HispaNews 2010 Volume 10 Department of Hispanic Studies School of Languages, Cultures and World A! airs,

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 O! ce 4 New Provost 4 From the Dean’s O! ce 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 " e 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 Dr. Nadia Avendaño 19 Gi" to the Department of Hispanic Studies 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 Stud- ies a& er serving for ' ve years. We asked him a few questions to ' nd 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 di! erent things. I think the great- est challenge was balancing all of the many responsibilities between student needs and faculty needs. " e 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, ' nding the perfect balance of being able to wear many di! erent hats at the same time, which can be really quite di) cult.

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 a! ected the minor and the major placement in the courses. " e ' rst 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 a& er it that a! ected 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 a& er 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 e! ort of many people and not just mine. " ere has been very little fallout and it worked well. I think the placement policy works well.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 1 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. Speci' cally that the academic ‘ tú’ that is taught in schools is simply not used by speakers. So my ' rst article was based on interviews that I conducted, and it documents that that change is in process. Once I ' nish, 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 a! ect language change, may or may not re+ ect 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. " e 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. " ere 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 di! erent hats, I have learned how to try to respond appropriately to the many di! erent 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 ' nd the answers. " at takes a long time.

Hispanews: What are you going to do on the ' rst 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.

" ank you, and best of luck!

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 2 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 (" e 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. " ese 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 ' rst order of business?

Dr. Del Mastro: Learn, learn, learn! Many of my ' rst 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 e! orts 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 ' nd 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 ' nd 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 ' nest 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!

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 3 From the Provost O! ce

New Provost

In Spring 2010, the College of Charleston welcomed Dr. George Hynd as the new Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic A! airs. 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 O! ce

Strategic Plan for the School of Languages, Culture and World A! airs

During the fall and the spring semesters, faculty members of the School of Languages, Culture, and World A! airs met twice to discuss the Strategic Plan for the School. " e 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 o! -campus community engagement. " e goal of the plan is to position the School, and the College in general, as a strong liberal arts institution that o! ers language pro' ciency as measured by international standards. " e aim is also to have an en- gaged 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 pro' ciency. " e plan also includes expanded opportunities for study and work experiences abroad to prepare students to work in an international setting. " e 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, e! ective Summer 2010. " e MA program saw its ' rst 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 di) cult ' nancial 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 ' rst Director, Dr. Virginia Benmaman , and to its last Director, Dr. Gladys Matthews , for their hard work and exceptional commitment to the Program.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 4 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. " e 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 " eory, Cultural Geography and the Production of Space, and Literary Film and Cultural " eory among others. We extend him a warm welcome.

Faculty Evaluations

Congratulations to Dr. Nadia Avendaño , who was promoted to associate professor. " is change will become e! ective in August 2010.

Faculty Activities

Dr. Nadia Avendaño published a book review on Chicana Sexuality and Gender: Cultural Re' guring 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 .

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 A! airs 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.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 5 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 496- course 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. " e 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. (" e 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 “" e 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. " e award ceremony was created in 1997 by jour- nalist Carlos Borges with the purpose of recognizing individuals, institutions and initiatives that are committed to promoting a positive image of Brazil abroad. " e 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 Brigh- man Young University.

Dr. Sarah Owens published her book Journey of Five Capuchin Nuns. Ed. and trans. Sarah E. Owens. “" e Other Voice in Early Modern Europe Series.” Toronto: CRRS and ITER, 2009. Dr. Owens also hosted the conference: “Women in the Ibero- American Atlantic 1500-1800.” February 18-20, 2010 - " ey 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 through- out 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 as- signments 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 Ron- ald 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; " omas La! ay at Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic; Sarah Moye at Dreamcenter Medical Clinc. She was the Chair of the Task force and Chair on Pro' ciency at the Elementary and Intermediate levels from February 2010-present.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 6 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 Nov- els” 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. " ey 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 Ti! any Dixon. " e 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 An- thropology Department, about the ' eldwork she did in Santiago, Chile last semester while studying abroad. " e essay is written in English, but she hopes to create an appendix in Spanish. " e essay is a detailed account of three key activist events in which she participated while volunteering for " e Uni' ed Movement of Sexual Minorities (Movimiento Uni' cado de Minorias Sexuales), which is a sexual diversity rights organization located in down- town Santiago. " ese events are the Sexual Diversity March, the World AIDS Day Protest, and a seminar about Transsexuality. " e ' nal portion, explains a new theory that she came up with called queer linguistic activism. " is 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 Charles- ton. January-May, 2010. Service Learning at Charleston County School District (90 hours), under the direction of Dr. Silvia Rodríguez-Sabate r.

