2010 - Department of Hispanic Studies

HispaNews 2010
Volume 10
Department of Hispanic Studies
School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs, College of Charleston
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
1 Special Feature
1 Interview with Dr. Joe Weyers for his services as Department Chair
3 Interview with newly appointed Chair Dr. Mark Del Mastro
4 From the Provost Office
4 New Provost
4 From the Dean’s Office
4 Strategic Plan
4 Academic Program Update
4 Interpreting Programs External Review
5 Focus on the Faculty
5 New Chair
5 New Faculty Member
5 Faculty Evaluations
5 Faculty Activities
7 Faculty Mentoring Students
8 Focus on Our Students
8 Spanish Students Serving the Global Community and Other Achievements
10 Study Abroad
11 Sigma Delta Pi
11 Student Awards
13 Spanish Club
13 Portuguese Club
13 Linguistics Club
14 La Casa Hispana
15 Events
15 The World Cultures Fair
15 Conference “Women in the Ibero-American Atlantic 1500-1800.”
15 Brazilian International Press Award
16 Alumni News
18 FYI
18 Global Scholars Program
Editorial Committee
19 Stay Connected
19 Gift to the Department of Hispanic Studies
Dr. Nadia Avendaño
Dr. Lola Colomina-Garrigós
Dr. Gladys Matthews
Prof. Claudia Moran
Art Designer
Laura Plotts
Warm thanks to all our contributors!
Special Feature
Interview with Dr. Joe Weyers for his
services as Department Chair
INTERVIEW WITH JOE WEYERS
Dr. Joe Weyers retired as Chair of the Department of Hispanic Studies after serving for five years. We asked him a few questions to find
out about his experience and future plans.
Hispanews: What was your greatest challenge as Chair?
Dr. Weyers: When I became chair I didn’t recognize how much the
Chair is called on to do so many different things. I think the greatest challenge was balancing all of the many responsibilities between
student needs and faculty needs. The curriculum, working with the administration and the requirements that the
administration has as far as reports, data and information. Trying to balance all of that plus being a professor and
a researcher, that was the greatest challenge, finding the perfect balance of being able to wear many different hats
at the same time, which can be really quite difficult.
Hispanews: What were the major changes that happened in the Department of Hispanic Studies during your term
as chair?
Dr. Weyers: I think the greatest change was in the Fall 2007, when we did a change to the curriculum which
affected the minor and the major placement in the courses. The first thing we did was create a High Beginner’s
track, Spanish 190 and Spanish 200 that feed into 202. We added Spanish 275 as a pre-requisite to the courses that
come after it that affected the minor and the major as well, and it increased the major by three hours. We changed
the placement policy by getting rid of the placement exam that we had and placing students according to their
years of high-school experience. It took some time for all of the dust to settle after all of that, but I think that the
changes have been positive. Even more so, I think it was a very good idea, and certainly an effort of many people
and not just mine. There has been very little fallout and it worked well. I think the
placement policy works well.
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Hispanews: What projects do you have in mind once your term is over?
Dr. Weyers: I’ve been working on a project on language change in Montevideo, Uruguay and I just published a
paper documenting how language is changing amongst speakers who are under 40 years old. Specifically that the
academic ‘ tú’ that is taught in schools is simply not used by speakers. So my first article was based on interviews
that I conducted, and it documents that that change is in process. Once I finish, that is this summer, my next
article is going to be based on language change that is manifested in public advertising. I have about 200 pictures
of billboards from around Montevideo. And of course, advertising has to talk to you, it has to address itself to you
as a ‘tú’ or ‘usted’ or ‘vos’. I want to look at how public advertising may or may not affect language change, may or
may not reflect language change. Going chronologically, I have a sabbatical in the year 2011, for the entire year.
My sabbatical project is to do linguistic attitude surveys in Montevideo. The type of surveys of getting people’s
opinions of what they think about language change. It would be, for example if you hear: ‘¿De dónde sos tú?’ Does
that sound bad, good, correct, incorrect, terrible? What is your opinion on doing that? I think that as language
is changing, it is important to know what speakers think about those changes. There tends to be some resistance
to change, so it will be interesting to see. So that is my long term goal, to do those linguistic attitude changes and
surveys.
Hispanews: What have you learned about yourself through this position?
Dr. Weyers: I have tried to learn to be patient. Because of the balancing and the wearing of many different hats, I
have learned how to try to respond appropriately to the many different challenges that present themselves. I think
I don’t get quite so upset so quickly as I did years ago. I’ve learned to prioritize issues, whether they are positive or
negative or emergencies. I have also learned how to be part of a bigger picture, because there is really a lot to be
learned as Chair of the Department, about how the Department works and how the University works, and being
one of those elements in that bigger working components requires a learning curve. I think I have learned how
things operate. Bring me a problem and I will try to solve it for you, I know who to call, where to go, where to find
the answers. That takes a long time.
Hispanews: What are you going to do on the first day as a “free man”?
Dr. Weyers: I’ll be at Beach Walker Park, on Kiawah Island. I’ll have a
book in my hand, with my head turned and probably snoring.
Thank you, and best of luck!
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INTERVIEW WITH NEWLY APPOINTED CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
HISPANIC STUDIES, MARK DEL MASTRO
In order to further introduce our new Chair, Dr. Mark
Del Mastro, Hispanews thought of asking him a few
questions that might help him as well as our faculty
and students get familiar with each other...
Hispanews: What attracted you most to this position?
Dr. Del Mastro: Spending the past 18 years at an institution (The Citadel, were he was the Head of Modern
Languages, Literatures and Cultures from July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2010) that is literally a jog from the College of
Charleston, I have become very familiar with the Hispanic Studies Department on various levels: the scope and
quality of its undergraduate and graduate programs, the caliber and commitment of the faculty and students, and
the various projects within the department. These aspects along with the prestigious academic reputation of the
College of Charleston made the position of department chair an irresistible and exciting
opportunity.
