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SPANISH
LANGUAGE COURSES
SPN-120 GRAMMAR
AND CONVERSATION:
BASIC 1: 4 weeks x 20 hours / week = 80 hours of
LANGUAGE. No previous knowledge of Spanish is required.
The main focus of this level is the development of oral
expression. The student should develop the ability to be
comfortable in simple daily situations. The students that
are at this level shall be exposed in a progressive manner
to units of basic vocabulary and at the same time learn
the appropriate grammatical structures.
SPN-121 GRAMMAR
AND CONVERSATION:
BASIC 2: 4 weeks x 20 hours / week = 80 hours of
LANGUAGE. This course is designed for groups that have taken
at least 60 hours of Spanish and have very basic knowledge
of the language. During the four weeks of the course the
content is progressively extended, integrating the development
of the four skills with techniques and specific procedures
that promote the student’s interaction with the Costa
Rican surroundings. At the same time the knowledge that
is acquired in the previous module is strengthened. When
the four weeks of study are over the student will be able
to face every day situations easily.
SPN- 200 GRAMMAR
AND CONVERSATION:
INTERMEDIATE 1: 4 weeks x 20 hours / week = 80 hours
of LANGUAGE. This module was designed for students that
have a basic knowledge and proficiency of the language.
Dynamic participation is promoted among the students. It
is based on the conversation, reading and discussion of
simple texts. Aside from the use of more complex vocabulary,
the history and use of the personal pronoun “vos”
are introduced.
SPN- 201 GRAMMAR
AND CONVERSATION:
INTERMEDIATE 2: 4 weeks x 20 hours / week = 80 hours
of LANGUAGE. Social and cultural activities are used widely
as study material. Much emphasis is placed on the enrichment
of vocabulary and the management of the language is intensified.
The student, once this module is completed, shall be able
to take part of a simple dialogue and be able to understand
the majority of what is read.
SPN-300 GRAMMAR
AND CONVERSATION:
ADVANCED 1: 4 weeks x 20 hours/ week = 80 hours of
LANGUAGE. Oriented towards students that are already able
to communicate in Spanish. The goal is to polish the language
through: grammatical analysis, vocabulary, mannerisms and
colloquial expressions. The reading and composition of complex
texts is also included.
SPN 302/301
GRAMMAR AND CONVERSATION:
ADVANCED 2: 4 weeks x 20 hours / week = 80 hours
of LANGUAGE. Always using the practical and communicational
method, this module deals with more complicated syntactical
and morphological aspects. It is an introductory course
to morpholinguistics. Emphasis is placed on the correct
use of written and spoken Spanish. When this level is completed
satisfactorily, the student shall be able to express his/her
ideas fluently in Spanish, written as well as spoken. In
the same way, the student shall have a notion of the adequate
use of nomenclature and the structure of advanced syntax.
SPN-340 ORAL
EXPRESSION I:
These courses are oriented towards students that already
proficient in the grammatical structure of Spanish, but
have an interest is speaking fluently. The objective of
this courses is to develop skills through lectures and listening
with a focus on oral expression. This course is formatted
in lectures, discussion and analysis.
SPN 320 INTRODUCTION
TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND LITERATURE IN LATIN AMERICA:
An introduction of various relevant topics in the Latin
American culture and how that has translated through literary
works. The focus is primarily on Costa Rica.
SPN-410/401
COMPOSITION AND RHETORIC:
This course is directed to students that have an advanced
knowledge of the Spanish language and want to improve their
writing skills. The objective of this course is to introduce
and develop elements of rhetoric and composition so that
the student improves their writing style. Students should
expect to anlyze the communication and use of oral expression
which will afford them the knowledge and practice necessary
to prepare written texts.
SPN-440 SPANISH
FOR BUSINESS:
(Only offered in March, July, December) 4 weeks x 15 hours
/ week = 60 hours
Created for students that are already at an advanced level
of Spanish, this course will familiarize a foreign student
with the Spanish used in the Latin American business world.
