Course Description

This 300-level conversation course develops communicative competence in Spanish through the critical analysis of Spanish and Latin American films. Centered on themes of social justice, the curriculum explores issues such as economic inequality, migration, gender oppression, racism, and the marginalization of Black and Indigenous communities throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Students participate in a blended learning environment that combines classroom discussion, instructor-guided teletandem exchanges in a computer lab, and student-initiated interactions beyond the classroom. This structure promotes both linguistic development and intercultural engagement.

A central component of the course is a virtual exchange with EFL students in Mexico, designed to support reciprocal language learning and cross-cultural dialogue. To facilitate meaningful communication, students use bilingual, film-specific vocabulary resources that enable them to discuss complex social issues with increasing confidence and sophistication.

By integrating film, language, social justice, and virtual exchange, the course encourages students to develop intercultural competence, critical thinking skills, and global awareness. Through sustained interaction with peer learners abroad, students strengthen their Spanish while gaining deeper insight into diverse perspectives and experiences.