Spanish
Division: Language & Communication Studies
The Foreign Language Department offers transfer courses in Spanish. The instructors in the department provide a sequenced program of courses that support the goal of fluency in speaking, reading, writing and comprehension. Besides offering Spanish 1-4, the department also features a vital Spanish for Spanish Speakers Program (Spanish 22-23) and a survey of literature (Spanish 12). The Spanish program and instructors are particularly active, sponsoring activities like the campus MEChA club and a Dia de los Muertos display. A particularly popular Certificate of Achievement offered by the Spanish department is the Interpreter (Spanish) Certificate that encompasses a group of courses designed to lead a student to the successful completion of the California state interpreters exam.
Contact Information
Language and Communication Studies Division Chair
Aimee Ahle | aimeea@cos.edu
Kaweah: 251B | Visalia Campus
Dean of Language and Communication Studies/Educational Support Services
Dr. Francisco Castillo, Ed.D. | (559) 737-5362 | franciscoc@cos.edu
Educational Support Services: 113 | Visalia Campus
For a complete list of courses and descriptions visit: COURSES
SPAN 001 Beginning Spanish
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
SPAN 001 is an introductory course in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish. This course meets the foreign language requirement for transfer to many universities. It is also useful for students interested in bilingual education or any area that involves Spanish. (C-ID SPAN100)
SPAN 002 Elementary Spanish
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: SPAN 022
SPAN 002 is the second course in a four-course series. This course meets the foreign language requirement for transfer to many four-year universities. It reviews the vocabulary and concepts of SPAN 001 as a starting point. The students will engage with each other and the instructor in a variety of communication-based activities. Cultural and societal aspects of the Hispanic world are stressed throughout the class. (C-ID SPAN110)
Prerequisites: SPAN 001 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
SPAN 003 Intermediate Spanish
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: SPAN 023
SPAN 003 is the third course in a four-course series. This course can meet the foreign language requirement for transfer to many four-year universities. It teaches students to communicate at a sophisticated level, both orally and in writing. It builds on concepts learned in SPAN 001 and SPAN 002. It also improves students' reading abilities and elicits dialogue on cultural topics. (C-ID SPAN200)
Prerequisites: SPAN 002 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
SPAN 004 Advanced Spanish
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
SPAN 004 is the most advanced course in this four-course series. This course can meet the foreign language requirement for transfer to many four-year universities. It reviews the vocabulary and concepts learned in SPAN 001, SPAN 002, and SPAN 003. The students will engage with each other and the instructor in a variety of communication-based activities such as interviews, oral reports, writing newspaper articles, role playing, singing songs or reciting poetry, playing games, making videos, as well as writing and grammar exercises. Cultural and societal aspects of the Hispanic world are stressed throughout the class. Students will exit the class speaking, reading, writing and understanding Spanish fluently. (C-ID SPAN210)
Prerequisites: SPAN 003 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
SPAN 012 Hispanic Literature
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
A study, in Spanish, of Hispanic literature from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. Poetry, short stories, plays, essays, and novels cover a wide spectrum of interpretation of Hispanic life and culture.
Prerequisites: SPAN 004 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
SPAN 022 SPAN 2 for Spanish Speakers
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: SPAN 002
This course is equivalent to SPAN 002, although more emphasis is placed on reading and writing for the native speaker. It is designed to improve the written and oral communication skills of Spanish-speaking students. (C-ID SPAN220)
SPAN 023 Spanish 3 for Spanish Speakers
4 unit(s)
Hours: 4 Lecture/Discussion
Equivalent Course: SPAN 003
A continuation of SPAN 022. This course is for the native speakers who wish to improve their written and oral communication skills. It is equivalent to SPAN 003. (C-ID SPAN230)
Prerequisites: SPAN 022 or equivalent college course with a minimum grade of C.
SPAN 280 Interpreter Written Exam Prep
1 unit(s)
Hours: 1 Lecture/Discussion
This course, taught in English, assists students preparing for the written portion of the California Court Interpreter written exam for all languages. Ethics and professional requirements are covered as well as strategies for preparing for the exam.
SPAN 281 Spanish Interpreting Skills
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This Spanish course prepares students for the oral portion of the State Certification Exam for Court Interpreters. Instruction and practice in consecutive interpreting, sight translation, and simultaneous interpreting from Spanish to English and English to Spanish is included.
SPAN 282 Spanish Legal/Medical Terms
3 unit(s)
Hours: 3 Lecture/Discussion
This course provides a foundation for translating medical and legal terminology from English to Spanish. Emphasis is placed on translating non-technical explanations of medical and legal terminology, including the fundamentals of dividing terms into their structural elements.