Author Archives: Michael Gomez

Hispanic Studies Student Focus, February 2022: Ms. Ellie Manucy

Hispanic Studies’ Student Focus for February 2022 is Ms. Ellie Manucy (’22).

A double major in Communications and Spanish, Ellie is another great example of the sort of talented, multi-faceted, globally-minded student that Hispanic Studies attracts.

Besides her many activities in HISP, through which she has distinguished herself and impressed more than one faculty member, Ms. Manucy has volunteered her time as a CofC Transfer Mentor—working with prospective transfer students thinking of attending the College—and completed an internship with marketing and promotional product agency.

And what, you might ask, is Ms. Manucy up to during this final semester of her undergraduate studies? Quite a bit, it turns out, as she is currently studying abroad in Italy, where she is working on the completion of her Communications Capstone–a comparative ethnographical study on differences between “coffee culture” in the United States and Italy.

In her own words…

“Since the early days of my educational career, I have been fascinated by the Spanish Language. I have been lucky enough to pursue my language studies education at the College of Charleston. My studies of the Spanish Language have proven to be extremely useful, especially with keeping up with the current news and events around the world, and I have especially enjoyed reading and discussing literature and poetry from times long gone. The professors of the Hispanic Studies department have been nothing but accommodating, passionate and encouraging. For a long time, I have struggled with fully grasping the Spanish language, especially the more complex aspects like linguistics and grammar—I was always able to receive guidance and assistance from my professors, and I’m so grateful for that. I’m incredibly honored to represent the Hispanic Studies department and the amazing people who have supported me every step of the way!”

HISP Faculty Focus, December 2021: Prof. Tina Maric

HISP Faculty Focus, December 2021: Prof. Tina Maric

Hispanic Studies is pleased to be able to feature Prof. Tina Maric as its Faculty Focus for December 2021.

Prof. Maric joined the Department of Hispanic Studies in the fall of 2020, where she has since ably served in the capacity of Adjunct Lecturer of Spanish. Prior to her arrival at CofC, Ms. Maric distinguished herself by completing a Master of Arts in Hispanic Literatures and Cultural Studies at Indiana University (2020) and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Cultural and Literary Studies at Ball State University (2018).

Of course, like all of Hispanic Studies’ talented faculty, Prof. Maric is a well-rounded and accomplished individual, speaking no less than four (4!) languages (English and Serbo-Croatian, natively; Spanish and Portuguese, proficiently), having had experience as a radio personality (on her show The International Power Hour, broadcast between 2015 and 2018, in Muncie, Indiana) and written articles for the travel magazine Where Madrid.

In her own words…

“Teaching in the Department of Hispanic Studies is so rewarding. I couldn’t ask to have students who are more hardworking, motivated, and engaged than those who I’ve had in my classes. I’m very fortunate to have the chance to be a part of the Spanish-language development of such students, who inspire me to make sure that their time in my classroom is meaningful and fulfilling.”

HISP Student Focus, December 2021: Mr. Jerry Windhorn (’23)

HISP Student Focus, December 2021: Mr. Jerry Windhorn (’23)

Hispanic Studies is proud to feature Mr. Jerry Windhorn (Class of 2023) as its Student Focus for December 2021.

A recent transfer to the College of Charleston who is pursuing a B.A. in Spanish along with a minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Jerry has wasted no time in taking advantage of the full range of opportunities that HISP and LCWA have to offer.

Among his many activities during the fall 2021 semester (his very first at the College of Charleston) Mr. Windhorn has become a member of the Spanish Club, the Hispanic Latino Club and the French Club. In addition, he applied and was accepted into the Trujillo, Spain Study Abroad Program, which is slated to run during the spring 2022 semester.

Of course, while HISP faculty and students will miss Jerry during his time spent abroad, consolation can be found in the knowledge that he will doubtlessly spend his time in Trujillo well and serve as a wonderful ambassador for the institution.

In his own words…

“Hispanic Studies at the College is an enigmatic experience. For myself, it began with a great deal of correspondence over the summer, planning out my semester and making sure I was going to put my best foot forward in the fall. From very early on, I was able to see for myself how the Department worked as a team and all I knew was that I wanted to be a part of it. I have learned so much in such a short semester and in a myriad of ways. I am met with a mutual fascination for the Spanish language daily by individuals such as Prof. Devon Hanahan. Moreover, professors such as Dr. Christina García and Prof. Claudia Moran have dedicated many ‘debates’ and lectures to understanding Latin America and the unique perspectives that make my multi-disciplinary learning so vibrant, exhilarating and of course, academically challenging. Studying in the School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs—and specifically in the Department of Hispanic Studies—has been my goal from the outset, and with opportunities such as tutoring for the Center for Student Learning, studying abroad in Trujillo, Spain, in the Spring, and living in La Casa Hispana in the fall, I am in no short supply of room to grow and partners with which I can accomplish much by the way of speaking Spanish and supporting the communities around me.”

Hispanic Studies’ Faculty Focus, November 2021: Dr. Antonio Pérez-Núñez

Hispanic Studies’ Faculty Focus for November 2021 is Dr. Antonio Peréz-Núnez

Dr. Peréz-Núnez, an Associate Professor in Hispanic Studies as of fall 2021, joined the College of Charleston in 2015 after completing his Ph.D. in Hispanic Linguistics, with a concentration in the field of Second Language Acquisition and Teacher Education, at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior to this, he distinguished himself at the University of Granada, Spain, where he received two M.A.s—in English Linguistics (2009) and in Advanced Studies in Spanish (2008)—as well as a B.A. in English Philology.

As a member of Hispanic Studies, Dr. Pérez-Núnez has contributed extensively to the departmental curriculum, developing such offerings as SPAN 491: Bilingualism in the Hispanic World, as well as lending his talents within the context of the First Year Experience (e.g., with his FYSE 120/LC Spanish Panorama), teaching a wide range of Spanish language and linguistics course, and working in conjunction with the Honors College on student research projects such as the Bachelor’s Essay.

Finally, Dr. Pérez-Núnez has been an active scholar, having had pieces published or accepted to be published on such topics as “The Effects of Comprehensive Written Corrective Feedback on the Acquisition of Specific Heritage Language Forms” (in the volume Outcomes of University Spanish Heritage Language Instruction in the United States. Ed. Melissa Bowles. Washington, D.C: Georgetown University Press) and “The Acquisition of Spanish Gender Marking in the Writing of Heritage and Second Language Learners: Evidence from the Language Classroom” (in Heritage Language Journal).

Not a complete summary of his activities, to be sure, but enough to make clear why his colleagues and students are happy that he took the job all those years ago.

In his own words:

“I really feel very fortunate to do what I do and to be where I am. Ever since I joined the College in 2015, the department of Hispanic Studies has been a unique place, where I could share my passion for teaching and learning with my students, and also grow personally and professionally with the help of great colleagues and friends.”

Hispanic Studies Student Focus, November 2021: Ms. Elizabeth Jane Hancock

Hispanic Studies Student Focus for October 2021 is Ms. Elizabeth Jane Hancock (’22).

An Honors College student pursuing an Artium Baccalaureatus in Spanish, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Classics, Ms. Hancock has established an impressive academic record at the College of Charleston — both in and outside of Hispanic Studies — having been named to the Dean’s and the President’s Lists.

Additionally, Elizabeth has been accepted into the ranks of more than one highly selective honor society (the Sigma Delta Pi National Spanish Honor Society and the Eta Sigma Phi Classics Honor Society), been named a Global Scholar, served as a Spanish language tutor with the Center for Student Learning, and contributed in the role as Philanthropy and Scholarship Chair for the Sigma Delta Tau sorority.

For all these reasons, and many others, HISP is proud to be able to feature Ms. Elizabeth Hancock as November 2021’s Student Focus.

In her own words:

“The Hispanic Studies Department here has been an integral part of my experience here at CofC. I have taken many fascinating courses about topics such as the history of Spain and sociolinguistics, as well as more grammar and literature classes to help polish my speaking, reading, and writing abilities. I have made connections with wonderful professors here at the department, including Dr. Weyers and Dra. Beck, whose classes had me produce some of the best writing in Spanish that I have done to date (whether it be a literary analysis of a Golden Age work or a project surveying the presence of written Spanish in Charleston). Along with working to develop a fluency in speaking the language, the classes offered through the Hispanic Studies department (as well as my fantastic professors) have given me a rich understanding of culture in different parts of the world.”

Hispanic Studies Student Focus, October 2021: Ms. Mollie Zuyus

Hispanic Studies’ Student Focus for October 2021 is Ms. Mollie Zuyus (’22).

On her impressive curriculum vitae, Mollie describes herself as “a driven student”—an apt description to be sure, judging from her demanding course of study, which is split between a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Spanish (to say nothing of her being named to the College’s prestigious Dean’s List on multiple occasions).

Within the context of Hispanic Studies, Ms. Zuyus has distinguished herself by having been granted admission to the department’s chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi. She has also shared her expertise through her valuable contributions as a Spanish Tutor with the Center for Student Learning.

