Embedded Files
Winter 2026
Winter 2026
We have six incredible themed courses this semester. Scroll down to read about them all!
Bad Bunny: Historia, cultura y lengua a través de la música.
In this course, we will explore history, culture and language in Puerto Rico and Latin America through the lens of Bad Bunny's music and influences. Throughout the course we will explore the evolution of Reggaeton, the complex relationship between Puerto Rico and the United States and the various mechanisms that have contributed to the economic and political environment in Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America. Using Bad Bunny's songs, interviews and activism, we will examine connections between the rich history of social and political commentary in popular music and the current socio-political climate. Finally yet importantly, we will use the topic-context of the course to develop the foundation of your basic Spanish language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) by using the class material, interacting and communicating in Spanish at an Intermediate to Mid-High
proficiency level.
"From Gold to Coffee": Commodities that shape the Hispanic World
In this course, you will learn about powerful commodities that drive the economies, cultures, and landscapes of the Hispanic world. We will examine who, how and why some of these products are exported to international markets. We will explore the fascinating stories behind products such as coffee in Colombia, gold in Peru or oil in Venezuela,and how they shape not only local communities but global markets. Through engaging discussions we will approach current topics like: energy sources and the rising demand, food supply chains, illegal mining, labor conditions and the challenges of protecting natural resources.
Musical Atlas of Latin American Rock
Musical Atlas of Latin American Rock
Rock music in Latin America offers a vast tapestry of cultural expressions with meaningful political significance. It spans a wide array of influences from cumbia to tango, rancheras or reggaeton. This course is designed to present a panoramic exploration of four distinct countries/regions, spotlighting their unique popular music trends. Rock music, typically embraced by younger generations, mirrors a global cultural affiliation while commenting on personal experiences and societal struggles. Leveraging a selection of curated readings, videos, songs, movies, and podcasts, this course will invite students on a musical and historical voyage across Latin America.
The Hispanic World Through the Eyes of its Women
This course will provide an overview of the Hispanic world through the experiences of influential women in different Hispanic countries. Each woman studied will serve to contextualize themes that relate to Diversity, Inclusion and Equality in the Hispanic world as well as history, politics, culture and society. The overall purpose of the class is to provide students with a better understanding of the Hispanic world and its women through listening, writing, reading, and speaking activities in Spanish.
Environmental Issues
Environmental Issues
In this class, we will familiarize ourselves with some of the environmental issues that Latin American countries and Spain are currently facing and how they are responding to them. We will take a closer look at how these issues impact society in different ways, for instance economically and culturally. Further, we will try to imagine and understand the ways in which these issues may impact the future.
Extraordinary Hispanic Communities
In this class, we will learn about smaller communities throughout the Hispanic world that are fighting to become visible. We will explore themes such as identity, language preservation, gastronomic culture and artistic expressions. Using a hands-on approach and self reflection as our guiding principles, we will immerse ourselves in a journey to understand the realities of these communities as well as the impact they have on our own.
Resources
Resources
The website of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL) is a space where you can explore options such as majors and minors in Spanish, study abroad opportunities, tutors and other language learning resources, and scholarships.
You can also make an appointment to meet with an RLL advisor to discuss your interests.
The Language Resource Center (LRC) is located in the basement in North Quad. You may be using the facilities to work on web-based activities, view films, or to receive free peer tutoring with the Spanish Club.
For your convenience, the LRC has a great collection of textbooks and other reference materials that you can use in-house. It also provides you with a database of conversation partners and tutors.
The Spanish Club is a student run organization focusing on the Spanish language and Hispanic/Latinx culture.
The club offers resources to students such as conversation hours, and free peer tutoring. (In Fall 2020, conversation hours, and tutoring are online.)
The club also holds monthly meetings and sponsors recreational events.
Times and days for tutoring and conversation hours vary each semester. For information, visit the Spanish Club Maize Page or Facebook Page, or contact spanishclubeboard@umich.edu.
Tertulia is a great opportunity to practice speaking with students of different levels in a fun and friendly environment.
During the first weeks of class, your instructor will provide the time and other information so that you can connect with others.
All images are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution unless otherwise noted.
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