The technical language and vocabulary used in the areas
of financing, marketing, production and general administration
are studied here. This course has been structured into thematic
units that are developed through activities such as reading
and analysis of articles and experts´ opinions that
are published in specialized magazines. Each specific area
is covered with situations or “mini – cases”
that need to be solved, thus promoting the development of
written and oral skills, applied to Business Administration.
The students carry out case studies and visit different
national companies.
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ELECTIVES
TAUGHT IN ENGLISH
Business and Communications
COMM 200:
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
(48 hours) An overview of the field of Intercultural Communication.
The course examines theoretical aspects of culture and world
view, intercultural contact, entry and reentry processes.
Addresses issues of diversity and commonalities amongst
human beings, implications and applications according to
each situation and professional context. Students will develop
skills for intercultural competence.
GEB 350- INTRODUCTION
TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
An overview of cultural environment of international business
and the institutions which affect business today. International
economic, political and trade issues are analyzed in the
context of socioeconomic goals and policies of the nations
involved. The Latin American perspective with regard to
the U.S., Asia and Europe is examined: NAFTA, Merco sur,
the EC and other common market areas and agreements.
ECON 340-
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS & LATIN AMERICA
Examines Latin American policies that affect the international
economy, with attention to trade barriers, economic nationalism
and regionalism, international political economy, exchange
market intervention and international transmission of economic
perturbations. Prereqs., ECON 1000, or ECON 2010 and 2020.
MGMT 321-
LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT.
An overview of logistics management areas within the domestic
and international contexts. Examines logistics objectives
such as warehousing, inventory control, transportation,
import-export logistics, etc. Emphasis is given on the importance
of legal aspects in certain logistics areas.
MGMT 303-
CRITICAL LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Provides the opportunity to learn about and practice the
skills required for managerial excellence. These skills
include leadership, negotiation, conducting performance
appraisals, delegation, effective communication, interviewing
and making hiring decisions and effective human resource
management. Students will learn to develop self-awareness
of strengths and weaknesses gaining familiarity with theory-based
skills.
COMPARATIVE
CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHY
(Taught in Spanish and in English during the summer)
An overview of the history and selected concepts in major
eastern and western classical philosophical movements and
systems. Emphasis on certain topics such as mind-body, knowledge
of self and others, predestination and free will, cause
and effect and other fundamental ideas in classical knowledge.
Art and Humanities
HUM 351- ARTS
AND HUMANITIES: COSTA RICA COLLOQUIUM 3 cr.
A general survey of the complex heritage and social evolution
of Costa Rica, examined through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary
view focusing on the historical development and present
day dynamics of economy, society, polity, natural resources
and culture. Special attention will be given to topics such
as cultural background, identity formation, social development
and education the roots of present day crises, problems
of peace and democracy, some artistic and literary trends,
and the emergence and role of old and new ideological movements.
Emphases will be placed upon different topics during the
course, according to students' backgrounds and expectations.
ETHN 310-
SELECTED TOPICS IN ETHNIC STUDIES
Intensive examination of a particular topic, theme, issue,
or problem concerning the Black presence in Costa Rica and
Central America. Sample offerings could include Central
America and ethnic politics, history and Culture, Blacks
in Central American governments, Contemporary Black literature,
History of the Black experience in Costa Rica.
ARCH 312:
HISTORY AND THEORIES OF LATIN AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE 1:
(48 hours) Survey of architecture and urban design of pre-Columbian
and colonial developments in Latin America.
FINE 161 BASIC
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Introduction of techniques and concepts of photography as
a form of art. The emphasis is on photography as a medium
of formal expression. The student must bring the proper
adjustable camera. Pre Req. SPN 202 MUST BRING YOUR OWN
CAMERA
Environmental
Sciences
ENV 304: INTRODUCTION
TO TROPICAL ECOLOGY
3 credits (48 hours) ENV 3044L: LABORATORY 1 credit (20
hours)
An introductory course to Ecology, the study of the natural
environMent and of the relations of organisms to each other
and to their surroundings, with emphasis on the tropical
setting and Costa Rican models of conservation. Population
demography; the physical world, adaptation and geographic
variation of same; interactions, competition, predation.
