Spanish (BA)
Chair: Dr. Margaret Stefanski, PhD
Our primary mission is to instill an awareness of language as an essential element of our thought processes, perceptions, and self-expressions. As recent world events have demonstrated, deep cultural knowledge and linguistic competence are necessary if one wishes to understand other people and their communities. We seek to provide students with the skills and intellectual breadth needed to communicate effectively and to play an active role in today’s world. The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers a Spanish major and minor, as well as instruction in French and American Sign Language.
All students in Spanish classes are expected to participate in tertulias to practice the language in a more informal setting. Spanish classes include a fee to cover tertulia costs. Additionally, over the course of the semester, each student in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures participates in or attends two cultural events or activities outside regular class time. Please consult the department for a listing of these offerings. Some classes also incorporate meaningful Service Learning and Dual Virtual Immersion Sessions (SPA 323 & 324) with native speakers as part of the class curriculum.
Language study combines uniquely with virtually any major; but of particular interest and practicality are dual majors with , International Relations, (Bilingual) Education, Biology/Pre-Med, Social Work, and many more. Skills in a foreign language and cultural competency are often the deciding factor in an employer’s choice between our graduates and equally qualified but monolingual peers. Language majors pursue rewarding careers in immigration law, social work, international business, government service, teaching, interpreting, and scientific research, to mention but a few of the many exciting possibilities.
Medical and Social Work Fields: Studies and our own alumni testimonials show that service delivery and patient outcomes are greatly increased when providers speak the languages of their patients. We have many graduates in the field who have testified to the importance of their study of language in delivering impactful patient care.
Law Professions: Many of our graduates go on to law schools and practice various kinds of law, including immigration law and (inter)national corporate law.
Teaching/Education Administration: Many of our graduates land jobs immediately upon graduation and certification, both locally, nationally, and internationally due to the high demand for educators with foreign language knowledge. Other graduates are involved in leading offices of college Study Abroad Programs, Campus Ministry, Service Learning, and Immersion Programs.
Business, Commerce, Trade: Work with international partners in all aspects of global business, management, banking, and trade. Target foreign language entrepreneurs, workers, and consumers in the US. Our graduates in these fields recount the importance of cultural competency and language skills in developing strong customer relations.
Communications & Media: Areas of nonprofits, journalism, broadcasting media, communications, public relations, and advertising.
Foreign Relations: Works with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law.
International Development & Human Services: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations developing and advocating for economic, political, and social issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.
Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.
Jobs to Consider: Medicine, Law Diplomacy/Foreign Service/International Relations, Immigration, Policy, Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Social Work, Education, Urban Planning, Economics, Advocacy, Education (Teaching, Administration, Study Abroad Coordinator, International Student Coordinator), Translation/Interpretation, Travel, Fundraising/Development/Community Outreach & Advocacy
Places to Seek Employment: Nonprofit Organizations, Research Institutes & Foundations, Newspapers/Magazines/Book Publishers, Government (Regional, State, National), Schools & Universities, Banking & Finance & Consulting Institutions, Domestic/Foreign Corporations, Museums, Travel and Hospitality, Film & Television, NGOs.
Curriculum
An Ignatian Foundation
All undergraduate students must complete either the Canisius Core Curriculum or the All-College Honors Curriculum. Many schools refer to their college-wide undergraduate requirements as "general education" requirements. We believe that the core curriculum and the honors curriculum are more than a series of required classes; they provide the basis for a Jesuit education both with content and with required knowledge and skills attributes that are central to our mission.
Free Electives
Students may graduate with a bachelor's degree with more but not less than 120 credit hours. Free electives are courses in addition to the Canisius Core Curriculum or All-College Honors Curriculum and major requirements sufficient to reach the minimum number of credits required for graduation. The number of credits required to complete a bachelor's degree may vary depending on the student's major(s) and minor(s).
Major Requirements
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An SPA major is 10 courses at the 215 level and higher, with a grade of C or better in 100 and 200 level and C- in 300 and 400 level courses, plus an approved Study Abroad experience, which is usually credit bearing. A 1 credit capstone project during their senior year is also required.
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An SPA concentration in Education is 10 courses at the 215 level and higher, with a grade of C or better in 100 and 200 level and C- in 300 and 400 level courses.
