SPAN 3020
Cultures and Communication in the Spanish-Speaking World
This course is the first part of a two-semester advanced-level sequence. Through the study of a variety of media (i.e., written, visual, aural, and digital), students will develop linguistic and cultural competence and gain a general understanding of contemporary issues of interest in Spain, Latin America, and the United States. Discussion of a wide array of cultural and linguistic materials will serve as the basis for an exploration of the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The course focuses primarily on speaking skills. It is designed to prepare students to proceed to higher-level Spanish courses and to build written and oral proficiency. This course replaces Span 307D and is a prerequisite for several study abroad programs. Prerequisite: Span 202 or placement by examination.
Instructors
Bailey Willden, Barragan-Peugnet, David Cortes Ferrandez, Dowell, Elvira Zamora Garcia, Irene Zurita Moreno, Jody Doran, Katherine Tilghman, Marisa Barragan-Peugnet, Mark Dowell, Matias Acevedo, Nuria Alcaide Garcia, Pili Cuairan Chavarria, Rebeca Cunill, Silvia Ledesma Ortiz, Virginia Braxs, Willden
Reviews
Content was easily digestible, but my experience in the course last year was ruined entirely by him. He is incredibly stuck-up, and lets his ego get in the way of his teaching. And he's just an overly-negative person. I would have loved this class if it was taught by a different professor, honestly.
8/27/2024
2 or less hrs/week
Bailey is soooo easy. Don't have to read any of the homework material and she grades super easily. She's a grad student so she's just trying to give the students a good experience and leave a good impression
5/21/2024
SPAN 101** \nI recommend not having Professor Dowell. Dowell does not lecture or teach within the class period, only showing PowerPoints based on review. Spanish is not a difficult subject but Profe Dowell DOES NOT TEACH, which creates difficulty in the comprehension and understanding of the course and language.
12/10/2023
Such a good Spanish teacher. Reaffirmed my love for the language. Introduced new concepts about Spanish-speaking culture. A great course to introduce a possible major or minor in the study.
12/9/2023
After two classes with Prof. Dowell, I can confirm he is very easygoing and makes classes enjoyable. He does cold call students a lot, and doesn't give the best feedback on papers, but he is a great teacher and engages with students very well. He doesn't give too much homework either. I highly recommend him for Spanish and Portuguese students!
10/11/2023
I had Dowell for Spanish 102 but that wasn't an option. The class is a lot of work but that's not really his fault, it's just languages at WashU. He's a nice guy as long as you put the work in and do the assignments.
1/22/2023
*Note I had Dowell for SPAN202 but that was not an option to select*\n\nProfe Dowell is very caring towards all students and even helped give back a few extra points on some assignments at the end of the semester to help bump my grade up a point.\n\nHowever, SPAN202 is incredibly grammar intensive with a lot of busy work and was not a great class.
5/3/2022
Professor Dowell is an inconsistent grader, with not much lecturing ability. He is a quick email responder, and makes everything we need accessible online, but he is not very organized and I feel like I didn't learn as much as I should have in the class.
4/3/2022
(Took 101 but was not an option) Haven’t taken any other language classes yet, but honestly the worst professor I have had so far at Wash U. Inconsistent homework vs lecture topics, and clearly does not care about the class.
4/3/2022
Super nice guy! Show up and participate and you will have no issues.
12/12/2021
Professor Dowell really is one of the best teachers I've ever had. He genuinely cares about his students so much and will do anything to make sure you are happy and successful. Class was really enjoyable and I actually felt like I gained a lot of speaking skills. Easily the most caring and nicest professor I've had.
12/9/2021