Hispanews: What is your first order of business?
Dr. Del Mastro: Learn, learn, learn! Many of my first steps will be dictated by the additional information I will
be actively gathering in the weeks and months ahead about the college, the department, my new colleagues and
our students. My initial efforts will focus on enhancing the current programs while exploring with faculty and
students exciting new avenues for further innovation, development and growth.
Hispanews: What do you think the new Chair’s greatest challenge will be?
Dr. Del Mastro: Coming to an institution as an outside/external chair presents its own special challenges,
particularly learning the ropes, as I mentioned previously. Nevertheless, I welcome with enthusiasm all of these
related challenges.
Hispanews: Tell us something about yourself that your new colleagues would find interesting/never guess about
you.
Dr. Del Mastro: I am a Southern Barbeque (pulled pork) fanatic. Whenever I travel within the southeastern U.S.,
I search hard to find that special “mom and pop” barbeque joint tucked away in some sleepy town or along some
unspectacular stretch of road in the country. And to complement my passion for “Q,” I began smoking my own
pork shoulder earlier this year... and I dare say that it can compete with some of the finest pulled pork I have eaten
in the region! And of course tying this in with Hispanic Studies, the culinary historians will tell us the important
impact that the early Spanish presence in this region had on the evolution of what is now
considered a distinctively southern dish....
Very succulent... thank you Mark!
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From the Provost Office
New Provost
In Spring 2010, the College of Charleston welcomed Dr. George Hynd as the new Provost and Executive Vice
President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Hynd arrived from Arizona State University, where he was the senior vice
provost for education and innovation and the dean and director of the Mary Lou Fulton Institute and Graduate
School of Education.
From the Dean’s Office
Strategic Plan for the School of Languages, Culture and World Affairs
During the fall and the spring semesters, faculty members of the School of Languages, Culture, and World
Affairs met twice to discuss the Strategic Plan for the School. The plan addresses areas such as the reputation of
the College, students, faculty, teaching and learning, curriculum, globalization (study abroad, cultural
competency), facilities and environment, administrative organization, and on- and off-campus community
engagement. The goal of the plan is to position the School, and the College in general, as a strong liberal arts
institution that offers language proficiency as measured by international standards. The aim is also to have an engaged and more diverse student body in terms of ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, and physical condition. It
also aims at increasing interdisciplinary programs at undergraduate and graduate level, and teaming with other
departments and schools to increase language study in majors beyond four semesters to support proficiency.
The plan also includes expanded opportunities for study and work experiences abroad to prepare students to
work in an international setting. The plan may bring exciting opportunities in the near future to students and
graduates of our Department.
Academic Program Update
We are disappointed to announce that our graduate programs in Bilingual Interpreting have been cancelled,
effective Summer 2010. The MA program saw its first class in 1996. Over the course of 14 years, Bilingual Legal
and Bilingual Medical Interpreting have had good and not-so-good years in terms of enrollment. An external
review of the programs was very positive regarding the rigor and breadth of the programs. Still, enrollment in
the programs has been less than expected historically. In difficult financial times, our unique but small programs
could not be sustained. All current students in the program will graduate in December 2010. No new applications
are being accepted.
Our most sincere thanks to founder and first Director, Dr. Virginia Benmaman, and to its last Director,
Dr. Gladys Matthews, for their hard work and exceptional commitment to the Program.
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FOCUS ON THE FACULTY
New Chair: Mark Del Mastro
Beginning on July 1, 2010, the department will welcome Dr. Mark Del Mastro as its’ new chair. Dr. Del Mastro
holds a doctorate in Spanish Literature from the University of Virginia. His areas of research are Identity and
Psychoanalysis in Post-Spanish Civil War Narrative as well as the Generation of 1898. He was a Member of the
Faculty in Spanish since 1992 and had been Chair of the Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures since 2006.
The Department is delighted in welcoming him to the College of Charleston.
New Faculty: Ben Fraser
Beginning in the Fall of 2010, the department will welcome Dr. Ben Fraser as our new Assistant Professor of
Spanish. Dr. Fraser holds a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Spanish Literature from the University of Arizona.
His research interests are varied and include Contemporary Spanish Literature, Visual and Popular Culture,
Urban Theory, Cultural Geography and the Production of Space, and Literary Film and Cultural Theory among
others. We extend him a warm welcome.
Faculty Evaluations
Congratulations to Dr. Nadia Avendaño, who was promoted to associate professor. This change will become
effective in August 2010.
Faculty Activities
Dr. Nadia Avendaño published a book review on Chicana Sexuality and Gender: Cultural Refiguring in
Literature, Oral History, and Art by Debra J. Blake in the Arizona Journal of Hispanic Cultural Studies 13, 2009.
She directed Erin Finn’s Honors Bachelor’s Essay titled “Hija de dos mundos: la búsqueda de identidad en las
novelas De cómo las muchachas García perdieron el acento de Julia Alvarez, Under the Feet of Jesus de Helena
Maria Viramontes, y Casi una mujer de Esmeralda Santiago”. Dr. Avendaño also was an invited guest lecturer to
a LACS 101 class in Spring 2010. She gave a talk on the history of Chicanos/as in the United States.
Dr. Emily S. Beck presented two papers at the Annual Convention of the Modern Language Association (MLA)
in Philadelphia, “Reassessing Iberian Chivalry in Curial e Güelfa” (December 30, 2009) and “Performing Iberian
Nobility in Alfonso de Palencia: Military Triumph and Public Spectacle” (December 28, 2009). Emily was also
awarded a research grant by the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs for the Summer of 2010.
