This transdisciplinary course examines the intimate, complex and longstanding relationship between Islam and the West in the context of the Iberian Peninsula from the Middle Ages until the present. Discussions focus on religious, historical, philosophical and political narratives about the place of Islam and Muslims in the West. Students are also invited to think critically about “convivencia,” “clash of civilizations,” “multiculturalism” and other theories that seek to make sense of the relationship between Islam and the West. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only.

This course offers a critical approach to the Afrodiaspora and Indigenous cultural legacies in the Spanish-speaking world, promoting students’ collaborative skills, critical thinking, intercultural skills, and creativity. It introduces critical perspectives related to decoloniality, anti-racism, and intersectionality to discuss how Afro-Latin American and Indigenous literature and art by women have advanced environmental, gender, and racial justice.

How have cultural crossings framed expressions of wonder, artistic innovation, and political reflection in the Caribbean?

A study of the Spain of today through a look at its past in art, history, film and popular culture. The course analyzes Spain’s plurality of cultures, from the past relations among Jews, Christians and Muslims, to its present ethnic and linguistic diversity. Highly recommended for students considering Study Abroad in Spain. Fulfills the writing requirement for the major. Prerequisite: SPN 220 or equivalent. Enrollment limited to 20.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of journalism. Students explore the core values of the field—accuracy, clarity, timeliness, and ethical responsibility—while developing the linguistic and cultural fluency needed to report effectively in Spanish. Through hands-on practice, students learn to write in a range of journalistic genres, including news briefs, interviews, opinion pieces, and feature stories. Special emphasis is placed on cultivating a clear, engaging voice, and on understanding the journalist’s role in shaping public discourse. Enrollment limited to 20.

Climate change is a planetary crisis, yet its impacts and the responses to it vary both geographically and culturally. This course examines climate change and cultural-ecological narratives produced in Spanish-speaking regions of the world, with particular interest in alternative, non-mainstream media. These include community radio broadcasts and theater, participatory video, photography, graphic novels and transmedia texts that uplift minority voices. In this course students work independently and collaboratively to explore who creates these narratives, why, and where and how they do so.

This is a high-intermediate course that aims at increasing students’ ability to communicate comfortably in Spanish (orally and in writing). The course explores an array of issues relevant to the Spanish-speaking world and prepares students to think more critically and in depth about those issues, with the goal of achieving a deeper understanding of the target cultures. Materials used in the class include visual narratives (film), short stories, poems, plays and essays. Prerequisite: SPN 200 or Spanish Placement Exam. Enrollment limited to 18.

This is a high-intermediate course that aims at increasing students’ ability to communicate comfortably in Spanish (orally and in writing). The course explores an array of issues relevant to the Spanish-speaking world and prepares students to think more critically and in depth about those issues, with the goal of achieving a deeper understanding of the target cultures. Materials used in the class include visual narratives (film), short stories, poems, plays and essays. Prerequisite: SPN 200 or Spanish Placement Exam. Enrollment limited to 18.