SPAN 212Spanish for Heritage Speakers

Catalog

This course welcomes heritage speakers with basic communicative ability in Spanish, regardless of proficiency in spelling, grammar, or writing. It is intended for students who grew up speaking Spanish with family or in informal community settings. The course provides an affirming space where students can reinforce prior knowledge and build foundational skills in grammar, spelling, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Learning takes place through culturally contextualized, student-centered instruction, participatory activities, guided writing, text analysis, oral presentations, and collaborative projects. Students explore topics such as the Hispanic presence in the U.S., Mexican American identity, and the experiences of Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban communities. These themes serve as a starting point for broader conversations about language, family, identity, and belonging across the Spanish-speaking world. The course fosters an inclusive environment that values students' diverse experiences and supports them in exploring their identities and expressing themselves with confidence. This course counts toward the Spanish major or minor. Equivalent of Spanish 211. Offered regularly. 4 credits.