KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE PROPOSAL OR REVISION,
Cover Sheet (10/02/2002)
Course Number/Program Name SPAN 7714: Topics in Hispanic Culture
Department Foreign Languages
Degree Title (if applicable) Master of Arts in Teaching (Foreign Languages)
Proposed Effective Date Summer 2008
Check one or more of the following and complete the appropriate sections:
Sections to be Completed
II, III, IV, V, VII
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
X New Course Proposal
Course Title Change
Course Number Change
Course Credit Change
Course Prerequisite Change
Course Description Change
Notes:
If proposed changes to an existing course are substantial (credit hours, title, and description), a new
course with a new number should be proposed.
A new Course Proposal (Sections II, III, IV, V, VII) is required for each new course proposed as part of a
new program. Current catalog information (Section I) is required for each existing course
incorporated into the program.
Minor changes to a course can use the simplified E-Z Course Change Form.
Submitted by:
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Ernesto Silva
Faculty Member
August 15, 2007
Date
Not Approved
Department Curriculum Committee
Date
Department Chair
Date
School Curriculum Committee
Date
School Dean
Date
GPCC Chair
Date
Dean, Graduate College
Date
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Date
President
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
1/9
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE/CONCENTRATION/PROGRAM CHANGE
I.
Current Information (Fill in for changes)
Page Number in Current Catalog _______________________________________
Course Prefix and Number ____________________________________________
Course Title _______________________________________________________
Credit Hours _______________________________________________________
Prerequisites _______________________________________________________
Description (or Current Degree Requirements)
II.
Proposed Information (Fill in for changes and new courses)
Course Prefix and Number SPAN 7714
Course Title Topics in Hispanic Culture
Credit Hours 3-1-3
Prerequisites: SPAN 7712
Description (or Proposed Degree Requirements)
In-depth analysis of Hispanic cultural representations in the media, literature, and other artistic
productions. Topics are chosen for their significance and impact on Hispanic cultures. Requires weekly
field experiences. Course taught in Spanish.
III.
Justification
The national standards set forth by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
(ACTFL) for the preparation of foreign language teachers requires that candidates:
 Demonstrate that they understand the connections among the perspectives of a culture and its
practices and products. (Standard 2a)
 Recognize the value and role of literary and cultural texts and use them to interpret and reflect
upon the perspectives of the target cultures over time. (Standard 2b)
Spanish 7714 is one of the two Hispanic culture courses required for the Masters of Arts in Teaching
(Foreign Languages) at Kennesaw State University. Since the program’s goal is the training of qualified
foreign language teachers, it is imperative that its participants possess the cultural acumen of the target
language, so they, in turn, may be able to teach it and present it to their students. Such competency is a
vital ingredient in the professional formation of a successful foreign language teacher. The main objective
of this course is the study of Hispanic cultural representations in the media, literature, and other artistic
productions. Several assignments inside and outside of the classroom, from reading novels and other
written materials to viewing films; written and oral activities; and a final research essay will provide a
challenging conduit for students to further their understanding of Hispanic culture.
IV.
Additional Information (for New Courses only)
Instructor: See attached syllabus
Texts:
Prerequisites:
Objectives:
Instructional Method:
Method of Evaluation:
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V.
Resources and Funding Required (New Courses only)
Resource
Faculty
Other Personnel
Equipment
Supplies
Travel
New Books
New Journals
Other (Specify)
Amount
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
TOTAL
________
Funding Required Beyond
Normal Departmental Growth
________
VI.
COURSE MASTER FORM
This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the Registrar
once the course has been approved by the Office of the President.
The form is required for all new courses.
DISCIPLINE
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL
(Note: Limit 16 spaces)
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS
Approval, Effective Term
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U)
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are
required as prerequisites
SPAN
7714
Topics Hisp Cult
3-1-3
Summer 2008
Regular
n/a
APPROVED:
_________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee
3/9
VII.
Attach Syllabus
Department of Foreign Languages
Students are responsible for downloading, printing, and bringing
this syllabus to class at the beginning of the semester
SUMMER TERM
I.
II.
SPANISH 7714: Topics in Hispanic Culture: From Literary Text to Film
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ernesto Pierre Silva
OFFICE: PS 140; HOURS: To be announced
E-MAIL: esilva@kennesaw.edu
III.
