2024-2025 Course Descriptions
PORTUGUESE 101-1: Elementary Portuguese (Summer Quarter)
Introduction to grammar and development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Brazilian Portuguese, as well as the history and culture of Portuguese-speaking countries.
PORTUGUESE 101-2: Elementary Portuguese (Summer Quarter)
Introduction to grammar and development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Brazilian Portuguese, as well as the history and culture of Portuguese-speaking countries. Prerequisite: PORT 101-1 or sufficient score on placement test.
PORTUGUESE 101-3: Elementary Portuguese (Summer Quarter)
Introduction to grammar and development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Brazilian Portuguese, as well as the history and culture of Portuguese-speaking countries. Prerequisite: PORT 101-2 or sufficient score on placement test.
PORTUGUESE 105-8: First Year Writing Seminar (Winter Quarter - Taught in English)
Course title and description pending.
PORTUGUESE 115-1: Portuguese for Speakers of Spanish and other Romance Languages (Fall and Winter Quarters)
For students proficient in Spanish, French or Italian. Comparative sociolinguistic and interactive approach to communicative competence emphasizing pronunciation, intonation, sentence structure, and patterns of spoken and written Portuguese. Prerequisite: AP of 4 in Spanish or other Romance Language, or equivalent on the Spanish Language Placement Exam, or Instuctor Permission.
PORTUGUESE 115-2: Portuguese for Speakers of Spanish and other Romance Languages (Winter and Spring Quarters)
For students proficient in Spanish, French or Italian. Comparative sociolinguistic and interactive approach to communicative competence emphasizing pronunciation, intonation, sentence structure, and patterns of spoken and written Portuguese. Prerequisite: PORT 115-1.
PORTUGUESE 201-0: Reading and Writing Portuguese (Spring Quarter)
This intermediate course is designed to expand mastery in reading and speaking Brazilian Portuguese through select cultural videos, readings of literary cronicas, periodicals, and the Internet. Prerequisite: PORT 115-2, PORT 121-3, or sufficient score on placement examination.
PORTUGUESE 202-0: Reading and Writing Portuguese (Fall Quarter)
Instruction in reading and writing expository and narrative prose. Emphasis on vocabulary, linguistic skills, and syntax appropriate to formal written Portuguese. Analysis and development of written skills in different types of discourse genres. This course counts toward the Minor in Portuguese. Prerequisite: PORT 115-2, PORT 121-3, or sufficient score on placement examination.
PORTUGUESE 210-0: Icons, Legends, and Myths in Brazil (Taught in English)
Representations in graphic materials, documentaries, film, theater, folklore, narrative fiction, and popular music of historical, literary, and popular figures in the national imagination. Includes English or Portuguese discussion sections. Prerequisite for Portuguese discussion section: PORT 201-0, PORT 202-0, or sufficient score on placement exam. Prerequisite for English discussion section: none.
PORTUGUESE 396-0: Topics in Lusophone Cultures (Spring Quarter)
Course title and description pending.
SPANISH 101-1: Elementary Spanish (Fall Quarter)
First course of a three-quarter sequence in introductory Spanish, designed for students who have never studied Spanish or studied Spanish less than two years in high school. Students will learn Spanish in order to use it beyond the classroom in meaningful and authentic ways at the Novice level of proficiency.
SPANISH 101-2: Elementary Spanish (Winter Quarter)
Second course of a three-quarter sequence in introductory Spanish. Students will learn Spanish in order to use it beyond the classroom in meaningful and authentic ways at the Novice High-Intermediate Low level of proficiency. Prerequisite: SPANISH 101-1.
SPANISH 101-3: Elementary Spanish (Spring Quarter)
Third course of a three-quarter sequence in introductory Spanish. Students will learn Spanish in order to use it beyond the classroom in meaningful and authentic ways at the Intermediate Low level of proficiency. Prerequisite: SPANISH 101-2.
SPANISH 105-7: College Seminar: Don Quixote's World (Fall Quarter - Taught in English)
What do we do about a world that doesn't conform to our expectations? Do we set out to mold reality to our vision or accept it as it is? How do we forge ahead with our dreams if others do not share our values or goals? Cervantes' Don Quixote tackles these big questions in ways that are both moving and funny as it narrates the adventures of the bedraggled hero--a man driven mad by reading too many fantasy novels--and his earthy sidekick Sancho Panza. The novel contains themes that resonate with our lives today, exploring not only what it means to write--and read--fiction but also asking us to evaluate what kind of person we want to be in the world. In our class, we'll read the novel closely and debate how its essential questions can shape our personal choices moving forward. We will read the novel in English; no prior knowledge of Spanish or Spanish literature is needed.