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Please note the following: SPA courses must be taken in sequence from 103 to 104 to 215 to 217 (placement exam will determine what level you start at). A student cannot proceed from one level to the next without a C or better grade in 100 and 200 level and C- in 300 and 400 level courses). After 217, there are 3 three-hundred level courses (323, 324, 332) that can be taken in any order. You may, upon chair permission, take 217 and 323 or 324 if you have the skill set necessary. Upon completion of 217 you could take two 300 level courses. Upon completion of at least one 300 level course, you may take SPA electives (400 level courses, in any numerical sequence) and you may take one 300 and one 400 level course per semester. Note that we only offer one 400 level course per semester, not counting credits from short term Study Abroad faculty-led trips.
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Additionally, if students have reached their 10 courses after Study Abroad, the students are still required (unless a waiver is petitioned and granted before studying abroad) to take one 400 level course and/or the capstone in the Department after returning from Study Abroad for the purposes of assessment.
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An SPA minor is 6 courses with a grade of C or better in each 100 and 200 level courses and C-in 300 and 400 level courses. SPA 103 is open to first-year students with verifiably no previous Spanish experience, all other students must take the placement exam prior to registering for their first SPA course at Canisius University. The placement exam will also help determine transfers, AP credits, etc. Contact GriffCenter or Chair for instructions. SPA courses are numerically sequential through 217 as follows: 103-104-215-217, after which courses at the 300-400 level can be taken in any order as well as simultaneously. Students who commence their Spanish studies at the 103 level, having been placed there by determination of placement exam, must take all SPA courses for the minor. Students placed into 104 may incorporate one non-SPA course, as pre-approved by the chair, into the required 6 minimum for the minor. Students starting the minor at 215 may opt to count no more than two non-SPA courses (with chair’s approval) toward the minor. Both short term and long-term Study Abroad options (approved by the chair) can also count toward the credits for the minor. The non-SPA courses in other departments (or other colleges), with content relevant to the study of the cultures of the Spanish speaking world, may count, pending prior chair approval. Students who change from the minor to the major or the EDU Concentration should be aware that the major is 10 courses at 215 and above with C or better in 100 and 200 level courses and C- in 300 and 400 level courses, as well as an approved study abroad.
The courses are:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Level Courses | ||
| SPA 215 | Communicating in Spanish | 3 |
| SPA 217 | Intro Comp Panorama SocioCultural Latinoamericano | 3 |
| Intermediate-High Level Conversation and Composition Courses | ||
| SPA 323 | Topics in Conversation I Peninsular Culture and Civilization | 3 |
| SPA 324 | Topics in Conversation II Latin American Culture and Civilization | 3 |
| SPA 332 | Advanced Spanish Composition | 3 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| Five SPA electives | 15 | |
| SPA 490 | Spanish Capstone Portfolio Project | 1 |
| Total Credits | 31 | |
If starting at 300-level or its equivalent, two additional electives must be completed in order to achieve the required 10 course total for the major (6 for the minor).
If a student arrives at Canisius with HS, AP, or Transfer credits, that student must first take the Placement Test to determine the correct course placement, after which credits from elsewhere can be assigned/determined as part of the SPA curriculum or as Free Electives. Please contact the chair or the Griff Center (for incoming freshmen and transfer students) for access to the placement test.
Study Abroad Requirements
Spanish majors are required to fulfill an immersion experience in the language.
- A study abroad experience for a minimum of four consecutive weeks in a formal, pre-approved program in Spanish is required (this could be a short-term or semester-long experience). The department chair may approve alternate immersive experiences as fulfilling this requirement in exceptional circumstances. These alternate immersive experiences might not carry language credit. Students are encouraged to consult with the chair.
- Language majors who choose to spend a semester abroad at a foreign university may count up to three courses (worth 9 US credits/equivalents) toward their Spanish major as long as these courses are taught in the target language and have been pre-approved by the chair of the department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
- Students who spend more than one semester studying at a foreign university may count up to an additional two courses (equating to up to 6 US credits) toward their Spanish major, if pre-approved by the chair of the department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Thus, a student who studies abroad for more than one semester or more than one short-term program may count up to a maximum of 5 courses (equating to 15 US equivalent credits total) toward their language major. These courses could also likely fulfill core, HON core, or requirements in other majors. Check with relevant chairs, program directors, or Associate Deans for confirmation.
- Credits for short-term and immersion programs are determined by the department chair and are based on the contact hours in the language.
