Description

This is an advanced-level conversational grammar review with primary attention given to the development of accurate and idiomatic oral expression. The course emphasizes the active use of the language through informal conversations, discussions of contemporary issues, debates, oral presentations, and discussions.

The Spring 21 iteration of the course is titled Spanish for the Public Good. This is a project-based course where students will apply their advanced knowledge of the Spanish language into a public-engaged final project based on the Design Thinking methodology. The course will be structured in three main branches:

  1. Spanish Grammar in Context | Advanced grammar topics will be reviewed through cultural materials paying special attention to oral expression. Grammar topics will be assessed in all Design Thinking Project assignments and a final oral exam at the end of the session.
  2. Design Thinking Methodology | Students will apply their advanced knowledge of Spanish into the development of a public-engaged project in Spanish based on the Design Thinking methodology. A total of four short assignments and a final oral presentation will be required. 
  3. Spanish for the Public Good Guest Speakers Series | Professionals and activists leading public-engaged projects where the Spanish language and/or Spanish-speaking communities and cultures are centered will come as guest speakers to the class to present on their work for students to get exposed to initiatives and ideas they can replicate in their Projects. 

The Learning Goals of this course are:

  1. To gain and consolidate an advanced knowledge of the Spanish grammar
  2. To develop advanced oral and written communication skills in Spanish
  3. To identify strategies for languages to be instrumentalized to meet community needs and serve the public good
  4. To develop a critical awareness of the Spanish-speaking populations and the use of Spanish in New York City, the United States and abroad
  5. To incorporate the Design Thinking methodology into students daily and professional lives

This course has been developed thanks to an Open Education Resources Fellowship offered by the Mina Rees Library at the CUNY Graduate Center. I want to thank Anthony J. Harb and all staff the Mina Rees Library for their assistance building this course site.