The emphasis in this course is on learning critical communication and analytical skills in Spanish for use both in and outside of the United States. We address all four of the primary language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), with particular attention to the unique needs of students who have received a majority of their exposure to the Spanish language in informal/domestic environments. Through the use of meaningful materials and vocabulary taken from a variety of Spanish-language contexts-but with primary emphasis on the numerous U.S. Latino communities-this course aims to sharpen Heritage Speakers' sociolinguistic competency and ability to interpret Spanish-language musical, cinematic, and literary texts in the target language. Ultimately, students will be prepared for a variety of "real-world," cross-cultural contexts and more knowledgeable regarding the cultural production of U.S. Latinas/os. Format: discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation, several short writing assignments (1-3 pages each), two oral exams, oral presentation. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 10). Open to all heritage speakers of Spanish.

Hour: CEPEDA