Culture, Literature, and Film Proficiency
SPAN3070
In this course, I was introduced to the major aspects of Spanish culture from its origins to the present, emphasizing the Iberian Peninsula's artistic, social, historical, and political developments. I also explored contemporary issues shaping modern Spain, gaining insight into how history and culture continue to influence society today. This course was beneficial because I took it before studying abroad in Santiago de Compostela, where I was able to experience firsthand the cultural traditions, historical sites, and contemporary perspectives that I had learned in class. It gave me a strong foundation that enriched my time abroad and deepened my appreciation for Spain's diversity and complexity.
SPAN3130
In this course, I examined major literary movements and authors from the beginnings of Spanish literature through the 17th century. Class discussions and textual analysis deepened my understanding of how historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts shaped Spanish literature during this period. Taking this course while studying abroad in Santiago de Compostela gave me a unique perspective, as I was able to connect the readings to Galicia’s cultural and historical identity. Living and learning in Galicia allowed me to see how regional traditions intersect with the broader currents of Spanish literature, enriching both my academic study and my appreciation for Spain’s diverse literary heritage.
SPAN4070
In this course, I studied Spanish-language films as cultural texts that reflect and critique the social, political, and historical realities of Hispanic societies. I learned key cinematographic techniques in Spanish and engaged in comparative analysis of film and literature, while also considering film's role as propaganda, as popular entertainment, and as a medium of cultural expression. The class's central focus was the work of female Spanish directors, whose perspectives provided unique insights into gender, identity, and representation in contemporary Spain. Taking this course abroad allowed me to experience Spanish cinema in its cultural context, deepening my understanding of how film both mirrors and shapes social realities.
SPAN4350
In this course, I explored the social, political, economic, and artistic dimensions of contemporary Hispanic culture. Readings, discussions, and presentations in Spanish examined how historical legacies and modern global trends shape identity and daily life across the Spanish-speaking world. Taking this class abroad in Santiago de Compostela allowed me to connect course material to real-life experiences, from observing Spain’s regional identities and cultural traditions to engaging with current political and social debates. This immersion helped me better understand the complexity and diversity of Hispanic cultures today while strengthening my ability to analyze contemporary issues through both academic study and lived experience.