SPANISH 105-8: First Year Writing Seminar (Spring Quarter - Taught in English)
Course title and description pending.
SPANISH 115-1: Accelerated Elementary Spanish (Winter Quarter)
First course of a two-quarter sequence in introductory Spanish designed for students with previous experience in Spanish. Students will learn Spanish in order to use it beyond the classroom in meaningful and authentic ways at the Novice High-Intermediate Low level of proficiency. Offered in winter. Prerequisite: Spanish Language Placement Exam.
SPANISH 115-2: Accelerated Elementary Spanish (Spring Quarter)
Second course of a two-quarter sequence in introductory Spanish designed for students with previous experience in Spanish. Students will learn Spanish in order to use it beyond the classroom in meaningful and authentic ways at the Intermediate Low level of proficiency. Offered in spring. Prerequisite: SPANISH 115-1.
SPANISH 121-1: Intermediate Spanish (Fall Quarter)
First course in a three-quarter sequence in Intermediate Spanish. Further development of communicative proficiency with an emphasis on the functional use of Spanish and cultural content and reflection. Prerequisite: SPANISH 101-3, 115-2, or Spanish Language Placement Exam.
SPANISH 121-2: Intermediate Spanish (Winter Quarter)
Second course in a three-quarter sequence in Intermediate Spanish. Further development of communicative proficiency with an emphasis on the functional use of Spanish and cultural content and reflection. Prerequisite: SPANISH 121-1.
SPANISH 121-3: Intermediate Spanish (Spring Quarter)
Third course in a three-quarter sequence in Intermediate Spanish. Further development of communicative proficiency with an emphasis on the functional use of Spanish and cultural content and reflection at the Intermediate Mid proficienty level. Prerequisite: SPANISH 121-2.
SPANISH 125-0: Accelerated Intermediate Spanish (Fall Quarter)
Further development of communicative proficiency at the intermediate high level with an emphasis on the Hispanic world and the development of cultural competence. This means that students will be able to communicate familiar and some researched topics, often across various time frames. Offered in fall only. Prerequisite: AP of 3 or sufficient score on Spanish Language Placement Exam.
SPANISH 127-0: Accelerated Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Language Learners (Fall Quarter)
The main purpose of this course is to build upon the language knowledge that students bring to the classroom and advance their proficiency of Spanish for multiple contexts. The course content will generate opportunities for students to hone their oral and written skills, to become acquainted with more formal registers of Spanish and to deepen their sense of pride in their linguistic and cultural heritage in order to communicate more effectively and more confidently in the target language. Offered in fall only. Prerequisite: AP of 3 or sufficient score on Spanish Language Placement Exam.
SPANISH 200-0: Advanced Spanish for Heritage Language Learners (Fall and Winter Quarters)
This course is designed to prepare Spanish heritage learners for advanced studies in the target language by examining contemporary topics within the Spanish-speaking world. It offers insights into how historical events have shaped the present in Latin America, Spain, and the U.S. Latino/a/x communities. Students will foster a critical awareness of their bilingual abilities and improve their reading and writing skills. It is tailored to students who grew up using Spanish as their primary language at home or in their communities. Prerequisite: Spanish heritage learners who have completed SPANISH 127-0, AP of 4, or Departmental Placement.
SPANISH 201-0: Advanced Spanish I: Contemporary Latin America
This course is designed to develop all modes of communication in Spanish as students progress towards the advanced-low level of proficiency, through the interpretation and analysis of sociopolitical topics in Latin America. In addition, the critical examination of authentic materials will help students explore how the recent history of Latin America has shaped its present. Prerequisite: SPANISH 121-3, 125-0, 199-0, AP of 4 on the Spanish Language Exam, or Departmental Placement/Reassessment.
SPANISH 204-0: Advanced Spanish II: Artivism in Times of Political Change
This course is designed to develop all communication modes in Spanish at the advanced-low level of proficiency, through the exploration, interpretation and analysis of multimodal texts centered around politically and socially engaged art. The course will explore the role that the creative arts played in the political and social sphere in 20th-century Spain and Latin America while connecting these movements to current times. Prerequisite: SPANISH 197-0, 201-0, 203-0, 207-0, AP of 5, or Departmental Placement .
SPANISH 205-0: Spanish for Professions: Healthcare (Spring Quarter)
Course description pending.
SPANISH 206-0: Spanish for Professions: Business (Winter Quarter)
Course description pending.
SPANISH 208-0: Spanish and the Community (Spring Quarter)
Course description pending.
SPANISH 251-0: Literature in Spain since 1700 (Fall Quarter)
Survey of literature in Spain from the 18th to the 20th century. Study of representative figures and major literary developments in conjunction with political and cultural history. Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): SPANISH 200-0 or 204-0.
