CHIARA MATRISCIANO
This section includes selected samples of my work that demonstrate my development in Spanish language proficiency, cultural understanding, and analytical skills. The pieces come from a range of courses, including writing, translation, literature, history, and film, and reflect both my academic training and my experience studying abroad. Together, these samples highlight my ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, engage with diverse cultural perspectives, and apply critical thinking to a variety of topics. At the end, I also included two examples from some of my psychology courses.
Linguistic Proficiency
SPAN 4090 – Comprehensive Writing in Spanish
This essay analyzes “Los censores” by Luisa Valenzuela, focusing on how language operates as a tool of control within systems of political repression. It examines the transformation of the protagonist as he becomes part of the system he initially tries to manipulate, highlighting themes of censorship, power, and identity. This work demonstrates my ability to analyze literary texts in Spanish and develop a clear, research-supported argument.
SPAN 4090 – Comprehensive Writing in Spanish
This assignment is a creative letter written in Spanish, focusing on tone, clarity, and stylistic expression. Through this piece, I practiced using descriptive language and varied sentence structures to convey emotion and maintain a natural flow. This work demonstrates my ability to communicate effectively in Spanish while adapting my writing to a more personal and narrative style.
Culture Competency
SPAN 4350: Contemporary Hispanic Culture
This essay analyzes the issue of narcotrafficking in Spain through a comparison of Lejos del corazón by Lorenzo Silva and El Niño by Daniel Monzón. It explores how each work presents the problem from a different perspective, highlighting both systemic factors, such as poverty and unemployment, and individual motivations, such as ambition and a desire for wealth. This assignment demonstrates my ability to analyze cultural issues, compare different media forms and develop a structured academic argument in Spanish.
HIST 3420: South America Since 1800
This paper analyzes how Chiquita Bananas marketed their products to American consumers from the 1940s to the 1960s through advertisements, cookbooks, and promotional materials. By examining themes such as health, gender roles, and branding, the essay explores how the company shaped consumer habits and cultural perceptions of food. This assignment demonstrates my ability to analyze historical sources, connect advertising to broader social trends, and develop a structured argument based on primary materials.
Literature and Humanities Competency
SPAN 4060: Hispanic Narrative Fiction
This paper analyzes how Chiquita Bananas marketed their products to American consumers from the 1940s to the 1960s through advertisements, cookbooks, and promotional materials. By examining themes such as health, gender roles, and branding, the essay explores how the company shaped consumer habits and cultural perceptions of food. This assignment demonstrates my ability to analyze historical sources, connect advertising to broader social trends, and develop a structured argument based on primary materials.
SPAN 4070: Hispanic Film (Study Abroad)
This essay analyzes Volver by Pedro Almodóvar, focusing on themes such as memory, family, abuse, and female solidarity. Through the analysis of characters, symbolism, and cinematic techniques, I explore how the film represents both personal and cultural experiences within Spanish society. The paper also connects the film to historical context and contemporary issues, demonstrating my ability to analyze visual media and interpret cultural meaning in Spanish.