Modern Languages
(413) 662-5017
www.mcla.edu/modl
Chairperson: Hannah Noel Haynes, PhD
Email: Hannah.Haynes@mcla.edu
In the Communication and Intercultural Studies (CICS) Program at MCLA, we educate our students to become effective, adaptable critics and creators of a variety of human discourses. CICS offers three Bachelor of Arts programs: Communication, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Global and Intercultural Studies. We also offer a series of minors in Critical Ethnic Studies, Cross-Cultural and Social Justice Studies, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and Spanish for Professionals.
The Spanish for Professionals Minor Program helps build proficiency and currency in spoken Spanish and develops cultural awareness, so students can interact with Spanish speakers in an accurate and successful manner in the workplace while traveling, or in other social contexts. If students are working towards a career in business, education, social work, journalism, or in the medical field, or if they are pursuing an interdisciplinary program of studies, a minor in Spanish will be an invaluable asset for their career placement after college.
Students graduating with a minor in Spanish for Professions will be able to:
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Demonstrate oral and written proficiency in Spanish within specific professional contexts (e.g., healthcare, business, social services), using appropriate vocabulary, terminology, and linguistic structures
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Understand and incorporate cultural knowledge of Spanish-speaking communities into professional communication, addressing cultural norms and practices to build rapport and provide culturally sensitive services.
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Read, interpret, and produce written materials such as reports, contracts, medical forms, and case notes in Spanish, ensuring clear, accurate, and professional communication.
Italian Courses
ITAL 101 Elementary Italian I3 cr
Introduces the basics of spoken and written Italian, emphasizing communication and comprehension. Classroom time devoted mainly to speaking and listening with some reading and writing. Vocabulary presented in meaningful contexts. First half of a one-year course; intended for those who have no prior exposure to Italian. Conducted in Italian.
ITAL 102 Elementary Italian II3 cr
This course is a continuation of Italian 101. Speaking, listening, reading and writing skills are emphasized. Conducted in Italian.
Prerequisite: ITAL 101
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
Modern Language Courses
MODL 101 Elementary Language I:3 cr
Introduces spoken and written foreign language emphasizing comprehension and communication. Classroom time devoted to speaking and listening, and some reading. Vocabulary presented in meaningful contexts. First half of a one-year course. Intended for those at the absolute beginner level.
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
MODL 102 Special Topics in Modern Language3 cr
Examines fundamental concepts regarding the relationship of the individual to language and culture. Topics will vary by semester and be identified by subtitle.
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits
MODL 110 The Idea of Latin America3 cr
Examines Latin America's diverse culture, linguistic and ethnic/racial makeups resulting from political, economic, social, and cultural tensions. Students will look at instances of self-representation through a wide range of cultural products such as political manifests, literature, visual arts, ritual performance, and digital media. Examines how Latin American culture heterogeneity and its various expressions re-articulate the "idea" of Latin America.
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
MODL 310 Language & Indigeneity in Latin America3 cr
Examines contemporary issues, themes, and trends in modern languages. Provides an immersive experience in language, communication, and linguistic diversity in our ever-expanding globalized world. Students gain a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between language, identity, shared values, traditions, and beliefs. Analyzing language systems as carriers of historical, cultural, and social knowledge enables students to recognize and appreciate their global significance.
Prerequisite: Completion of Tier II Language, Culture, and Communications requirement, junior status
MODL 495 Teaching Assistantship in Modern Language3 cr
Gives modern language students the opportunity to aid in the teaching of lower- and upper-division courses. This course will help prepare students who wish to pursue careers in the teaching of foreign languages. This course will be graded on a pass/fail basis.
Prerequisite: minimum of 3 credits of MODL coursework, instructor approval
Repeatable: Maximum of 6 credits
MODL 500 Independent Study1-3 cr
Open to juniors and seniors who wish to read in a given area or to study a topic in depth. Written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required.
Prerequisite: Junior status, department approval
Repeatable: Maximum of 12 credits
Spanish Courses
SPAN 101 Elementary Spanish I3 cr
Introduces spoken and written Spanish, emphasizing comprehension and communication. Classroom time devoted primarily to listening, speaking and some reading. Vocabulary presented and illustrated in meaningful contexts. Lab assignments provide practice in writing, as well as additional opportunities to hear and read Spanish. First half of a one-year course; intended for those who have no prior experience with Spanish. Conducted in Spanish.
SPAN 102 Elementary Spanish II3 cr
Reviews first-semester Spanish and continues the comprehension and oral communication begun in Spanish 101. Intended for those who have already experienced a basic Spanish course. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: SPAN 101
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I3 cr
Reviews first-year college Spanish (or high-school equivalent) with a view toward building competence and confidence in students who have been exposed to the basics of the language. Exploration of selected themes in modern Hispanic society, as well as intensive exercises in the oral and written language. Readings, discussions and brief essays on topics related to Hispanic culture. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: SPAN 102
SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II3 cr
Through the reading of varied texts of wide appeal and interest, students become acquainted with the literature and life experiences of Spanish-speaking peoples. Exploring such elements as the literary content, themes, figures of speech and tone of a text, students are assigned written work of a descriptive or interpretive nature based on such textual aspects of the works studied and discussed. Conducted in Spanish.
Prerequisite: SPAN 201
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
SPAN 203 Spanish for Health Care Professionals3 cr
Designed for students seeking to work in the health professions. Students will learn the basic tools to communicate in Spanish in a medical setting. Through communicative practice, students will learn how to ask about pain, symptoms, medical histories, insurance, and patients' feelings. In addition, this course will help students to gain oral fluency and listening comprehension and also awareness about Spanish-speaking people's cultural perspectives around issues of health and illness.
Prerequisite: SPAN 101
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
SPAN 204 Spanish for Social Care and Public Work3 cr
Provides essential Spanish language skills to facilitate communication with Spanish-speaking clients and communities, focusing on social care contexts such as housing, child welfare, health services, public schools, and public assistance. Students will explore cultural dynamics and social justice issues affecting Latinx communities in the U.S. and Latin America.
Prerequisite: SPAN 102
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
SPAN 205 Spanish for Business3 cr
Introduces students to Spanish language skills and cultural practices used in business contexts. It focuses on developing communicative abilities for professional settings, including key business vocabulary, formal writing, and speaking. Students will practice negotiating, presenting, and handling professional correspondence in Spanish. Cultural nuances, business etiquette, and business practices in Spanish-speaking countries will also be explored.
Prerequisite: SPAN 102
Attributes: Language Arts (CLA)
SPAN 300 Spanish Conversation3 cr
Focuses on the practice of spoken language. Students perfect oral communication skills by practicing idioms and conversational courtesies and improve understanding of spoken language.
SPAN 301 Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition3 cr
Reinforces students' ability to express themselves in Spanish, both verbally and in writing. Develops students' awareness of complex syntactical structures, and emphasizes skills in composition and advanced reading comprehension. Conducted in Spanish.
SPAN 390 Special Topics in Latin American/Latinx Culture and Society3 cr
Studies a specific aspect or period of Spanish literature and/or film in depth. Designed to provide advanced work in analysis, interpretation and research in selected areas of study. Course topic is identified by subtitle and may include areas such as Spanish and Latin American Cinema, Postmodernism in the Hispanic World and Contemporary Spanish Poetry. This course is conducted in Spanish (unless otherwise noted) and may be repeated when different topics are offered.
Prerequisite: Junior status
Attributes: Cross-Cultural and Social Justice (CCSJ)
Repeatable: Unlimited Credits