- As a general rule, students complete the 200-level sequence or the equivalent and one 300-level course at Canisius College prior to studying at a foreign university or completing their alternate immersion experience. Canisius policy is usually to require 3 semesters of study or second-semester Sophomore standing to study abroad. Qualified and mature Freshmen may participate in a faculty led short-term program, with Chair’s permission.
- Consultation with a department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures academic advisor, and the Chair, is required prior to study abroad.
- As stated above, students must complete at least one course (or the Spanish capstone) in the major upon return to Canisius College.
Cultural Requirement
Over the course of the semester, each student in the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures will participate in or attend two cultural events or activities outside regular class time. Please consult the department for a listing of these offerings. As a general rule, students in 100 level courses must attend 1 event, while students in 200 level and above must attend two. Additional events may, at instructor discretion, count for additional points. All events must be approved by the instructor as fulfilling the requirement, and must be related to Spain, Latin America, or the Latinx Diaspora.
Roadmap
Sample Semester Schedule for Major Course Requirements
Please note that the following road map shows a typical progression for students that begin the SPA major with SPA 215. Students who start at a different level or who are double-majoring should meet with the chair to plan their course of studies. We have also provided a roadmap for students who are starting at the introductory level below.
| Freshman | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| SPA 215 | SPA 217 |
| Sophomore | |
| Fall | Spring |
| SPA 324 | SPA 323 |
| SPA 332 | |
| Junior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| Study Abroad1 | SPA elective2 |
| SPA elective2 | |
| Senior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| SPA elective2 | SPA elective2 |
| SPA 490 | |
- 1
Students should meet with the chair to plan course schedules for their study abroad and how those courses count toward the students' SPA major.
- 2
Students should meet with the chair to determine which courses may be counted as SPA electives for the major
Sample Semester Schedule for Major Course Requirements (if beginning at introductory level)
| Freshman | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| SPA 103 | SPA 104 |
| Sophomore | |
| Fall | Spring |
| SPA 215 | SPA 217 |
| Junior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| SPA 324 | SPA 323 |
| SPA 332 | |
| SPA elective2 | |
| Senior | |
| Fall | Spring |
| Study Abroad (at least two courses need to count toward the major)1 | SPA elective2 |
| SPA elective2 | |
| SPA 490 | |
- 1
Students should meet with the chair to plan course schedules for their study abroad and how those courses count toward the student's SPA major.
- 2
Students should meet with the chair to determine which courses may be counted as SPA electives for the major
Learning Goals and Objectives
Student Learning Goal 1
Spanish Language majors will demonstrate effective skills at the ACTFL advanced-low level according to two Communicative Modes: Interpersonal and Presentational.
Students will:
- Objective A: Actively and accurately negotiate meaning in fluent interpersonal communications.
- Objective B: Accurately and fluently present oral information, concepts and ideas in a cohesive manner to an audience.
Student Learning Goal 2
Spanish Language majors will critically analyze cultural production in the target language.
Students will:
- Objective A: Assess, interpret and assign meaning to numerous types of cultural production including literature, film, essay, and art.
- Objective B: Place various types of cultural production in a wider cultural and historical context.
Student Learning Goal 3
Spanish Language majors will design and carry out an original project in which the target language is the major research tool and vehicle of expression.
Students will:
- Objective A: Create a project that demonstrates comprehension of cultural productions indicated by a clear thesis and a developed argument.
- Objective B: Demonstrate a mastery of information literacy tools and the integration of secondary sources in his/her work.
Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Six courses from the list below: | 18 | |
| Introductory Spanish I | ||
| Introductory Spanish II | ||
| Communicating in Spanish | ||
| Intro Comp Panorama SocioCultural Latinoamericano | ||
| Topics in Conversation I Peninsular Culture and Civilization | ||
| Topics in Conversation II Latin American Culture and Civilization | ||
| Advanced Spanish Composition | ||
select one SPA elective | ||
| Latinos in the US Latino Literature and Film | ||
| Short Term Study Abroad Language Course | ||
SPA 400 level elective | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Students who start their Spanish studies at the 103-104 level, having been placed there by determination of placement exam, may petition the chair to have these courses count for the minor as part of the 6-course minimum requirement (minor only). All SPA courses at the Introductory and Low Intermediate levels require a grade of C or better; High Intermediate and Advanced level SPA courses require C- or better. In the case of students commencing at 103, all courses for the minor must be SPA courses. Students placed into 104 may incorporate one non-SPA course, as preapproved by the chair, into the required 6 minimum for the minor. Students starting the minor at 215 may continue to opt to count no more than two non-SPA courses (with chair’s approval) toward the minor. Both short term and long-term Study Abroad options (approved by the chair) can also count toward the credits for the minor.