SPANISH 260-0: Literature in Latin America before 1888
Survey of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and romantic traditions in Latin America. Focus on authors and texts such as Popul Vuh, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, and Martín Fierro. Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): SPANISH 200-0 or 204-0.
SPANISH 261-0: Literature in Latin America since 1888
Survey of the modern period, including modernismo, the historical avant-garde, the "Boom," and recent literary trends. Authors such as Delmira Agustini, Jorge Luis Borges, Julio Cortázar, Pablo Neruda, and Cristina Peri Rossi. Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): SPANISH 200-0 or 204-0.
SPANISH 277-0: Introduction to Latinx Literature (Taught in English)
In the United States, we often talk about Latinx people using blurry labels. We discuss the Latino vote, the Hispanic population, and the Latinx community. This course explores the nuances of these labels through stories narrated by Latinx authors. As we follow characters through conflicts and inhabit their quotidian lives, we will navigate between the specificity of a story and the complexity of a Latinx identity. Class discussions will study emotional ties to language, feminist thought, Latinx Indigeneities, and queer storytelling. Our readings will alternate between short stories, poetry, non-fiction writing, and one novel. As we move between forms and genres, we will pay particular attention to what Latinx authors achieve by choosing to tell their story in a poem, a short story, an essay, or a novel, as well as what each of these forms asks of us as readers. A nine-week course cannot do justice to the rich genealogy of Latinx writing. This course follows an illustrative sample of Latinx authors from the 1980s to the present. It aims to provide students with a historical, political, and literary foundation for further exploration of Latinx literature.
SPANISH 301-0: Topics in Language (Spring Quarter)
Course description pending.
SPANISH 350-0: Visual Culture in Latin/o America & Spain: Rosalía: Iconography, Performance, Poetics (Fall Quarter)
Rosalía has emerged as a key figure in contemporary popular culture, captivating audiences worldwide with her blend of flamenco, urban, and electronic music. This course is divided into three parts corresponding to her three studio albums. We will focus on her visual storytelling, stage performances, and poetics to see how she engages with icons of Spanish cultural history ranging from Cervantes to Goya to La Niña de los Peines. The analysis of her body of work is the starting point to inquire into the cultural and social history of flamenco, including its Roma, Black, Jewish, and Andalusian roots, as well as the migrant history of flamenco in Catalonia and Latin America. Debates on cultural appropriation and appreciation will be addressed as we study Rosalía’s engagement with (Afro)Latin American genres—reggaeton, bachata, bolero—or through the analysis of the long tradition of flamenco in Japan. We will reflect on the ways she explores fame, fashion, or feminism, and on what we mean when we term something “experimental” or “avant-garde”. Prerequisite: SPANISH 250-0, 251-0, 260-0, or 261-0.
SPANISH 380-0: Topics in Film in Latin America and/or Spain: Latin American Film (Fall Quarter)
This course will allow students to explore a series of contemporary Latin American films and other media. From a global, comparative perspective, this course will examine selected themes and aesthetic trends in Peruvian, Mexican, Colombian, Cuban, and other countries' film and media produced in the 20th and 21st centuries. The discussions will be accompanied by theoretical and historical readings that provide a framework for their analysis and fictional texts that give more context. Among other topics, discussions of the films and texts will cover subalternity and the Third World, sexual and racial politics, urban violence, postcolonial poetics, genocide, cultural hybridism, dictatorship and populism, and technologies of power. Although we will pay some attention to film techniques, our primary concern will be narrative strategies, ideological content, and the ethics of representation. Prerequisite: SPANISH 250-0, 251-0, 260-0, or 261-0.
SPANISH 395-0: Topics in Latin American, Latina and Latino, and Iberian Cultures: The Urban Gaze: Film, Theory, and the Contemporary Latin American City (Fall Quarter)
This class will approach the contemporary Latin American city through the lens of film and critical theory. Each week, we will relate one (or two) films with a work of recent critical theory that illuminates different aspects of the neoliberal reality in the region from the 80s to the present: privatization and dispossession, domestic labor and exploitation, growing slums and processes of urban self-determination, economic crises and growing grassroots economies, among other subjects. We will explore how Latin American filmmakers have turned to experimental modes of cinematography –particularly documentary approaches– to capture the daily lives, conflicts, political situations, and dignities of the region’s urban inhabitants. This way, these films bring to the screen reflections on Latin America that dialogue with critical concepts such as baroque economies (Verónica Gago), cuir territoriality (Tadeo Cervantes), survival circuits (Saskia Sassen), or the multitude (Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri). As a project for this class, students will create a short documentary video on the Latinx Chicago. Prerequisite: SPANISH 250-0, 251-0, 260-0, or 261-0.