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; " omas La! ay at Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic; and Sarah Moye at Dreamcenter Medical Clinic.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 7 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-pro' t 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. " ree 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. " is internship provides students with the opportunity to learn about agricultural work and experience ' rst-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. Bene' ts 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. " e College of Charleston usually has one intern but this year the College will have three. " e students are Denisse Cardena, April Pineda, and Levi Vonk. Here is what they have told HispaNews about their expecta- tions for the experience:

“My name is Denisse and I am from Charleston, S.C. I am ending my ' rst 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 opportu- nity 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 gi& s 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 ' rst year student. I currently live in the Casa Hispana. I am majoring in both Spanish and Psychology. A few weeks a& er 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.”

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 8 “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 di! erent 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-pro' t 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. " is semester the Project raised $8,516.85. " e money raised by student volunteers, has been used to purchase pillow cases, mattresses, shirts, shoes, toiletries, food, tools, live- stock, tents, school uniforms, soccer balls, baseball equipment, cameras, books, and lumber to turn an abandoned farm building into a library. " e 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 La! ay, documents the birth and evolution of the Pulsera Project. " e event was sponsored by the Center for the Documentary and the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program at the College of Charleston. Tom La! ay 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. " e 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.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 9 Study Abroad

2009 Fall Semester in Chile 2010 Spring Program to La Habana, Cuba

14 College of Charleston students spent the fall semes- Six CofC travelled to Cuba from February18 to May 3. ter in Chile. " ey arrived on August 27th and departed " e program was directed by Humberto Miranda of the on December 6, and some students extended their stay Instituto de Filoso' a, our partner institution. Students until late December and even January. All students took ' ve courses: LACS 103 - Introduction to Contem- lived with Chilean families in Santiago. Dr. Owens was porary Cuba; POLS 321 - Latin American Politics; POLS the director of the fall program. " ey had two main 335 - Cuban Revolution; POLS 339 - Latin American excursions: one in October to Peru -which included Social and Political Movements; and SPAN 328 - Span- stops in Lima, Cuzco and Machu Picchu. " e other trip ish Language Study Abroad. " e Spanish professor was was in November to Pucon, Chile - a beautiful area es- Diego Ives Lopez Maranges who taught for us the ' rst pecially for eco-tourism. time this year. " e students stayed at the MonteHabana hotel in Miramar, Havana. " e main excursion was to the central part of the Island. " ey visited Santa Clara, Trinidad, Play Giron. " ey also traveled to the west vis- iting Pinar del Rio. " is year was the 10th Anniversary of the program. " ere 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 Anniver- sary of the Instituto de Filoso' a for his work with aca- 2010 Spring Program to Trujillo, Spain demic exchange between Cuba and the US. 2

Dr. Celeste Lacroix (from the Department of Commu- nications) and Dr. Lola Colomina (Hispanic Studies) took 12 students to Trujillo, Spain, on January 22. " e students took a variety of courses in Communications as well as in Spanish Language, Culture and Literature. " e group visited important historic sites such as the Roman city of Merida. " ey also went on two trips, one to Southern Spain, Andalucia, wehre they visited the cities of Cordoba, Granada, and Sevilla, and and an- other to central Spain, Toledo and Madrid. 2010 Spring Program to Trujillo, Spain

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 10 Sigma Delta Pi Student Awards

