Courses in Catalan
Spring 2010

[Please see the Directory of Classes for the timetable of courses with multiple sections. Readings, assignments, and class discussion in Catalan unless otherwise noted.]

CATL 1120
Comprehensive Elementary Catalan
Elsa Úbeda
TR 6:10-8:00

4 pts. An extensive introduction to the Catalan language with an emphasis on oral communication as well as the reading and writing practice that will allow the student to function comfortably in a Catalan environment.

CATL 1201
Intermediate Catalan I
Elsa Úbeda
MW 4:10-6:00

4 pts. The first part of Columbia University’s comprehensive intermediate Catalan sequence.  The main objectives of this course are to continue developing communicative competence—reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension—and to further acquaint students with Catalan cultures.

CATL 3330
Introduction to Catalan Cultures
Elsa Úbeda
TR 4:10-5:25

3 pts. The objective of the course is to examine the main socio-cultural manifestations in the Catalan-speaking territories. Topics to be discussed include: bilingualism and language as the marker of “authentic” national identity; the influx of immigration and the constant redefinition of all things Catalan; the very locally rooted and at the same time very international outlook of the Catalan avant-garde from Foix to Tàpies; the protest song and the cultural manifestations during the Franco repression, and the crucial role of the city of Barcelona as a cultural focus and its impact on literature, film, and arts. By the end of the course, students will have a broad-based yet nuanced grasp of fundamental aspects of Catalan cultures. No previous knowledge of the Catalan language is required.
The course will be taught in Spanish.
The course counts as an elective towards the major in Hispanic Cultures.