Minors are an important part of the undergraduate curriculum. If students declare a minor by sophomore year, they can usually complete it in a timely manner. Students should work with their advisor to determine if it is possible that the minor can be completed by graduation.
To receive a minor, a student must complete at least 9 credit hours of coursework distinct from their major(s) and from other minors, and students must complete more than 50% of the coursework required for the minor at Canisius. Please note that “ancillary/supporting” courses required for a major may still count as distinct courses as long as the remaining coursework still meets the 30 credit-hours required for a major. For more information about minor policies, please see the Declaring Majors and Minors page in the catalog.
Courses
SPA 103 Introductory Spanish I 3 Credits
Introductory Spanish aiming at developing reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Introduction to Hispanic culture. Course aim is for almost exclusive use of Spanish in class. Course restricted to freshman, sophomores, and juniors only, or by permission of department chair.
Prerequisite: no prior Spanish experience or placement exam results.
Fulfills College Core: Global Awareness
Offered: every fall.
SPA 104 Introductory Spanish II 3 Credits
Introductory Spanish aiming at reinforcing and enhancing reading, writing, listening and speaking skills learned in SPA 103. Introduction to Hispanic culture. Course aim is for almost exclusive use of Spanish in class. Course restricted to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors only, or by permission of department chair.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in SPA 103 or equivalent (placement exam) or permission of chair.
Fulfills College Core: Global Awareness
Offered: every spring, and occasionally fall.
SPA 215 Communicating in Spanish 3 Credits
Building on grammar and vocabulary learned in 103 & 104, this intermediate course continues the focus on grammar and vocabulary and increasing competence in the four linguistic skills and gaining an overview of Hispanic cultures. Emphasizing communication skills. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in SPA 104 or equivalent (placement test) or permission of chair.
Fulfills College Core: Global Awareness
Offered: fall & spring.
SPA 217 Intro Comp Panorama SocioCultural Latinoamericano 3 Credits
The first of two composition courses designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures, with a focus on Spanish composition and translation at the intermediate level. Course focuses on historical and contemporary realities of Latin America including indigenous populations, economics, environment, human rights, politics, art and music. Course will explore these issues via cultural icons such as Sor Juana, Frida Kahlo, Che, Residente, and others. Extensive use of GoogleDocs. Emphasizes the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four linguistic skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and gaining an overview of Hispanic cultures. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in SPA 215 or equivalent or permission of chair.
Fulfills College Core: Global Awareness
Offered: every fall & spring.
SPA 323 Topics in Conversation I Peninsular Culture and Civilization 3 Credits
One of 2 non-sequential conversation courses. Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of crucial moments in the history of Spain and its contemporary culture. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Weekly conversation with peers in Latin America or Spain via Dual Immersion (using Apps such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype).
Prerequisite: C or better in all prior courses in Spanish (217 usually required), or, permission of the department chair.
Fulfills College Core: Oral Communication
Offered: every spring.
SPA 324 Topics in Conversation II Latin American Culture and Civilization 3 Credits
One of 2 non-sequential conversation courses. Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of Latin America. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Weekly conversation with peers in Latin America via Dual Immersion (using Apps such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or Skype). Service Learning frequently required.
Prerequisite: C or better in all prior courses in Spanish (217 usually required prior), or, permission of the department chair.
Fulfills College Core: Justice, Oral Communication
Offered: every fall.
SPA 332 Advanced Spanish Composition 3 Credits
Distinguishing and producing effective writing based on short stories and short films. Emphasis on advanced structures of Spanish grammar. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisite: C or better in all prior courses in Spanish (217 usually required prior), or, permission of the department chair.
Offered: every fall.