On October 5, 2009, 19 students were initiated into On April 21, outstanding 202 Spanish students for the Sigma Delta Pi, the Spanish Honor Society: Ashley 2009-2010 academic year, peer teachers, Casa Hispana ANDERSON, Emily BUDDIN, Alissa BUTLER, M. residents, Spanish Club o) cers, and Spanish tutors Ivey FOSTER, Bruce Lee GONZALEZ, Elizabeth HAL- were recognized for their work and service. Our thanks LETT, Sam HILLIARD, Marianna J. HUNTLEY, Adam to Devon Hanahan for coordinating this event. McCONNAUGHHAy, Joshua MUELLER, Allison QUINN, Diana ROWE, Shauna RUSSELL, Elisabeth And on May 7, the School of Languages, Cultures, and STILEY, Hannah TAUB, Ashley TOBIN, Christopher World A! airs hosted the 2010 Student Awards Cer- TULLY, Katherine E. WILLIAMSON, andChia-Ling emony for its graduating seniors and December 2009 (Melody) YUAN. Silvia Rodriguez-Sabater presided graduates at Arnold Hall. Melanie Keller won the pres- over the ceremony. Marianne Verlinden , Devon Ha- tigious Graeser Memorial Award as well as the Hispan- nahan , Felix Vasquez , and Georgia Schlau assisted. ic Studies Outstanding Spanish Majors Award; Joshua Many initiates invited family members to the cer- David Mueller, Maria Florencia Languell, and Laura emony. " e School of Education, Health and Human Ferguson also received the Oustanding Spanish Majors Performance once again generously made the Alumni Award. Erin Claire Finn received the Departmental Center available to us for this event. Honors Award for her Honors Bachelor’s Essay. Doro- thy Hanrahan was recognized as Outstanding Student of Portuguese. Our thanks to Tara Miller from LCWA for coordinating this event.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 11 Spanish Club

With the continued dynamic support of faculty-advisor, Dr Emily Beck , the Spanish Club kicked o! the aca- demic year with a Noche de Cine / Movie Night featuring the movie “Diarios de motocicleta” (“" e Motorcycle Diaries”) and food catered by Santi’s Restaurant (1302 Meeting St.). " is was the ' rst 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 ' rst of several popular and well- attended Salsa Nights organized throughout the academic year. Due to the great popularity of our ' rst movie night, the club hosted our second Noche de Cine featuring the suspense/thriller “El espinazo del diablo” (“" e Devil’s Backbone”) on October 27, a movie chosen in anticipation of Halloween. Fall semester ended with a White Elephant / Gi& 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.

" e 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 in+ uenced by salsa, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton. Our table also featured ' nger foods catered by Santi’s Restaurant. " is semester we also tried out a game night at the Casa Hispana, an event we hope to continue in the future. " roughout 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 sta! 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. " e 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 pro' ts to- ward 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!

" e Spanish Club o) cers 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 Page 12 Portuguese Club Linguistics Club

Over the course of the academic year, the Portuguese On " ursday, March 25th, the Linguistics Program and language club was very active both semesters and Club invited Dr. James W. Pennebaker from the Uni- hosted several events on campus to promote Brazilian versity of Texas at Austin to give a talk on What Our culture. In the fall semester the club hosted two Brazil- Words Say about Us: Bridging Linguistics, Psychology, ian cooking nights at which club members, professors, and Computer Sciences. " e lecture was well attended and students learned to cook traditional Brazilian reci- by students and faculty throughout the College. Every pes, including two desserts (Brigadeiros and Cocadas), semester the Linguistics Program invites faculty and cheese bread (Pao de queijo) and rice and beans. " e students to present their research at the Linguistics Dis- club also hosted Charleston’s local Capoeira group on cussion Series. In the fall, on November 11th, Dr. Carla campus for a free Capoeira demonstration and work- Breidenbach from the Department of Hispanic Studies shops and also serves light refreshments, including presented her research on Sociolinguistic and educa- Guarana, the soda of Brazil. During the spring semes- tional issues faced by Mexican and Mexican- Ameri- ter, the club hosted another workshop for Capoeira can (Chicano) children in North Charleston, SC. " is and Samba and participated in the College of Charles- spring, on April 20th, Dr. Carol Toris from the Depart- ton’s Language Fair in the Cistern Garden. Finally, the ment of Psychology spoke about Why Be Figurative? Portuguese club collaborated with the Russian club to " e Embodiment of Meaning and Other Functions of host a Brazilian Night party in the Stern center. " e Non-Literal Speech. guest turnout neared 100, feijoada and traditional Rus- sian foods were served, and a sample of Brazilian mu- sic played in the background. Overall, the Portuguese language club had a very successful semester and has many plans to continue its involvement in campus ac- tivities for the upcoming school year.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 13 La Casa Hispana

