENGL388W.
Credit only granted for: ENGL388W or SPAN388W.
Examines face-to-face and online writing center theory and practice through readings, exercises, and supervised tutoring. Students investigate the writing process and help other writers to negotiate it.
Prerequisite: permission of department. Repeatable to 12 credits. To apply, go to http://www.english.umd.edu/academics/writingcenter/ internship. Cross-listed with ENGL388W. Credit only greanted for ENGL388W or SPAN388W.
Students taking ENGL388W for the first time should register for section 0101 for 4 credits. When taking the course a gain in subsequent semesters, students should register for 2001.
Students taking ENGL388W for the first time should register for section 0101 for 4 credits. When taking the course a gain in subsequent semesters, students should register for 2001.
SPAN399
Independent Study in Spanish
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: permission of department.
SPAN408B
Special Topics in Iberian and Latin American Studies; Afro-Latin Americans in Film and Television
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Explores the representation and self-representation of Latin Americans of African descent in film and television. Will discuss, among other things, slavery, race, politics of representation, agency, and Afro-Latin American culture, history, and religion.
SPAN426
Hispanic Linguistics III: Language in Use
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and SPAN311 or SPAN316 or SPAN325.
Also offered as: SPAN626.
Credit only granted for: SPAN426 or SPAN626.
Designed for students without previous experience in Linguistics. Focus on language variation and use, linguistic change, and bilingualism. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN436
Representations of Childhood and Youth in Latin American Literature and Film
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN331, SPAN332, SPAN333, SPAN361, SPAN362, or SPAN363; or permission of instructor.
Focuses on the representation of childhood and youth in films and works of fiction from various regions of the Spanish-speaking Americas, including Mexico, the Caribbean, the US, and Peru. We are going to read various short stories and novels, and watch two films, all of which develop in different ways the topics of childhood and youth. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN451
Paradise Lost: Cuban Cinematic Culture
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: One course from SPAN331, SPAN332, SPAN333, SPAN361, SPAN362, or SPAN363; or permission of instructor.
Credit only granted for: SPAN451 or SPAN408P.
Formerly: SPAN408P.
Explores the cinematic journey of the Cuban revolution from socialist utopia to bitter disillusionment. Taking as a point of departure the national postulates of an "Imperfect Cinema" and the different theorizations of "New Latin American cinema," the course will concentrate on the emergence and development of Cuban cinematic culture that has taken place during the revolution. Our objective is to explore how art and politics collide to reveal contested visions of a social process. Visual materials will include films and documentaries. Readings will include selections from historiographic and literary works, as well as contemporary critical studies. Taught in Spanish
Cross-listed with CINE429W. Credit granted only for SPAN451 or CINE429W.
SPAN478C
Special Topics in United States Latino Cultures; Spanish as a Heritage Language: Theory and Pedagogy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Cross-listed with SPAN678C. Credit only granted for SPAN478C or SPAN678C.
An in-depth introduction to the dynamic field of Spanish as a heritage Language (SHL) in the US, with a dual focus on theory and pedagogy. Will explore key topics such as SHL speakers' bilingualism and sociolinguistics profiles, and innovative approaches to SHL teaching. Drawing on both research and classroom practice, students will engage critically with authentic data to better understand the linguistic and educational realities of SHL learners. Emphasizes how insights from SHL scholarship can be translated into effective and inclusive teaching practices.
An in-depth introduction to the dynamic field of Spanish as a heritage Language (SHL) in the US, with a dual focus on theory and pedagogy. Will explore key topics such as SHL speakers' bilingualism and sociolinguistics profiles, and innovative approaches to SHL teaching. Drawing on both research and classroom practice, students will engage critically with authentic data to better understand the linguistic and educational realities of SHL learners. Emphasizes how insights from SHL scholarship can be translated into effective and inclusive teaching practices.
SPAN479
Honors Thesis
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
SPAN495
Honors Reading
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must be in Spanish and Portuguese Honors; or permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Supervised reading.
SPAN626
Hispanic Linguistics II: Language in Use
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: SPAN301; or permission of ARHU-School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures department.
Jointly offered with SPAN426.
Credit only granted for: SPAN426 or SPAN626.
This course will focus on issues related to language variation and use with a more in-depth analysis of the semantics, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics of Spanish. Students will be introduced to current research in the fields of dialectology, bilingualism and language policy, and the social aspects of language change. This course will include an analysis of current research as it relates to the field of linguistics and other social sciences.
SPAN678C
Special Topics in United States Latino Cultures; Spanish as a Heritage Language: Theory and Pedagogy
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Cross-listed with SPAN478C. Credit only granted for SPAN478C or SPAN678C.
An in-depth introduction to the dynamic field of Spanish as a heritage Language (SHL) in the US, with a dual focus on theory and pedagogy. Will explore key topics such as SHL speakers' bilingualism and sociolinguistics profiles, and innovative approaches to SHL teaching. Drawing on both research and classroom practice, students will engage critically with authentic data to better understand the linguistic and educational realities of SHL learners. Emphasizes how insights from SHL scholarship can be translated into effective and inclusive teaching practices.
An in-depth introduction to the dynamic field of Spanish as a heritage Language (SHL) in the US, with a dual focus on theory and pedagogy. Will explore key topics such as SHL speakers' bilingualism and sociolinguistics profiles, and innovative approaches to SHL teaching. Drawing on both research and classroom practice, students will engage critically with authentic data to better understand the linguistic and educational realities of SHL learners. Emphasizes how insights from SHL scholarship can be translated into effective and inclusive teaching practices.
SPAN699
Independent Study in Spanish
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
SPAN798B
Open Seminar; Adaptations in Latine/x Texts and Films
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Explores representations of Latines/xs/as/os across historical moments and cultural texts to gain a wide-view of sociopolitical movements, identity formations, and representational strategies. We will pay special attention to adaptations of Latine/x images, tropes, and texts in historical and discursive contexts. Seeks to examine the field through interdisciplinary and intersectional critical / theoretical lenses. Readings mostly in English; class discussions and written work in Spanish/English. Expect to work on a digital storytelling project.
SPAN798X
Open Seminar; National Subjects: Revisiting Modernity in 19th Century Latin American Foundational Fictions
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Focuses on canonical foundational fictions from Latin America to deconstruct the discourses and practices that have produced the state and conceptualized the nation throughout the 19th Century. Intended to be an introduction to national archives and the political struggles involved in signifying and building a homogeneous identity in the public-sphere. By focusing on foundational fictions, we will be able to read the limitsand paradoxes of the nation-state building process. A critical reflection on Modernity as articulated in Latin America is, ultimately, what this class proposes as a challenge.
SPAN798Y
Open Seminar; Deviance and Disorder in Revolutionary and Restoration Spain (1868-1898)
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Mobilizing current critical and theoretical approaches, we interrogate how authors represent gender and sexuality in literature of the period 1868-1898. We discuss scientific contributions to understandings of the body, genders, and sexualities and their impact on creative writing; gender deviance and so-called sexual perversions; and sex work as a target of both public hygiene campaigns and novels of this period.
SPAN799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
SPAN898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
SPAN899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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