SPAN 3600 - Hablemos de cine

Goals: The primary goal is to strengthen the advanced-intermediate student’s listening and speaking skills in preparation for 5000-level coursework. Secondary goals include introducing students to the questions and methodologies of film criticism and developing their ability to critique films on the level of narrative and as expressions of Spanish/Latin American culture and society.

Content: Students will view 6-7 films from different parts of the Spanish-speaking world so as to improve their listening skills, particularly their ability to identify and understand regional accents and idiomatic expressions. Oral (and some written) assignments include comprehension exercises, plot summaries and analyses, research presentations, debates, role-playing and a final, in-depth critical review. Significant emphasis on vocabulary building, pronunciation and the confidence and skill needed to speak in longer, more complex sentences. The course is conducted entirely in Spanish, although some films are screened with English subtitles.

Taught: Annually

Language placement: The department recommends that students complete SPAN 3220 before taking this course. Otherwise, students should do the online placement assessment for Spanish and contact the course instructor for placement advice.

Credits: 4