Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Chair: Margaret Stefanski, PhD

Introduction

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 a French Language and Culture minor. All language majors are dual or triple majors. Language study combines uniquely with virtually any major; but of particular interest and practicality are dual majors with International Relations, Bilingual Education, Pre-Law, Wildlife Conservation (for field research), and Biology/Pre-Med. Skills in a foreign language 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 medicine, law, computer science, finance, social work, international business, government service, teaching, interpreting, and scientific research, to mention but a few of the many exciting possibilities.

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.

Qualifications

Each 100 and 200 language course offered in the department must be completed with a grade of C or better in order to proceed to the next level. Any language course with a grade of C- or below must be repeated. Courses at 300 and 400 level must be completed with a grade of C- or above. A placement exam, in combination with high school language experience, IB or AP exam scores, etc. will determine initial placement in the course sequences. The following courses must generally be completed in numerical sequence: 103, 104, 215, 217.

Upon successful completion of these courses (or via chair approved transfer), at least one more course at the 300 level must be completed before a student can take a 400-level elective. The 300 level courses (323, 324, 332) can generally be taken in any numerical order, upon completion of the 100 and 200 level courses or appropriate placement (via exam and transfer). The major is ten 3-credit courses (or equivalents) at the 215 level and higher (students starting at 103 or 104 will need to incorporate that additional coursework), plus the 1-credit major capstone (this is not a core capstone) as well as approved study abroad (which may or may not be credit bearing, if credit bearing these credits count for the major/minor); the minor is six 3-credit courses at 215 or higher (study abroad is not required but encouraged). Of these 6, up to two may, upon prior chair approval, be from Study Abroad, or Campus Ministry Immersion trips, or from courses taught in another Department or College, in English or Spanish, but with content relevant to the study of the cultures of the language (Spanish). For further information, consult the chair.
For the SPA major, no more than 4 courses can be accepted as Transfer credits. For the minor in SPA, no more than 2. In both cases transfer credits must equate to 215 level or higher.
In addition to programs of study abroad offered through the Study Abroad Office, the department usually offers the following study abroad, faculty led programs.
- Puebla, Mexico (Summer). Contact Dr. Reitsma (reitsmar@canisius.edu)
- Camino de Santiago, Spain (Spring Break or Summer). Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
- Havana and other island cities, Cuba (January). Contact Dr. Reitsma (reitsmar@canisius.edu)
- Roman/Arab Spain (Spring Break or Summer). Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
- Puerto Rico (Summer). Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
- Loyola Andalucía (Sevilla & Córdoba), Spain (Fall or Spring Semester ). Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
In addition, DMLLC offers tutors, as well as a writing-specific tutor in Spanish, tertulias, and a variety of extracurricular activities (https://www.canisius.edu/academics/programs/spanish/spanish-extended-learning-opportunities): the Spanish Honors Society, LASAF, and the Borders & Migrations series of programming. For more on the Borders & Migrations programming see: http://blogs.canisius.edu/border/
For more on each course, please visit the Spanish catalog page.

Advisement

All students should have an advisor in the major and should contact the department directly to have an advisor assigned if they do not already have one. Meetings with academic advisors are required prior to students receiving their PIN for course registration each semester. All majors should work closely with their advisor in discussing career expectations, choosing their major electives, developing their entire academic program and planning their co-curricular or supplemental academic experiences.

Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures majors are required to study abroad for a minimum of four consecutive weeks in a formal pre-approved program in a country where the target language is an official language. Consultation with a department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures academic advisor, and the chair, is required prior to study abroad.

Double Majors

Students who wish to expand their educational opportunities may decide to declare a double major. This decision may be based on career goals, planned graduate studies, and/or other student interests. Before a student declares a double major, it is important to meet with the appropriate academic departments for advisement. In order to declare a double major, the student must complete the Major/Minor Declaration form. This form will be submitted electronically and reviewed and approved by each department chairperson as well as the appropriate associate dean.

Per university policy, each additional major requires a minimum of 15 credits that do not apply to the student's first or subsequent major. Some double major combinations can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement, but in other cases, additional coursework may be required. Please note that students will only receive one degree unless completing the dual degree requirement, including at least 150 undergraduate credit hours, regardless of the number of majors they complete. Both (all) majors appear on a student’s transcript.

Additional information about dual majors is provided in the Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures' curriculum information.

Minors in Other Disciplines

Minors provide students the opportunity to pursue additional interests but generally do not require as many courses as a major. Minors generally range from five to eight required courses. To receive a minor, the student must complete at least 9 credit hours of coursework distinct from their other credentials (i.e., majors, other minors). The complete list of minors is available on the Canisius website and in the catalog and provides links to each minor. Some majors and minors can be completed within the minimum 120 credit hour degree requirement, but in some cases additional coursework may be required. Students must complete the appropriate minor request form.

Native Speakers

Students who are native speakers of Spanish may pursue a major or minor in their native language. These students usually begin at the 300-level language courses; the number of courses required, as well as study abroad is generally the same. We encourage heritage speakers of Spanish to consult with us, as we have had many who have found success and a home within our department, and several have worked with us running tertulias and other immersive experiences.

Native speakers of languages other than English may receive a language requirement waiver for other programs requiring a certain level of language proficiency if they are able to provide documentation of their native speaker status. Examples of documents include, but are not limited to, a school diploma received from a country where the language of instruction is not English or an internationally recognized examination certifying language abilities.

The Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Department offers a Spanish major and minor and introductory coursework in Italian and American Sign Language.

Majors

Spanish

Study abroad is required for any language major and encouraged for minors. In addition to programs of study abroad offered through the Study Abroad Office, the department offers the following study abroad and faculty led programs:

Mexico. (Summer) Contact Dr. Reitsma (reitsmar@canisius.edu)
Camino de Santiago. (Spring) Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
Cuba. (January) Contact Dr. Reitsma (reitsmar@canisius.edu)
Florence, Italy (Summer) (for Italian). Contact Prof. Rizzo (rizzo25@canisius.edu)
Roman/Arab Spain (Spring). Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
Puerto Rico (Summer). Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)
Sevilla/Córdoba Spain. Contact Dr. Stefanski (stefansm@canisius.edu)

Minors

The language minor is an interdisciplinary program aimed at developing Intermediate language skills and broad cultural understandings. It is designed with flexibility in order to accommodate students’ personal and professional interests. Language and cultural studies minors prove to be important assets when seeking employment or applying to graduate schools. It also provides an incentive for students to study in upper division language and literature courses. Students who reach the intermediate level of Spanish have the opportunity of studying in Mexico, Cuba, Spain and other parts of the globe.

Students must complete six courses for Language and Culture Minor programs.

Up to two of these courses can be replaced by two pre-approved courses from other departments or colleges, taught in English or Spanish or two pre-approved courses from study abroad. Pre-approved Internships and Campus Ministry service trips may count toward a minor. All electives from other departments are subject to the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures Chair's pre-approval, such as courses in PSC, LAS, IR, HIST, or HON.

American Sign Language (ASL)
French (FRC)
Spanish (SPA)

American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL 103 American Sign Language I 3 Credits

Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL), its structure, major grammatical features and language functions. Vocabulary acquisition. Captioning and telecommunication devices. Deaf cultural information. Deaf co-teacher and deaf consultants.

Offered: occasionally.

ASL 104 American Sign Language II 3 Credits

Builds on basic American Sign Language (ASL) grammar and conversational skills. Increases expressive/receptive fluency. Linguistic and cultural ASL concepts are expanded and deaf traditions studied. Deaf co-teacher and deaf consultants.

Prerequisite: ASL 103.

Offered: occasionally.

FRench (FRC)

FRC 103 Introductory French I 3 Credits

Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to French and francophone cultures. Almost exclusive use of French in class.

Fulfills College Core: Global Awareness

Offered: every fall.

FRC 104 Introductory French II 3 Credits

Reading, writing, listening and speaking. Introduction to French and francophone cultures. Almost exclusive use of French in class.

Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in FRC 103 or equivalent (generally two to three years of high school French) or permission of the Chair.

Fulfills College Core: Global Awareness

Offered: every spring.

FRC 215 Intermediate French 3 Credits

This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and gaining an overview of Francophone cultures. Exclusive use of French in class.

Prerequisite: minimum grade of C in FRC 104 or two or three years of high school French.

Offered: fall.

FRC 217 Introduction to French Composition 3 Credits

French 217 follows French 103, French 104 and French 215. This course will provide opportunities to build intermediate French skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. A special emphasis will be placed on improving each student’s ability to write and communicate in French. A closer look at francophone culture will provide valuable context for the study of French. Communication in class will be almost exclusively in French.

Prerequisite: FRC 215 or equivalent.

Offered: every spring.

FRC 300 Intermediate Internship 3 Credits

Is an internship designed to provide a six-week immersion experience at the intermediate, low-advanced level. Students who participate in this program will serve as teaching assistants for English at the Ecole Nouvelle Meudon in a suburb of Paris. They will enhance their knowledge of French language and French culture through a homestay with host families and through their attendance in art and history classes delivered at the school. Students will be assessed on their involvement in the assistantship program at La Source and on the weekly reports that they will submit via a D2L platform dedicated to this program.

Prerequisites: min grade of C in FRC 217.

Spanish (SPA)

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 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

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

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

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

Offered: once a year.

SPA 349T2 Spanish Internship with True Spanish Experience 2 Credits

Offered: once a year.

SPA 349T3 Spanish Internship with True Spanish Experience 3 Credits

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.