Spanish and the Community (208-0-1)
Instructors
Julia Oliver Rajan
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-430: Mon, Wed, Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to service-learning by engaging with Chicago's vibrant Spanish-speaking communities. It explores the U.S. legal system and teaches students how to discuss public health, LGBTQ+ issues, and Latinx experiences. Students examine how culture shapes education, reflect on universal human rights, and discover their potential to drive change. An 8-hour service-learning project allows students to apply their knowledge, assess their contributions, and create meaningful connections with the local community. This experiential approach deepens cultural awareness and equips students to make an impact in their communities while building practical Spanish language skills. Prerequisite: Students must currently be enrolled in or have taken and passed SPAN 197/200/201/203/207, OR have an AP score of 5, OR sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
Registration Requirements
Prerequisite: Students must currently be enrolled in or have taken and passed SPAN 197/200/201/203/207, OR have an AP score of 5 on the Spanish & Culture exam, OR sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
Learning Objectives
• Build relationships through an 8-hour service-learning project, using Spanish in real-world situations.
• Learn about issues affecting Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities and discuss them in Spanish
• Examine how culture shapes education and language learning experiences.
• Discuss challenges faced by marginalized communities and ways to support change.
• Practice Spanish in community settings to gain confidence and real-world experience.
Evaluation Method
Community participation is 20%
Homework on Canvas is 20%
Reflective essays are 20%
Recorded journal reflections are 10%
Grammar quizzes are 10%
Class participation is 10%
Final project presentation is 10%
Class Materials (Required)
Oliver Rajan, Amigos de la comunidad: Curso de aprendizaje-servicio en español (2022) First Edition. ISBN: 978-1-5165-8905-0. E-text or hard copy available at Cognella https://titles.cognella.com/amigos-de-la-comunidad-9781516589043
(Any royalties from Amigos de la comunidad received from Northwestern University will be placed in a fund dedicated to supporting the activities and needs of this experiential course).
Class Notes
Attendance at 1st class mandatory
Prerequisites apply, see description
No P/N option for this section
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Prerequisite: Students must currently be enrolled in or have taken and passed Spanish 197/200/201/203/207, OR have an AP score of 5, OR sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent Required