Course Descriptions

General course descriptions below. Course offerings vary by semester. Students can refer to the Course Syllabi page for more detailed information, as well as the Schedules and Calendars tab for an updated schedule and semester-specific course offerings.

Language Courses

CAS LS 111 First Semester Spanish

Profs. Rosa Sánchez de Oña/Mar Campelo

Introduction to grammatical structures. Emphasis on oral skills and pronunciation. Introduction to Hispanic culture.

For students who have never studied Spanish, or by placement test results.

HUB Areas: The Individual in Community

CAS LS 112 Second Semester Spanish

Prof. Luca Bazzi

Completes study of basic grammatical structures. Emphasis on oral skills with readings on contemporary Hispanic culture and writing assignments.

Prerequisite: one semester of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

HUB Areas: The Individual in Community

CAS LS 211 Third Semester Spanish

Prof. Lucas Pascual

Completes study of grammatical structures of Spanish. Use of spoken language in conversation. Reading in Hispanic civilization and of contemporary short stories. Writing exercises involving more complex grammatical and syntactical patterns.

Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

HUB Areas: The Individual in Community

CAS LS 212 Fourth Semester Spanish

Prof. Mar Campelo

Review of the structures of Spanish. Intensive practice of spoken language. More advanced readings from Hispanic culture with frequent compositions.

Prerequisite: three semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

HUB Areas: The Individual in Community, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

CAS LS 306 Translation through Film

Prof. Cristina Pérez

Advanced study of the Spanish language through the translation of written texts. Analysis of the theory and practice of translation as a catalyst of cultural transfer. Taught in Spanish.

Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

HUB Areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Oral and/or Signed Communication

CAS LS 312 Spanish through Cultural Destinations: Madrid en Vivo

Prof. Mar Campelo

Students will further develop their oral and written skills allowing them to flourish within the Spanish-speaking world. They will become familiar with the city of Madrid through immersion in its history, neighborhoods, art, literature, and its cultural and social peculiarities.

Students publish observations and reflections on the class Blog: Madrid en Vivo Spring 2020

Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

HUB Areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Oral and/or Signed Communication + Teamwork and Collaboration

CAS LS 312 Spanish through Cultural Destinations: Paseando por Madrid

Prof. Rosa Sánchez

Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

HUB Areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Oral and/or Signed Communication + Teamwork and Collaboration

Classes Taught in Spanish / Literature Courses

*Prerequisite for electives taught in Spanish: have taken or currently be enrolled in 5th semester Spanish or the equivalent

CAS LS / CI 477 Contemporary Spanish Film

Prof. Carlos Vela

This course offers students a formal, theoretical, and historical analysis of some of the most significant Spanish films from recent decades, highlighting the wide variety of genres and styles in Spanish cinematographic production. Special attention will be given to the three most relevant directors in the selection of present-day Spanish film: Pedro Almodóvar, Alejandro Amenábar, Iciar Bollaín, and Alberto Rodríguez. Films will be studied within their historical context, and include topics such as literature, politics, fine arts, symbolism, and mythology. Students will explore the connections between literature and cinema in the Spanish language using specific cinematographic vocabulary.

HUB Areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy + Research and Information Literacy

Mujeres en España

Prof. Elena Postigo

This course covers the evolution of different models of female identity and femininity throughout history in order to understand Spanish women today: their values, ways of thinking, family relationships, professional interests and goals, gender roles, etc. The course covers many different periods and movements, from the 8th to the 20th century and the interplay of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences from the 8th to the 16th century; the role of the Catholic Church from the 16th to the 20th century; the Enlightenment in the 18th and 19th centuries; as well as forces of change in the 19th and 20th centuries. In each instance, the historical conditions that led to the rejection of old models and the adoption of new ones are considered.

