Course Description

This 300-level conversation course develops L2 communicative competencies through critical analysis of Spanish and Latin American films. Thematically centered on social justice issues, the course explores topics such as economic disparity, illegal immigration, gender inequality, racism, and the marginalization of Black and Indigenous communities in the Spanish-speaking world.

Students engage in dynamic discussions, with sessions divided equally between in-class conversations, instructor-guided teletandem exchanges in a computer lab, and student-initiated off-campus interactions. This blended approach ensures meaningful linguistic immersion and transcultural engagement.

A key component of the course is a teletandem exchange with EFL students in Mexico, carefully structured to foster reciprocal language learning.  Thematic Spanish-English vocabulary lists for each film ensure productive, articulate conversations by equipping students with the necessary language to discuss the social issues presented in each film.

The vocabulary may initially seem demanding, but many terms share lexical cognates with English. Learning thematic and contextually rich and relevant vocabulary is essential to engage in class discussions critically and express nuanced opinions on film themes.

By integrating film, language, social justice, and telecollaboration, this course fosters cultural awareness, critical thinking, and global citizenship while empowering students with the linguistic and analytical skills necessary for meaningful cross-cultural dialogue. Moreover, direct connections with peer learners in Mexico expand students' international networks, reinforcing language learning as a social responsibility and personal growth tool.