Welcome to the Spanish Language Program at Duke! We are very excited to welcome you aboard as you start or continue your journey in Spanish language studies. As you know, Duke requires all students to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language at the intermediate or advanced level. Courses suitable for meeting this requirement are designated with an FL (Foreign Language) curriculum code. Students should be aware of the course sequence at Duke to fulfill the Language Requirement. Once you start a course sequence, the sequence must be followed. There is no "skipping" of courses.
The Spanish Language Program (SLP) at Duke University has designed courses to develop all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The SLP adopts a student-centered, content-based approach. Our main goal is to stimulate students’ curiosity and build knowledge about the Spanish language and its many cultures in an explorative and expansive way. Real-world communication involves multiple skills, so students in our classes work on comprehending, manipulating, producing, and interacting in Spanish using a variety of linguistic resources. Language acquisition is a collaborative endeavor, and students in our courses engage in problem solving as they interact with topics in a collaborative way (searching for relevant information and using that information for a specific purpose, establishing and cultivating relationships, and discussing topics with peers). The SLP classroom becomes a community where students develop the 21 st century skills of collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
To learn more about the requirements and offerings from the Spanish Language Program, visit the links below.
Fulfilling Language Requirements
Courses suitable for meeting this requirement are designated with an FL (Foreign Language) curriculum code. Here are some examples of course sequencing to fulfill the FL. Students should be aware of the course sequence at Duke to fulfill the Language Requirement. Once you start a course sequence, the sequence must be followed. There is no "skipping" of courses.
Here are some possible course sequences for fulfilling the FL:
If starting or continuing your Spanish studies at the 300-level, speak to your professor, advisor or to the Director of Undergraduate Studies (Romance Studies) for course recommendations.
Here are examples of course sequences that include Study Abroad to fulfill the Language Requirement:
The course description and placement guidelines that follow should help you choose the proper gateway course given your background. If you have taken an AP, IB (HL or SL) or SAT II test (with or without listening), you should use that score as your guide for selecting a course. Eligibility for Spanish 101 and Spanish 111 depends on the number of years of Spanish in High School. Normally, three years of HS Spanish (or more) place students above 101 or 111.
If after reading the self-placement guide you are still unsure of the best course for you, check the Duke Simple Syllabus site and look at past course syllabi to see what content is covered in our Spanish courses, or send an e-mail to spanish@duke.edu. Include all of the following information in your email.
The SLP reserves the right to alter registration for students who do not follow departmental advice regarding placement.
Spanish 203: Spanish 203 is a third-semester Spanish course for students who have completed Spanish 102 or its equivalent. The course includes a complete review of elementary grammar (everything covered in Spanish 101 and 102), past subjunctive, pluperfect tenses, application of reading strategies to progressively longer authentic texts, and regular speaking practice. There is a continued development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with attention to expanding the range and complexity of grammar usage and vocabulary through exposure to Spanish-speaking cultures. Reading assignments at the end of the course are equivalent to a 100-150-page novel (not adapted for classroom use). Keep in mind that the Duke in Alicante summer Program offers an intensive immersion experience to complete Spanish 203 and 204.
Spanish 301: Advanced Spanish Writing This course develops students’ academic writing skills in Spanish, focusing on techniques for identifying a topic, conducting research, organizing information to appeal to readers, drafting, revising, and editing. Students improve grammatical and lexical variety and accuracy in their writing in Spanish. Peer feedback and group work are key activities in the course. Products include a summary, an analysis written collaboratively, and a 6-8 page research paper and presentation. This course is strongly recommended before enrolling in Spanish 331S and higher courses.
Spanish 302: Advanced Spanish Grammar This course fosters students' reflection on Spanish grammar and consolidates students' knowledge of the system of rules underlying the Spanish language. Special attention is given to grammar in oral and written communication.
