Study Abroad Program

Dr. Linda Tracy is a full-time instructor of Spanish at Santa Rosa Junior College. She received her BA and MA degrees in Spanish from Brigham Young University and then earned both a Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate and a Ph.D. from UCLA in Hispanic Languages and Literature. A subsequent 12-year foray into the business world, largely in the field of corporate computer sales, also led to an MBA from Pepperdine University. She is a language junkie and has traveled extensively through Spain and the Mediterranean. Dr. Tracy has led three student groups to Costa Rica and will be accompanied on this program by her husband, Jim, and her 17-year-old daughter, Lily. All are looking forward to sharing a new adventure.

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Descriptions of SRJC Classes

Spanish 1 - Elementary Spanish, Part I
This is an introductory course to Spanish language and culture in which students will gain basic communication skills in speaking, reading and writing. We will use the locale of Granada and Madrid, and daily life with host families, as a vehicle to learn Spanish experientially and draw direct cultural insights. Students will also develop a field project in small groups based on an aspect of local culture.

(4 units) (Letter grade or CR/NC option)
Recommended: Eligibility for English 1A or equivalent
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area E (Humanities); CSU Area C-2
(Humanities); IGETC language
CAN SPAN 2; SPAN 1 + SPAN 2 = CAN SPAN SEQ A

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Spanish 2 - Elementary Spanish, Part II
This course focuses on developing intermediate-level linguistic skills in Spanish. Students will increase their fluency in speaking, reading and writing as they develop a broader range of grammar and vocabulary. We will explore the rich cultural heritage of Spain through brief readings and information gathering projects. Students will record their experiences and observations of the local culture in the form of a cultural journal.

(4 units) (Letter grade or CR/NC option)
Prerequisite: Two years of high school Spanish or Spanish 1
Recommended: Completion of ENGL 100B or ENGL 100
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area E (Humanities); CSU Area C-2
(Humanities); IGETC Area 3-B (Humanities)
CAN SPAN 4; SPAN 1 + SPAN 2 = CAN SPAN SEQ A

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Spanish 3 - Intermediate Spanish, Part I
This course will be combined with Spanish 4 and will focus on developing higher-level communication skills in speaking, reading and writing. The course will incorporate readings and discussions of some of Spain's literary masters. In addition, students will read local newspapers and discuss and contrast local perspectives on various issues of concern to Spaniards today. As a class field trip we will attend a play, art exhibit or musical performance depending on local offerings. Students will develop an individually designed research project based on a cultural or literary topic of interest to them.

(4 semester units) (Letter grade or CR/NC option)
Prerequisite: Three years of high school Spanish or Span 2 or Span 2S
Recommended: Completion of ENGL 100B or ENGL 100 (including parallel course in a native language other than English)
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area E (Humanities); CSU Area C-2 (Humanities)
IGETC Area 3-B (Humanities)
CAN SPAN 8; SPAN 3 + SPAN 4 = CAN SPAN SEQ B

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Spanish 4 - Intermediate Spanish, Part II
This course will be combined with Spanish 3 and will focus on developing higher-level communication skills in speaking, reading and writing. The course will incorporate readings and discussions of some of Spain's literary masters. In addition, students will read local newspapers and discuss and contrast local perspectives on various issues of concern to Spaniards today. As a class field trip we will attend a play, art exhibit or musical performance depending on local offerings. Students will develop an individually designed research project based on a cultural or literary topic of interest to them.

(4 semester units) (Letter grade or CR/NC option)
Prerequisite: Four years of high school Spanish or Span 3
Recommended: Completion of ENGL 100B or ENGL 100
(including parallel course in a native language other than English)
CSU/UC; AA/AS Area E (Humanities); CSU Area C-2 (Humanities)
IGETC Area 3-B (Humanities)
CAN SPAN 10; SPAN 3 + SPAN 4 = CAN SPAN SEQ B

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Spanish 55 - Spanish Life and Culture Workshop
This course is designed to improve those listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed for successful interaction in social, academic, or work-related situations and will offer students a multi-disciplinary context for understanding and reflecting on their first-hand experiences in Spain. It will give an overview of Spanish society through historical, cultural, political and media perspectives. Some topics will include Spain's history, multicultural composition, customs, languages, art, music and cuisine, as well as the issues confronting Spanish society today. The course will rely on speakers from the host regions to present on these topics. We will take field trips to places of historic and artistic interest and draw from the seasonal calendar of local events to participate in cultural celebrations or view artistic performances. Students will keep a journal of their experiences in Spain, as well as participate in discussions aimed at improving their communication skills in both a social and academic context.

(3 units) (Letter grade or CR/NC option)
Recommended: Completion of Span 50B or Span 1 or equivalent
CSU

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