SPAN 3220
Debating Cultures: How Spanish is Used
This course examines how the Spanish language is used in context with emphasis on variation across linguistic subsystems-the sound system (phonetics and phonology), vocabulary (lexis), sentences (morphosyntax), meaning (semantics), and language in use (pragmatics)-and Spanish applied linguistics. Module 1 includes a concise overview and review of basics about linguistics, Hispanic linguistics, the nature of each linguistic subsystem, the history of the Spanish language, and characteristics of present-day regional varieties of Spanish. Module 2 focuses on semantics and pragmatics, complemented by an exploration of variation in vocabulary throughout the Spanish-speaking world, such as how the English word popcorn may translate as palomitas, canguil, cancha, pochoclo, among various other options, depending on the Spanish-speaking region in question. Module 3 introduces students to sociolinguistics as applied to the Spanish-speaking world, beginning with key concepts such as sociolinguistic variable and concluding with student-led analyses of samples of Spanish day-to-day interactions, emphasizing the legitimacy and value of variation in light of what might be relegated as standard. Module 4 explores a selection of other areas of Spanish applied linguistics, which include teaching Spanish as a second or heritage language and dual immersion programs with Spanish and English in the United States. Students in the course are provided with opportunities to improve their own abilities in Spanish, such as regarding context-appropriate usage, and to apply their knowledge in practical ways to a range of issues and challenges related to the Spanish language today.Prior or concurrent enrollment in Spanish 303 is required. Students who have taken more than two Spanish culture or literature classes are not allowed in this course and must proceed to a Researching Cultures class.
Instructors
Allison Milner, David Cortes Ferrandez, Gabriela Iniesta, Irene Zurita Moreno, Joe Barcroft
Reviews
Fun class. Agree it's a bit easy or less oratorically intense than I expected
12/20/2025
I love him! Super kind, chill, and funny. Passionate about what he teaches and makes classes diverse in activities and engaging. Standard structure of WashU Spanish course with presentations and final paper-- unique in practicas, which are like open open-note test at the end of units. He gives very good feedback and makes a good class environment.
12/15/2025
Fun class and he's light on grading. Feels more like a high school class. Since assignments are light, he cares more if it looks like you're paying attention rather than testing if you actually are, so take notes with a notebook.
10/13/2025
Dr. Cortés Ferrandez is one of the best profs in the Spanish department and is funny, articulate, and the class is pretty chill. Definitely do start the final essay early though it is not something that lends itself to last minute grinding.
9/24/2025
Incredibly interesting class—especially if you're interested in language and Spanish. Advice: start your final paper ASAP. Writing it last minute is not fun.
2/24/2025
This professor was THE worst Spanish professor I had at WashU. He never responded to emails, returned assignments months later, and gave minimal feedback to improve overall work in the class. I am a quieter student and although I received A's on all of my assignments, I still ended up getting an A-. Upon questioning the grade, I got 0 response.
1/25/2024
Professor Cortes Ferrandez has been my favorite Spanish professor at WashU so far! His assignments require you to think about the topics presented in class, but are designed in a way that does not cause as much stress as other classes. He is a fair grader and really cares about the students.
11/30/2023
Taken a few classes with him, enjoyed them all. The pattern is: grade mostly based a few major assignments but he gives you info to prepare and is pretty lenient. He'll work with you and also if you're interested in a particular topic he will be very enthusiastic to help you learn more. Only wouldn't take if you have no interest in linguistics.
11/13/2023
Taken a few classes with him, enjoyed them all. The pattern is: grade mostly based a few major assignments but he gives you info to prepare and is pretty lenient. He'll work with you and also if you're interested in a particular topic he will be very enthusiastic to help you learn more.nnOnly wouldn't take if you have no interest in linguistics.
11/13/2023