Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.210.315

Spanish for International Relations

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(5.02)

Spanish for international relations is an advanced examination of grammar and an analysis of international relations’ topics in Spanish. By completion of this course the student will have developed the ability to read, critically discuss and demonstrate mastery of political and socio-economic issues in Spanish-speaking environments. Potential topics include a survey of the professions in international relations, NGOs in Latin America, intellectual property, cultural diplomacy, remesas, regional coalitions and treaties, and the environment. Class presentations and final projects will allow students to apply, synthesize, and reflect on what has been learned in the class by participating in a global simulation that will include a written exercise individualized to their professional interests. Not open to native speakers of Spanish. No new enrollments permitted after the 4th class session.

Spring 2013

(6.01)

Spring 2014

(4.25)

Spring 2015

(4.8)

Spring 2013

Professor: Maria Ramos

(6.01)

The best aspects of this course included the in-depth class discussions and the instructor’s enthusiasm for the material. One student felt that the online assignments were not relevant to what was being learned and discussed in class. Another student felt that he/she was less capable of improvement because the instructor didn’t return graded assignments back in a timely manner. Suggestions included incorporating more grammatical practices and returning student feedback sooner than it was. Prospective students who take this course should already have a high level of Spanish proficiency and should be prepared for a reading and writing-intensive course.

Spring 2014

Professor: Maria Del Rosario Ramos

(4.25)

The best aspects of this course were the teaching style and the emphasis on participation in class. Most students had complaints regarding the online assignments, in particular the VoiceThread program. Many thought the online assignments were too frequent and too repetitive. Better spacing between assignment due dates, along with more emphasis on learning idiomatic phrases, were suggested improvements to the course. Prospective students should know that though the homework assignments are repetitive, the class was fun and interesting.

Spring 2015

Professor: Maria Del Rosario Ramos

(4.8)

The best aspects of the course included the interesting topics discussed, the engaging in-class activities, and the helpful instructor. Students felt that the workload was significant and that the audio parts of exams were difficult. Suggestions for improvement included having informal group presentations, incorporating small group discussion into the class time, and spreading the assignments more evenly throughout the semester. Prospective students wil improve conversational skil s and are encouraged to participate in all class activities.