Dr. Karen Berg attended the Faculty Technology Institute for two weeks in the summer of 2009. She also
reviewed Allí donde uno diría que ya no puede haber nada for the Bulletin of Spanish Studies. It is a book of
critical essays about Javier Marías’ Tu rostro mañana. Compiled and edited by Alexis Grohmann and Maarten
Steenmeijer. Amsterdam: Rodopi. 2009.
Dr. Carla Breidenbach presented her research on Sociolinguistic and educational issues faced by Mexican and
Mexican-American (Chicano) children in North Charleston, SC, on November 11th, 2009.
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Dr. Lola Colomina-Garrigós published her article “El tratamiento metatextual del desamor en La crueldad de la
vida de Liliana Heker” in Hipertexto 10, in the Summer of 2009. She also taught a Directed Reading -Span 496course on Argentinian writers Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar, to students Justina Sparling and Sam Hilliard
in the Spring of 2010.
Dr. Michael Gómez published “Unamuno, Nietzsche and Religious Modernism” in the journal Anales de la
literatura española contemporanea (ALEC), which is currently housed at Temple University. It was part of a
special edition on Spanish Modernism which just came out. Dr. Gómez presented in fall 2009 at MIFLC, held at
Furman. The title of the paper was “Optimismo existencial en la poesía temprana de Federico García Lorca.”
Dr. Elizabeth Martínez-Gibson was asked to teach a class on the Dialects of Charleston for incoming freshmen
in the Honor’s College in Fall 2009. Publications: Martinez-Gibson, E. A. (principal author), Rodriguez-Sabater,
S., Toris, C. C. M., & Weyers, J. R. (2010). “To Be: A Study of Ser and Estar in Second Language Learners of
Spanish”. Southern Journal of Linguistics, 30(1), 52-77. (The data for this article was collected from students in
SPAN 202 and higher at the College of Charleston in 2002). Dr. Martinez-Gibson also presented a paper entitled
“The use of the English apostrophe ‘s in shop signs in Spain” at the Southeastern Conference on Linguistics, in
Oxford, Mississippi, on April 27-29, 2010.
Dr. Luci Moreira won the Brazilian International Press Award. The award ceremony was created in 1997 by journalist Carlos Borges with the purpose of recognizing individuals, institutions and initiatives that are committed to
promoting a positive image of Brazil abroad. The 2010 ceremony took place on April 17 at the Broward Center for
the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Universities and faculty honored this year: Harvard University,
College of Charleston, Georgetown University, University of Miami, Florida International University, and Brighman Young University.
Dr. Sarah Owens published her book Journey of Five Capuchin Nuns. Ed. and trans.
Sarah E. Owens. “The Other Voice in Early Modern Europe Series.” Toronto: CRRS
and ITER, 2009. Dr. Owens also hosted the conference: “Women in the IberoAmerican Atlantic 1500-1800.” February 18-20, 2010 - They had 3 keynote speakers
and 16 panelists from all over the USA, Canada and Europe.
Dr. Silvia Rodríguez-Sabater published, together with Dr. Martínez-Gibson, C.
Toris, C. and Dr. Joe Weyers, “A study of ser and estar in second language learners
of Spanish” in Southern Journal of Linguistics. She also presented the paper Service
learning and intercultural competence in the L2 classroom at the 2nd International
Conference on the Development and Assessment of Intercultural Communication
in Tucson, Arizona, in January 29-31, 2010 . She gave four workshops at the College of Charleston throughout the past academic year and she directed an independent study with Crystal Dowd on Educational issues
of Hispanic children in Charleston, from January to May, 2010. Service Learning at Charleston County School
District (90 hours). Among other tasks, Dr. Rodríguez-Sabater supervised 15 students in service learning assignments as part of SPAN 400 – Service learning course (45 hours): Stefanie Bannister, Sarah Comfort, Tristan
Contas, and Jordan Toopes at Midland Park Elementary School; Alessandra Castillo and Sharina Kindel at
MUSC Interpreter Services; Mary Henderson at My Sister’s House; Hannah Taub at My Sister’s House and Ronald McDonald House; Josh Mueller and Salena Venable at Angel Oak Family Clinic; Melanie Keller at Goodwin
Elementary School; Nicole Seyle at Goodwin Elementary School and Zucker Middle School; Emily Buddin at
Charleston Animal Society; Thomas Laffay at Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic; Sarah Moye at Dreamcenter
Medical Clinc. She was the Chair of the Task force and Chair on Proficiency at the Elementary and Intermediate
levels from February 2010-present.
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Finally, Dr. Rodríguez-Sabater was the Basic Language Program Coordinator 2009-2010 and she will continue
to be so for the next academic year.
Dr. Parissa Tadrissi presented : “Sub-Cultures, Violence and the Concept of a ‘Post-Racial’ Spain in Youth Novels” at the Mid-America Conference on Hispanic Literature at the University of Kansas, Lawrence in November
2009. She will be co-directing the Study Abroad Program to Trujillo with Carla Breidenbach in the Summer
of 2010. They will be taking 20 students who will be learning about “Current Issues in Spain” Spanish Language
Study Abroad and she will be directing a Graduate Independent Study course for Tiffany Dixon. The theme of
the course is “Vignettes of the Soul of Spain.” She is developing her paper based on ten interviews with Spaniards
from Trujillo, Merida, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada and Madrid. Her comprehensive paper will discuss elements of
Spanish culture including family life, education, politics, and religion among other areas.
Faculty Mentoring Students
Dr. Nadia Avendaño directed Erin Finn’s Honors Bachelor’s Essay titled “Hija de dos mundos: la busqueda de
identidad en las novelas De como las muchachas Garcia perdieron el acento de Julia Alvarez, Under the Feet of
Jesus de Helena Maria Viramontes, y Casi una mujer de Esmeralda Santiago”.
Melanie Keller has worked on a Bachelor’s Essay with Dr. Parissa Tadrissi and Dr. E. Moore Quinn, of the Anthropology Department, about the fieldwork she did in Santiago, Chile last semester while studying abroad. The
essay is written in English, but she hopes to create an appendix in Spanish. The essay is a detailed account of three
key activist events in which she participated while volunteering for The Unified Movement of Sexual Minorities
(Movimiento Unificado de Minorias Sexuales), which is a sexual diversity rights organization located in downtown Santiago. These events are the Sexual Diversity March, the World AIDS Day Protest, and a seminar about
Transsexuality. The final portion, explains a new theory that she came up with called queer linguistic activism.
This terms refers to social activism that is done at the level of language. Language usage, terminology, etc. that is
purposefully changed in order to achieve socio-political goals.
Crystal Dowd’s completed an Independent Study, HISP 498, on Educational issues of Hispanic children in Charleston. January-May, 2010. Service Learning at Charleston County School District (90 hours), under the direction of
Dr. Silvia Rodríguez-Sabater.
Dr. Rodríguez-Sabater also supervised the following 15 students in service learning assignments as part of SPAN
400. Each did a minimum of 45 hours• Stefanie Bannister, Sarah Comfort, Tristan Contas, and Jordan Toopes at
Midland Park Elementary School; Alessandra Castillo and Sharina Kindel at MUSC Interpreter Services; Mary
Henderson at My Sister’s House; Hannah Taub at My Sister’s House and Ronald McDonald House; Josh Mueller
and Salena Venable at Angel Oak Family Clinic; Melanie Keller at Goodwin Elementary School; Nicole Seyle at
Goodwin Elementary School and Zucker Middle School; Emily Buddin at Charleston Animal Society; Thomas
Laffay at Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic; and Sarah Moye at Dreamcenter Medical Clinic.
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FOCUS ON OUR STUDENTS
Spanish Students Serving the Global Community and Other Achievements
Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) interns from the Department of Hispanic Studies: Student Action with
Farmers is a non-profit organization that brings students and farmworkers together to learn about each other’s
lives, share resources and skills, improve conditions for farmworkers, and build diverse coalitions working for
social change. Three Spanish students will be spending ten weeks in SAF’s Into the Fields Internship Program
working with farmers in various locations around the U.S. This internship provides students with the opportunity
to learn about agricultural work and experience first-hand the challenges farm workers face, including low wages,
heat, illness, and pesticide exposure. To qualify, students must speak intermediate to advanced Spanish. SAF gives
preference to college students from farmworker families and students from the Southeast. Benefits include $1,250
per diem, a $1,500 scholarship, free furnished housing, free training and some travel costs. Professor Sarah Owens
has been the SAF Liaison for the College of Charleston since 2001. “I’m interested in farmworkers and their rights
and that’s why I got involved,” says Dr. Owens. Each year she advertises the program and interviews the students
for SAF. The College of Charleston usually has one intern but this year the College will have three. The students
are Denisse Cardena, April Pineda, and Levi Vonk. Here is what they have told HispaNews about their expectations for the experience:
“My name is Denisse and I am from Charleston, S.C. I am ending my first year here at the College of Charleston
and next year I look forward to studying abroad in Santiago, Chile for the fall semester. I was given the opportunity to work with SAF in the Into the Fields internship and I am excited to begin this new experience. I hope to
use my skills and gifts to this program in order to bring awareness on issues concerning farmworkers today and to
be of some help in providing them with resources useful and necessary to live a life of dignity. I will be working in
Beaufort Jasper Hampton Health in Ridgeland, S.C. as an outreach intern. I will provide information about health
services and community services during the program.
“My name is April Pineda, and I am a first year student. I currently live in the Casa Hispana. I am majoring in
both Spanish and Psychology. A few weeks after the spring semester ends, I will be working with farmworkers in
North Carolina. And, in the fall semester I will be studying abroad in Chile.”
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“My name is Levi Vonk. I am currently a freshman at the College of Charleston, and I plan on studying abroad
in Spain and Cuba during my undergrad studies. I am very excited to work in the SAF internship. I hope to be
exposed to a different culture and perspective, as well as connect with the farmworkers. And, of course, being able
to use my Spanish only makes it better.”
... and other Student Achievements
Francesca Pedemonti has worked on the Pulsera Project, a non-profit organization that supports young artists
of the Los Quinchos Orphanage in Nicaragua through the sales of their handmade bracelets. Since its impromptu
creation in January, 2009 during an adventure to Nicaragua by a group of 13 friends, the Pulsera Project raised
nearly $20,000 for the children of Los Quinchos. This semester the Project raised $8,516.85. The money raised by
student volunteers, has been used to purchase pillow cases, mattresses, shirts, shoes, toiletries, food, tools, livestock, tents, school uniforms, soccer balls, baseball equipment, cameras, books, and lumber to turn an abandoned
farm building into a library. The project’s mission is to make the world a more colorful place through promoting
the value of international service among young Americans. It has raised over over $7000 in the spring semester to
bring back to Nicaragua this summer.
“Pulsera”, a documentary produced, directed, and edited by College of Charleston juniors Chris Howell and Tom
Laffay, documents the birth and evolution of the Pulsera Project. The event was sponsored by the Center for the
Documentary and the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program at the College of Charleston. Tom Laffay
and Chris Howell were recipients of the Alex Sanders Documentary Filmmaking Award.
Congratulations to CofC senior Robert Butler who, thanks to the Keystone program, a “bridge” program that
helps Trident Technical College Students make more successful transitions to the College of Charleston will be
graduating in December with a major in Spanish and a minor in modern Linguistics. The Keystone Program,
with 12 to 15 students each year, is one of many bridge programs in the state that try to help students who begin
at technical colleges earn a four-year degree. College and university leaders said the programs have had many
successes and show promise overall.
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Study Abroad
2009 Fall Semester in Chile
2010 Spring Program to La Habana, Cuba
14 College of Charleston students spent the fall semester in Chile. They arrived on August 27th and departed
on December 6, and some students extended their stay
until late December and even January. All students
lived with Chilean families in Santiago. Dr. Owens was
the director of the fall program. They had two main
excursions: one in October to Peru -which included
stops in Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. The other trip
was in November to Pucon, Chile - a beautiful area especially for eco-tourism.
Six CofC travelled to Cuba from February18 to May 3.
The program was directed by Humberto Miranda of the
Instituto de Filosofia, our partner institution. Students
took five courses: LACS 103 - Introduction to Contemporary Cuba; POLS 321 - Latin American Politics; POLS
335 - Cuban Revolution; POLS 339 - Latin American
Social and Political Movements; and SPAN 328 - Spanish Language Study Abroad. The Spanish professor was
Diego Ives Lopez Maranges who taught for us the first
time this year. The students stayed at the MonteHabana
hotel in Miramar, Havana. The main excursion was to
the central part of the Island. They visited Santa Clara,
Trinidad, Play Giron. They also traveled to the west visiting Pinar del Rio. This year was the 10th Anniversary
of the program. There was a celebration in March and
it was attended by Provost George Hynd, Dean David
Cohen, Asistant Provost Andrew Sobiesuo and LACS
Director, Professor Douglas Friedman. Dr. Friedman
was awarded the medal (or seal) of the 25th Anniversary of the Instituto de Filosofia for his work with academic exchange between Cuba and the US. 2
2010 Spring Program to Trujillo, Spain
Dr. Celeste Lacroix (from the Department of Communications) and Dr. Lola Colomina (Hispanic Studies)
took 12 students to Trujillo, Spain, on January 22. The
students took a variety of courses in Communications
as well as in Spanish Language, Culture and Literature.
The group visited important historic sites such as the
Roman city of Merida. They also went on two trips, one
to Southern Spain, Andalucia, wehre they visited the
cities of Cordoba, Granada, and Sevilla, and and another to central Spain, Toledo and Madrid.
HISPANEWS ‘10
2010 Spring Program to Trujillo, Spain
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Sigma Delta Pi
Student Awards
On October 5, 2009, 19 students were initiated into
Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish Honor Society: Ashley
ANDERSON, Emily BUDDIN, Alissa BUTLER, M.
Ivey FOSTER, Bruce Lee GONZALEZ, Elizabeth HALLETT, Sam HILLIARD, Marianna J. HUNTLEY, Adam
McCONNAUGHHAy, Joshua MUELLER, Allison
QUINN, Diana ROWE, Shauna RUSSELL, Elisabeth
STILEY, Hannah TAUB, Ashley TOBIN, Christopher
TULLY, Katherine E. WILLIAMSON, andChia-Ling
(Melody) YUAN. Silvia Rodriguez-Sabater presided
over the ceremony. Marianne Verlinden, Devon Hanahan, Felix Vasquez, and Georgia Schlau assisted.
Many initiates invited family members to the ceremony. The School of Education, Health and Human
Performance once again generously made the Alumni
Center available to us for this event.
On April 21, outstanding 202 Spanish students for the
2009-2010 academic year, peer teachers, Casa Hispana
residents, Spanish Club officers, and Spanish tutors
were recognized for their work and service. Our thanks
to Devon Hanahan for coordinating this event.
HISPANEWS ‘10
And on May 7, the School of Languages, Cultures, and
World Affairs hosted the 2010 Student Awards Ceremony for its graduating seniors and December 2009
graduates at Arnold Hall. Melanie Keller won the prestigious Graeser Memorial Award as well as the Hispanic Studies Outstanding Spanish Majors Award; Joshua
David Mueller, Maria Florencia Languell, and Laura
Ferguson also received the Oustanding Spanish Majors
Award. Erin Claire Finn received the Departmental
Honors Award for her Honors Bachelor’s Essay. Dorothy Hanrahan was recognized as Outstanding Student
of Portuguese. Our thanks to Tara Miller from LCWA
for coordinating this event.
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Spanish Club
With the continued dynamic support of faculty-advisor, Dr Emily Beck, the Spanish Club kicked off the academic year with a Noche de Cine / Movie Night featuring the movie “Diarios de motocicleta” (“The Motorcycle
Diaries”) and food catered by Santi’s Restaurant (1302 Meeting St.). This was the first of our events organized to
commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15). Club members also joined the residents
of the Casa Hispana (9 Bull Street) to celebrate Mexican Independence Day with food, songs, poetry readings, and
a huge party in the evening breeze outside the house.
In October, members joined the broader Charleston community for the Latin American Festival on October
4, 2009 at Wannamaker County Park. A couple of weeks later, we hosted the first of several popular and wellattended Salsa Nights organized throughout the academic year. Due to the great popularity of our first movie
night, the club hosted our second Noche de Cine featuring the suspense/thriller “El espinazo del diablo” (“The
Devil’s Backbone”) on October 27, a movie chosen in anticipation of Halloween. Fall semester ended with a White
Elephant / Gift Exchange at the Casa Hispana.On November 6, 2009 the department celebrated the annual Día de
los Muertos Event. Chocolate, pan de muerto, and candy in the shape of body parts, were among the food served.