" e residents of La Casa Hispana have been very active both on campus and in the Charleston community. " ey 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, sta! , 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 ' ne 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. " e Spanish Club held a game night in the house for its members to celebrate the end of the year. " ey 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. " ey also participated in Relay for Life with the Spanish Club, to raise money and awareness for cancer research. " ey participated in all the movie nights “las noches de cine” with the Spanish Club, giving the opportunity for spanish students to watch foreign ' lms together and discuss them in Spanish! " ey 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. " ree of the residents are o) cers of the Spanish Club, and the other residents are all active members.

Cuban Reunion at the Casa Hispana

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 14 Events

& e World Cultures Fair

Organized by Dr. Martínez-Gibson , the World Cultures Fair took place on " ursday, March 25th from 11-3 pm in the Stern center Gardens. " ere were 35 tables representing the di! erent programs and departments from the School of Languages, Cultures and World A! airs. " e 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. " is year’s Entertainment and Talent Show was organized by Georgia Schlau . We had the Portuguese Club entertaining us with Capoeira. " e Spanish Club and the Casa Hispana had everyone dancing Zumba, and Pro- fessors Toth and Schlau had students dancing di! erent 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 Bigger- sta! read her poetry, Annastasia Whim and Todd showed us some Capoeira moves, and Tia Hong entertained us with her Bollywood dancing. " is year we had an added feature, a Food Tasting Contest. " e number of entries was overwhelming for the judges, thanks to Professor Andrews whose students provided most of the food. " ere 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. " e 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. " e event featured three distin- guished keynote speak- ers and presentations by sixteen scholars from the United States, Canada and Europe. Topics cov- Brazilian International Press Award ered included history, literature, cultural, pro- " e Brazilian International Press Award is an award duction, medicine, law ceremony created in 1997 by journalist Carlos Borges and religion. " is event with the purpose of recognizing individuals, institu- was sponsored by several tions and initiatives that are committed to promoting on-campus organiza- a positive image of Brazil abroad. " e 2010 ceremony tions including Carolina took place on April 17 at the Broward Center for the Lowcountry and Atlan- Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Univer- tic World (CLAW), " e sities and faculty honored this year: Harvard Univer- Department of Hispanic sity, College of Charleston (Prof. Luci Moreira i n the Studies, " e School of center), Georgetown University, University of Miami, Languages, Cultures, and World A! airs, Latin Ameri- Florida International University, and Brighman Young can and Caribbean Studies, and Women’s and Gender University. Studies. Dr. Owens also received funding through a grant from the Spanish Embassy and the literary orga- nization “Grupo de Estudios Sobre la Mujer en España y las Américas.”

