SPANISH IN THE UNITED STATES

Course Code:

SPAN 318

Course Description:

This course will examine the different varieites of Spanish spoken in the United States, from a sociolinguistic and cultural perspective. We will discuss linguistic, cultural and historical differences across dialects of Spanish (Cuban, Mexican, Nicaraguan, etc.) and across regions of the U.S. (Northeast, Southwest, etc.); the role of language contact with English on language change, language/cultural maintenance and language loss; language identity; language policy; and how Spanish is perceived across the U.S., while also exposing students to authentic U.S. Latino culture.

Department:

Introduction:
The Department of World Languages and Cultures sees its role in the life of the University as a vehicle for the development of the whole person in a multicultural context through the most basic activities of human life: personal expression and social interaction.

We offer majors in French, Spanish, Russian Studies and International Business, as well as French and Spanish Education. Students may also pursue minors in Arabic and Islamic Studies, Asian Studies, Chinese, French, Russian Studies, Spanish and Teaching English-Language Learners. Through these programs the Department prepares students for a future that demands a high level of linguistic proficiency and cultural competency.

Mission Statement
The Department of World Languages and Cultures supports the mission of the University by fostering meaningful language acquisition and cultural study that will enable our students to “exercise leadership in service toward a just world.”

The department promotes the acquisition of indispensable skills in intercultural communication for our students’ future careers and personal development. Understanding that we cannot truly understand a people without understanding their language, the department’s focus is on quality, student-centered instruction in the reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension skills necessary to function in our target languages. Courses in world cultures and literatures are a vital complement to language study and support the University core value of global responsibility, which “challenges us to learn how to steward the resources of the Earth wisely and to act in solidarity with its diverse peoples.”

In order to foster awareness of world cultures, the department supports study abroad experiences, sponsors speakers and other events on campus, and serves as a language and cultural resource to the greater Erie community. The department of World Languages and Cultures works to foster respect for others, an openness to difference, and productive relationships facilitated through intercultural communication.

Credit: