Archived Events-Academic Year 2006-2007
Retirement Party for Professor Weissberger, 5/14/07
Spanish & Portuguese's End of Year Party, 5/3/07
SPWiPS - Senior Paper Work in Progress Series, 4/26/07-4/27/07
New Directions in Latin American Feminism, 4/21/07
José Ovejero Lecture, 4/19/07
Crossing the Boundaries: Culture, Linguistics, and Literature Conference, 4/14/07
Writers Workshop, 4/5/07
Spanish Film Series, 4/3/07-4/20/07
11th Annual Graduate Symposium in Romance Studies, 3/31/07
SPACO Movie Saturday, 3/24/07
The Honorable Francisco Viqueira, Consul General of Spain, 3/22/07-3/23/07
Professional Talks for Graduate Students, 1/30/07-5/1/07
Cape Verdean Music Workshop, Featuring LURA, 12/14/06
Interview with Professor Carol Klee on Minnesota Public Radio
Retirement Party for Professor Barbara Weissberger 
Please join us to celebrate the career of Professor Barbara Weissberger! There will be a Symposium and Public Reception.
Monday, May 14, Nolte Hall Rooms 120 & 125
2:30pm - Mini-Symposium
3:30pm - Public Reception
Mini-symposium: Isabel I of Castile and Medieval and Modern Constructions of Identity
Participants: Students and Professor of Spanish 8900
- Michael Arnold, “Invective Poetry in Fifteenth-Century Castile and Twentieth-Century United States”
- Iker Lekuona, “Abel Posse as Royal Chronicler”
- Katherine Ostrom, “Juana ‘la Loca’ en documentos del siglo XVI y una novela del siglo XXI”
- Sean Raley: " ’Si puta la madre, puta la hija’: Whores in Carajicomedia and the Question of Sexual Identity".
- Naomi Wood, “Hibridismo medieval: los conversos monstruosos”
- Barbara Weissberger: “Dancing Queen: Luis Felipe Bernaza’s Hasta la Reina Isabel baila el danzón” (Cuba, 1991)
Department of Spanish & Portuguese's End of the Year Party
There will be Door Prizes, Food and we will be featuring a Cabaret Show!
If you are interested in performing, email Brooke at owenx015@umn.edu with a brief description of your act as soon as possible. Everyone welcomed!
Thursday, May 3, Stop by between 2:30 – 4:30pm
140 Nolte Hall
Senior Paper Work in Progress Series
A few outstanding students are selected each semester to discuss their Senior Project topics and the process which they have followed in researching and writing their Senior Papers for Spanish. Please stop by in support to our undergraduates.
Thursday, April 26, 2-3:30pm, 113 Folwell Hall
* MARY ELLEN SIXUn embargo fallido: El caso del embargo estadounidense contra Cuba
The US embargo against Cuba is inefficient and hasn’t achieved any of its intended goals. The embargo has not caused the return in ownership of lands nationalized by the Cuban government or in receiving payment for them; it has not succeeded in containing the exportation of revolutionary ideals to Latin America; and it has not succeeded in creating international support, as the United Nations has condemned the embargo. Most importantly, the embargo has not removed Castro from power; the communist party is still in power, and Castro has used the embargo as an excuse for Cuba’s suffering and in doing so has united his people behind him against the United States.
*ANNALEE ROSE RITTER
La nueva caza de brujas españolas desde la Inquisición hasta hoy y cómo afecta la identidad nacional en España
This senior paper focuses on the idea of national identity and the ideology that has shaped the idea of national identity in Spain. It uses the Spanish Inquisition and the emergence of witch-hunts to prove that in a metaphorical sense, the Spanish witch-hunt has never disappeared. It examines the idea that Spain has never been able to evolve from their tradition of what it is to be “Spanish” and how these archaic ideas are contributing to a struggle that Spain is experiencing in trying to define who they are. They continue to “hunt” the other, to try to eliminate anything that does not support an ideology that has long been outdated and inaccurate in defining who they are.
Los beneficios de la educación bicultural
The direction of bilingual education has long been a debated issue in the United States. Some think children from diverse backgrounds should discontinue speaking his/her native language in school. This will accelerate these children’s English proficiency and assimilation to American culture. Others believe bilingual/bicultural education is beneficial for all children. Children from diverse backgrounds have a smooth adjustment to English and American culture when it is learned along side their native language. Native English speaking children benefit from bilingual/bicultural education by learning about other cultures.
