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Topics in Language (301-0-1)

Topic

Topics in Bilingualism: Spanish in the US

Instructors

Irene Finestrat Martinez

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

Topics in Bilingualism: Spanish in the US

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish in the United States (US) with a focus on exploring bilingualism as a multifaceted phenomenon. Adopting a transdisciplinary approach, the main objective is to explore the consequences of language contact and plurilingualism in individual speakers and societies, particularly in the context of Spanish in the US. Students will delve into topics such as the linguistic practices of Spanish-speaking communities in the US, with specific attention to those in Chicago and Evanston, language ideology, language maintenance through education and policy, or bilingual acquisition and language processing, among others.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: Students must currently be enrolled in or have taken and passes SPANISH 200/204, OR AP of 5 in both the Spanish Language and Literature exams, OR sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
‒ Define what it means to be a bilingual speaker and the key aspects of bilingualism.
‒ Identify the linguistic features of Spanish in the US and understand how these are shaped by language contact.
‒ Compare different types of bilingual education in the US and assess their benefits.
‒ Analyze the impact of US language policies and ideologies on language maintenance.
‒ Explain how bilingual individuals acquire and cognitively manage multiple linguistic systems and explore the possibility of language loss.

Class Materials (Required)

All readings and additional materials will be available through Canvas

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must currently be enrolled in or have taken and passed Spanish 200/204, OR have an AP score of 5 in both the Spanish Language and Literature exams, OR sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required