Community development, biodiversity, biogeography. Students
must enroll in both the lecture course and the laboratory.
All field trips are mandatory.
ENV 319 INTRODUCTION
TO TROPICAL MARINE BIOLOGY
3 credits (48 hours) ENV 3190L: LABORATORY (20 hours) 1
credit
An introduction to the biology and ecology of tropical marine
ecosystems. Studies the balance between ecosystems and human
stress and demands on the constant changing marine environment.
Students must enroll in both the lecture course and the
laboratory. All field trips are mandatory.
ENV 305: ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Offered subject to Enrollment Introduction to the study
of major environmental problems and issues confronting modern
society ecosystem concepts; population patterns and dynamics.
Resources, use and misuse; population and environmental
quality. Environmental citizenship and economic incentives.
Costa Rican initiatives and eco-tourism.
ENV 404: SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
Offered subject to enrollment An introduction to the natural
resources conservation status in Costa Rica. This course
has multidisciplinary approach to environmental issues that
pertain to the new model of sustainable development by the
Costa Rican government. Costa Rica is well known for its
conservation through the National Parks System, although
the new concepts of conservation areas and sustainable development
are as innovative.
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ELECTIVES
TAUGHT IN SPANISH
COMPARATIVE
CLASSICAL PHILOSOPHY
(Taught in Spanish and in English during the summer)
An overview of the history and selected concepts in major
eastern and western classical philosophical movements and
systems. Emphasis on certain topics such as mind-body, knowledge
of self and others, predestination and free will, cause
and effect and other fundamental ideas in classical knowledge.
SPN 482 INDEPENDENT
STUDIES IN COSTA RICA CULTURE AND REALITY:
(3cr) (Taught in Spanish)
Course of independent research on topics that are prominent
to the country’s culture, development and functioning.
The objective is to guide the student in the research process
in order for he/she to obtain information on some of the
topics and events that are most relevant to Costa Rica,
through bibliographic research, interviews, and tours and
visits to institutions.
Literature
SPN 327 SELECTED
READINGS FROM LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE:
Study of authors, literary currents or genre specifics in
Latin American literature. Prominent literary works, authors
and genre particularities are researched in order to introduce
the student to literary projects that have great cultural
impact in Latin America. Prereq. SPN 301 or placement exam
SPN 411- CONTEMPORARY
COSTA RICAN FEMALE WRITERS:
The Study of a representative number of works and topics
by female Costa Rican writers from the XX th. Century…
Prereq. SPN 301 or placement exam
SSPN 439-
LATIN AMERICAN FILM AND LITERATURE 4:
The study of the cinematographic production in relation
to literature in Latin America.
SPN 430- MAIN
TOPICS IN LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE:
(48 hours) (Taught in Spanish)
The study of an important topic in Latin American literature.
The professor will be able to chose the topic or focus on
studies for a specific genre or author.
SPN 416- THE
REALIST MOVEMENT IN LATIN AMERICAN NARRATIVES:
(48 hours) (Taught in Spanish )
Selective reading of works and authors that best represent
the Realist movement in Latin America and an analysis of
the premises and expressions of this philosophic literary
movement…
SPN 4840 INDEPENDENT
STUDIES IN LITERATURE:
(48 hours) (Taught in Spanish)
Course of independent research on prominent authors, literary
currents, and genre particularities in Latin America. These
independent studies hold the purpose of guiding the student
in the research process in such a way that he/she may obtain
information about authors and literary movements, through
bibliographic research. Pre req.
SPN 3050 PHONETICS
AND PHONOLOGY
(45 hours) Methods and tools of descriptive linguistics
applied to phonetics and articulation are learnt in the
course.
Art
SPN 1161 BASIC
PHOTOGRAPHY
(3 credits) (Taught in Spanish and English)
It introduces techniques and concepts of photography as
an art. Emphasis is placed on photography as a means to
achieve formal and expressive objectives. The student must
bring his/her own adjustable camera. Pre Req. SPN 202 MUST
BRING YOUR OWN CAMERA |