The spring semester was equally busy with two additional movie nights that featured “El laberinto del fauno”
(“Pan’s Labyrinth”) and a Puerto Rican comedy titled “Casi Casi” from 2006. Both events were extremely popular
and we hope to continue to host this type of activity in the future. At the World Cultures Fair on March 25, the
Spanish club organized tables with information about ways to get involved with the Hispanic community here in
Charleston as well as displays about customs and cultural artifacts from a variety of countries. We also hosted two
dance performances: a tango exhibition by the Charleston Argentine Tango Society and a presentation of Zumba
– the latest aerobic/dance craze influenced by salsa, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton. Our table also featured
finger foods catered by Santi’s Restaurant. This semester we also tried out a game night at the Casa Hispana, an
event we hope to continue in the future. Throughout the academic year, we’ve also met for our bi-monthly
tertulias at Yo Burrito, which continue to attract students from every school at the college.
In addition to these events, we have continued to develop contacts with the growing Hispanic community here
in Charleston. We have maintained our relationship with Midland Park Elementary School, where several of our
members have worked with faculty and staff at the school to assist with Parent-Teacher conferences. In addition
to working with Midland Park Elementary, several club members have been actively working with local health
clinics, Lowcountry AIDS Services, and by teaching adult English as a Second Language courses (ESL).
We’re also committed to raising money for worthwhile causes and to giving back to the community. The club
participated in and raised money for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life, a twelve-hour all-night
walk-a-thon on April 9, 2010. Due to the economy and budget cutbacks at the college, the club has been working
with CofC athletics to host a refreshment table at several home basketball games. Every sale generates profits toward the club; the next time you make it to a game, keep an eye out for a table of Spanish club members and help
us continue to promote awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture on campus!
The Spanish Club officers were: Hannah Taub - President, Maria Teruel - Vice President (Secretary Spring 2010),
Grace Williamson - Secretary (Fall 09/abroad Spring), Elena Barrio - Treasurer, Emily Williams - Public
Relations, and Crystal Dowd - Public Relations.
HISPANEWS ‘10
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Portuguese Club
Linguistics Club
Over the course of the academic year, the Portuguese
language club was very active both semesters and
hosted several events on campus to promote Brazilian
culture. In the fall semester the club hosted two Brazilian cooking nights at which club members, professors,
and students learned to cook traditional Brazilian recipes, including two desserts (Brigadeiros and Cocadas),
cheese bread (Pao de queijo) and rice and beans. The
club also hosted Charleston’s local Capoeira group on
campus for a free Capoeira demonstration and workshops and also serves light refreshments, including
Guarana, the soda of Brazil. During the spring semester, the club hosted another workshop for Capoeira
and Samba and participated in the College of Charleston’s Language Fair in the Cistern Garden. Finally, the
Portuguese club collaborated with the Russian club to
host a Brazilian Night party in the Stern center. The
guest turnout neared 100, feijoada and traditional Russian foods were served, and a sample of Brazilian music played in the background. Overall, the Portuguese
language club had a very successful semester and has
many plans to continue its involvement in campus activities for the upcoming school year.
On Thursday, March 25th, the Linguistics Program and
Club invited Dr. James W. Pennebaker from the University of Texas at Austin to give a talk on What Our
Words Say about Us: Bridging Linguistics, Psychology,
and Computer Sciences. The lecture was well attended
by students and faculty throughout the College. Every
semester the Linguistics Program invites faculty and
students to present their research at the Linguistics Discussion Series. In the fall, on November 11th, Dr. Carla
Breidenbach from the Department of Hispanic Studies
presented her research on Sociolinguistic and educational issues faced by Mexican and Mexican- American (Chicano) children in North Charleston, SC. This
spring, on April 20th, Dr. Carol Toris from the Department of Psychology spoke about Why Be Figurative?
The Embodiment of Meaning and Other Functions of
Non-Literal Speech.
HISPANEWS ‘10
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La Casa Hispana
The residents of La Casa Hispana have been very active both on campus and in the Charleston community.
They participated in activities such as volunteering at the Latin American Festival at Wannamaker County Park;
they celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day with a dinner of over 75 attendees, including students, staff, and
professors, catering authentic Mexican food and a presentation on the history of Mexico’s Independence day;
they hosted a Cuban Reunion in La Casa, where students who had studied abroad in Cuba attended and enjoyed
the fine cooking of Profesor Linares-Ocanto, and answered questions for students considering studying abroad
in Cuba; they volunteered to interpret for Spanish speaking parents at North Charleston Elementary School to
help their children register for kindergarten. The Spanish Club held a game night in the house for its members
to celebrate the end of the year. They worked at the World Cultures Fair with the Spanish Club, catering food
and answering questions about how to get involved in the Spanish-speaking community in Charleston. They also
participated in Relay for Life with the Spanish Club, to raise money and awareness for cancer research. They
participated in all the movie nights “las noches de cine” with the Spanish Club, giving the opportunity for spanish
students to watch foreign films together and discuss them in Spanish! They have also participated in various blood
drives throughout the semester together as a house. Dr. Joseph Weyers and his Postcards from Mexico class had
a cooking class and dinner in the Spanish House, were they talked about Mexican cuisine and costumes. Four of
the residents are peer conversation teachers, teaching 1 credit hour conversation classes. Three of the residents are
officers of the Spanish Club, and the other residents are all active members.
Cuban Reunion at the Casa Hispana
HISPANEWS ‘10
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Events
The World Cultures Fair
Organized by Dr. Martínez-Gibson, the World Cultures Fair took place on Thursday, March 25th from 11-3 pm
in the Stern center Gardens. There were 35 tables representing the different programs and departments from the
School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs. The Department of Hispanic Studies was a leading participant
with the Spanish, Portuguese and Linguistics Clubs, the Casa Hispana, and Professors Schlau and Toth’s Mexican
table. This year’s Entertainment and Talent Show was organized by Georgia Schlau. We had the Portuguese Club
entertaining us with Capoeira. The Spanish Club and the Casa Hispana had everyone dancing Zumba, and Professors Toth and Schlau had students dancing different Mexican dances. Several of our students provided us with
their talents of dancing and singing: Tristan Contas, an advanced Spanish major, sang a cappella, Brianne Biggerstaff read her poetry, Annastasia Whim and Todd showed us some Capoeira moves, and Tia Hong entertained us
with her Bollywood dancing. This year we had an added feature, a Food Tasting Contest. The number of entries
was overwhelming for the judges, thanks to Professor Andrews whose students provided most of the food. There
were about 300 people in attendance including some of Professor Shields students from the Magnet School and
the Meminger Elementary School a few blocks away. The day was a success!
Women in the Ibero-American Atlantic, 1500-1800
Conference
Dr. Sarah Owens hosted the conference “Women in
the Ibero-American Atlantic, 1500-1800” on February
18 to 20, 2010. The event
featured three distinguished keynote speakers and presentations by
sixteen scholars from the
United States, Canada
and Europe. Topics covered included history,
literature, cultural, production, medicine, law
and religion. This event
was sponsored by several
on-campus
organizations including Carolina
Lowcountry and Atlantic World (CLAW), The
Department of Hispanic
Studies, The School of
Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Women’s and Gender
Studies. Dr. Owens also received funding through a
grant from the Spanish Embassy and the literary organization “Grupo de Estudios Sobre la Mujer en España
y las Américas.”
HISPANEWS ‘10
Brazilian International Press Award
The Brazilian International Press Award is an award
ceremony created in 1997 by journalist Carlos Borges
with the purpose of recognizing individuals, institutions and initiatives that are committed to promoting
a positive image of Brazil abroad. The 2010 ceremony
took place on April 17 at the Broward Center for the
Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Universities and faculty honored this year: Harvard University, College of Charleston (Prof. Luci Moreira in the
center), Georgetown University, University of Miami,
Florida International University, and Brighman Young
University.
Page 15
Alumni News
Lawren Anderson (May 2009). B.A. in Spanish & in
Chemistry, minor in Studio Art. She now works for
MUSC as a Bilingual Medical Office Assistant at an
OB/GYN office. She is about to take the MCAT and is
applying to medical school for Fall 2011. She is
volunteering as an interpreter at Old Fort Baptist
Church’s free clinic in Summerville, and she also tutors
Spanish in her free time.
Kelly Belasco (Class of 2009) is working as a Spanish
teacher for kids 1st grade through 8th grade.
Emily Connor (Class of 2008). She is a 2008 Teach For
America corps member teaching AP Spanish
Literature, Spanish 2 for non natives and Philosophy in
Watts, in South Los Angeles. Emily plans to continue
teaching next year, but she is not sure where yet.
Christiane Gaul graduated in December 2002 with a
B.A. in Spanish and a B.Sc. in International Business.
Since then he has been working in Germany, his home
country, the Middle East, the US, and Brazil. Since
January 2008 he has been enrolled as a Master student
at Florida International University in Miami, FL and
just graduated last May with a Master’s in Business
Administration and a Master of Arts in Latin American
& Caribbean Studies.Christiane now plans to return to
Germany and find a job there.
Fiorella Brittingham (Class of 2008). B.A. in Spanish
and secondary education. This will be her third year
in Bishop England (Catholic high school ) in Daniel
Island. She teaches 2nd and 3rd grade and she is very
happy at the school. She is expecting her second child,
Charles Shea Gibson (Class of 2006) BA in Spanish.
Stella, in August. Congratulations Fiorella!
He works for ASRC Primus at FLETC (Federal Law
Enforcement Training Center) as the assistant manager
Angharad Chester-Jones (Class of 2003). Double
of Student Support Services. They supply Homeland
major in Spanish and Media Communication and
Security federal agencies with what they need for
Minor in LACS. In 2003-2004, he was a Spanish
Teacher for Grades 7th and 8th at Mason Prep. in training. He was a role-player before he was promoted
Charleston 2004-2006; in 2004-05, he lived and worked and used Spanish quite a bit with Customs and Border
for a financial company in Barcelona, Spain. Later on, Protection, and still continues to speak it every day.
he worked as an Interior Designer and PR interned for
The Historical Society of Greenwich in Greenwich , CT, Kelsey J. Gilmore (Class of 2006) graduated with a BA
and in 2005-2006 returned to Barcelona. Since 2006, in Spanish and Political Science. She graduated from
the Charleston School of Law on May 15, 2010, and will
Angharad has been Food & Beverage Marketing
Coordinator at the The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island be practicing law in Mount Pleasant, SC after taking
Golf Resort- KI, SC. He has been heavily involved in the bar this summer. She has founded a local chapter
the Charleston community from 2008 up until today, of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund at the law
including running programs at The Ronald McDonald school and has enjoyed assisting Pet Helpers with their
legal research needs and furthering the care and
House- both with KIGR and started a young
professional group call The Red Shoe Society- currently acknowledgment of animals in the legal field. Kelsey
married CofC grad (class of ‘90) Stephan Futeral, a
president; he is also volunteering with different
local attorney, on May 16. Congratulations Kelsey!
charities and organizations, such as Habitat for
Humanity, Darkness to Light,Wine to Water
Organization, Possibilities Without Boarders, Hollings Corina Guidi, M.A.(Class of 2001). Corina is currently
Cancer Center, Art for Charity, etc. He is also a Spanish residing in Charlotte, NC, and going on her second year
at Cannon School, an independent secondary school in
tutor.
Concord, NC. She enjoys teaching upper level Spanish
Justin de Boer (Class of 2007) just finished his second courses including an AP Spanish Language course. She
year of medical school at the Universidad Central del has enjoyed being in charge of our National Spanish
Honor Society Chapter named Gabriela Mistral.
Caribe in Puerto Rico.
HISPANEWS ‘10
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Kimberly Millen (Class of 2009), Major: Spanish with
Teacher Certification. She is finishing her first year
teaching Spanish at Berkeley Middle School, in Moncks
Corner, SC. Kimberly has enjoyed it and has already
signed her contract for next year to continue teaching
Mollye Chamblee Hudson (Class of 2007) got married there.
November 7, 2009 to Zachary Harris Hudson and they
Rachel Prosser (Class of 2004). She attended NYU for
live in Columbia, SC. She works as an Assistant
a Master’s in Spanish language and translation (at their
Property Manager for Commercial Real Estate
Madrid Campus) from 2005-2006. In the fall of 2007,
Development Company, Equity One.
she started her PhD in bilingual education at the
Jesse Kramer (Class of 2004) graduated culinary school University of Colorado at Boulder. She plans to
at the french culinary institute and is currently a chef at graduate in the Spring of 2011.
Danny Meyer’s new restaurant, Maialino.
Kate Robinette (Class of 2006). After graduating from
John Kohler (Class of 2007) is about to start his fourth the College of Charleston, Kate earned a Master in
year of medical school at MUSC. He wants to pursue Health Administration from MUSC (2008) and
recently finished her second year at the Charleston
Pediatrics and then specialize in Neonatology. He
School of Law. She intends to practice health law.
married Allison Crutchman in April of 2010.
Congratulations, John!
Aly Runco (Class of 2009) just finished her first year
Laura Mason (Class of 2007). Since graduating in of law school, and will be moving to New York for the
2007, Laura completed a year of Americorps, where summer to work for a law firm.
she taught English to refugees. She recently moved to
Atlanta, GA. and she is currently teaching English as a Julie M. Whitaker (B.A. in Spanish 2006). She moved
back to Charleston in July 2009 and is now working
Second Language at two locations: The Interactive
College of Technology in Chamblee GA, and The Asian for CPM Federal Credit Union as a loan processor. She
plans to continue her Spanish studies at some point in
American Resource Center in Suwanee, GA.
the future, but for now she just enjoys using what she
has learned.
Diana McDonough (Class of 2009). Thank you
College of Charleston for a great education! Diana is
John Woolard is currently teaching Spanish in a
currently working for the Federal Government,
Department of Treasury, Dallas, Texas. Diana loves her private high school, Culver Academies, in northern
job, wouldn’t be there without College of Charleston Indiana. He plans to continue teaching Spanish but
would also like to start his Master of Arts in Spanish
hard working professors.
next year.
Chrystal Hepler (Class of 2004) currently teaches
Spanish at West Ashley high school. This is her second
year at the school. She is working on her ME.d in
languages at CofC.
.
HISPANEWS ‘10
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FYI
The Hispanic Studies Department and the Global Scholars Program
Designed to increase the capacity of students and faculty to contribute productively as global citizens, the College
of Charleston Global Scholars Program recognizes students and faculty members who structure their learning
and work to develop a wider global world-view. The objectives of the Program include:
•To infuse international and global content throughout the curriculum;
•To increase knowledge and understanding of international and global subject matter through structured
multidisciplinary study;
•To improve global literacy by developing the ability to read and write in at least one foreign language;
•To expand the capacity to communicate in and work in foreign cultures;
•To develop and improve cross-national skills and competencies through immersion in the social and cultural life
of a foreign country; and
•To enhance awareness and understanding of world issues and events by requiring participation in extracurricular organizations, seminars, workshops, lectures, performances, etc.
To demonstrate its commitment to developing global perspectives of intellectual inquiry, the Department of
Hispanic Studies is an active participant in the Global Scholars Program. To be designated as a Global Scholar,
students are required to demonstrate foreign language proficiency, incorporate international/global courses and
extracurricular activities into their academic studies, and complete a study, work or service-learning experience
abroad. The Department’s resources, including its study-abroad programs, are a key resource to help students
meet the requirements of the Program.
There is also a Faculty Global Scholars Program to encourage faculty to integrate international dimensions into
their teaching and research. The requirements of the Global Scholars designation for faculty members are
similar to those for students, including demonstrated foreign language proficiency, study, work or teaching
experience abroad, peer-reviewed scholarly activities with an international or global thesis, documented
attendance at international events, and participation in a mentor program.
More information on the Global scholars Program, including information on how to apply, can be found on the
College’s website at: http://www.cofc.edu/~globalscholars
HISPANEWS ‘10
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STAY CONNECTED – CLASS NOTES
We would like to know what you have been up to lately. Tell us about your new job, promotion, move to a new
city, marriage, addition(s) to the family, special honors received, or anything else you wish to share, by sending
us an e-mail to [email protected], or completing this form and mailing it to: Attention HispaNews Department of Hispanic Studies - College of Charleston - 66 George Street - Charleston - SC 29424-0001
Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Maiden name: ____________________________ Class of (year): ________________________
Job, family and other doings: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How do you use your Spanish and/or Portuguese? ______________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Other comments and suggestions: __________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Preferred e-mail address: __________________________________________________________
HispaNews is produced as a service to alumni and friends of the Department of Hispanic Studies.
Since 2008 it is available online.
(Deadline to appear in the next issue: April 20, 2011)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
GIFT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HISPANIC STUDIES
Yes! I would like to make a donation to the Department of Hispanic Studies in the amount of
_____ $200
_____ $100
_____$50
_____ $25
_____ Other
Your contribution enables us to continue with our many endeavors to enrich our students’ s experiences and
programs.
Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________ State _________ Zip__________________
Class of: ___________________________ E-mail: _____________________________
All contributions are tax deductible. Please make your check out to the “College of Charleston Foundation” and
request that your funds go to the “Department of Hispanic Studies Account.” Mail to: Chair, Hispanic Studies,
College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424-0001.
¡Muchísimas gracias por su generosidad y apoyo!
Muito obrigado por sua generosidad e apoio
HISPANEWS ‘10
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