SPA 336 Latinos in the US Latino Literature and Film 3 Credits
The course will explore the Latino struggle of belonging, or not belonging, to the mythic U.S. melting pot. We will explore Latin@ literature primarily from the last half of the previous century to contemporary writers. We will problematize the term “Latin@” in terms of race, ethnicity, country of origin, and cultural variables. Furthermore, the unease of belonging to neither the locus of the U.S. nor to the country/culture of origin/ancestry will be further explored in light of other marks of identity difference, including race, gender, sexuality, religion, and class. The difficulty of finding an identity, a locus, and the various modes of adaptation and adoption will be explored through the literary production of Latinos trying to articulate the state of (not) belonging for themselves as well as to give voice to their community. While the course will strive to give an historical perspective to the issues at hand, our focus will be more on the literary production of the 20th/21st centuries, when Latin@ literature blossomed in the context of Civil Rights and the social upheavals of the mid century. Knowledge of Spanish not required. Course is taught IN ENGLISH. This course fulfills core attributes Field 3 (Literature and the Arts) and Diversity and counts for the SPA minor but generally not for the major. Chair approval required for the course to count in the major.
Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG 111 and 112 with grade of C or better, or equivalent.
Fulfills College Core: Field 3 (Literature and the Arts)
Offered: occasionally.
SPA 346 Short Term Study Abroad Language Course 3 Credits
Short term (summer, usually, or occasionally during January break) study abroad language course run by the Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures faculty. Students with various levels of language skills can be accommodated. Locations include Mexico, Cuba, and Spain. Consult with DMLLC faculty for specific information in any given year, including specific course fees. Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad requirement. Participation must be approved by the chair. Homestays are offered in some countries. Excursions frequently included. Open to all majors, though occasionally some programs will require intermediate or better Spanish language skills --consult with the instructor leading the program and/or the chair.
Prerequisite: Some Spanish classwork preferred: completion of SPA 215 with grade of C or better, though lower levels of Spanish (or no prior Spanish study) may also be considered if academically strong and mature student; Permission of instructor.
Offered: occasionally.
SPA 348 Short Term Study Abroad Culture Course or Internship 3 Credits
Short term (summer, usually, or occasionally during January break) study abroad course run by the Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures faculty. Locations include Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, and Spain. Course may involve culture related coursework, an internship, or service learning. Consult with DMLLC faculty for specific information in any given year, including specific course fees. All work in Spanish, although students with various levels of language skills can be accommodated. Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad requirement. Participation must be approved by the chair. Homestays are offered in some countries. Excursions frequently included. Open to all majors though occasionally some programs will require intermediate or better Spanish language skills --consult with instructor leading the program and/or the chair.
Prerequisite: Some Spanish classwork preferred: completion of SPA 215 with grade of C or better, though lower levels of Spanish may also be considered if academically strong and mature student.
Offered: occasionally.
SPA 348K0 Kino Border Initiative Internship 3 Credits
Short term (usually summer) internship volunteering with Jesuit partners at Kino Border Initiative accompanying migrants on the Arizona/Sonora border in Dos Nogales (Mexico/US border). Internship specifics will vary by student interests and skills (including, but not limited to immigrant intake, medical and mental health service, legal aid, accompaniment –food, shelter, clothing procurement and support). Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad requirement. Though most of the work is in Spanish, internships are open to all majors who have Advanced Intermediate Spanish skills (verified via placement, successful completion of a 300 level SPA course, or equivalent as approved by chair). Participation must be approved by the chair, and candidate must have a successful interview with KBI. Contact Dr. Reitsma for more information.
Prerequisite: High Intermediate Spanish required, usually requires completion of SPA 324 with B or higher.
Offered: every summer.
SPA 348K1 Kino Border Initiative Internship 1 Credit
Short term (usually summer) internship volunteering with Jesuit partners at Kino Border Initiative accompanying migrants on the Arizona/Sonora border in Dos Nogales (Mexico/US border). Internship specifics will vary by student interests and skills (including, but not limited to immigrant intake, medical and mental health service, legal aid, accompaniment –food, shelter, clothing procurement and support). Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad requirement. Though most of the work is in Spanish, internships are open to all majors who have Advanced Intermediate Spanish skills (verified via placement, successful completion of a 300 level SPA course, or equivalent as approved by chair). Participation must be approved by the chair, and candidate must have a successful interview with KBI. Contact Dr. Reitsma for more information.
Prerequisite: High Intermediate Spanish required, usually requires completion of SPA 324 with B or higher.
Offered: every summer.
