Spanish Courses

Check the undergraduate catalog for further details.  See the Class Schedule for courses currently offered.  

SPAN 101
Elementary Spanish I
An introduction to Spanish based on real-life situations. Comprehension and basic speaking skills are emphasized. Some reading and writing is required, as well as an introduction to various aspects of Spanish-speaking societies.

SPAN 102
Elementary Spanish II
A continuation of SPAN 101. Emphasis is on extending skills in everyday spoken Spanish.

SPAN 103  (not offered for Fall 2025)
Intensive Review of Elementary Spanish
Designed for students who have completed level III in high school and who, nevertheless, are unprepared for SPAN 201 either as a result of an interruption of at least five years since their study of the language or as a result of a weak language background. This course offers an intensive review of Elementary Spanish I and II as an opportunity to improve the student’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. SPAN 103 or 102, but not both, may be used toward UMBC’s GFR language/culture requirement.

SPAN 201
Intermediate Spanish I
A continuation of SPAN 101 and 102 with an increased emphasis on reading, writing and cultural knowledge. NOTE: Students whose placement, based on their transcript, is SPAN 201 but who have not taken classes for the last 5 years or whose proficiency might not be as expected for a 3rd semester language course can contact the Spanish Area Coordinator mariamanni@umbc.edu to be considered to go down one level (SPAN 102) or two (SPAN 101)

SPAN 202
Intermediate Spanish II
A content-based language course dealing with current topics related to the Spanish-speaking world. Topics may include ecology, politics and government, education, science, health and nutrition, economics, culture and geography. Emphasis on reading and listening comprehension of authentic printed materials and videos and in-class oral discussions. A review of selected grammar is woven into the course activities.

SPAN 301
Advanced Spanish I
An advanced Spanish language course in the four language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) with focus on sociocultural issues in the Spanish-speaking world. In addition to regular oral practice, the course will include such activities as formal oral presentations, intensive and extensive reading, and a fair amount of expository writing.

SPAN 302
Advanced Spanish II
A continuation of SPAN 301 with more attention devoted to the development of writing skills. A formal final expository essay is required.

SPAN 303
Topics in Spanish
Advanced work in the development of language skills in Spanish. A predetermined semester topic constitutes the basis for further work in the use of spoken and written Spanish. Emphasis will be on reading and on an active use of Spanish involving carefully thought-out and expressed communication in appropriate style. May be repeated for credit as topics change.

SPAN 304
Spanish for Heritage Spanish Speakers I  (Exclusively for heritage speakers of Spanish)
A course specially designed for heritage speakers of Spanish with no formal training in the language on the college level. The course will focus on Spanish grammar, reading and writing, and Latino/Hispanic culture and current events in the Spanish-speaking world. Notes: This course may be used in lieu of SPAN 301 toward the MLL major or minor with concentration in Spanish. Recommended Preparation: Permission of instructor.

SPAN 305
Spanish for Heritage Spanish Speakers II
This course provides language instruction that is specific to the linguistic needs of heritage Spanish speakers. The focus is on vocabulary development, orthography, and grammar through reading and writing. Topics addressed include issues relating to Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. and their cultural and historic roots in Latin America and Spain. Note: This course may be taken as a continuation of SPAN 304 or by heritage Spanish speakers who have more extensive experience with the language. It may be used in lieu of SPAN 302 toward the MLL major or minor with concentration in Spanish.

SPAN 307
España y sus culturas I
This course is organized around a historical focus on Spain and its diverse cultures. Through readings and discussion, the course explores aspects of the country’s history, politics, cultural achievements and current life. It also seeks to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. For non-native speakers, SPAN 302 should be taken prior to or at the same time as this course.

SPAN 308
Latinoamérica y sus culturas I
This course is organized around a historical focus on Latin America and its diverse cultures. Through readings and discussion, the course explores aspects of the region’s history, politics, cultural achievements and contemporary life. It also seeks to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. For non-native speakers, SPAN 302 should be taken prior to or at the same time as this course.

SPAN 309 (3.00)
Business Spanish
A course designed for students with an intermediate knowledge of Spanish who wish to study business or who wish to become acquainted with the language of business. The course introduces business terminology and concepts and covers basic letter reading and writing.

SPAN 311
España y sus culturas II
This course is organized around a literary focus on Spain and its diverse cultures. The course stresses the skill of close critical reading and the relations among literary texts, their social contexts, and other cultural manifestations. It also seeks to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension.

SPAN 312
Latinoamérica y sus culturas II
This course is organized around a literary focus on Latin America and its diverse cultures. The course stresses the skill of close critical reading and the relations among literary texts, their social contexts, and other cultural manifestations. It also seeks to develop students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension.

SPAN 319
Spanish Translation
Spanish translation. An introduction to the practice and techniques of translation between Spanish and English. Students work with various written materials covering many fields.

SPAN 331
The Structure of Spanish
An investigation of the sound system and phonological processes of Spanish, including dialectal variation. Notes: Highly recommended: LING 210.

SPAN 341
Theatre in Spanish
The rehearsal and performance in Spanish of a full-length play (or several shorter works). Students participate as actors and/or assist in tasks of production. They also investigate areas pertinent to the play, such as the life and work of the playwright, historical and cultural milieu depicted, theories and techniques of staging.

SPAN 401
Studies in Spanish Language
Advanced training in oral and written communication in Spanish. Recommended Preparation: Three courses beyond SPAN 302 or 305 or permission of the instructor. Notes: It is recommended that majors take this course during their senior year.

SPAN 421
Studies in Hispanic Literature
A seminar on a selected topic in Hispanic/Spanish literature. Past offerings include modern Cuban literature, Latinx literature in the U.S., Latin American women writers, contemporary Latin American narrative, the Generations of ’98 and ’27, Galdos, and Don Quijote. Topics will be announced each semester offered. Consult schedule of classes for full description of specific topics. May be repeated for up to nine credits as topics change.

SPAN 471
Topics in Spanish Society
A seminar on a selected topic in Spanish society. Past offerings include post-Franco Spain, the Spanish Civil War, modernization and tradition, nationalism and regionalism. Topics will be announced each semester offered. Consult schedule of classes for full description of specific topics. Notes: May be repeated for up to nine credits as topics change.

SPAN 472
Topics in Latin American Society
A seminar on a selected topic in Latin-American society. Past offerings include Afro Latinoamérica, social movements, human rights, indigenous populations, globalization, immigration and transnational families, gender relations, women in politics, contemporary Mexico, and the Latin diaspora in the U.S. Topics will be announced each semester offered. Consult schedule of classes for full description of specific topics. Notes: May be repeated for up to nine credits as topics change.

MLL 208
Great Books from the Spanish Speaking World
An introduction to literary traditions and cultural diversity of Spain and Spanish America through great literary works in translation. Readings (primarily narrative fiction) selected from works of such representative authors as Santa Teresa, Miguel de Cervantes, Benito Perez Galdos, Miguel de Unamuno, Jorge Luis Borges, Ana Maria Matute and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Taught in English. No Spanish required.

MLL 213
Film and Society in Spain
An examination of recent Spanish films and of social questions they reflect and address. Taught in English. No knowledge of Spanish is required.

MLL 218
Film and Society in Latin America
An examination of recent Latin-American films and of social questions they reflect and address. Taught in English. Knowledge of Spanish is not required.

MLL 280
Introduction to the Spanish-Speaking World
An historical overview and cultural analysis of societies in which Spanish is the dominant language, including Spain, Latin America and Hispanic communities in the United States. Intended primarily to provide greater insights into the realities experienced by speakers of Spanish.