Spanish (SPAN)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
SPAN 100. Spanish Study Abroad1-15 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Participation in a University of Louisville study abroad program or another program undertaken with prior approval of the Department. Credit is awarded with proof of successful completion.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 121. Spanish Language and Culture I4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Placement score below 250 on the WebCAPE Spanish placement exam or no previous study of the language.
Description: Learn to communicate in Spanish in everyday practical situations while exploring the various cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States. This is the first course in a two-semester program designed to introduce students to Spanish.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 122. Spanish Language and Culture II4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 121 or equivalent.
Description: Develop and improve your communication skills in Spanish through real-life tasks as you continue to explore the various cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States. This is the second course in a two-semester program designed to introduce students to Spanish.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 123. Spanish Language and Culture in Review4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): Completion of SPAN 122 or equivalent or placement score between 250-369 on the WebCAPE Spanish placement exam.
Description: Build on and expand your ability to communicate in Spanish in everyday practical situations while developing intercultural competence and sensitivity as a means to gain a deeper understanding of the peoples and cultures of the Spanish-speaking World and of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States. This course is designed to review and expand upon your existing knowledge of Spanish, either through high school or previous college study.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 125. Basic Spanish for Heritage Learners4 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Score of 125 on the Spanish Heritage Language test.
Description: Designed for students from a Spanish-speaking background. Basic level Spanish course that builds on and expands the knowledge and skills that Heritage Learners bring to the language classroom.
Note: Credit cannot be earned for both SPAN 125 and SPAN 123.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 141. Intensive Spanish Language and Culture I6 Units
Term Typically Offered: Summer Only
Prerequisite(s): Placement score below 250 or no previous study of the language.
Description: Learn to communicate in Spanish in everyday practical situations while exploring the various cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and Hispanics in the United States. Successful completion of this intensive six-credit hour course fulfills the requirement for the Bachelor of Science in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Note: Not counted toward major.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 142. Intensive Spanish II6 Units
Term Typically Offered: Summer Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 141 or equivalent.
Description: Continuation of SPAN 141.
Note: Not counted toward major.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 200. SPANISH STUDY ABROAD3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Participation in a University of Louisville study abroad program or another program undertaken with prior approval of the Department. Credit is awarded with proof of successful completion.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 201. Continuing Spanish Language and Culture I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): Completion of SPAN 123 or equivalent or score between 370-439 on the WebCAPE Spanish placement exam.
Description: Expand your communicative competency through authentic reading, writing, speaking, and listening tasks. Deepen your understanding of the people(s) and culture(s) of the Spanish-speaking world and of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States as you further develop your intercultural competency. Identify opportunities to apply your Spanish skills to your career and life goals.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 202. Continuing Spanish Language and Culture II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 201.
Description: Continue to expand your communicative competency through authentic reading, writing, speaking, and listening tasks. Deepen your understanding of the people(s) and culture(s) of the Spanish-speaking world and of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States as you further develop your intercultural competency. Identify opportunities to apply your Spanish skills to your career and life goals. Continuation of SPAN 201.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 205. Intermediate Spanish for Heritage/Bilingual Learners3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Completion of SPAN 125 or score of 205 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Designed for heritage/bilingual learners who have been exposed to Spanish from the household, relatives or community and who can understand and hold a basic conversation in Spanish. Build on the skills you already have in order to expand your written and oral proficiency for communicative competence in a confidence-building environment with language peers. Discover the rich language diversity among speakers of Spanish while exploring your own cultural and linguistic heritage and that of the larger Spanish-speaking world.
Note: Credit cannot be earned for SPAN 205 and SPAN 201.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 260. Cultures of Latin America - D2, AH3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: A general introduction, taught in English, to the culture, art and history of Spanish-speaking Latin America.
Note: Cross-listed with M L 260.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 261. Cultures of Spain - AH, D23 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Description: Explore the cultures, artistic traditions and history of Spain through the interdisciplinary lens of cultural studies. Taught in English.
Note: Cross-listed with M L 261.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 301. Spanish Pronunciation3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 202 Improve your accent in Spanish! Learn phonetic skills and engage in intensive pronunciation practice to increase self-confidence and phonetic accuracy in speaking Spanish.
Description:
Note: Enrollment limited to majors and minors in the Spanish as a second language sequence.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 303. Spanish for Healthcare3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 202 or SPAN 205 or instructor permission.
Description: Explore medical Spanish, basic health care, and Hispanic cultural norms and values, social determinants of health, and economic, political, and social issues as you prepare for potential work with Spanish-speaking patients in future careers in medicine, nursing, social work, translation/interpretation, or mental health settings.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 305. Spanish Grammar in Context3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 202 or placement score of 440-650.
Description: Explore Spanish grammar through a variety of contexts, with a specific emphasis on major challenges and areas of contrast with English. Gain a greater understanding of key aspects of Spanish grammar in order to strengthen your written and oral language skills.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 310. Reading and Writing in Spanish3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 202 or placement score of 440-650.