CLASS MEETINGS: To be announced; LOCATION: To be announced
IV.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: SPAN 7714: Topics in Hispanic Culture. Prerequisite: SPAN
7712. In-depth analysis of Hispanic cultural representations in the media, literature, and other
artistic productions. Topics are chosen for their significance and impact on Hispanic cultures.
Requires weekly field experiences. Course taught in Spanish.
V.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION: Through the use of specific filmic and literary texts, this course
aims to expose students to works of art widely considered Hispanic cultural icons. Students will
learn by drawing comparative and critical analyses between what they read and what they see in
the films. Through critical readings and writings, students will be able to learn the differences and
similarities that make Hispanic culture heterogeneous. All class discussions will be conducted in
Spanish.
VI.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course addresses the following program learning outcomes:
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
Program Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers
Initial Level: Graduate
Standard 2: Cultures, Literatures & Cross-Disciplinary Concepts
2a: Demonstrating Cultural Understandings.
Candidates demonstrate that they understand the connections among the perspectives of a culture
and its practices and products.
2b: Demonstrating Understanding of Literary and Cultural Texts and Traditions.
Candidates recognize the value and role of literary and cultural texts and use them to interpret and
reflect upon the perspectives of the target cultures over time.
In this course, candidates will:
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



develop an understanding of Hispanic culture through in-depth analysis of representative
literary and filmic texts.
learn the similarities and differences between artistic mediums and what forces determine
the shape of each product.
learn the critical tools to approximate each artistic medium and attempt to understand
them within their social/cultural milieu.
analyze and interpret via assigned reading and writings, in-class discussions, and
scholarly research how the two artistic mediums relate and what significance they have
for Hispanic culture.
NOTE: Students are expected to attend a Hispanic cultural event relevant to the class and
report their impressions in writing.
VII.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
LITERARY TEXTS:
Blackwell, Frieda H., and Paul E. Larson. Guía básica de la crítica literaria y el trabajo
de investigación
Cela, Camilo José. La familia de Pascual Duarte
Esquivel, Laura. Como agua para chocolate
García Márquez, Gabriel. Crónica de una muerte anunciada
Rulfo, Juan. Pedro Páramo
Seoane, María. La noche de los lápices
Usigli, Rodolfo. Ensayo de un crimen
Vargas Llosa, Mario. La fiesta del chivo
FILMIC TEXTS:
Arau, Alfonso. Como agua para chocolate (1992)
Buñuel, Luis. La vida criminal de Archibaldo de la Cruz/Ensayo de un crimen (1955)
Franco, Ricardo. Pascual Duarte (1976)
Llosa, Luis. La fiesta del chivo (2005)
Olivera, Héctor. La noche de los lápices (1986)
Rosi, Francesco. Crónica de una muerte anunciada (1987)
Velo, Carlos. Pedro Páramo (1967)
CAVEAT SPECTATOR: The films and reading materials used in this course are part of the
current curriculum on representations of Hispanic culture on film. However, they may contain
images, information, ideas, etc. that may be offensive to your personal beliefs or taste. If you
think it is possible that you may be offended by any of the materials in this course, please see
your instructor at your earliest convenience.
VIII.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:
WRITTEN CRITIQUES: Students must select four films and their accompanying literary
sources and write a three-page, double-space written critique in which a thesis is advanced. This
critique is due at the beginning of the following week after the film is seen. The production of this
critique is mandatory and they will not be accepted after the due date. Details about the content
and specific examples of this assignment will be discussed in class.
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INTERVIEW: Students will be asked to come to my office a week after the midterm to discuss
their ideas for the completion of their research essay. For that purpose, they must have a general
idea about what they wish to focus on. After the interview, students should have a clear idea
about their final project, as well as how to go about obtain information for the completion of the
assignment.
RESEARCH ESSAY: Students must write a 12-15-page, double-space research essay, which
must include at least 10 bibliographical entries. For this purpose, students must be familiar with
MLA conventions about collecting and reporting information in a scholarly fashion. Specific
details about format and other general expectations will be discussed in class as well as on
individual cases. The research essay is due the last day of class.
CULTURAL EVENT: Students are expected to attend a Hispanic cultural event at a venue to be
announced. After participating, students must write a three-page, double-space evaluation of the
event that takes into account its purpose and significance—personal and social. The written
assignment is due one week after the event. No late assignments will be accepted.
IX.