Spanish 303: Introduction to Cultural Studies Introduction to ideologies and political debates that shape the cultural configuration of Hispanic communities both within and outside the US Borders. The main goal is to explore and examine critically how particular discourses (within different genres and media) relate to politics, art, culture, and society. Articles, literary texts, films, web sites, etc. will serve as resources. As students engage with cultural studies, it is expected that they achieve discursive complexity and linguistic accuracy through vocabulary development, group and individual presentations, video recordings, writing projects and debates. Each section of this course features a special topic chosen by the professor.
Spanish 305: Advanced Spanish for Heritage Learners This course is for heritage or bilingual Spanish learners who grew up speaking Spanish at home, but have been educated almost exclusively in English. Together we will explore, reflect, and express opinions about topics that affect the diverse Latino communities in the United States such as identity, bilingual education, immigration, health and human rights issues. Through reading current news and literary works, and listening and watching audiovisual media, students will develop the ability to read and write in Spanish in formal contexts, and also comprehend and compare the diversity and commonality of their Hispanic heritage. Instructor consent required. Contact Professor Joan Munné jmunne@duke.edu for more information.
Spanish 306: Health, Culture and the Latino Community Issues Exploration of health issues in the Spanish-speaking world shaped by social, cultural, political, ethnic, and economic determinants. Topics: cultural competency, community beliefs, medical practices and policies, preventive medicine, mental health. This is a service-learning or community-engaged course. Engagement may include direct, project-based, or research-focused service with local/global community partners among other engaged practices. Evaluation on knowledge of content, oral and written proficiency in Spanish. One 300-level Spanish course recommended prior to enrolling.
Spanish 307S: Issues of Education and Immigration Community-based interaction with Durham Public Schools. Topics: Latino/a/x identities, educational pathways for Spanish-speakers in our community, relevant public policy and legislation, and social action. Required 20 hours outside of class with assigned community partners. Assessment on knowledge of content, oral and written Spanish, and participation in service. One 300-level Spanish course recommended prior to enrolling.
Spanish 308S: Latinx Voices in Duke, Durham, and Beyond Construction of Latinx identity(ies) and formation of community voices through the lens of cultural, political, and social issues at local and national level. Assessment on knowledge of content, oral and written Spanish. Includes Service-Learning component. One 300-level Spanish course recommended prior to enrolling.
Spanish 309S : Spanish in the U.S. Focus on linguistic development and current presence of Spanish in the United States. Students will develop linguistic and critical awareness about the relationship between Spanish language and society, with special emphasis on topics such as language variety, language contact from a social, political and educational perspective, types of bilingualism, sociolinguistic issues, migration patterns and settlements, etc. Readings in English and in Spanish with class discussion in Spanish. Spanish 209 or previous 300-level Spanish work strongly recommended, or bilingual or nearly bilingual proficiency in Spanish). Contact Professor Joan Munné jmunne@duke.edu for more information.
Spanish 310: Translating Spanish-English and English-Spanish. Students will explore key ethical concerns related to translation and interpretation, negotiate translation of cultural references, learn about concepts such as localization and internationalization, and give each other feedback on translation drafts and editing. Products created individually or in collaboration include ads, comics, poems, newspaper articles, subtitling and dubbing for film clips, a community project, and reflections on the translation process. Prerequisite: 300-level Spanish course or equivalent, with advanced proficiency in Spanish. Consent of instructor is required. Contact Professors Munné ( jmunne@duke.edu ) or Simmermeyer ( simmerme@duke.edu ) for more information.
Spanish 313: Bridging Cultures - Latino Lives and Experiences in NC Exploration of key issues surrounding Latino communities in Durham and beyond, focusing on issues of culture and immigration, health, education, and the economy. Course includes a minimum of 15 hours of Service-Learning with a local organization, plus other out-of-class and weekend community trips. Projects promote the development of intercultural competence, as well as facilitate opportunities for building bridges with the local community. Assessment based on knowledge of content, oral and written Spanish, and community engagement One 300-level Spanish course recommended prior to enrolling.
See the 'Courses' tab near the top of the page for a full listing of Spanish courses beyond those mentioned above.