Description: Strengthen your interpretive and presentational skills through engaged reading and writing in Spanish. Learn and practice the main components of different forms of writing: description, narration, exposition and argumentation. Develop greater intercultural competence through the exploration of authentic texts from diverse genres such as documentary videos, informational articles and short pieces of literature.
Note: Completion of or enrollment in SPAN 305 is recommended.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 311. Advanced Spanish through literature and film3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 305 and SPAN 310.
Description: Further develop your interpretive and presentational skills as you explore readings and films that discuss or embody the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world and of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States and create written responses based on those experiences. Learn to analyze, synthesize and compare texts, and evaluate the causes of events presented in texts by engaging in tasks that combine reading, writing and critical thinking.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 313. Special Topics in Spanish Culture, Literature and Linguistics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 305 and SPAN 310 or SPAN 325 or SPAN 335.
Description: Explore an aspect of the literature, culture, media and/or language of the Spanish-speaking world and/or of Hispanic/Latino communities in the United States
Note: May be repeated once for credit.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 314. Introduction to Afro-Caribbean Culture3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Even Years
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 305 and SPAN 310 or SPAN 325 or SPAN 335.
Description: Explore the history of Black identity in the Spanish-Speaking Caribbean through history, music, poetry, and prose in the twentieth century.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 320. Spanish Conversation in the Community3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 305 and SPAN 310.
Description: Intensive practice of spoken Spanish in class and in the community. Fifteen hours of service learning outside of class required.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 321. Communication and Conversation in Spanish3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 305 and SPAN 310.
Description: Intensive practice of spoken Spanish.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 323. Spanish for Business Purposes3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 305 and SPAN 310 or completion of SPAN 325 or SPAN 335 Learn how to use business vocabulary, write correspondence, analyze current business practice, and recognize global business regulations and standards.
Description: Broaden your cultural, political, and historical understanding of factors affecting business and global transactions in Spanish-speaking countries.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 325. Advanced Spanish I for Heritage/Bilingual Speakers3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Completion of SPAN 205 or score of 325 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Designed for heritage/bilingual learners who have been exposed to Spanish from the household, relatives or community and who can speak and understand the language. Strengthen your written and oral language skills to use them more adeptly in professional and academic contexts. Critically explore issues related to language use and how Spanish speakers interact in the United States.
Note: Credit cannot be earned for SPAN 325 and SPAN 305 or SPAN 321.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 335. Advanced Spanish II for Heritage/Bilingual Speakers3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Completion of SPAN 205 or score of 325 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Designed for heritage/bilingual learners who have been exposed to Spanish from the household, relatives or community and who can speak, read, and write in the language. Continue to strengthen your written and oral language skills in order to develop advanced competency for use in professional, educational and academic contexts. Learn how to critically examine issues related to Hispanic communities, bilingualism and education in the United States through a variety of dynamic cultural contexts.
Note: Credit cannot be earned for SPAN 335 and SPAN 310 or SPAN 311.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 370. Introduction to Medical Interpreting3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 310 and SPAN 321 or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335 or instructor permission.
Description: This course offers an introduction to both the theoretical and practical side of medical interpreting. In the course, students will become familiarized with the basics of interpreting, such as interpreting modes, roles, contexts, and ethics, medical interpreting and medical topics, including an overview of anatomy and bodily systems, and the settings and conditions of medical interpreting work.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 401. Foundations of Spanish Civilization3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335; or score of 400 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Survey of Spanish civilization from prehistory to the rise of the Spanish empire, with special emphasis on the multicultural environment of medieval Iberia.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 402. Cultural and Literary Perspectives on Modern Spain3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335; or score of 400 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Study of salient characteristics of modern Spanish culture and key literary movements and authors from the 17th century to the present.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 403. Foundations of Latin American Nations and Identities3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335; or score of 400 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Development of Latin American culture, arts and literature from the Colonial Period through the 19th century.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 404. Cultural and Literary Perspectives on Modern Latin America3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335; or score of 400 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Study of the development of Latin American culture, arts, and literature from the 20th century to the present.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 405. Introduction to Literary Analysis3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335; or score of 400 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: The basic tools of textual analysis. Development of the ability to discuss literature in a critical manner through the study of its three most representative genres: fiction, poetry and drama. An introduction to basic theoretical approaches to literary texts and the technical terminology needed to articulate textual responses.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 422. Spanish Phonetics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; and one 400-level course in Spanish (or concurrently).
Description: Critical examination of articulatory phonetics and phonological processes with special emphasis on Spanish/English contrastive analysis. Introductory analysis of and practice in the Spanish sound system.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 440. Community Internship1-3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321, and permission of instructor.
