The presence of peoples of Hispanic and Latin American descent in what is now the United States predates the country's founding. Yet, their identities are generally tied to imaginaries of immigration and foreignness. This course examines the history of people of Latin American descent in the United States, how their identity is construed by the media, the state, and how they contest the often-derogatory ideas about themselves through activism and cultural production. Specifically, we will read literary texts, study films and music created by Latino/a/x artists and analyze their ethical implications within their historical context. Throughout the course, we will reflect on the question of what it means for a nation to label a group of people as “others” and, by contrasting how that minoritized group thinks about itself, consider ways to fight discrimination within a multicultural society. The course will be taught in English with some material in Spanglish.

Intermediate Spanish II is the second course in the intermediate sequence and bridges language study with advanced Spanish coursework. It refines students’ ability to communicate effectively and accurately in academic, social, and professional contexts. Emphasis is placed on fluency through sustained conversation, interpretive reading, and written expression grounded in cultural understanding. Students engage with authentic texts, films, and media from diverse Spanish-speaking regions to discuss themes such as identity, globalization, and contemporary society. By the end of the course, students will narrate, describe, and express opinions clearly and coherently in extended discourse. Prerequisite: MLSP 301 or equivalent placement. Note: Students must take the Spanish placement test if this is their first RIT Spanish class (go to mltc.rit.edu). Part of the Spanish immersion, minor, and major, or elective.

Taught entirely in Spanish, this course explores the diverse cultures of the Spanish-speaking world through contemporary film, television, music, and digital media. The course examines global connections among the population of Spanish speaking countries throughout modern history. Students analyze how historical experiences, social movements, and regional identities are represented and debated across popular culture—from news and documentaries to streaming series and music videos. Emphasis is placed on developing critical and intercultural awareness while engaging with authentic media sources and creative projects that connect past and present cultural expressions.

The course gives students an opportunity to study professional language and culture as well as to practice presentation and negotiation skills, especially in professional and formal contexts. Students will improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills developed in the elementary/intermediate sequence to master formal interactions in Spanish. They will learn professional vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical structures through readings, conversation, and discussion. They will cultivate expressive skills through discussion, writing assignments, and a video tutorial project. This course will be useful for students who are planning to seek employment in international companies or in companies doing business abroad, and also for students who want to learn more about business in Spanish-speaking cultures. This is a language class; proficiency equivalent to Intermediate Spanish II is required.