CAS AH 364 Art & Architecture in Madrid

Prof. Carlos Vela / Prof. Fernando Herrero

Art & Architecture in Madrid is a survey of the architecture, sculpture and paintings found in Madrid presented within the context of various European artistic styles. This course has been designed to introduce students to the most relevant works of art in the city while taking into consideration the historical context in which they were created. Students will learn about the evolution of the arts from 1561, when Philip II moved the country’s capital to Madrid, through the current trends of today such as street art and graffiti. Additionally, some key art theories and alternative “art histories” will be introduced in order to provide students with a broader perspective on the critical approach to art. Includes museum visits.

HUB Areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy + Creativity/Innovation

CAS AH 258 Los Espacios del Arte

Prof. Francisco Ramallo

This course aims to give a general, chronological overview of the use of space in Spanish art and architecture including Baroque, Neoclassical, Romanticism, Cubism and street art. Students will be introduced to great works through a consideration of the varied use of space, and they will acquire skills for analyzing and reflecting upon them. Students will have the opportunity to explore some of Madrid’s most important museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofia, as well as other art and monuments. The course aims to enrich the students’ academic and social experience through an understanding of Spanish art and architecture. Includes museum visits.

HUB Areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

CAS LS 449 Contemporary Spanish Novel: From “La Movida” to 15-M

Prof. Fernando Herrero

This course offers an overview of contemporary Spanish novels from the time of Franco’s death (1975) to the “15 M” movement (2011). The objective of the course is to analyze cultural phenomena that have transformed the social and cultural reality of Spain over the last several decades. Students will discuss the novels alongside supplementary materials such as articles, films, and artistic material from Madrid.

HUB Areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy + Research and Information Literacy

CAS LS 459 Crisis and Literature in Contemporary Spain

Prof. Paco Layna

Studies how key crises, that is, profound changes with significant consequences, are reflected through Spanish literature, press, cinema, music, and other artistic media of the 20th and 21st centuries. These encompass crises of identity, including gender identity, artistic crises emerging from the aftermath of Franco’s death in the 1970s, and more recent political, economic, and health crises including the COVID-19 pandemic.

HUB Areas: Historical Consciousness, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy + Research and Information Literacy

CAS IR 323 The Iberian Peninsula in a Global Context: International Relations in the 20th Century

Prof. Lucas Pascual

This course offers a multidisciplinary study of contemporary international relations with a special focus on the Iberian Peninsula. It will examine significant events that took place during the better part of the twentieth century with an emphasis on the relations between Spain and Portugal and the United States.

HUB Areas: Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I (*effective FALL 2023)

CAS PO 249 UAM Seminar on Contemporary Spain (UAM Univ. Studies only)

Spain has evolved a great deal in recent decades. In the middle of the 20th century, Spain was quite homogenous and may have been considered “behind the times” to an outsider. However, Spain today is a modern and multicultural country. This course aims to highlight this transformation, present a general scope of the country, and compare its sociopolitical situation with that of its European neighbors. Students will also have the opportunity to compare it with their home country—whether that be the United States or otherwise.

HUB Areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Writing Intensive + Critical Thinking

CAS LS 350 Introduction to Analysis of Hispanic Texts: Exploring Madrid through Literature

Prof. Mar Campelo

Prerequisite: four semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

This course is an introduction to literary texts in Spanish. Using the city of Madrid as a reference point, we will explore the poetic, narrative, and theatrical genres through reading, analysis, and critique. We will place the texts in their cultural, historical, and social contexts, with a special focus on the “Madrid” they depict. Through various field activities, we will visit the locations related to each text and explore Madrid as a literary space.

Through discussions and both oral and written text commentaries, students will develop their ability to analyze and contextualize literary texts in Spanish.

HUB Areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

Classes Taught in English

CAS LS 241 Cultures of Spain: Past and Present

Prof. Fernando Herrero

An introduction to Spanish civilization with special emphasis on history, art, and literature. The course begins in English and shifts gradually into Spanish as students’ fluency increases. Course content is enriched by visits to the Prado Museum, Segovia, Toledo, and other sites. Evaluation is based on three exams and/or papers.

