Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Conversation Through Film (Face-to-Face)

SPAN 3100-01

Course: SPAN 3100-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: FLPH
CRN: 30720

Course Description

This is a conversation course that utilizes film as its organizing structure. We will focus on the development of intermediate and advanced conversational fluency through the viewing and discussion of a variety of films. Pre-, during, and post-viewing activities will guide and scaffold students’ interaction with the material, thus providing opportunities to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the target language. In addition to developing linguistic abilities, we will also focus on cultural competence. The study of films from various genres, styles, countries, and historical periods will allow students the opportunity to engage in the analysis and discussion of aesthetic, historical, cultural, and socio-political topics. (Fall, Spring, Summer [As Needed]) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): SPAN 2020 or SPAN 3000 or SPAN 3210 or equivalent - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C- Registration Restriction(s): None

Required Texts

  • Access to the assigned films and required readings through Canvas. I strive to select films and readings that are widely accessible (free or offered across multiple platforms). If you encounter any issues accessing the assigned materials, please contact me. I can arrange individual or group screenings as needed. To help guide my selection process, the first-day questionnaire includes a question about your access to streaming services.
  • Access to AVON through the SUU Library. 
  • A tablet or laptop to access readings and discussion materials during all of our class sessions. All of the materials required in/out of class will be available through Canvas. If needed, the SUU Library has equipment available for check out. Visit the Circulation Desk for more information. 
  • In-class bilingual dictionary or access to Word Reference
  • In-class Spanish-only dictionary or online access: Real Academia Española
  • MLA Formatting and Style Guide (Purdue OWL en español)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, successful students will:
  • Strengthen their ability to perform a variety of communicative tasks in Spanish, including recording film reviews, delivering coherent short presentations, and fully engaging in conversations.
  • Enhance their ability to evaluate and analyze cultural materials in Spanish, with an emphasis on film.
  • Deepen their understanding of the social, historical, political, and cultural contexts of the Spanish-speaking world—and how these are portrayed through cinema.
In addition, this course supports the achievement of the following Southern Utah University (SUU) Essential Learning Outcomes. By the end of the course, successful students will:
  • Develop and express ideas by speaking and writing in the target language. (2.0 Communication)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural world through engagement with the fine arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and related disciplines. (11.0 Knowledge of Human Cultures & the Physical & Natural World)

Course Requirements

Throughout the semester, students are responsible for completing the following assignments:

Listening and Viewing Comprehension Assignments (30%)

These comprehension assignments are designed to develop your listening, viewing, cultural, and analytical skills in Spanish through the close examination of selected films. You will be expected to watch each film attentively—focusing not only on the plot and dialogue, but also on cinematic elements, cultural references, and historical or social context. Assignments may include short written responses, comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, or guided reflections in Spanish. 
Comprehension assignments will be posted in the course modules and must be submitted through Canvas unless otherwise noted. Submissions will be graded according to the rubric and instructions included with each assignment. I will typically highlight grammar and vocabulary errors and provide feedback. I expect you to review these comments to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.
Incomplete work or assignments requiring extensive revision will automatically receive zero (0) points. If points are deducted from a comprehension assignment, students are encouraged to revise and resubmit within seven (7) days. The assignment settings will allow for multiple attempts and corrections. Use this opportunity as a way to improve and learn from your mistakes. 
Some comprehension assignments will give students the option to submit their work in writing or through a recorded video presentation. The assignment description will include the requirements for each type of submission. This also gives students an opportunity to practice doing video recordings in preparation for their film reviews. Students are encouraged to choose the format that best supports their learning goals and engagement with the course material. 

In-Class Writing Prompts and Viewing Quizzes (10%)

To assess your understanding of the assigned films and related materials, you will complete in-class prompts or viewing quizzes. These activities will typically take 20–30 minutes and may be administered without prior notice.
With the exception of a dictionary (physical or online) and materials provided by the instructor, the use of external sources, tools, or assistance is not permitted during these assignments.
The best way to prepare is by staying up to date with assigned films and homework, taking detailed notes during viewings, and attending class consistently.

Film Reviews (25%)

Over the course of the semester, students will create and record two film review presentations. The films selected for these presentations must differ from those assigned as part of the course materials. Each presentation should demonstrate thoughtful analysis, clear organization, and effective communication in Spanish.
To support the planning process, students will be required to submit an outline for each presentation prior to recording. The outline should include the main points to be discussed, relevant vocabulary, and any cultural or cinematic elements that will be analyzed.
Students will have opportunities to prepare for this assignment through in-class discussions and related homework activities. Due dates, detailed instructions, and the grading rubric will be provided in the corresponding Canvas modules.

