Welcome to the Spanish and Portuguese Department at the University of Minnesota!
Founded in the 1960s, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, is widely recognized as a pioneer in the study of language, literature and, more broadly, cultural expressions from interdisciplinary perspectives grounded in socio-historical consciousness and political urgency. We offer B.A. degrees in Spanish and in Spanish and Portuguese; M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures, Hispanic Linguistics, and Lusophone Literatures and Cultures. Our faculty have strengths in the colonial, postcolonial and globalization triad; gender and sexuality studies; memory and witnessing; human rights; and border cultures. In Linguistics, our strengths are in the study of language in its context(s) with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to language contact, phonology, pragmatics, second language acquisition, sociolinguistics and syntax. At present we are undergoing an exciting moment of renovation and growth, and are looking forward to further enhancing both undergraduate and graduate learning experiences through a series of presentations, lectures, films, workshops, and opportunities for professional development and for community outreach.
The department also has strong institutional ties with important research communities across campus such as the Institute for Advanced Study, European Studies Consortium, CARLA (Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition), Center for Medieval Studies, and ICGC (Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Instructor Orientation - August 21-29, 2008
ALL Instructors meet August 25-29
Details coming soon
Lectures & Conferences - Spring 2009
- An International Conference on the Spanish Civil War and its relevance today. 2009 marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Spanish Civil War. In Spring of 2009, Ofelia Ferrán will organize this International Conference.
- Cuba and the Atlantic World: Celebrating the 400 years of Espejo de paciencia, a one-day workshop organized by Raúl Marrero-Fente as an event of the Department’s Transatlantic Lecture Series, aims to examine the epic poem Espejo de paciencia and the works of authors from the Canary Islands, Spain, and Spanish America, emphasizing the relevance of transatlantic relations in the cultural production of the period.
- In an effort to continue External Relations events while building relationships with Mexican partners, Joanna O’Connell proposes to collaborate with CLA alumnus and benefactor, Jay Miskowiec, Editor of Aliform Publishing and a professor at Metropolitan State University, to host the Mexican writer Ana Clavel for a public lecture and reading. The event would highlight the creative work of Ms. Clavel and the translation of her works by Dr. Miskowiec.
- Ibero-American Studies Theater Festival and Symposium, “Human Rights Across the Disciplines Symposium and Political Theater Festival,” planned for February 26-March 2, 2009. Several Minnesota faculty members will be invited to be a part of an interdisciplinary panel to discuss issues on Human Rights on times of War and Peace.
- Popular Music in the Portuguese- and Spanish-Speaking Worlds, a symposium planned by Fernando Arenas for April of 2009. The purpose of such event will be to highlight the growing importance of such field of inquiry for the study of culture and for an interdisciplinary scholarly approach.
- The Expulsion of the Moriscos 1609: A Retrospective - An International & Multidisciplinary Conference at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, September 24-26, 2009. The organizers, Professor Nabil Matar and Professor Raul Marrero-Fente, are preparing for a conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Morisco expulsion. This conference will complement other conferences being held in 2009 in Tunisia and England (and possibly others which may still be in the early stages of preparation). Click Here for details!
NEWS
ACCOLADES FOR 2007-2008
FACULTY
Recently Published Books: Timothy Face, Ofelia Ferrán, Luis Ramos-Garcia, Nicholas Spadaccini
Grants and Awards 2008-09: Timothy Face, Ana Forcinito, Jaime Hanneken, Raúl Marrero Fente, Joanna O'Connell
New Hires: Michelle Hamilton, Jaime Hanneken, Raúl Marrero Fente
Conferences: Timothy Face, Ana Forcinito, Raúl Marrero Fente, Luis Ramos Garcia
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Graduating Ph.D.s 2007-08: Matthew Desing, Marie José Hellin-Garcia, Maria de Lourdes P. Mills, Rachel Shively, Julie Sykes
Completed Preliminary Exams for Doctoral Candidacy 2007-08: Vanesa Arozamena, Marcus Brasileiro, Eric Dickey, Eléusio Filipe, Marcela Garces, Kajsa Larson, Sara Mack, Mandy Menke, Barbara Pierre-Louis, Deyanira Rojas-Sosa, Carlso Vargas-Salgado
Completed M.A. Final Exams 2007-08: Michael Arnold, Nelly Pilares
Awards & Scholarships 2007-08: Michael Arnold, Eric Dickey, Marcela Garcés, Adriana Gordillo, Kajsa Larson, Kelly McDonough, Mandy Menke, Katherine Ostrom, Deyanira Rojas-Sosa, Julie Sykes, Carlos-Vargas-Salgado, Naomi Wood
Recently Published Works: Vanesa Arozamena, Kajsa Larson