Friday, April 27, 11:30am-12:30pm, 113 Folwell Hall
*ALISSA BLOCKCambios en la idea de ser madre en España: del franquismo a la situación hoy en día
This paper deals with three main aspects of motherhood in Spain: the legal side, including current laws on divorce, taxation, and parental leave; the ideas of traditionalism and a little of what life was like for women during the Franco era concerning education and jobs inside and outside of the home; the ideas of women today, about motherhood, advances in education, and how women’s presence in society, in the form of jobs, is increasing.
*SARA ZEEB
Los moriscos en la época de su expulsión de España: Reacciones literarias en la forma de los textos aljamiados y la voz del margen contextualizada
Este ensayo explora las relaciones entre la literatura aljamiada y la novela Don Quijote (Cervantes). Los moriscos, como una población marginalizada en la época de la formación de la nación española, nos pueden revelar otra perspectiva de esta época tan tumultuosa en la historia del mundo. En el siglo XVI, los moriscos, la población resistente de musulmanes que fue reprimido por la monarquía española, escribieron profecías que condenaban a la monarquía. Las semejanzas entre sus textos y él de Cervantes incluyen una fuerte idealización de la España morisca, y la critica fuerte de la corrupción y la hipocresía de las autoridades religiosas y políticas. Al examinar los aspectos religiosos de los relatos apocalípticos, se muestra otra perspectiva de los textos. Estos textos forman un tipo de protesta basado en la fe islámica.
New Directions in Latin American Feminism
Saturday, April 21
9:00am - 4:00pm
125 Nolte, 315 Pillsbury Dr SE
This will be a one-day workshop to discuss the new challenges and new directions that the pluralities of feminisms are taking today in the Americas and how are these challenges are shaping new theoretical approaches.
Participants will engage in dialogue with three distinguished guest panelists and with each other as we address recent perspectives on feminist cultural theory in/about Latin America and discuss the new directions that Latin American(ist) feminisms are taking or need to take in the re-articulation of feminist practices.
Jean Franco, Columbia University
Amy Kaminsky, University of Minnesota
Cynthia Tompkins, Arizona State University
Questions that will frame our discussion include: the appropriation of new theoretical frameworks by feminist criticism and theory- in particular postcolonial and transnational approaches and the new directions that these perspectives are generating in the already existing pluralities of feminist positions in Latin American feminisms.
- The new challenges for the feminist literary and cultural studies.
- The impact of new models and theoretical frameworks on the possibility of imagining new identities and communities and in their representation.
- The new debates in cultural studies and their effect in Latin American(ist) feminisms, in particular in relation to literary studies and cultural critique.
- The role of interdisciplinary approaches to the consolidation of new dialogues, new languages, and new practices.
- The impact of globalization in current feminist studies in/about Latin America
Free and open to the public, but we ask that participants RSVP to spanport@umn.edu to assist us in our planning.
top of pageThe Department is happy to host Spanish novelist, José Ovejero, to present a lecture entitled:
"Los héroes indecisos de José Ovejero ¿épica o escepticismo?"
Thursday, April 19
1:00-2:30pm
Room 12 Folwell Hall
José Ovejero is the the author of Un mal año para Miki (2003); Mujeres que viajan solas (2004); Las vidas ajenas (2005), among other titles.
Sponsored by the Program for Cultural Cooperation Between Spain's Ministry of Culture and United States Universities in collaboration with Carleton College and the University of Minnesota’s Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies.
FFI: 612-625-5858
Refreshments will be served.
Crossing the Boundaries: Culture, Linguistics, and Literature
Saturday, April 14, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
155 Nicholson Hall, 216 Pillsbury Dr. SE
(flyer)
This one day event will address the question about the state of the disciplines of Hispanic Studies today and the new challenges that Linguistics and Literature are facing, in particular with regards to the crossing of disciplinary borders such as in Cultural Studies and in the integration of Linguistics and Literature.
Invited Panelists:
David Castillo, SUNY Buffalo
David William Foster, Arizona State University
José Ignacio Hualde, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
John Lipski, Pennsylvania State University
Each panelist will give a brief presentation and will actively participate in the ensuing discussion, among themselves, and with the public.
