Special Topics Courses
Each semester, our department offers a wide range of "Special Topics Courses"—in both Spanish and Portuguese. These courses hone in on specific, key aspects of Spanish and Portuguese cultures, literatures, and linguistics. These courses are imbued with a level of passion, love, and care for the given subject as the topics are often chosen by the professors themselves.
Take a look at some of the courses that will be offered this Winter 2026 semester:
Spanish
Portuguese
Myths, Martyrs, and Mothers: Latin American Narratives of Womanhood (SPAN 457R)
¿La vida en la verdad y la verdad en la vida?
Step into Unamuno's passionate search for God and truth. Unamuno's novels and essays spark clashes of Christian doctrine, faith, and doubt—revealing a dramatic vision of mortality, tragedy, and hope.
MWF | 12:00–12:50p
Taught by: Dr. Faith Blackhurst
Step into Unamuno's passionate search for God and truth. Unamuno's novels and essays spark clashes of Christian doctrine, faith, and doubt—revealing a dramatic vision of mortality, tragedy, and hope.
MWF | 12:00–12:50p
Taught by: Dr. Faith Blackhurst
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Discovery and Conquest as History and Myth (SPAN 450R/650R)
Learn how Latin Americans—from colonial times to the present age— continue to ponder the legacy of a challenging past as reflected in their history, art, literature, and film.
MWF | 2:00–2:50p
Taught by: Dr. Doug Weatherford
MWF | 2:00–2:50p
Taught by: Dr. Doug Weatherford
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Spanish in Motion – Language Change and Variation (SPAN 429R)
Why does Spanish sound so different everywhere? From Caribbean slang to Chile's lightning speech, explore accents, rhythms, and indigenous influences. Language in different regions is alive, playful, and a passport to identity and culture!
TTh | 12:30–1:45p
Taught by: Dr. Brandon Rogers
TTh | 12:30–1:45p
Taught by: Dr. Brandon Rogers
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Voces Femeninas Hispanoamericanas (SPAN 437R/659R)
Learn about the contributions of Spanish women writers on literature, poetry, theater, and more and how they show resilience in expressing and exploring their experience within their culture.
TTh | 2:00–3:15p
Taught by: Dr. Mara García
TTh | 2:00–3:15p
Taught by: Dr. Mara García
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20th Century Brazilian Literature (PORT 453/653)
Step into the heart of Brazil through its stories! From bustling cities to lush rainforests, discover how Brazilian authors capture the soul of their country — its people, places, and passions.
MWF | 1:00-1:50pm
Taught by Dr. Andrade: Learn more about the professor here
MWF | 1:00-1:50pm
Taught by Dr. Andrade: Learn more about the professor here
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Survey of Literature of Portugal (PORT 341)
Covering the very roots and beginnings of Portugal literature, starting in the Medieval Ages, this class prepares you to truly understand Portuguese Literature. As a survey class, it covers a wide variety of mediums (poems, prose, drama, and more), providing an amazing learning experience!
TTh | 12:30-1:45PM
Taught by Dr. Halling: Learn more about the professor here
TTh | 12:30-1:45PM
Taught by Dr. Halling: Learn more about the professor here
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Visual Cultures of Brazil: Inside and Out (PORT 457R/659R)
How is the culture of Brazil expressed through visual mediums such as art, painting, and sculpture? Take this class and find out!
MW | 3:30-4:45PM
Taught by Dr. Nielson: Learn more about the professor here
MW | 3:30-4:45PM
Taught by Dr. Nielson: Learn more about the professor here