This is an archived copy of the 2013-14 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.mtmercy.edu.

Spanish

The Spanish minor introduces students to the language, literature, and cultures of Spanish-speaking populations. Expertise in Spanish will aid preparations for study abroad, service opportunities, graduate school, future occupations, and living in an increasingly global society. The minor requires a minimum of 15 credits. (Courses numbered SP 200 Intermediate Spanish I and above count toward the minor).

 Spanish Minor

SP 200Intermediate Spanish I3
SP 201Intermediate Spanish II3
SP 300Spanish Grammar & Composition3
Two of the following6
Spanish for the Profession
Spanish Conversation 1
Spanish Conversation, Film and Culture
Advanced Communicative Spanish Abroad
Spanish Phonology
Independent Study
Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Hispanic Culture & Civilization
Spanish Internship
Total Hours15

1

 Native spanish speakers cannot receive credit for SP 240 Spanish Conversation.

Courses

SP 100 Elementary Spanish I: 3 semester hours

Elementary Spanish provides students with an introductory knowledge of Spanish through a communicative approach. Assessment focuses on basic principles of grammar, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and oral expression. Learning exercises acquaint students with cultural context. Prerequisite: None. (Note: Students with 3-4 years of high school Spanish should enroll in SP 200.).

SP 101 Elementary Spanish II: 3 semester hours

This course is a continuation of SP 100 and its communicative approach. Assessment focuses on basic principles of grammar, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and oral expression. Learning exercises acquaint students with cultural context. Prerequisite: 1-2 years high school Spanish; or SP 100.

SP 120 Accelerated Spanish Review: 3 semester hours

This course is designed for students with previous study of Spanish but insufficient preparation to advance the Intermediate Spanish. Students with one year of secondary school Spanish should enter this course. This class is also appropriate for students with two years of secondary school Spanish or for those for whom some time has elapsed since their earlier study of Spanish. This course provides review and elementary college-level preparation in Spanish grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing.

SP 200 Intermediate Spanish I: 3 semester hours

Intermediate Spanish includes an intensive review of basic grammar. Students build on elementary knowledge through conversation, idiomatic expression, and writing exercises. Selected readings provide insight into key aspects of Hispanic culture and literature. Primarily taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 101; or 3-4 years high school Spanish; or program placement exam.

SP 201 Intermediate Spanish II: 3 semester hours

This course is a continuation of SP 200 and includes intensive review of basic grammar. Students build on elementary knowledge through conversation, idiomatic expression, and writing exercises. Selected readings provide insight into key aspects of Hispanic culture and literature. Primarily taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 200; or program placement exam.

SP 220 Spanish for the Profession: 3 semester hours

This course is geared toward developing Spanish language skills for various professions including business, health, social work and criminal justice. The course emphasizes cultural knowledge to improve professional work in the United States Hispanic Community. Pre-requisite SP 201.

SP 240 Spanish Conversation: 3 semester hours

The course in Spanish conversation builds competency in oral expression through daily use. Classroom exercises emphasize individual oral participation, group activities, and student presentations in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 201or placement exam. Native speakers are not eligible for credit in SP 240.

SP 260 Spanish Conversation, Film and Culture: 3 semester hours

The main objective of this course is to provide students the possibility to converse while expanding their vocabulary and widening their cultural perspective on Latin America and Spain through the study of film. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 201 proficiency.

SP 300 Spanish Grammar & Composition: 3 semester hours

This course provides intensive instruction in written composition and grammatical expression. Students review and expand their knowledge of principles acquired at the elementary and intermediate levels. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 201; or program placement exam.

SP 310 Advanced Communicative Spanish Abroad: 3 semester hours

Designed to give students practical, in-class communication exercises in comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Classroom activities are coordinated with homework activities that directly stress communication. The foreign setting also serves as a living language laboratory.

SP 320 Spanish Phonology: 3 semester hours

Phonology involves systematic study of the sounds and articulations that comprise spoken Spanish. Coursework includes the study of regionalisms, dialects, and the lingual characteristics needed to produce native and near-native accents. Non-native speakers build fluency through extensive practice in developing a more authentic Spanish accent.Prerequisite:SP 215 or 240.

SP 325 Independent Study: 3 semester hours

The study topics of this course will be arranged by the instructor and the students. An independent study gives the Spanish minor the opportunity to pursue authors, genres, and literary periods not developed in regular courses.

SP 331 Introduction to Hispanic Literature: 3 semester hours

The introduction to Hispanic literature permits students to apply and refine their language skills through reading, analysis, and discussion of literary and cultural texts. The study of basic literary genres also introduces students to key aspects of Hispanic civilizations and cultures across several centuries. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 215.

SP 350 Spanish Study Abroad: 6 semester hours

The course listing offers credit for supervised coursework in Spanish pursued abroad. Consult program faculty about course equivalency with other Mount Mercy Spanish courses. Coursework should be at a level appropriate to the student's language training. A maximum of 6 hours of SP 350 apply toward the minor. Repeatable. Prerequisite: program approval.

SP 369 Hispanic Culture & Civilization: 3 semester hours

The course surveys Hispanic civilizations and links them to cultural developments over time. Course meetings will integrate art, film, history, music, and literature to familiarize students with cultural contexts that evolved in Spain and Latin America. Nations of emphasis vary. Students enrolled for credit in the Spanish program will complete assignments in Spanish. Prerequisite for credit in Spanish program: SP 201 proficiency. (English speakers should check for cross-listing as HI 369.

SP 425 Spanish Internship: 3 semester hours

The internship involves the use of Spanish skills in workplace or social service settings. Students should average 10 hours per week at their internship. The internship also involves limited academic work that is arranged between the student and supervising faculty. A maximum of 6 hours of SP 425 will apply toward the minor. Repeatable. Prerequisite: SP 200 and program approval.