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Courses - Spring 2027
SPAN
Spanish Department Site
SPAN103
Elementary Spanish for Intercultural Communication I
Credits: 4
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have appropriate World Language Placement (WLP) score.
Additional information: 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.
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.
Additional information: 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.
Additional information: 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
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU
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
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSHS or DSHU, DVUP
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
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU
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
Recommended: 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
Additional information: For 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
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU
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
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU
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.
SPAN362
Latin American Literatures and Cultures II: From Independence to Nation Formation
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU, DVUP
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
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
GenEd: DSHU, DVUP
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.
SPAN374
Spanish in the Community
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: SPAN303; and (SPAN311 or SPAN316).
Provides students with context for understanding, communicating with, and working with the Spanish-speaking community. Topics include Latino/a demographics, cultures, communities, work opportunities and local uses of Spanish. Requires outside service-learning work.
SPAN386
(Perm Req)
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.
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN388W
(Perm Req)
Writing Center Internship
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F
GenEd: DSSP
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.
SPAN399
(Perm Req)
Independent Study in Spanish
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: permission of department.
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN408D
Special Topics in Iberian and Latin American Studies; Afro-Latin America
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Introduces students to the literatures, histories, and cultures of people of African descent in Latin America from colonial times to the present. Students will leave the course with an understanding of the cultures people of African descent have developed in Latin America and their contribution to broader Latin American culture. Taught in Spanish.
SPAN408M
Special Topics in Iberian and Latin American Studies; Iberian Cinema: Between Authoritarian and Diversified Societies
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Explores how the nationalities in the Iberian Peninsula transformed from isolated dictatorships into modern societies with contrasts and contradictions. Through the analysis of films on political trauma, emptyrural communities, and global migration, among other complex themes, students reflect about linguistic and cultural identities that go beyondcurrent states (including Basque, Catalan, Galician, and others). Will watch mid-century classics and current iconic pieces, discussing how differenteras talk to each other about origins, vindications, and possible futures. Taught in English.
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.
SPAN450
The Hispanic Caribbean: What is a Beach?
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Recommended: SPAN333, SPAN361, SPAN331, SPAN332, SPAN362, or SPAN363.
Explores the Hispanic Caribbean as "island spaces" of multiple migrations and cultural identities, as sites of colonial experiences and post-colonial debates.
SPAN479
(Perm Req)
Credits: 3 - 6
Grad Meth: Reg, P-F, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN495
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.
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN626
Hispanic Linguistics II: Language in Use
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
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.
SPAN699
Independent Study in Spanish
Credits: 1 - 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN798C
Open Seminar; Genre and Gender: Life Writing in Greater Mexico
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
Investigates the boundaries among different literary genres defined broadly as life writing, for example, autobiography, biography, personale ssay, testimonio, autofiction, and memoir. One of the general questions the seminar will consider is which genres are associated more often with which gender norms. Another topic is the difference between fiction and nonfiction and its significance regarding a literary text s relation to its social and historical context. Taught primarily in Spanish.
SPAN798D
Open Seminar; Critical Turns: A Tool Box
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
Introductory seminar designed to explore theoretical approaches that would help us read and reflect on a variety of cultural artifacts. Does not intend to trace a linear survey of literary and cultural theories that exhaust all the possibilities we have as critics. On the contrary, it will function as a toolbox (caja de herramientas), a repository of strategies and methods to help us make visible and legible textual and cultural practices. Thus, we will revisit different approaches (tools) to delve into the many critical turns (giros) that are current today.
SPAN798E
Open Seminar; Engaging Power in Latin America: Intellectuals and the State
Credits: 3
Grad Meth: Reg, Aud, S-F
Building on the nineteenth-century legacy of intellectual involvement innation-building, addresses how Latin American writers, critics, and public intellectuals have defined their relationship to political power f rom the mid-twentieth century to the present. We will analyze the intellectual s function across distinct regions and political conditions: revolution, dictatorship, democratic transition, and electoral democracy. Course readings will come from varied genres, including fiction, theaterand film, political analysis, and literary-cultural journals.
SPAN799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits: 1 - 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits: 1 - 8
Grad Meth: Reg
Contact department for information to register for this course.
SPAN899
(Perm Req)
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits: 6
Grad Meth: S-F
Contact department for information to register for this course.