SPA 348K2 Kino Border Initiative Internship 2 Credits
Short term (usually summer) internship volunteering with Jesuit partners at Kino Border Initiative accompanying migrants on the Arizona/Sonora border in Dos Nogales (Mexico/US border). Internship specifics will vary by student interests and skills (including, but not limited to immigrant intake, medical and mental health service, legal aid, accompaniment –food, shelter, clothing procurement and support). Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad requirement. Though most of the work is in Spanish, internships are open to all majors who have Advanced Intermediate Spanish skills (verified via placement, successful completion of a 300 level SPA course, or equivalent as approved by chair). Participation must be approved by the chair, and candidate must have a successful interview with KBI. Contact Dr. Reitsma for more information.
Prerequisite: High Intermediate Spanish required, usually requires completion of SPA 324 with B or higher.
Offered: every summer.
SPA 348K3 Kino Border Initiative Internship 3 Credits
Short term (usually summer) internship volunteering with Jesuit partners at Kino Border Initiative accompanying migrants on the Arizona/Sonora border in Dos Nogales (Mexico/US border). Internship specifics will vary by student interests and skills (including, but not limited to immigrant intake, medical and mental health service, legal aid, accompaniment –food, shelter, clothing procurement and support). Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad requirement. Though most of the work is in Spanish, internships are open to all majors who have Advanced Intermediate Spanish skills (verified via placement, successful completion of a 300 level SPA course, or equivalent as approved by chair). Participation must be approved by the chair, and candidate must have a successful interview with KBI. Contact Dr. Reitsma for more information.
Prerequisite: High Intermediate Spanish required, usually requires completion of SPA 324 with B or higher.
Offered: every summer.
SPA 349T0 Spanish Internship with True Spanish Experience 0 Credits
Professional internships in either A Coruña or Cuenca, in northern and central Spain. 1 month minimum (limited options), multiple months preferred (education, fashion, social services, commerce, sport, technology, veterinary service, and health professions). Intermediate Advanced Spanish required. Successful (B or better) completion of at least one SPA 300 level course (or equivalent). Internship placement and availability dependent on length of stay, student interests, and skill levels. Permission of chair and a successful interview by TSE required. Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad Requirement. Contact Dr. Stefanski for more information.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Advanced Spanish skills required as determined by placement, successful completion of at least 1 SPA 300 level course or equivalent with B or better and/or approval of Chair.
Offered: once a year.
SPA 349T1 Spanish Internship with True Spanish Experience 1 Credit
Professional internships in either A Coruña or Cuenca, in northern and central Spain. 1 month minimum (limited options), multiple months preferred (education, fashion, social services, commerce, sport, technology, veterinary service, and health professions). Intermediate Advanced Spanish required. Successful (B or better) completion of at least one SPA 300 level course (or equivalent). Internship placement and availability dependent on length of stay, student interests, and skill levels. Permission of chair and a successful interview by TSE required. Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad Requirement. Contact Dr. Stefanski for more information.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Advanced Spanish skills required as determined by placement, successful completion of at least 1 SPA 300 level course or equivalent with B or better and/or approval of Chair.
Offered: once a year.
SPA 349T2 Spanish Internship with True Spanish Experience 2 Credits
Professional internships in either A Coruña or Cuenca, in northern and central Spain. 1 month minimum (limited options), multiple months preferred (education, fashion, social services, commerce, sport, technology, veterinary service, and health professions). Intermediate Advanced Spanish required. Successful (B or better) completion of at least one SPA 300 level course (or equivalent). Internship placement and availability dependent on length of stay, student interests, and skill levels. Permission of chair and a successful interview by TSE required. Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad Requirement. Contact Dr. Stefanski for more information.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Advanced Spanish skills required as determined by placement, successful completion of at least 1 SPA 300 level course or equivalent with B or better and/or approval of Chair.
Offered: once a year.
SPA 349T3 Spanish Internship with True Spanish Experience 3 Credits
Professional internships in either A Coruña or Cuenca, in northern and central Spain. 1 month minimum (limited options), multiple months preferred (education, fashion, social services, commerce, sport, technology, veterinary service, and health professions). Intermediate Advanced Spanish required. Successful (B or better) completion of at least one SPA 300 level course (or equivalent). Internship placement and availability dependent on length of stay, student interests, and skill levels. Permission of chair and a successful interview by TSE required. Fulfills DMLLC Study Abroad Requirement. Contact Dr. Stefanski for more information.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Advanced Spanish skills required as determined by placement, successful completion of at least 1 SPA 300 level course or equivalent with B or better and/or approval of Chair.
Offered: once a year.
SPA 400 Spanish Internship 1-3 Credits
Professional Internship. Open to ALL majors, though intermediate Spanish knowledge expected. Internships require an application and approval by the associate dean.
Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324. Or, permission of the department chair & associate dean.
SPA 405 Spanish Literary Myths CARMEN femme fatale y el mito universal 3 Credits
A study of the construction of universal literary myths with focus on the Spanish/French origins of a femme fatale, Carmen. Students will study its original sources, development, transformation, and historic interpretation, as well as its contemporary versions based on literature, visual arts and music. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324, or permission of chair.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Spring, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 410 Finding Your Way: The Camino Pilgrimage 3 Credits
The El Camino study tour is a 10-day walk following one of the oldest medieval pilgrimage routes to St. James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, in Northeast Spain. Participants will experience the history, politics, and culture that contributed to the construction of the pilgrimage and will be able to place it in a contemporary, European context. Lectures, readings and films, and physical preparation for the 65-mile journey needed to obtain an official certificate of the pilgrim. Strict selection process (including, but not limited to: physical ability to complete the walk, commitment to the values of the Camino & those of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures: multiculturalism and open-mindedness). Students may go on the walk without credit, or opt for 1 credit (section A). In addition, students have the option to stay for classes for an additional week (for 2 credits, Section B) or for 2 additional weeks (for a total of 3 credits, section C). The 1-2 additional week(s) involve language classes, homestays, and independent research project(s) (ANY topic/major, English/Spanish). Open to all students regardless of major or language ability. Consult instructor (Dr. Stefanski) for fees/additional information and the chair for questions regarding Study Abroad credit.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor required.
Offered: occasionally in spring with the walk in May/June.
SPA 415 Roman, Arab and Jewish Spain: Journey in Time 1 Credit
This study tour takes students to Southern Spain and its historic cities of Mérida, Sevilla, Córdoba, and Granada. They delve into aspects of the culture of Spain that distinguish her from other nations and geographic regions. The formation of this unique and unrepeatable identity is rooted in the historic and cultural foundations with emphasis on Roman, Arab, and Jewish Spain. The impact of these three cultures on the Iberian Peninsula marked the beginning of the formation of Spain’s national identity in terms of language, religion, law, literature, architecture, infrastructure, agriculture, and gastronomy.
Prerequisite: Requires Instructor Permission.
Offered: usually Spring, every other year, during Spring break or in May.
SPA 420 Personal Narrative: Understanding Reality and the Self in Contemporary Spanish Narrative. 3 Credits
An examination of cultural themes (self in relation to others, as well as to our cities, travels, and animals) in the essayist work of the best contemporary Spanish writers: Lucía Extebarria, Javier Marías, Juan José Millás, Rosa Montero, Soledad Puértolas, Rosa Regás, and Manuel Vincent. Emphasis on vocabulary building and idiomatic structure of the language. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Or, permission of the department chair.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Spring, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 436 Detective Fiction: Murderous Seduction 3 Credits
Explores the detective novel and film in Spain and Latin America focusing on socio-political interpretations & cultural contexts, the characteristics of the genre, motivations for writing/reading such fiction, and the classification of this fiction as low/high-brow. We will also explore the deconstruction of the genre and the detective novel as self-parody. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Or, permission of the department chair.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324.
Fulfills College Core: Field 3 (Literature and the Arts), Justice
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Fall, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 444 Magic Realism in Fiction & Film from Latin American Origins to a Global Phenomenon 3 Credits
The course will explore the origins of magic realism, attempt to define it, and consider the function of magic realism as political protest (and contrast it with science fiction and fantasy). We will also explore what makes magic real by examining the issue of perspective, faith, and marginalization and responses to colonialism/postcolonialism and other forms of oppression. While magic realism began as a form of discourse specific to the Caribbean’s multi-ethnic, postcolonial, revolutionary ambience, it has become a world-wide phenomenon, used to define ethnic, racial, gender, sexual, or even national identity in the post-colonial environment since the last half of the 20th century. Magic realism attempts to manipulate western forms of narrative (the novel) to articulate a non-Western reality, as a form of communication. In Gabriel Garcia Marquez words, it is an attempt to “render our reality believable”. Other questions we will explore include how magic realism has evolved from a post-colonial mode of discourse, to a narrative form employed by other oppressed or underrepresented groups, including women, homosexuals, and the poor. This intercourse between opposing forces (articulated in terms of race, class, culture, sexuality, etc.) is the new direction of magic realism. This course fulfills core attributes ( Field 3: Literature and the Arts, Global Awareness) and counts for the SPA minor but generally not for the major. Chair approval required for the course to count in the major.
