SPAN 212: Spanish for Law Enforcement.
Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or four years of high school Spanish
Credit Hours: (3)
An introduction to technical vocabulary used by law enforcement professionals when working in this field and to law practices and systems in the Spanish speaking world. Students are exposed to idiomatic expressions used to enhance communication related to this topic. It requires active participation from the students and is taught entirely in Spanish. Students cannot receive credit for both SPAN 212 and SPAN 312.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the vocabulary used in law enforcement and to help them understand cultural differences, diverse beliefs and perceptions, and linguistic registers when dealing with people of Spanish speaking backgrounds.
The course will cover topics such as:
- Introductions, greetings, how to start a conversation with somebody that you know or one you do not know.
- Life in a neighborhood. Social exchanges
- Traffic and traffic violations
- Witnesses, last names in the Spanish speaking world, alcohol and drugs, the concept of family and family life, night life, and social problems.
- Car accidents, physical assault, and natural disasters.
- The police: image and functions.
- Domestic violence and other social problems.
- Crime and misdemeanors.
- Lawyers, judges, and the public defender.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This course will be conducted entirely in Spanish.
The class requires active participation by the students. The focus will be on oral communication and specific vocabulary acquisition. Real-life situations will be simulated while in class in order to practice with vocabulary and expressions useful in the law enforcement field. A rich supplement of cultural topics will be analyzed and grammar review will be embedded in context.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
1. To develop a strong technical vocabulary to be used in Spanish by employees of law enforcement agencies.
2. To acquire an understanding of the functioning of communicative codes related to criminal justice in other countries and compare them to those used in the system and practices in the United States.
3. To acquire basic language skills necessary to effectively communicate in Spanish during the course of duty as a law enforcement professional.
Assessment measures will include written assignments, oral presentations, quizzes and tests, participation in class and a final written exam and a final oral interview scheduled with the instructor at the end of the semester.
Other Course Information
This class is not recommended and cannot be taken by native speakers of Spanish. Enrollment in this course is contingent upon departmental approval.
Approval and Subsequent Reviews