My research journey is centered on the exploration of heritage language teaching and the attitudes families hold toward nurturing the heritage language within their homes. My interest in uncovering the motivations and attitudes of families regarding heritage language preservation stems from a belief in the profound impact of familial environments on cultural identity. I'm eager to delve into the socio-cultural factors influencing language retention within immigrant families, examining how these factors shape intergenerational language transmission. I'm captivated by the motivations and attitudes of students pursuing Spanish for professional purposes. Understanding their perspectives provides insight into the perceived value of language skills in various career paths. This facet of my research allows me to explore the alignment between educational curricula and the demands of different industries in our increasingly globalized world. Furthemore, I've just completed a book that focuses on empowering Hispanic-Latino children, encouraging them to not just learn their language but also to embrace and appreciate their cultural roots. I submitted the draft of the book to Arte Publico Press for their consideration regarding potential publication.
keywords
Heritage Language Teaching, Sociolinguistics, Spanish for the Professions
SPAN 1020 - Beginning Spanish 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
Continuation of SPAN 1010. Department enforced prerequisite: SPAN 1010 (min. grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and SPAN 1150.
SPAN 2110 - Second-Year Spanish 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Grammar review. Emphasizes reading, writing, and speaking skills. Department enforced prerequisite: SPAN 1020 (min. grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and SPAN 2150.
SPAN 2120 - Second-Year Spanish 2
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Grammar review. Emphasizes reading, writing and speaking skills. Department enforced prerequisite: SPAN 2110 (min. grade C-). Degree credit not granted for this course and SPAN 2150.
SPAN 2140 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers in the United States II
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
Designed to further the linguistic skills and repertoires of students who grew up hearing and/or speaking Spanish at home and/or in their communities. This course aims to further students� bilingual and biliteracy skills developed in SPAN 2130 so that they may meet the demands of personal and professional Spanish-speaking settings locally and beyond, and recognize the value of their linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This is the second of a two-course sequence. Recommended prerequisites: Students must have experience in a Spanish-speaking or bilingual household, community, or environment (Spanish-speaking family members, dual immersion, extended stay in a Spanish-speaking country); and Students must score at least a 28 on the Placement Exam in Canvas.
SPAN 3000 - Advanced Spanish Language Skills
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024 / Spring 2025
Moves students beyond the intermediate level toward an advanced command of Spanish with a focus on communication appropriate for academic research and professional interactions. Course activities focus on solidifying and deepening interpretive, interpersonal and presentational communication skills through close exploration of authentic texts and media and creation of both formal and informal writing and oral presentations. The course prepares students for continued study of literature, art, history, linguistics, culture, business, medical and other professional topics in Spanish. SPAN 3000 is one of the prerequisites for all upper-division Spanish courses except SPAN 3001.
SPAN 3030 - Professional Spanish for Business 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2025
Develops advanced Spanish-language skills, trans-cultural knowledge, and regional, historical, and sociocultural understanding in order to expand the critical apparatus necessary for pursuing business-related professions in the Spanish-speaking world. Includes the study of essential business terminology and documents.
