French, Italian, and Spanish Placement Tests
If you are planning to take an elementary French, Italian, or Spanish class and you are a new student, freshman or transfer student, or you have not yet begun the elementary language sequence on the Ann Arbor campus, you must take the placement test in order to register for the correct course. You must register for the class into which you have been placed.
If you have registered for a class prior to taking the test, you will still be required to take the test in order to verify that you are in the appropriate level class.
If you have already taken French, Italian, or Spanish 101-232 on the Ann Arbor campus, or if you have already taken the placement test once, you are not eligible to take the test again. For questions regarding the LS&A language requirement, please see a general academic advisor or call POINT-10 (764-6810).
Please Note: With the reduction in the number of classrooms throughout LS&A, departments must limit the number of classes offered between 10 am and 4 pm. There will be more classes open before 10 am and after 4 pm. Please take advantage of the opportunity to register for these classes and avoid the "Lottery" (see 2b below).
Instructions for students requesting overrides for French or Spanish 101, 103, 231, or 232.
Take me to the Fall Time Schedule
Elementary Language Courses
Students who intend to continue a language begun in high school must take the Placement Test to determine the language course in which they should enroll. Spanish 102 is NOT open to students who have begun instruction in high school. It is strongly recommended that students who began Spanish at another college or university also take the placement test. Students must check with the Course Coordinator for any exceptions to the Placement Test level.
101. Elementary Spanish. (4).
(LR).
For students with little or no previous study of Spanish. Course Objectives:
the first part of an introduction to the Spanish language and culture; task-
and content-based approach integrates grammar in a functional use through
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Language use encouraged through
communicative activities rather than a sequence of linguistic units. Videos,
audio cassette, and computer materials incorporated. Goals: Students completing
Spanish 101 understand about different sociocultural norms, can act with
awareness of such differences; speak, using memorized phrases and some original
language; read short texts of familiar or simple structure for detailed
comprehension, less familiar materials for gist and main ideas; write familiar
material with considerable accuracy. Work requirements/Evaluation criteria:
Regular attendance essential. Participation in class includes asking and
answering questions, initiating discussion, role playing, and other situational
activities. Grade based on oral participation, homework assignments, in-class
work, three exams, and a final written and oral exam. (Dorantes)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
103. Review of Elementary Spanish. Assignment
by placement test or permission of department. Transfer students elect Spanish
103 if they have completed the equivalent of Spanish 101 elsewhere. No credit
granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in 102. (4). (LR).
Accelerated refresher course for students with two or three years of high
school Spanish whose previous study did not occur within the preceding two
years. Equivalent to 101 and 102 condensed into one term. Course Objectives:
Introduction to the Spanish language and culture task- and content-based
approach integrates grammar in a functional use through listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. Language use encouraged through communicative activities
rather than a sequence of linguistic units. Video, audio cassette, and computer
material incorporated. Goals: Student completing Spanish 103 will hear about
different sociocultural norms, can act with awareness of such differences;
speak in short spontaneous conversations involving everyday topics, observing
basic courtesy requirements; understand gist of one-way communication like
radio and television; read for practical information; write simple correspondence
and short compositions on familiar topics, with good control of basic sentence
structure. Work requirements/Evaluation criteria: Regular attendance essential.
Participation in class includes asking and answering questions, initiating
discussion, role playing, and other situational activities. Grade based
on oral participation, homework assignments, in-class work, four exams,
and a final written and oral exam. (Dorantes/Hilberry)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
231. Second-Year Spanish. Spanish
102 or 103; or assignment by placement test. No credit granted to those
who have completed or are enrolled in 112 or 230. (4). (LR).
This course is designed to improve the speaking, listening, reading, and
writing skills of students; to review the fundamentals of Spanish grammar;
to build vocabulary; and to provide some insight into the literature and
culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. Course grade based on a series of quizzes
and exams designed to assess ability to read, write and understand Spanish
plus periodic written work, and oral class participation. (Gonzalez)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
232. Second-Year Spanish, Continued.
Spanish 231; or assignment by placement test. No credit granted to
those who have completed or are enrolled in 230 or 112. (4). (LR).
This course is designed to develop fluency in understanding, speaking, reading,
and writing Spanish and to provide a deeper understanding of the literature,
history, culture, and outlooks, of Spanish-speaking peoples. Course grade
is based on exams, designed to assess ability to speak, understand, read,
and write Spanish, plus periodic written work (including compositions) and
oral class participation.
