Major Learning Outcomes for the Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures Major
Students are able to communicate effectively in Spanish in three modes: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational, and in a culturally appropriate manner in a variety of social and professional settings and circumstances at the Advanced Low level of language proficiency, according to ACTFL Guidelines.
Reflective Narrative
For this major learning outcome, students develop their interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational skills through analysis of academic and cultural writings, presentations on diverse topics relevant to the class, and formal discussions with classmates to exchange ideas that helped them evaluate their own set of values. In turn, completing this MLO strengthens the structure of spoken language.
One of the classes that best exemplifies the process of meeting this MLO is SPAN 304: Intro to Hispanic Literature. Poetry is not one of my strengths, since I find it difficult to break it down and examine its components in detail. But thanks to the classes of Dr. Pablo Oliva, I managed to make sense of poetry, and I was able to give a presentation on the Sonnet by José de Esproceda. Based on effective conversations with my teammates during the preparation for our presentation, we delivered a complete analysis of the poem, and thanks to the amount of information we gathered, we had no problem answering the questions of Dr. Oliva and the rest of the class.
Another class that helped me improve my interpersonal and presentation skills was SPAN 301S Service Learning in the Chicanx Community. On this occasion, I used my bilingual ability to improve some aspects of my community. During my service, I tutored people who were learning to use a computer and those studying to pass their citizenship test, mainly making use of my Spanish to liven up the learning process. In addition to reporting my progress during class, Dr. Carolyn González allowed us to discuss our achievements and complications, so we could receive and give suggestions to improve our communication with the community. By the end of the semester, I presented my results and the impact of my service, but I recognize that I ended the presentation too soon, leaving time where I could have expanded more on my experience in the service. This is one of my problems with my presentational skills. I usually don't rehearse my material, and sometimes I get short of speech because I get nervous. But thanks to the constructive criticism I’ve received from my professors, I’m working every day to improve my methods of preparation for any kind of presentation.
One of the classes that best exemplifies the process of meeting this MLO is SPAN 304: Intro to Hispanic Literature. Poetry is not one of my strengths, since I find it difficult to break it down and examine its components in detail. But thanks to the classes of Dr. Pablo Oliva, I managed to make sense of poetry, and I was able to give a presentation on the Sonnet by José de Esproceda. Based on effective conversations with my teammates during the preparation for our presentation, we delivered a complete analysis of the poem, and thanks to the amount of information we gathered, we had no problem answering the questions of Dr. Oliva and the rest of the class.
Another class that helped me improve my interpersonal and presentation skills was SPAN 301S Service Learning in the Chicanx Community. On this occasion, I used my bilingual ability to improve some aspects of my community. During my service, I tutored people who were learning to use a computer and those studying to pass their citizenship test, mainly making use of my Spanish to liven up the learning process. In addition to reporting my progress during class, Dr. Carolyn González allowed us to discuss our achievements and complications, so we could receive and give suggestions to improve our communication with the community. By the end of the semester, I presented my results and the impact of my service, but I recognize that I ended the presentation too soon, leaving time where I could have expanded more on my experience in the service. This is one of my problems with my presentational skills. I usually don't rehearse my material, and sometimes I get short of speech because I get nervous. But thanks to the constructive criticism I’ve received from my professors, I’m working every day to improve my methods of preparation for any kind of presentation.