Prerequisite: ENG 111 & ENG 112.
Fulfills College Core: Field 3 (Literature and the Arts), Global Awareness
Offered: occasionally.
SPA 453 Almodóvar and La Movida: The Films of Pedro Almodóvar 3 Credits
Exploration of the transgressive, revolutionary, titillating films of Pedro Almodóvar and the birth of a new Spain after the death of Franco, tracing the trajectory and development of his cinematic narrative technique from his earliest films to his more recent films, exploring the excoriation of class, gender, sexuality, politics, and identity in his oeuvre. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Fall, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 455 Spanish Short Fiction 3 Credits
A study of Spanish short-short literary fiction, Almodóvar’s cinematography and graffiti art as expressions of Postmodern high and low cultures. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324, or permission of the department chair.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Spring, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 456 Cuban Cinema of the Revolution 3 Credits
This course explores how film is politically charged in Cuba. How do directors work around and within the Cuban government’s censorship to critique the Revolution as well as balance that critique with a love for the country and its people? Addresses how countryside and Havana are not just architecture or geography, but characters in their own right. Explores issues of race, gender, sexuality, class, and religion within Cuba and the exile community. No prerequisite for non SPA credit. Exclusive use of Spanish in class (exceptions can be made for those going on the trip, upon consultation with instructor and approval of chair).
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324, or permission of the department chair.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Fall, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 457 Cuba Immersion Experience 3 Credits
Delving deep into the history, culture, economics, and politics of Cuba, this course explores the complex character of the largest Caribbean island, and its complicated relationship to the US. This course is a follow up to SPA 456: Cuban Cinema of the Revolution. Students should take SPA 456, though some exceptions may be made at the discretion of instructor. The course runs three weeks in Havana and the provinces in late December through first weeks of January. Course will include site visits, lectures and visits on history, politics, society, medicine, gender and sexuality, labor, religion, and education. Home stays included.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324, or permission of instructor and Chair; usually requires successful completion of SPA 456 with C or better.
Offered: occasionally during winter break.
SPA 459 The Body Erotic/The Body Politic: Sexuality as Political Discourse in Latin America and Spain 3 Credits
Explores how 'deviant' sexuality (homosexuality, lesbianism, incest, and miscegenation) are used as political discourse in contexts where political dialogue is restricted. Examines how art deals with issues of the sexual body in terms of the political body, exploring the political uses of the body as well as the sexualization of the political. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324. Or, permission of the department chair.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in fall, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 460 Lorca and his Époque 3 Credits
An examination of Spain’s Generation of ’27 as a cultural vanguard of the 20th century. Emphasis on multidisciplinary oeuvre by Federico García Lorca and his closest circle of friends: Salvador Dalí, Luis Buñuel and Manuel de Falla. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.
Prerequisites: minimum grade of C in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324; or permission of chair/instructor.
Offered: usually every 3-4 years in Spring, all SPA 400 level electives are offered on a rotating cycle of 3-4 years.
SPA 490 Spanish Capstone Portfolio Project 1 Credit
Graduating majors will collect a portfolio of their work during their time at Canisius. Students will summarize their experience of studying Spanish through a 5-10 page reflective paper (written in the target language) discussing the progress they have made in skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) and knowledge (culture). Students will also summarize how their knowledge of Spanish will impact their futures (graduate school, year of service, career, community, personal life). In this reflection, students should also synthesize the three areas of extracurricular experience and their impact on their skills and cultural knowledge: A) Study Abroad; B) Service Learning, Internships/Volunteer sites; C) Cultural Activities. Students should also critique the program, and suggest improvements to curriculum. The final project will conclude with an oral presentation of the above, with Q&A, for peers and faculty. This course will be required of all graduating majors entering AY 17/18 (graduation 2021 and later). Current students are strongly encouraged to register.
Prerequisite: successful completion of all other requirements in the major (may be concurrently registered in final elective).
Offered: every fall and spring semester.
SPA 499 Independent Study 1-6 Credits
Study and work with a faculty supervisor. Project to be determined by faculty agreement. Independent studies require an application and approval by the associate dean.
Prerequisites: C or better in SPA 217 or SPA 332, and C or better in SPA 323 or SPA 324. Or, permission of the department chair.
