SPAN 381 - Advanced Spanish Grammar

An advanced analytical approach to Spanish grammar through linguistics. In this course students receive an introduction to the areas of linguistics known as syntax (the structure of phrases and sentences), morphology (the structure of words) and semantics (the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences). The course concentrates on the morphosyntactic errors most frequently made by learners of Spanish. This is not a review of basic Spanish grammar, but rather students learn terms and concepts related to sentence structure, verbs and verbal complements, tense, mood, aspect, and noun phrases, among others. Students use their knowledge of these terms and concepts as a tool to gain a more profound understanding of Spanish grammar and morphosyntactic differences in English and Spanish. Variations in grammatical structures are discussed, especially when typical native speaker usage deviates from introductory textbooks. Students are expected to read, study, and complete exercises outside of class and be prepared to participate and discuss exercises in class. Students are evaluated based on their class participation and their performance on exams, quizzes, homework exercises, and final projects. Taught in Spanish. Prerequisite: Any three of SPAN 226, 250, 310, or 350 or permission of instructor.