MODERN LANGUAGE ASSOCIATION STYLE: Courses in the Humanities, Social
Sciences, and the Arts follow a specific bibliographical style when citing sources of information
while doing research. Most film and literary analyses are written in the present tense, for
example. This style is known as MLA and its general characteristics can be found in The MLA
Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Sixth Edition, by Joseph Garibaldi (2003), or check
the following Websites:



X.
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite5.html
http://library.osu.edu/sites/guides/mlagd.php
http://www.lib.usm.edu/help/how_do_i_faq/help_faq/how_do_i_learn_more_about_style_guides/
how_do_i_get_help_using_mla.html
WRITING CENTER: The KSU Writing Center is a free service offered to all KSU students.
Experienced writing assistants work with you throughout the writing process (on concerns such
as topic development, revision, research, documentation, grammar, and mechanics) although
assistants cannot edit or proofread your paper for you. Appointments are strongly encouraged.
For more information or to make an appointment, stop by Room 242 in the English Building or
visit:

http://www.kennesaw.edu/english/WritingCenter
Note: Although the help you may get is about English compositions, people at the KSU Writing
Center will be able to guide you in arranging your ideas and formatting your work. In addition,
they will help you with questions about MLA configurations.
XI.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
1. Students are expected to attend all classes. All absences, excused or unexcused, will be counted
as absences. The maximum number of absences and their impact on your final grade will be
discussed in class. If you must be absent from class, it is your responsibility to find out what the
assignment was for that day and to turn your homework in on time. Should you be absent, find
out what transpired in class by contacting a classmate:
NAME: ________________________; PHONE: _____________________; E-MAIL: ________________
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NAME: ________________________; PHONE: _____________________; E-MAIL: ________________
2. Classes will start on time. If for some reason you find it necessary to arrive late, you will be
responsible for all information, including announcements changes in the syllabus, etc. Arriving
fifteen minutes after the beginning of class or later will be consider an absence—exceptions will
be considered on individual basis. However, due to the interactive nature of this class it is better
to come to class late than to be completely absent.
3. Since this class emphasizes interchange of ideas, students must exercise tolerance when
entering a discussion about controversial issues that may support different viewpoints. Please be
polite and considerate with your classmates.
4. Class time will be used to analyze filmic and literary texts within their cultural/historical
milieu. Students are expected to come to class prepared by having read all the materials needed
for a fruitful and engaging in-class discussion.
5. Since an important part of this class focuses on literary works, it is imperative that students
read all the assigned materials before coming to class. Being unprepared may result in a lowering
of your grade for participation. Note: Students will be well-advised to read the novels before the
beginning of the summer term in order to keep up with the amount of reading.
6. All assignments, whether written or oral, are to be finished individually before the class begins.
No late homework will be accepted. No make-ups of any kind will be given for any assignments
or exams. Emergencies will be handled on an individual basis. There will be no “extra-credit.”
7. Students are to be mindful that class time will be dedicated to analyzing and discussing literary
and filmic texts. With that in mind, please turn off all electronic equipment, including phones,
iPods, computers, or anything that may be deemed distracting. No eating or drinking is allowed.
XII.
UNIVERSITY POLICIES: The Department of Foreign Languages adheres to the principles and
policies formulated in the Statement of Student Rights & Responsibilities found on pages 237259 of the Graduate Student Catalog.
XIII.
SCHEDULE: [Subject to change if necessary]
Clase 1: Introducción al análisis textual
Clase 2: Ensayo de un crimen
Clase 3: Ensayo de un crimen
Clase 4: Pedro Páramo
Clase 5: Pedro Páramo
Clase 6: Pascual Duarte
Clase 7: Pascual Duarte
Clase 8: La noche de los Lápices
Clase 9: La noche de los Lápices
Clase 10: Crónica de una muerte anunciada
Clase 11: Crónica de una muerte anunciada
Clase 12: La fiesta del Chivo
Clase 13: La fiesta del Chivo
Clase 14: Como agua para chocolate
Clase 15: Como agua para chocolate
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Clase 16: Conclusiones; Entregar Ensayo
NOTICE: LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT ACADEMIC PENALTY: To be announced
XIV.
FINAL GRADE:
Four Written Critiques
Research Essay
Participation/Interview
Cultural Event
40
30
20
10
____
100
TOTAL
XV.
GRADE SCALE:
A: 90-100%
B: 80–89%
C: 70–79%
8/9
D: 60–69%
F: 0–59%