Section 002 - El español en su contexto: imágenes de la España moderna. This course is designed to improve the speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills of students through a cultural and social approach. Students will be exposed to texts and visuals which will enhance their knowledge of modern Spain, as well as to fundamental notions of Spanish grammar. Some of the topics that will be dealt with are: problems of modern youth, recent historical events in Spain, traditions, geography, news, etc. The final grade is based on exams, daily participation in class discussions, compositions, and grammar exercises.
Section 006 - Literatura fantástica. This course will focus on the discussion and examination of fantastic literature and magical realism in contemporary Latin American literature. The principle objectives will be to develop an understanding of the origins, themes, methods, and purposes of fantastic literature through selected readings of literature and criticism. Texts will include short stories and a short novel by Carlos Fuentes, Julio Cortázar, Jorge Luis Borges, and others. Students will be required to purchase a course pack, a grammar reference text, and a reader. In addition to the focus on the development of fluency in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish, important functional aspects of language will also be addressed. Evaluations will be based on class participation, midterm and final exams, an oral exam, homework, and in-class activities. Special emphasis will be placed on writing and the writing process through reaction papers as well as analytic and creative compositions. (Boys)
Section 007 - Spanish through Dramatic Performance. In this section of Spanish 232, students will develop their language skills through reading, writing, and performing dramatic texts. We will read contemporary plays from Spain and Latin America, while informally dramatizing scenes in class. Students will also produce original dialogues on a variety of suggested themes, designed to promote practical knowledge of languages and culture while at the same time fostering creativity. Any and all dramatic genres (except mime) may come into play - comedy, tragedy, slapstick, mystery, adventure, romance, soap opera, commercials, theater of the absurd, musicals, and even puppet theater - depending upon students' interests. Hispanic film and television will serve as resources for artistic material and for developing performance skills. Grammar will also play a role - as a tool for effective language use. For the final project, students working in groups will stage, perform, and videotape a scene or one-act play of their choice. No previous stage experience is required. (Highfill)
Section 009 - Historietas para leer la Historia/ Comic Books to Read History. This course corresponds to the standard 232 class but is designed for those seeking a subject approach to their language learning experience. The four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension) will be emphasized through a cultural studies approach. Some of the most popular comic strips of Latin America will be read and analyzed as a way of understanding other writings on the contemporary history of the region. The course has a very strong component on reading and composition. "Comics to Read History" is open to all students but is strongly recommended for concentrators in social sciences and literature with a special interest in Latin America. (Chavez)
Section 010 - A Film Tour through the Spanish-speaking World. Using movies as a resource that provides different models of native speakers, we will study regional varieties of Spanish as it is spoken in Latin America and Spain. Students will deal here with colloquial language, idioms, and shared cultural knowledge. The movies, strategically chosen will provide examples of cross-cultural differences as can be perceived in customs, values and ways of thinking, feeling, and acting in the Spanish-speaking world. We will see masterpieces such as: El Norte (Guatemala, Mexico, USA), Danzón (Mexico), La historia oficial (Argentina), Lucía (Cuba). In addition, we will read texts and examine cultural artifacts from the countries of the films we will watch. All four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing will be integrated in the group discussions and individual homework. (García-Alvite)
Section 012 - La Juventud en España. What does being joven in Spain mean? Are young Spaniards different from Americans? These questions and more will be answered in this course, which depicts young people in Spain regarding: ideology (moral codes, political, and religious views), lifestyle (entertainment, activities, eating habits, language, sex, etc.), education (life at universities and other institutions), professional world, generation conflict (political and ideological changes, relationship with parents...), youth problems (unemployment, lack of perspectives, drug abuse...), young foreigners in Spain, etc. Students will have the chance to deal with a series of audio and video materials (songs, interviews, films...) as well as texts from newspapers, magazines, literature, etc. the instructor Although most material will be provided in class, a course pack will be offered. The course requirements include tests, two compositions, short projects, a final project, and an oral exam. This course is specially recommended for students wishing to spend a semester abroad in Spain. (Perez-Bazan)
