Coursework | My Site 1

During my time at Clemson University, I have completed coursework in both psychology and modern languages (Spanish), which has allowed me to develop strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Below is a selection of courses that have been especially meaningful to my academic and professional growth.

Language-Oriented Courses

SPAN 3020 – Intermediate Spanish Grammar & Composition

This course focused on improving grammatical accuracy and written expression in Spanish. We worked on more advanced sentence structures, verb usage, and composition through both controlled and open-ended writing assignments. I found this course especially useful for refining my writing skills and becoming more precise in how I express ideas in Spanish.

SPAN 3050 – Intermediate Spanish Conversation & Composition I

This course emphasized spoken communication, with a focus on pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension. Through class discussions and interactive activities, I improved my ability to speak more naturally and confidently. The combination of speaking and writing assignments helped strengthen both my accuracy and overall communication skills.

SPAN 4090 – Comprehensive Writing in Spanish

This course focused on developing advanced writing skills in Spanish through a variety of assignments, including analytical and creative compositions. We worked on refining grammar, style, and clarity while adapting writing to different contexts. I found this course especially important for improving my ability to express complex ideas in Spanish with accuracy and confidence.

SPAN 4420 – Translation Seminar

This course introduced the theory and practice of translation between English and Spanish. We worked on translating different types of texts while considering tone, context, and cultural nuances. I found this course very practical because it required attention to detail and flexibility in language use. It also gave me insight into the professional side of translation and strengthened my bilingual communication skills.

SPAN 4999 – Advanced Conversational Spanish (Study Abroad – Barcelona, Spain)

This course focused on developing advanced speaking skills through constant conversation and real-world interaction. We gave multiple presentations and participated in discussions that emphasized fluency, pronunciation, and confidence. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to practice Spanish outside the classroom, including activities with local university students at coffee shops. Being fully immersed in a Spanish-speaking environment helped me improve not only my language skills but also my ability to communicate naturally and adapt to different social and cultural contexts.

Culture and Literature Courses

SPAN 3040 – Introduction to Hispanic Literary Forms

This course introduced different forms of Hispanic literature and how they have developed over time. We analyzed texts from various periods, focusing on themes, structure, and literary techniques. Through class discussions and written assignments, I learned to approach literature more critically and to interpret meaning beyond the surface. This course was an important step in building the analytical skills I later used in more advanced Spanish literature courses.

SPAN 4010 – New Spanish Fiction

This course explored contemporary Spanish literature through works by both emerging and established authors. We examined how fiction reflects current cultural and social issues in Spain, including perspectives from marginalized groups. I found this course engaging because it connected literature to modern society and offered insight into diverse voices within Spanish culture.

SPAN 4030 – Spanish American Women Writers

This course focused on literary works by women from Spanish America, including short stories and films, analyzed within their social and political contexts. Through class discussions and presentations, we explored themes such as gender, identity, and power, and how these are shaped by the perspective of female authors and directors. I found this course particularly meaningful because it highlighted voices that are often underrepresented and encouraged deeper critical analysis of social issues.

SPAN 4350 – Contemporary Hispanic Culture

This course explored contemporary issues and cultural trends in the Hispanic world, including identity, social change, and globalization. Through class discussions, readings, and media, we analyzed how cultural values and societal structures continue to evolve across different regions. I found this course especially valuable because it connected cultural concepts to real-world contexts and helped me better understand the diversity within Hispanic societies.

HIST 3420 – South America Since 1800

This course explored the history of South America from the independence movements through modern-day political, economic, and social developments. We examined how historical events have shaped current issues in the region, including both domestic and international challenges. I found this course especially valuable because it provided important context for understanding the cultures and societies I have studied in my Spanish courses, allowing me to make stronger connections between history and contemporary life.

ENGL 2150 – Literature in 20th–21st Century Contexts

This course introduced a range of modern literary works, including fiction, poetry, and drama from the 20th and 21st centuries. We analyzed how historical and cultural contexts influence literature and discussed different interpretations of the texts. I found it interesting to explore how major social and cultural movements are reflected in literary works and how these themes remain relevant today.

SPAN 4060 – Hispanic Narrative Fiction

This course focused on narrative texts from Spain and Latin America, exploring themes such as gender, family, politics, and social inequality. Through class discussions and written analysis, we examined how literature reflects cultural, historical, and socioeconomic realities in the Hispanic world. I found this course especially engaging because it encouraged deeper interpretation of texts and helped me connect literary themes to real-world issues.

REL 1020 – World Religions

This course provided an overview of major world religions and their beliefs, practices, and cultural significance. Through discussions and readings, we explored how religion shapes values, traditions, and societies across different regions. I found this course valuable in developing a broader and more open-minded perspective when approaching cultural differences.

SPAN 4070 – Hispanic Film (Study Abroad – Barcelona, Spain)

This course explored films from the Hispanic world, with a particular focus on 20th-century Spain, analyzed within their cultural and historical contexts. Through class discussions and film analysis, we examined how cinema reflects social and political realities and how these realities have evolved over time. I found it especially interesting to compare the societies portrayed in films with modern-day Spain, which deepened my understanding of cultural change and historical influence. Taking this course abroad made the experience even more meaningful, as I was able to connect what we studied in class to the environment around me.