HUB Areas: Historical Consciousness, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy

CAS AH 368 Graffiti, Street Art, and Independent Interventions in Public Space in Madrid

Prof. Isabel Carrasco

An introduction to the global movements of graffiti and street art with an emphasis on cases in Spain and Madrid. The course combines theoretical framework (historical and social context) with aesthetic analysis (as visual objects) and with hands-on activities to better understand the artistic processes. It introduces concepts such as the right to the city, public space management, activism, city exploration, etc. through the study of artistic interventions in public space.

HUB Areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy + Creativity/Innovation

CAS AR 200 Heritage Matters: Introduction to Heritage Management

Prof. Amalia Pérez-Juez

Protection and management of archaeological heritage, including sites, artifacts, and monuments. Survey of heritage values and stakeholders. Issues covered include cultural policy and legislation, international efforts, indigenous perspectives, looting, repatriation, underwater heritage, and heritage at war.

HUB Areas: Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I + Research and Information Literacy

CAS HI 256 History of Spain, 711-1898

Prof. Amalia Pérez-Juez

A survey of Spanish history from 711 to 1898, examining the political, social, and economic, and cultural events that shaped Spain in its modern form. Places Spain in a European context. Includes field trips around Madrid.

HUB Areas: Historical Consciousness, Social Inquiry I + Research and Information Literacy

CAS PO 245/HI 228: Nationalism in Spain within the European Context

Prof. Franciso Seijo

Examines Spanish national identity alongside minority national identities within Spain such as the Basque and Catalonian peoples. Compares the case of Spain with other national minority groups across Europe. Examines non-state nationalism from historical and contemporary perspectives.

HUB Areas: Social Inquiry I, Ethical Reasoning (Effective FALL 2023)

CAS IR 427 International Business in a European Framework

Prof. Jose Alberto Arévalo

This course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and intricacies of conducting business in one of Europe’s most vibrant and diverse countries. Spain, with its rich history, dynamic economy, and unique cultural traditions, offers a unique landscape for students that are looking to expand their economic understanding and entrepreneurial skills.

HUB Areas: Social Inquiry II, Teamwork/Collaboration

CAS PH 251 Medical Ethics

Prof. Pablo de Lora

This course will survey ethical issues that arise in connection with medicine and emerging biotechnologies. It will examine topics such as the right to healthcare, research on human subjects, the allocation of scarce medical resource, organ transplantation, euthanasia, abortion, cloning, genetic selection, disabilities, cryopreservation and the biomedical enhancement of human capacities. Students can expect to gain not only training in the concepts and methods of moral philosophy and the logic of argumentation, but also the resources needed for assessing ethically difficult questions that healthcare professionals routinely face. Please come to lecture having completed all of the assigned readings, which will be announced the previous week, and be prepared participate.

HUB Areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life’s Meanings, Ethical Reasoning + Critical Thinking

CAS HI 342/CAS RN 343 Camino de Santiago: A Pilgrim’s Way Yesterday and Today

Profs. Amalia Pérez-Juez, Fernando Herrero

The Way of Saint James —Camino de Santiago— began as a Christian pilgrimage in the 9th century when the hermit Pelayo discovered the legendary tomb of Apostle Saint James in Northern Iberia. What has been considered one of the most significant religious walks in the world was originally determined by a myriad of economic, social, political, and cultural factors that influenced Europe at the time and continue to shape political, social, and economic actions today. This course offers an in-depth exploration of the Camino de Santiago, examining its historical origins and roots as well as its modern challenges, including economic impact and tourism and/or self-discovery and healing. Through lectures, interactive discussions, journaling, and direct engagement on parts of the walk, students will gain a rich understanding of this iconic pilgrimage route. Includes two field trips on the Camino de Santiago!

HUB Areas: Historical Consciousness, Writing Intensive + Creativity and Innovation

Internship Course

NOTE: Elective course offerings vary and may not be offered every semester. Courses are subject to minimum enrollment and may be cancelled if this number is not met. Courses are also subject to a maximum capacity.