Section 013 - The Blending of Spanish and Native Cultures in Peru and Mexico. The objective of this course is to study the effects of the mixture of the Indigenous and Spanish culture on Spanish spoken in Peru and Mexico. The method of instruction includes lectures, discussions, and cooperative learning techniques. A grammar textbook and a course pack will be required. The course pack will cover four topics: (1) The beginnings of mestizaje, emphasizing the impact of the Spanish conquistadores arrival on the lives of the natives; (2) language and literature showing the reciprocal influence between Spanish and Quechua or Nahualt; (3) arts and architecture indicating the artistic expressions as seen in paintings, pottery, music, textiles, architecture, etc.; and (4) festivities displaying their Spanish and native roots. Course evaluations will be the same as those required by a regular Spanish 232 course. (Frisancho)
Section 021 - Images of U.S. Latinos in Film. In this section of Spanish 232, students will explore images of U.S. Latinas and Latinos in both mainstream and independent films with an emphasis on four central themes: identity, borders and immigration, language, and oppression and resistance. We will study both a historical and social reality of Latinas and Latinos in the U.S. as well as how this reality contrasts with cinematic depictions. In addition, and effort will be made to analyze the effect images of U.S. Latinos have on latino and anglo consumers of mass media, as well as the latino actors, directors, writers, and producers who take part in their production. Within this framework, students will develop skills in Spanish to write and speak about cinematic representation. Course requirements include: weekly film screenings, background readings, three papers, three in-class exams, one oral presentation, and active participation class discussion. Films screened may include: El Mariachi, Nueba Yol, Mi Familia, El Norte, The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, Stand and Deliver, Zoot Suit and Salt of the Earth. In addition to feature films, other media such as performance (John Leguizamo, Coco Fusco) and documentary may be used for background and comparison. (Cashman)
Section 026 - Hispanic Culture through Community Service. This
course will be a query into the nature of the Hispanic community through
the topic of culture. Not only will we be discussing Hispanic in a seminar
setting, but we will be providing two hours a week of community service
in after-school tutoring to the Hispanic community in southwest Detroit.
The goals of this course, then, are two-fold, and encompass the objectives
of both a service-learning course and a fourth-term Spanish language course.
You will be exploring and "testing" different cultural understandings
of service, including, and especially, your own. This class in not just
about providing a service in terms of logging hours, but to go beyond, through
analysis, reflection and evaluation to address the variety of needs of the
Hispanic culture in our community. Note: Class meets M 4-6pm. Students must
also reserve ONE of the following time slots to complete the service component
of the course: Tues, Wed, or Thurs 2-6pm. Students MUST register for both
section 026 and ONE of the service sections 027, 028, or 029. (Figueras)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
Other Language Courses
270(358). Spanish Conversation for Non-Concentrators.
Spanish 232. No credit granted to those who have completed or are
enrolled in Spanish 275(361) or 276(362). A maximum of six credits of Spanish
270, 275, and 276 may be counted toward graduation. (3). (Excl).
Spanish 270 is a practical Spanish course for non-concentrators interested
in the Spanish language and in contemporary Hispanic culture. Texts include
journalistic prose, Internet materials, movies, and songs aimed at increasing
students' knowledge of current affairs in Spain and Latin America. Class
format includes group discussions, debates, oral presentations, and role-playing.
Attendance and participation will be mandatory and will constitute a large
part of the course grade. Grades will also be determined by examination
of students' listening and expressive skills. Finally, students will practice
writing in various practical formats such as letters, book or movie reviews,
etc. These written exercises will form the final component of the
course grade. (Pollard)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
275(361). Grammar and Composition. Spanish
232. A maximum of six credits of Spanish 270, 275, and 276 may be counted
toward graduation. (3). (Excl).
Spanish 275 is intended to increase the accuracy of students' Spanish and
to increase vocabulary and cultural knowledge through readings. The course
is centered on a grammar-review text. Students do readings in Spanish, prepare
translations, compositions, and expand vocabulary. Time is allotted to class
discussion of readings and especially to the treatment of recurrent problems
of grammar. Classes are taught in Spanish. The final grade is based on translations,
compositions, tests, and class participation. (Pollard)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability
276(362). Reading and Composition. Spanish
232. A maximum of six credits of Spanish 270, 275, and 276 may be counted
toward graduation. (3). (Excl).
Spanish 276 is intended to improve students' ability to read Spanish prose,
as well as their skills in conversational and written Spanish. To this end,
students are presented with a variety of materials to stimulate discussion,
both written and oral. A major component of this course is an interactive
computer program based on a movie version of the short story "Instrucciones"
para John Howell. This computer application is designed to improve students'
ability to read and interpret fiction. Compositions are assigned regularly
and oral presentations by students are required, as well. Classes are conducted
exclusively in Spanish. The final grade is based on compositions, exams,
and participation in class discussions. (Pollard)
Check
Times, Location, and Availability