Morning session: Linguistics vis à vis Literature and Culture
Afternoon Session: The challenges of Cultural Studies
Some of the issues to be discussed include:
- An understanding of the (dis)integration of linguistics and literature/cultural studies
- An examination of the effect that cultural studies have been having in the field of literature
- An investigation of the rethinking of why a cross disciplinary approach has not included linguistics as an important part of the interdisciplinary agenda
- An exploration of the assumptions and/or notions about/of linguistics that are circulating within the domain of literary/cultural studies
The workshop is part of an ongoing discussion which initiated in the pages of the first volume of Hispanic Issues On Line.
For more information please contact: Ana Forcinito aforcinito@umn.edu or Francisco Ocampo focampo@umn.edu
The sponsoring organizations of this event include: Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies; College of Liberal Arts; Institute for Advanced Study; Department of Chicano Studies; Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies; Department of French & Italian; Institute of Linguistics, English as a Second Language, & Slavic Languages and Literatures.
top of pageWriters Workshop - Tuesday, April 5 - noon - 3:00 p.m.
TALLER I
La puntuación en los textos escritos en español
jueves 5 de abril
12:10 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Jones 15
Este taller tiene el propósito de informales a los alumnos sobre los signos de puntuación más empleados en los textos escritos en español. Aunque muchos de los alumnos conocen los signos de puntuación (i.e. . , : ; ?) muchas veces los emplean en la forma como se emplean en inglés y por esta razón hay problemas con la comunicación. En otros casos, los alumnos no saben cuál signo usar en ciertas oraciones y esto toma tiempo al escribir el texto. Con este taller los alumnos revisarán los signos de puntuación en español y aprenderán sobre sus usos frecuentes. El trabajo se hará con ejemplos sencillos y claros. El taller incluirá una actividad para que los alumnos-participantes coloquen los signos de puntuación adecuados a un texto dado, y para finalizar se discutirán las respuestas.
Tania Gomez
Ph.D. Candidate
Spanish and Portuguese Studies
TALLER II
Cómo parafrasear
jueves 5 de abril
1:10 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Jones 15
Un aspecto importante en la elaboración de un ensayo de investigación es saber parafrasear. Si parafraseamos correctamente y citamos de manera apropiada, evitaremos el plagio. Parafrasear es básicamente repetir lo que han dicho otros con tus propias palabras, pero esto a veces puede ser difícil, especialmente en la segunda lengua. Ven a este taller done explicaremos y pondremos en práctica algunas de las técnicas para parafrasear en español.
Ana Adams
Ph D Candidate Grad Instructor
Spanish and Portuguese
TALLER III
Writing the Research Paper: APA. . . MLA. . . What’s the Difference?
Thursday, April 5
2:10 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Jones 15
You’ve done all your research. Now how do you organize it? If you aren’t exactly sure, this session is for you. The Modern Foreign Language Association (MLA) style bibliography is often required for research projects in literature and culture classes whereas the American Psychological Association (APA) style bibliography is used more frequently for linguistic papers as well as papers in the social and behavioral sciences. This fifty-minute session will discuss and compare how to format your manuscript, cite information within the text, and prepare your bibliography in both style formats. We’ll take a careful look at how to cite web sources and review sample essays to identify common errors. Bring your research and any questions!
Kajsa Larson and Mandy Fleming
Writing Consultants, Spanish and Portuguese Studies
Spanish film series
The Department of Spanish & Portuguese Studies invites you to a Spanish Film Series beginning April 3rd through the 20th. Come and improve your Spanish and learn more about Spanish culture!
Week I:
Volver, directed by Pedro Almodóvar (2006) Tuesday, April 3, 4:00 p.m (Folwell 16)
Hable con ella, directed by Pedro Almodóvar (2002) Thursday April 5, 3:00 p.m. (Jones 35)
El Viaje de Carol, directed by Imanol Uribe (2002) Friday, April 6, 1:00 p.m. (Folwell 104)
Week II:
Lucía y el sexo, directed by Julio Medem (2001) Tuesday, April 10, 4:00 p.m. (Folwell 16)
Mar adentro, directed by Alejandro Amenábar (2004) Thursday, April 12, 3:00 p.m. (Jones 35)
La comunidad, directed by Alex de la Iglesia (2000) Friday, April 13, 1:00 p.m. (Folwell 104)
Week III:
Juana la Loca, directed by Vicente Aranda (2001) Tuesday, April 17, 4:00 p.m. (Folwell 16)
La lengua de las mariposas, directed by José Luis Cuerda (1999) Thursday, April 19, 4:00 p.m. (Folwell 38)
Belle epoque, directed by Fernando Trueba (1992) Friday, April 20, 1:00 p.m. (Folwell 104)
Organizad by Ana Adams, Marcela Garcés and María José Hellín-García.
