Course Description
Explore, debate, research, and write about the linguistic and cultural contexts for medical and healthcare professions in the Spanish-speaking world while working to master the Spanish language.
Athena Title
Medical Spanish
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SPAN 4003, SPAN 4250
Non-Traditional Format
This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive, which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.
Prerequisite
(SPAN 3010 or SPAN 3010H or SPAN 3011) and (SPAN 3030 or SPAN 3030E or SPAN 3030H or SPAN(LING) 3050 or SPAN 3020 or SPAN 3020H or SPAN 3021)
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
To provide students with a functional knowledge of Spanish spoken and written by medical service providers. The course will be of particular use to pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and pre-nursing students who wish to pursue a career in the following medical professions: nursing, physician, physician's assistant, pharmacy, phlebotomy, physical and respiratory therapy, intake receptionist, dentistry, clinical psychology, social work, emergency medical technicians, and public health counseling. Students will improve their oral/aural and written skills by learning and practicing the use of medical language and terminology in conversational and written contexts related to the medical profession. This will be accomplished through classroom discussions, oral presentations, written assignments, and exams. This course examines the Spanish language and culture related to the field of medicine in the target language (Spanish). In doing this, oral communication, writing skills, and analytical skills are emphasized. Given in Spanish. In this version of Medical Spanish, students will also learn to work with secondary sources in Spanish, practice the steps of an argumentative essay, and peer review their writing assignments.
Topical Outline
The course will focus on the student acquisition and meaningful application of medical terminology and expressions in real-life medical contexts. All activities and exercises stay specifically within the medical context. A cultural component will focus in general terms on some preferences, beliefs, and values held by individuals of Hispanic origin who find themselves having to navigate the private and/or public health care systems in the United States.