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| Self-portrait by Picasso (Yo Picasso, 1901)(Private Collection) |
The Spanish Program has enjoyed growing enrollments in the past years, reflecting a similar trend at other colleges and universities, and has successfully managed to maintain this high level of interest by offering a dynamic and varied curriculum. The Program places a strong emphasis on language skills in addition to literature. A distinguished and dynamic faculty offer specialized courses in medieval epics to feminist writings, exploring literature through the centuries and genres. This is quite a challenge considering that medieval, nineteenth century and contemporary Spanish literature is covered as well as Latin American literature from the Colonial period to the present. The intent is to focus on language and literature as mutually supportive areas of study, with the continuum portraying the greater civilization.
While the faculty's approach to the teaching of the language and literature has not undergone major modifications, they do incorporate new technologies into the instruction, whenever possible. Recent films and satellite recordings provide students with current information on cultural trends and events and give key insights into the diverse cultural makeupof each country. Exposure to the language and culture is also encouraged outside the classroom in biweekly language tables, friendly exchanges with the foreign teaching associates, and the use of the multiple resources in the language laboratory.
Most students opt to acquire firsthand experiences by studying abroad for anywhere from one month up to an academic year. The Department of Romance Languages has extensive knowledge of the available programs and provides guidance as needed to students. The Program's professors have also been closely involved with the Hamilton College program in Spain, where they serve as director on a rotating basis.