Psychology Courses

PSYC 2030 – Fundamentals of Psychological Science

This course served as a foundation for understanding how psychology works as a scientific field. We focused on research methods, basic statistics, and the communication of psychological findings. It also introduced different career paths within psychology, which helped me start thinking more seriously about my own direction. Overall, it was a helpful transition into the major because it made me more comfortable reading and interpreting research.

PSYC 3400 – Lifespan Developmental Psychology

This course examined human development from infancy through adulthood, including physical, cognitive, and social changes. We looked at different developmental theories and how various factors influence growth over time. I found it valuable because it provided a broad understanding of how people change across the lifespan. It also helped me connect concepts from other psychology courses to real-life development.

PSYC 3090 – Introductory Experimental Psychology

This course introduced me to the logic behind psychological research and data analysis. We worked with various research designs and learned to analyze and interpret data using statistical reasoning. The lab component was especially important because it gave me hands-on experience working with real datasets. This class strengthened my analytical skills and helped me better understand how research findings are produced and evaluated.

PSYC 3830 – Abnormal Psychology

This course focused on understanding mental disorders, including their symptoms, causes, and treatments. We used diagnostic frameworks to study different conditions and discussed how they are identified in real-world settings. I found this course especially engaging because it connected psychological theory to real-life situations. It also increased my awareness of the complexity of mental health and the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment.

PSYC 3100 – Advanced Experimental Psychology

As a continuation of PSYC 3090, this course focused heavily on designing and conducting our own research. I worked on developing a research project, collecting data, and writing a full research report. This class was more challenging but also one of the most valuable, as it required me to apply everything I had learned in a practical way. It significantly improved my research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

PSYC 2500 – Pursuing Happiness

This course explored the concept of happiness through a psychological lens, including topics such as motivation, cognition, and well-being across cultures. We examined different theories of happiness and how they apply to everyday life. I enjoyed how the course connected research to personal experiences, making the material more relatable. It also encouraged reflection on habits and behaviors that contribute to overall well-being.

PSYC 3220 – Sensation & Perception

This course explored how the brain processes sensory information and how we perceive the world around us. We covered topics such as vision, hearing, and perceptual organization, along with different experimental methods used to study these processes. I found it especially interesting to learn how perception is not always an accurate reflection of reality. This course changed the way I think about everyday experiences and how the brain interprets information.

PSYC 4430 – Infant and Child Development

This course focused on human development from prenatal stages through childhood, including topics such as language, motor, cognitive, and social development. We examined how children grow and change across these areas and how different factors influence development. A key part of the course was a research paper on language development in special populations, which helped me apply course concepts in a more in-depth and practical way. I found this course especially valuable because it connected theory to real-world development and deepened my understanding of early childhood.

PSYC 3330 – Cognitive Psychology

In this course, we focused on higher-level mental processes, including memory, learning, problem-solving, and language. We discussed various theories and research findings on how people think and process information. I particularly enjoyed learning about memory and how easily it can be influenced or distorted. This course helped me better understand human behavior from a cognitive perspective and made me more aware of how thinking patterns affect everyday decisions.

PSYC 4890 – Neuroethics

This seminar course explores the ethical implications of advances in neuroscience and psychology, including topics such as neuroenhancement, brain reading, identity and authenticity, and the role of neuroscience in law and society. Through readings of primary research articles, class discussions, and written work, we analyze both the scientific and ethical sides of these issues while considering different stakeholders. A major component of the course is a semester-long project, where I am developing a research-based paper and presentation on the relationship between antidepressants and personality, specifically focusing on emotional blunting and identity. I find this course especially engaging because it connects scientific knowledge to real-world ethical questions and challenges me to think critically about how neuroscience impacts individuals and society.

Other Relevant Courses

LANG 4990 – Language Portfolio

This course focused on reflecting on my academic and professional development within the Spanish program. I created a digital portfolio that highlights my language skills, coursework, and experiences. This process helped me recognize how much I have improved over time and how my academic training connects to my future goals.

COMM 2500 – Public Speaking

This course focused on developing public speaking and communication skills through multiple presentations. I worked on organizing ideas, improving delivery, and learning how to engage an audience effectively. Receiving feedback after each speech helped me become more confident and aware of my communication style. Overall, this class was very practical and improved my ability to present ideas clearly in both academic and professional settings.

SOC 4600 – Race & Ethnicity

This course examined race and ethnicity from a sociological perspective, focusing on social inequality, identity, and systemic structures. We discussed how race and class intersect and how these factors shape opportunities and experiences. I found this course especially impactful because it connected theoretical concepts to real-world issues. It also encouraged me to think more critically about social systems and their effects on different communities.

POSC 1010 – American National Government

This course introduced the structure and function of the U.S. government, including topics such as the Constitution, federalism, political institutions, and citizen participation. Through lectures and discussions, I developed a better understanding of how political systems operate and how individuals engage in the political process. The course provided a useful foundation for understanding current political issues and civic responsibility.

LANG 3000 – Introduction to Linguistics and Foreign Language Learning

This course introduced the core components of language, including phonetics, syntax, morphology, and semantics. We also explored how languages are learned and how linguistic structures differ across languages. I found this course especially useful in understanding Spanish at a deeper level, beyond memorization, by analyzing how the language is structured. It changed the way I approach language learning and made me more aware of patterns across English, Spanish, and Italian.