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 15 Alumni News

Lawren Anderson (May 2009). B.A. in Spanish & in Emily Connor (Class of 2008). She is a 2008 Teach For Chemistry, minor in Studio Art. She now works for America corps member teaching AP Spanish MUSC as a Bilingual Medical O) ce Assistant at an Literature, Spanish 2 for non natives and Philosophy in OB/GYN o) ce. She is about to take the MCAT and is Watts, in South Los Angeles. Emily plans to continue applying to medical school for Fall 2011. She is teaching next year, but she is not sure where yet. volunteering as an interpreter at Old Fort Baptist Church’s free clinic in Summerville, and she also tutors Christiane Gaul graduated in December 2002 with a Spanish in her free time. B.A. in Spanish and a B.Sc. in International Business. Since then he has been working in Germany, his home Kelly Belasco (Class of 2009) is working as a Spanish country, the Middle East, the US, and Brazil. Since teacher for kids 1st grade through 8th grade. January 2008 he has been enrolled as a Master student at Florida International University in Miami, FL and Fiorella Brittingham (Class of 2008). B.A. in Spanish just graduated last May with a Master’s in Business and secondary education. " is will be her third year Administration and a Master of Arts in Latin American in Bishop England (Catholic high school ) in Daniel & Caribbean Studies.Christiane now plans to return to Island. She teaches 2nd and 3rd grade and she is very Germany and ' nd a job there. happy at the school. She is expecting her second child, Stella, in August. Congratulations Fiorella! Charles Shea Gibson (Class of 2006) BA in Spanish. He works for ASRC Primus at FLETC (Federal Law Angharad Chester-Jones (Class of 2003). Double Enforcement Training Center) as the assistant manager major in Spanish and Media Communication and of Student Support Services. " ey supply Homeland Minor in LACS. In 2003-2004, he was a Spanish Security federal agencies with what they need for 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 ' nancial 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 " e 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 Angharad has been Food & Beverage Marketing the Charleston School of Law on May 15, 2010, and will Coordinator at the " e Sanctuary at Kiawah Island be practicing law in Mount Pleasant, SC a& er 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 " e Ronald McDonald school and has enjoyed assisting Pet Helpers with their House- both with KIGR and started a young legal research needs and furthering the care and professional group call " e Red Shoe Society- currently acknowledgment of animals in the legal ' eld. Kelsey president; he is also volunteering with di! erent married CofC grad (class of ‘90) Stephan Futeral, a charities and organizations, such as Habitat for local attorney, on May 16. Congratulations Kelsey! 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 tutor. at Cannon School, an independent secondary school in Concord, NC. She enjoys teaching upper level Spanish Justin de Boer (Class of 2007) just ' nished 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 Caribe in Puerto Rico. Honor Society Chapter named Gabriela Mistral.

HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 16 Chrystal Hepler (Class of 2004) currently teaches Kimberly Millen (Class of 2009), Major: Spanish with Spanish at high school. " is is her second Teacher Certi' cation. She is ' nishing her ' rst year year at the school. She is working on her ME.d in teaching Spanish at Berkeley Middle School, in Moncks languages at CofC. 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 live in Columbia, SC. She works as an Assistant Rachel Prosser (Class of 2004). She attended NYU for Property Manager for Commercial Real Estate a Master’s in Spanish language and translation (at their Development Company, Equity One. Madrid Campus) from 2005-2006. In the fall of 2007, 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). A& er 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 Pediatrics and then specialize in Neonatology. He recently ' nished her second year at the Charleston married Allison Crutchman in April of 2010. School of Law. She intends to practice health law. Congratulations, John! Aly Runco (Class of 2009) just ' nished her ' rst 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 ' rm. 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 Second Language at two locations: " e Interactive back to Charleston in July 2009 and is now working College of Technology in Chamblee GA, and " e Asian for CPM Federal Credit Union as a loan processor. She American Resource Center in Suwanee, GA. plans to continue her Spanish studies at some point in the future, but for now she just enjoys using what she Diana McDonough (Class of 2009). " ank you has learned. College of Charleston for a great education! Diana is currently working for the Federal Government, John Woolard is currently teaching Spanish in a Department of Treasury, Dallas, Texas. Diana loves her private high school, Culver Academies, in northern job, wouldn’t be there without College of Charleston . He plans to continue teaching Spanish but hard working professors. would also like to start his Master of Arts in Spanish next year.

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HISPANEWS ‘10 Page 17 FYI

& e 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. " e 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 extra- curricular 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 pro' ciency, incorporate international/global courses and extracurricular activities into their academic studies, and complete a study, work or service-learning experience abroad. " e Department’s resources, including its study-abroad programs, are a key resource to help students meet the requirements of the Program.

" ere is also a Faculty Global Scholars Program to encourage faculty to integrate international dimensions into their teaching and research. " e requirements of the Global Scholars designation for faculty members are similar to those for students, including demonstrated foreign language pro' ciency, 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 Page 18 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)

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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 Page 19