Class Discussion Leadership (10%)

Discussion leaders should demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the topic by offering a clear, well-organized response to a specific question that is supported by examples from the text or other course materials. During class activities, I will model this activity regularly. The goal is not only to present your perspective but also to actively facilitate participation by your classmates—posing questions, encouraging dialogue, and fostering critical reflection. This is a great opportunity to practice presentational speaking and leadership skills in Spanish while deepening your understanding of the course content.
Important Guidelines:
  • Reading directly from your notes, a PowerPoint, or a written script is not allowed. You may use notes for reference, but your delivery should be natural and conversational.
  • If necessary, I reserve the right to step in during a presentation to help maintain the quality and inclusiveness of the discussion for all participants.
  • Opportunities to lead discussions will be announced weekly in-class. Please plan ahead and do not wait until the last minute to complete this assignment. 
  • If you are not attending class, you will miss the opportunity to sign-up for this assignment. 
  • Depending on the topic assigned, presentations should last between 10-15 minutes maximum. 
  • Students are encouraged to provide handouts and bring audiovisual materials that will enrich the presentation and engage your classmates more effectively. Films will always be available in the classroom. Please let me know ahead of time if specific scenes need to be cued for your presentation. 
  • A rubric will be posted on Canvas and feedback will be provided after the presentation. Students are encouraged to sign-up for additional presentations if they don't receive their desired outcome or for additional practice. 

Final Project (15%)

For the final project, students will create a piece that reflects their engagement with the films studied this semester. This is an opportunity to explore film in a way that is personal, analytical, and creative. The project is meant to be experiential—it may take students outside their comfort zone, and that’s encouraged. Students will not be graded on artistic or technical perfection. Instead, grades will reflect: 1) How well students meet the objectives outlined in the individual proposal 2) Submission of progress reports throughout the semester 3) Thoughtful engagement with course materials and overall effort demonstrated in the work submitted 4) A 1-2 page final project reflection 
Minimum requirements for each project will be defined during the proposal process and must be approved by the professor.
Tentative Project Options
  • Create an original piece—poetry, music, visual art, costume design, poster series, etc.—that explores key themes, characters, or styles from the films studied in class. 
  • Produce a short film inspired by themes, characters, or cinematic styles from the course. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal. 
  • Reenact and record a scene (with dialogue) from one of the films studied. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal.  
  • Rewrite a film scene or sequence. You may consider proposing a new ending, adding scenes or characters, creating a plot twist, or adapting the story using a different cinematographic style. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal.  
  • Plan a sequel to one of the films studied. Present your ideas through a storyboard, script outline, or visual/graphic concept proposal. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal.  
  • Create and maintain a film journal or vblog where you reflect on and analyze films viewed outside of class. Entries should include thoughtful commentary, audio visuals, and connections to course themes. The number of films and selections must be included in the project proposal.
  • Create and maintain a regular vblog where you focus on vocabulary acquisition. Students must present, teach, and reflect on film vocabulary learned during class discussions and film viewings. This option requires students to post weekly to stay current with course content.* 
  • Create and record a movie trailer for any of the films viewed during the semester. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal. 
  • Design and record a presentation that teaches key film terms and techniques covered in the course. The film selection may include any film viewed in or outside of class, with the exception of the materials selected for the film review assignment.* 
  • Design and record a presentation that teaches cultural, linguistic, or social-historical aspects of a film. The film selection may include any film viewed in or outside of class, with the exception of the materials selected for the film review assignment. The film selection may include any film viewed in or outside of class, with the exception of the materials selected for the film review assignment.*
  • Select a scene from a film and rewrite the dialogue between the characters. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal.  
  • Create a detailed and thoughtfully curated proposal for a film festival centered around a theme, genre, filmmaker, or cinematographic style that connects meaningfully to the topics explored in this course. Remember - you are not expected to organize a real event. You are proposing a festival idea. Just as a programmer might for a university, film institute, museum, or cultural organization. The proposal should include: festival title and theme, organizer's statement (Description of title and theme; importance of festival; goals/objectives); film lineup (Why each film was selected? How do films connect to the festival theme? Any relevant aesthetic or historical information that may connect with audience?); schedule and format (include resources needed); possibilities of additional programming (guest speakers, workshops, Q&As); intended audience and marketing strategies; and a tentative budget. Optional: marketing materials may include sample posters, logo, or a program design.
  • Subtitles and translation project. For this selection students may choose to create their own subtitles for selected scenes or video content. Students can alter this activity and also practice dubbing. Another option is to compare and contrast subtitles from two or more different versions of a film and present a critique (in a written essay or video presentation). An additional option is to study AI subtitles and present your findings (in a written essay or video presentation).
  • Select a series of scenes or a short-film and provide live commentary (while the film has the sound off), describing the scene, characters, and possible plot outcomes. You may work independently or with classmates. Individual student tasks and work distribution must be outlined in the project proposal. 
  • Propose your own project concept. It must relate meaningfully to course content and must be approved by your professor before work begins.
* These assignments can be modified for Spanish Education majors. I encourage students to meet with me ahead of time to plan how to use this project for a future lesson plan or a teaching portfolio. 