SPANISH 397-0: Topics in Latin American, Latina and Latino, and Iberian Literatures and Cultures: Queer Central Americans and Unruly Bodies (Fall Quarter - Taught in English)
This interdisciplinary course brings together the fields of Central American Studies, Latin American and Latinx Literature, and Queer Studies to examine the lived experiences, politics, and cultural production of transnational Queer Central Americans and its diaspora. Central to this course is a comparative and intersectional approach to queer theory, Central American feminisms, and critical race theory. By using a variety of texts and cultural objects, we will explore how queer Central Americans construct their identities in relation to more dominant expressions of queerness and in Latin American and in the United States. Class topics will include: queerness, disability studies, immigration, race, class, fatness, and gender performance.
SPANPORT 425-0: Studies Contemporary Literature and Cultures (Fall Quarter)
This course will explore how the experiences of exile, migration, and diaspora (both political and economic) have helped shape Caribbean cultural production. We will examine a diverse array of texts – poetry, novels, short stories, films, videos, memoir, and critical essays – produced in both Spanish and English both in the Caribbean and in the United States by writers of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban origin. As we read, we will use exile and diaspora as lenses through which to interrogate other aspects of Latinx Caribbean cultural production. How are these experiences portrayed, and what role have they played in the construction of identities, both personal and collective? How have these situations shaped the development of Caribbean communities (both physical and literary) within the continental U.S.? Should exile and diaspora be seen as patterns connected to globalization, thus serving to complicate our idea of what is Caribbean, or can they in fact be understood as fundamental to the construction of Caribbean-ness? We will look at how these movements shape the treatment of race and gender in these works, and we will analyze the role of nostalgia and humor in the navigation of different cultural and geographic spaces.
SPANPORT 450-0: Topics in Cultural Studies: Indigeneity and Textuality in Latin America. (Fall Quarter)
This course explores the notion of indigeneity and its attendant textual manifestations and representations in literary and cultural production in Latin America. First, we will consider some definitions of the term, ranging from the implicit in colonial-era texts, to the explicit in 19th and 20th century narratival and essayistic production. Secondly, we will dive into the large, diverse scholarship—much of it contemporary and ranging in origin from social sciences such as anthropology and archaeology to humanities such as history and literary studies—that has attempted to articulate indigeneity in connection to the demands of, alternately, nationalisms, vindicatory movements, social revolution, identitarian politics, and other political and cultural formations in the continent. Key amongst our considerations will be understanding not simply the shapes that indigeneity takes within these disciplinary, cultural and political contexts, but also the mechanisms that allow it to move and transform between them. We will pay special attention to the place of writing and will seek to account for the generation of indigeneity from lettered and cultural objects and their historical moments. Readings will be selected from a range of primary and secondary texts and may include Guaman Poma de Ayala, El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, Popol Vuh, el Manuscrito de Huarochirí, Manuel Gamio, José Carlos Mariátegui, Fausto Reinaga, Silvia Rivera Cusicanqui, Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, José María Arguedas, Gamaliel Churata, Alison Spedding, Blanca Wiethüchter, César Calvo, Rigoberta Menchú, Marisol de la Cadena, Gonzalo Lamana, Mary Louise Pratt, Joanne Rappaport, Tom Cummins, Bruce Mannheim, Martin Lienhard, el Taller de Historia Oral Andina, and others. Course will be taught in English and/or Spanish, depending on the Spanish proficiency of the students enrolled.
SPANPORT 496-0: Dissertation Prospectus Writing Workshop
This course seeks to impart to students the knowledge necessary to answer the questions: what is a dissertation, and how do I write one? In the spirit of a workshop, we will work as a group to foster and cultivate the skill sets necessary to formulate and articulate an organizing question adequate to the charge of a significant, independent, multi-year research project. We will call this first stage the prospectus, and we will figure out what it is and how best to write it. We will try to distill multiple and often conflicting statements, expectations, and/or fears about what the dissertation is so we can effectively undertake its preparation and writing.
SPANPORT 560-0: Foreign Language Teaching: Theory and Practice (Winter Quarter)
This course is designed for graduate students who will be teaching Spanish or Portuguese as a Second Language at Northwestern University, and undergraduate students who are planning to become Spanish/Portuguese instructors. The course provides an overview of traditional and current foreign language teaching methods and pedagogical trends to approach the language-learning process. The theoretical background will be applied to the development of second language learners’ intercultural communicative competence. The course will present students with the components of effective teaching tools, such as lesson planning, student needs analysis, classroom management, materials design and evaluation. In sum, students will acquire the pedagogical tools and metalinguistic awareness that they need to become successful second language instructors.