Roberto Véguez
William R. Kenan Jr. Professor Emeritus of Spanish
I teach from first-year language and all the way through to Don Quijote, sometimes in the same year. My scholarly interests center on the latter. I am also putting together all the data that I can find about a particular period in the history of the Middlebury Spanish School in Vermont. Between 1937 and 1963, Middlebury in the summers was the gathering place for a great number of Spanish intellectuals who had left their country as a consequence of its Civil War and the dictatorship of General Franco that followed it. I expect to create a digital file with all the material retrieved, and then make it available to scholars of that period through our Library's superb Special Collections.
Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
SPAN 0101 - Beginning Spanish I
Beginning Spanish I
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of grammar and focuses on the development of four skills in Spanish: comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Emphasis will be placed on active communication aimed at the development of oral and comprehension skills. This course is for students who have not previously studied Spanish. Students are expected to continue with SPAN 0102 and SPAN 0103 after successful completion of SPAN 0101. 5 hrs. lect./disc.
Fall 2009
SPAN 0210 - Intermediate Spanish I
Intermediate Spanish I
A course designed to consolidate the skills attained in SPAN 0101, SPAN 0102, and 0103 or the equivalent (0105). A grammar review will accompany an intensive component of readings, discussions, and compositions. (SPAN 0103, SPAN 0105, or placement) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2009, Fall 2012
SPAN 0300 - Intro to Hispanic Literature
An Introduction to the Study of Hispanic Literature
This course in literature and advanced language is designed to introduce students to literary analysis and critical writing. The work will be based on the reading of a number of works in prose, drama, and poetry. Frequent short, critical essays will complement readings and provide students with practice in writing. This course is required for Spanish majors. (SPAN 0220 or placement) 3 hrs. lect./disc.
Spring 2009, Spring 2010, Fall 2010
SPAN 0354 - Cervantes: Novelas ejemplares
Cervantes’ Novelas ejemplares
Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) is considered by many critics as the creator of the modern prose novel. This claim is based not only on Don Quixote, but also on a collection of twelve short pieces, the Novelas ejemplares, published in 1613. In this course we will read and discuss these stories, approaching them from a literary and cultural perspective. This course will be taught in Spanish. (At least two Spanish courses at the 0300 level or above, or by waiver).
Winter 2010
SPAN 0359 - Captains, Kings, and Caudillos
Captains, Kings, and Caudillos
The figure of the “strong leader” in the history of both Spain and Latin America had, and still has, a correspondingly strong presence in the literature of those regions. From the Middle Ages to today, the “strong man,” and the occasional “strong woman,” have attracted the attention of writers of poetry, theater, fiction, and the essay. We will study a representative sample of works that feature this figure and will consider their historical and political background. Readings will include the anonymous Poem of the Cid, and works by Lope de Vega, Sarmiento, Azuela, and Vargas Llosa (Not open to students who have taken FYSE 1256).
Fall 2010
SPAN 0402 - Cervantes y Don Quixote
Cervantes y Don Quijote
A detailed discussion and analysis of the Quijote, with additional readings from major literary and cultural sources. (Senior majors with at least two Spanish courses numbered 0350 or above, or by waiver.) 3 hrs. sem.
Spring 2010
SPAN 0500 - Independent Study
Independent Study
The department will consider requests by qualified juniors and senior majors to engage in independent work. (Approval only)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010
SPAN 0705 - Senior Honors Thesis
Senior Honors Thesis
The department will award honors, high honors, or highest honors on the basis of a student's work in the department and performance in SPAN 0705. (Approval only)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010, Fall 2010