Attendance and Class Participation (10%)

Attendance is taken during every class meeting and is considered an essential component of both this course and effective language learning. Punctual and regular attendance is expected of all students. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the learning environment and are strongly discouraged. Attendance and in-class participation points are updated regularly at the end of each module. 
If you anticipate needing an excused absence—for reasons such as illness, jury duty, military or law enforcement obligations, or religious accommodations (see SUU Policy 6.30)—please contact me as early as possible to discuss an equitable plan for completing missed work.
If you are feeling ill, please prioritize your health and the well-being of our classroom community. Stay home when necessary, and contact me to arrange accommodations.
Students participating in university-sponsored events (e.g., athletics, academic competitions, conferences) are granted excused absences with written documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to inform me in advance of the dates of their absence(s), make arrangements to complete any missed work, and review all materials covered during that time. The number of consecutive days missed for an excused absence may not exceed five (5) regularly scheduled school days.

Course Outline

Tentative Course Outline


Each module is structured around a central, unifying theme that connects the materials and discussion within the unit. Throughout the course, we will explore a diverse range of film genres and styles, including, short films, silent cinema, documentaries, biopics, action, romance, musicals, drama, psychological thrillers, comedies, and more. The specific films for each unit will be finalized during the first week of instruction in consultation with the students. To participate in this selection process, it is essential that every student completes the first-day questionnaire and attends class, as both are important to shaping the course.
 
Semana 1-2
El lenguaje cinematográfico
La cultura cinematográfica en Latinoamérica
Semana 3
Representaciones urbanas
Semana 4-5
Identidades latinoamericanas
Semana 6
El humor
Semana 7-8
La cultura popular
Semana 9-10
Iconos culturales
Semana 11-12
Historia y memoria 
Semana 13
Ecología y naturaleza
Semana 14
Diversidad lingüística: El proceso del doblaje (dubbing), subtítulos y variantes del español
Semana 15
Repaso del curso
Proyectos finales

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Students are allowed a 24-hour grace period for submitting homework assignments—no questions asked. Work submitted during this window will be accepted without penalty or the need for an explanation. However, late work will not be accepted beyond the 24-hour grace period unless a prior arrangement has been discussed.
If you are experiencing any challenges—personal, academic, or technical—that may affect your ability to submit work on time, I strongly encourage you to reach out as early as possible so we can discuss the options.
Guidelines: 
  • In-class assignments connected to “Attendance and In-Class Participation” and "In-Class Writing Prompts and Quizzes" cannot be made up unless accommodations have been discussed before the absence.
  • Incomplete or low-quality homework submissions (e.g., work that does not meet basic assignment expectations or requires significant revision) will initially receive zero points. In these cases, I will ask you to revise and resubmit your work to receive credit. If points are deducted from a comprehension assignment, students are encouraged to revise and resubmit within seven (7) days.
  • While the grace period offers some flexibility, late work is strongly discouraged due to the fast-paced nature of the course. Homework assignments are closely integrated with the in-class activities, especially those focused on conversation and text comprehension/analysis.
Please do your best to maintain the flow of learning for yourself and your classmates by staying up to date and communicating proactively.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is taken during every class meeting and is considered an essential component of both this course and effective language learning. Punctual and regular attendance is expected of all students. Late arrivals and early departures are disruptive to the learning environment and are strongly discouraged. Attendance and in-class participation points are updated regularly at the end of each module. 
If you anticipate needing an excused absence—for reasons such as illness, jury duty, military or law enforcement obligations, or religious accommodations (see SUU Policy 6.30)—please contact me as early as possible to discuss an equitable plan for completing missed work.
If you are feeling ill, please prioritize your health and the well-being of our classroom community. Stay home when necessary, and contact me to arrange accommodations.
Students participating in university-sponsored events (e.g., athletics, academic competitions, conferences) are granted excused absences with written documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to inform me in advance of the dates of their absence(s), make arrangements to complete any missed work, and review all materials covered during that time. 
The number of consecutive days missed for an excused absence may not exceed five (5) regularly scheduled school days. 

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.