Description: An individually arranged internship that allows majors and minors to practice their language skills while enhancing their knowledge of culture as well as practical and critical thinking skills. Students work for a total of 80 approved hours per semester and complete accompanying academic work.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 460. Introduction to Translation3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 310 and SPAN 321 or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335 or instructor permission This course introduces students to the field of translation studies through regular practice that incorporates some of the basic strategies, techniques, and resources of the profession.
Description: Students explore the theoretical background of translation and interpreting studies that professionals use to question and improve their practice through real-world assignments and visits from practitioners.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 470. Advanced Medical Interpreting3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 370 or instructor permission This course provides a more advanced interpreting practice in various medical contexts, focusing on cognitive processes associated with interpreting, memory skills, note-taking, self-monitoring, professional identity, professional development, employment opportunities, medical terminology, and certification.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 490. Spanish Capstone Seminar - WR, CUE3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and completion of 6 hours in Spanish at the 400 level or above.
Description: In-depth examination of an area of Hispanic Studies.Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
Note: Restricted to students with a major in the department.
Course Attribute(s): CUE - This course fulfills the Culminating Undergraduate Experience (CUE) requirement for certain degree programs. CUE courses are advanced-level courses intended for majors with at least 90 earned credits/senior-level status.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 491. Undergraduate Research - WR3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing and faculty consent.
Description: An intensive examination of a topical area in Hispanic Studies undertaken with a designated faculty advisor.
Note: Approved for the Arts and Sciences upper-level requirement in written communication (WR).
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 499. Special Topics in Spanish Culture, Literature and Linguistics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321.
Description: Intense investigation of an aspect of Hispanic culture, arts, literature, and /or linguistics.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 500. Spanish Study Abroad1-15 Units
Prerequisite(s): Membership in a University of Louisville Language Study Abroad Program or a program approved by the department.
Description: Credit awarded upon demonstration of successful completion of program undertaken with prior approval of the department, including a paper or project and an oral or written examination in the language and culture, administered under the supervision of a faculty member.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 511. Studies in Spanish Medieval Literature3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311, SPAN 321, SPAN 400.
Description: Special studies in the original language of selected works from the medieval period.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 513. Studies in Spanish Golden Age Literature3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311, SPAN 321, SPAN 400.
Description: Intensive study of significant works of the Spanish Golden Age.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 516. Literary Influences in Nineteenth-Century Spanish3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311, SPAN 321, SPAN 400.
Description: Study of significant writers of the Spanish Romantic, Realistic, and Naturalistic periods.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 518. Studies in Twentieth-Century Literature of Spain3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311, SPAN 321, SPAN 400.
Description: Study in depth of significant works of the Post-Civil War period.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 524. Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321; or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335; or score of 400 on the Spanish Heritage Language Test.
Description: Introduction to basic linguistic concepts, exploration of communicative strategies, and investigation of Hispanic culture and dialectology.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 527. Latin American Literature: Colonial Period through 19th Century3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 355, SPAN 403, or SPAN 404, or consent of instructor.
Description: Study of significant literary works from the Colonial Period through 19th century.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 528. Contemporary Spanish-American Theatre3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 355, SPAN 403, or SPAN 404, or consent of instructor.
Description: Major trends and authors in Spanish-American theatre since c. 1950. Critical methodology for theatre.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 529. Spanish-American Poetry3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 355, SPAN 403, or SPAN 404, or consent of instructor.
Description: Selected Spanish-American poets, movements and national traditions. Critical methodological theory.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 530. Spanish-American Narrative3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 355, SPAN 403 or SPAN 404 or consent of instructor.
Description: Selected Spanish-American novelists and short story writers, movements and national traditions. Critical methodological theory.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 544. Advanced Grammar and Stylistics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321 (or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335); and 6 hours at the 400 level; or consent of instructor.
Description: An intensive review of the more problematic aspects of Spanish grammar (including prepositions, subjunctive, conditional sentences, relative clauses, spelling, punctuation); a reflection on the nature and functions of written language; and a hands-on-workshop on achieving clarity and grace in written texts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 554. Hispanic Culture through Film and Media3 Units
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 401, SPAN 402, SPAN 403, or SPAN 404; or consent of instructor; admission to the Spanish MA program.
Description: Study of specific/selected issues focusing on the Hispanic cultural milieu; its multiracial values and means of communication as manifested in the visual and print media (film, television, newspapers, documentaries, etc.)
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 561. Independent Study1-3 Units
Prerequisite(s): Consent of department.
Description: Independent study in areas not covered in the regular curriculum.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 570. Intro to Interpreting3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): SPAN 311 and SPAN 321 (or SPAN 325 and SPAN 335); and 6 hours at the 400 level; or consent of instructor.
Description: Provides an overview of the theoretical and practical foundations of Interpreting in community settings, including legal, health, education and social settings; intensive practice in consecutive interpreting, sight translation and basic simultaneous interpreting.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
SPAN 599. Special Topics3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.
Description: Topics of a unique or specialized nature in Spanish language, literature or culture.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