Refreshments will be served!
11th Annual Graduate Symposium in Romance Studies
Bodies in Motion, Languages in Motion: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Saturday, March 31, in Coffman Memorial Union. Keynote address by Professor Alec Hargreaves, Florida State University, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Please see the program for more information.
SPACO Movie Saturday!
Saturday, March 24, 3:00 p.m.
Sanford Hall, TV Lounge
Join SPACO for a movie, food, and discussion. The movie shown will be L'Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Apartment). A Spanish comedy about a student who moves into an apartment in Barcelona with other international students.
SPACO is the Spanish & Portuguese club at the U (Spanish & Portuguese Across Cultures Organization). The mission is to create a Spanish & Portuguese community through volunteer activities and social events such as, movie nights, dance nights, dinner nights, conversation hours, guest lectures, and volunteer activities that submerge students in the Latino culture and much more!
If you would like to get on the mailing list, have any questions, or would like to help plan events contact Maryanne Williams at will2318@umn.edu.
top of pageThe Honorable Francisco Viqueira, Consul General of Spain
Two Special Events open to the Public:
Reception, Thursday, March 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Heritage Room, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE
For Video and .pdf version of speech click here.
Lecture, "The Political Transition in Spain" Friday, March 23, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
125 Nolte Center, 315 Pillsbury Drive SE
Francisco Viqueira’s distinguished foreign service career has spanned over 30 years and includes serving as Ambassador for Spain to Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen. He has been awarded such honors as, Commander of the Order of Queen Isabella, Commander of Order of the Civil Merit of the Republic of Italy, and Knight of the Order of the Civil Merit of Spain.
Francisco Viqueira is currently serving as Consulate General of Spain in Chicago.
top of pageProfessional Talks for Graduate Students
The Spanish & Portuguese Association is sponsoring a series of talks during Spring 2007 dealing with issues related to professionalization. No matter where you are in your graduate studies these talks will provide you with things to think about and practical answers to some of your questions about your future in the field.
Looking towards the future & a job in academia
Presenters:
Professor Ana Forcinito, Professor Francisco O’Campo, Professor Gwendolyn Barnes (St. Olaf) and Professor Nelsy Echavez–Solano (St. Johns)
Notes from the presentation on January 30, 2007.
Conference presentations
Presenters: Professor Arenas, Professor Klee
Notes from the presentation on February 27, 2007.
Getting Published
Tuesday, March 27 at 3:00 in Fol 113
Presenter: Professor Spadaccini, Professor Klee
Looking for a job in the field
Tuesday, April 24 at 3:00 in Fol 113
Presenters: Professor O’Connell, Dan Tight
Writing proposals for the dissertation & fellowships
Tuesday, May 1 at 3:00 in Fol 113
Presenter: Professor Arenas
Light refreshments will be served at each talk.
If you have any questions contact either Alexis Howe (howe0176@umn.edu) or Mandy Fleming (flemi096@umn.edu).
top of page
Cape Verdean Music Workshop, Featuring LURA!
Thursday, Dec. 14 from 4:00-5:30pm
Bell Auditorium (University of Minnesota Campus - East Bank)
Free and Open to the Public!!!
This workshop demonstration will feature Lura, one of Cape Verde's most famous singer-dancers and members of her band. The workshop will start with an introduction by Prof Fernando Arenas (Department of Spanish & Portuguese Studies) on Cape Verdean history and culture, followed by an ethnomusicological powerpoint presentation on Cape Verdean music, with performance by Lura and her musicians. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session which will be moderated by Professor Arenas. The event has an educational purpose and is geared towards students, faculty, and larger community.
Lura will be performing at the Cedar Cultural Center at 7:30 pm that evening. For more information please check www.thecedar.org/lura_0
More information about Lura:
www.luracriola.com; www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiKxQeDkn58; www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjtHrw9lbxU
In September, Professor Carol Klee was interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio on Spanish language contact in the United States.
Hear the broadcast, "The Challenge of Speaking Spanish in America" on the Minnesota Public Radio's website.