Course Description
This course is designed for students who have completed MODL 3351 or equivalent. It is aimed at refining and strengthening the skills acquired in previous levels, particularly reading, writing, and oral expression; and at providing a deeper understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures. Only Spanish is spoken in class.
Course Content
1. In-depth review of grammatical structures in context.
2. Study of vocabulary and stylistic nuances.
3. Culture through the works of Spanish-speaking writers and artists.
4. Writing different types of texts, such as summaries, narratives and argumentative essays.
5. Practicing oral tasks such as supporting an opinion, defending a point of view and discussing abstract topics.
Learning Activities
Class activities may include: practice of syntactic and lexical structures, discussion of readings and audio-visual materials, written work and oral presentations.
Conversation practice in small groups with a Native Language Assistant.
Means of Assessment
Written Evaluations 60%
May include but are not limited to grammar, writing and reading comprehension exercises, chapter tests, paragraph writing, compositions, short essays, written homework, preparation, final written exam
Oral Evaluations 40%
May include but are not limited to oral tests, oral presentations and discussions, conversation lab, preparation, class participation, final oral exam
No single evaluation will be worth more than 20%.
Learning Outcomes
The student will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish at the advanced level in:
1. Reading comprehension of unedited literary and non-literary writings, including complete works.
2. Oral expression: supporting an opinion, defending a point of view, discussing abstract topics.
3. Written expression: summaries, narratives, descriptions, expressing an opinion, comparative and contrasting analysis of syntactical and lexical features in the language.
Textbook Materials
Literary and nonfiction texts to be selected by the instructor, e.g., short novels, drama and/or an anthology.
An advanced-level Spanish textbook such as (but not limited to) the current edition of Maria Canteli Dominicis. Repase y escriba: Curso avanzado de gramática y composición. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Accompanying workbook