Spanish at the University of Arizona
Language Courses
As you might already know, Spanish courses at the U of A have a heavy emphasis on the teaching not just
of grammar, but of the cultures, contexts and communities that constitute
the Spanish-speaking world. We incorporate the history,
customs, and every-day use of the Spanish language in the different
regions we study. We try to explore the differences and similarities
among the various countries, as well as their relationship to the United
States. We also pay special attention to U.S.Latinos; according to the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau, we have the third largest Spanish-speaking population in the Hispanic world.
This melding of language with culture and history gives students a better
understanding of Spanish itself, and allows them to have a more thorough
grasp of the contexts in which language is used. In turn, this results in
improved retention of the language and how it is used. I try to privilege active and spontaneous communicationnot over the rote repetition
of grammatical exercises, which makes
the classes a lot more dynamic and entertaining for students. I also try to incorporate specific assignments that take students out into the community, such as personal interviews of community members.
Additionally, in the courses that I teach I like to show different films
from the Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian worlds. Even when students don't understand every
word or every sentence, research shows that films help them improve their listening skills and give them a fresh
look into the countries we study.
Literature Courses
I also teach Spanish 350: Introduction to Literary Genres. This course is designed as a panoramic introduction to the study of Hispanic literature. As part of the course, students become familiar with representative works of literature from Spain and Latin America, covering different time periods and aesthetic movements. Additionally, we study introductory literary analysis.
Film Courses
We also have several film courses. Andrés Guzmán and I have co-taught a class titled "Latin America on Film". This course provides an introduction to the history of cinema in Latin America, specially in relationship to the social and historical contexts in which films are produced. We also study some of the technical aspects of film making and film theory. All these elements together help us understand and interpret films, and give us a better understanding of Latin America. We watch ten to twelve films throughout the semester, and the class is organized in thematic units, such as modernization, social change, revolution, immigration, and dictatorship. This is a General Education course, and as such we conduct it in English.
Art and Politics in Latin America
In this course I try to explore the intrinsic link between politics and cultural production in Latin America. We explore and interweave history, art, and politics. We concentrate on key social movements, such as the Mexican and Cuban revolutions, as well as the dictatorships of Central America and the Southern Cone, in order to review the artistic expression that has been associated with them. This is a General Education course, and as such I conduct it in English.
Tutoring, student resources and class materials
If you need help with your Spanish, or with literature or cultural topics, I am always ready give you a hand; send me an email or come see me during my office hours, and I will be glad to assist you. I have taught several Spanish courses at various levels. On the menu to the left, you will find a list of those courses with the corresponding syllabi.
You can also go to the Student Academic Learning Center (SALT). They have a wonderful walk-in tutoring program called the Think Tank. Visit their website for more information.