Associate Professor
Writing, Lang and Lit, School of
CHBS Building 4303
PO Box 6937
Hola! As a language professor in the School of Writing, Language and Literature (SWLL), I am an avid instructor of Spanish language at all levels, as well as of Hispanic culture and histories from the Spanish-speaking world, with a special interest in Spain's early expansion in the Americas. In addition, I help train students in our joint licensure program with the School of Education to become teachers of Spanish. I oversee a learning space where students in our language classes can also expect to language-train with peers trained for the task, both in our Foreign Language Lab and in their own classrooms. With assistance from the McGlothlin Center for Global Education and Engagement, I am also the organizer of our study abroad program in Spain, which takes place during our summer terms. If you are interested in teaching licensure in Spanish, our work-study language training or our study abroad opportunities, let me know!
Topics in Hispanic Studies Taught in English (SPAN 190 / CCST 190): In this themed course, I focus on travel narratives, where people go beyond their comfort zones and visit Hispanic areas that pose challenges to their language skills, their composure and even their stomach! This course is a great way to meet other students interested in Hispanic topics and to meet the Spanish faculty and learn about their academic interests (in English!).
Contemporary Spanish Culture (SPAN 326): This course is taught in Spanish and is closely related to sights and events of immersion in Spain, either in anticipation or as further elaborations of study abroad experiences. The class considers the state of contemporary Spanish culture, as marketed in areas of food, festivals, lore or folklore, the arts and sports, as well as relevant cultural and historical figures and events. This course helps to set the "Spain Brand" distinctly apart in the European Union and the world.
Survey of Spanish Literature I (SPAN 410): In this workshop-style course, we build upon the tools and skills learned in SPAN 320 to further our reading, writing and commenting abilities--organized around a theme related to Medieval or Renaissance texts that we read in Spanish. Some classic Hispanic texts such as El Cid, La Celestina, Lazarillo and Fuenteovejuna will become part of your vocabulary, as you help to keep their unique messages alive forever!
Survey of Spanish Literature II (SPAN 411): In this workshop-style course, we build upon the tools and skills learned in SPAN 320 and/or SPAN 410 to further our reading, writing and commenting abilities--organized around a theme related to Early Modern to Contemporary texts that we read in modern Spanish. Authors such as Calderon, Moratin, Unamuno, Diego and Cela will become your intellectual amigos, and you will help to keep their unique voices alive forever!
Special Topics in Hispanic Culture, Literature and Language (SPAN 460): The specific focus of this special-topics course can vary from semester to semester. For example, we might read all of Don Quixote in basic Spanish during the semester to immerse ourselves in this seminal novel. Or we might read detective stories from Mexico, Spain and other Hispanic areas in order to explore concepts of justice and truth.
Honors Society Faculty Advisor: I serve as faculty advisor for Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Honor Society--Chapter Xi Iota. The society seeks to recognize academic excellence in the study of Spanish; in my role as faculty advisor, we seek ways to promote Hispanic culture and transcultural understanding by organizing cultural events within the department and service projects in the wider community.
Study Abroad Practicum in Spain Faculty Coordinator: I work in association with our partner, Language Institute in Spain, to organize "RU in Spain"--an immersive study abroad practicum experience (INST 489G) designed to augment a student's knowledge in language, culture and literature in Spain. If you're interested, come find me at the Study Abroad Fair during the fall semester!
Latino Student Alliance Advisor: In the past, I served as advisor for the Latino Student Alliance, which is a student club here at Radford University, associated with our Spanish language courses. This organization aims to promote education, awareness and appreciation of culture and to foster community on and off campus. If you're interested in becoming a member, learn more about this student club on the university's RU Involved page.
Leisurely cycling, target archery and kites (single-string Hatas, or fighter kites, and dual-line, or stunt kites) in summer.