Beyond this, Mollie has served as both Treasurer and President of the College of Charleston Climbing Club, formed and played guitar in a cover band, Recharged, and made a difference through fundraising for such groups as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, through her membership on the Chi Omega Fraternity Philanthropy Committee.

In her own words:

“The Hispanic Studies department has sparked my curiosity of the world around me and provided an academic balance I didn’t realize I needed. This department has taught me the importance of history, culture, and literature while I also work to grow as a student of science. The excitement and passion for these topics I’ve witnessed from each of my professors in this department is incredibly inspiring and I can say I’ve learned just as much from the actions of my professors as I have their course curriculum. With my time as an undergraduate student coming to an end soon, my professors have been extremely supportive of continuing my Spanish language development by helping me translate resumes and get organized for an international move post-graduation. I am extremely grateful for the role the Hispanic Studies department has played in my growth as both a student and an individual.”

Hispanic Studies Faculty Focus, October 2021: Prof. Soledad Francis

Prof. Soledad Francis is Hispanic Studies’ Faculty Focus for October 2021.

Armed with a B.A. from the Universidad de Concepción in Concepción, Chile and a Master of Education in Languages from the College of Charleston, Prof. Francis has been an integral member of the Hispanic Studies faculty since 2018, during which time she has expertly delivered classes at all levels of the Basic Spanish Language sequence.

Besides her fine work at the College of Charleston, Soledad has taught (among other places) at Purdue University, Colorado State University, Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary, Westminster Preschool and The Citadel. Certainly, this experience in such a wide range of educational contexts confirms something that students and colleagues in HISP well know: Prof. Francis can teach.

In her own words:

“There are two aspects that I like about being part of the Hispanic Studies Department: to be able to hear Spanish everywhere–in the halls, offices, etc.– as well as my interactions with students. It is a privilege to be able to be part of their journey as a student and of their life.”

Hispanic Studies Student Focus for September 2021: Ms. Emma Burton, Class of 2022

The fall semester is upon us, once again, and with it comes another installment of Hispanic Studies’ Student Focus.

Featured this September of 2021 is Ms. Emma Burton (’22)—a double major in Spanish and International Studies (with a concentration in Latin America and the Caribbean), a minor in Marketing and, last but not least, a Senior in CofC’s prestigious Honors Program.

Outside of her chosen fields of study, Ms. Burton has distinguished herself with varied and impressive activities, ranging from studying abroad in Havana, Cuba (spring 2020), to volunteering with Student Action with Farmworkers in conjunction with the Wake Forest School of Medicine (June – August 2020) and with Amigos International, Ministerio de Salud in Panonomé, Panamá (May- July 2019), to serving in leadership roles as a Peer Facilitator within both the Department of Hispanic Studies and the Honors College (2019), to engaging in market research by way of an internship with Platino Educa (summer 2021), a locally-based Spanish language film streaming service start-up.

Of course, the challenge in summarizing the experiences and accomplishments of HISP’s Student Focus features is adequately conveying just how much they have been involved with during their time at the College. Having failed, yet again, with my own words, I will give the last ones of this Student Focus to Emma herself:

I love learning Spanish with the Hispanic Studies department. My Spanish has improved more than I could have imagined as a first year, but I have gained so much more than Spanish language skills through the department.

In my classes, I can pursue my passion for literature and writing while developing my Spanish. I believe that my communication skills in both English and Spanish have improved as a result of my education in the Hispanic Studies department. I was also given the opportunity to live in La Casa Hispana, where I made many great friends and practiced Spanish frequently in my day-to-day life. Studying abroad in Havana was especially meaningful because I could speak with my host family and people I met in the neighborhood.

Learning Spanish has opened so many doors for me in my time at the college. I feel more connected to the Charleston community because I can communicate with more of its members. Every internship or opportunity I have had during college has been tied to the Spanish skills I have learned from my professors at CofC. Professors in the Hispanic Studies department are invested in my learning and are always willing to go the extra mile to help a student succeed.

This upcoming year, I will be completing a Bachelor’s Essay about cinema under dictatorship in Spain and Latin America, with Dra. Divine as my advisor. She was the professor who inspired me to declare my Spanish major, so I couldn’t be happier to finish my studies by working on this project with her! I am so grateful to every professor I have had in the Hispanic Studies department, who have all helped make me a better student of Spanish and citizen of the world.

Hispanic Studies Faculty Focus for September 2021: Dr. José Chávarry

The Department of Hispanic Studies is very happy to dedicate its Faculty Focus for September 2021 to Dr. José Chávarry.

Dr. Chávarry, who joins HISP as an Assistant Professor of Spanish during fall 2021, comes to Charleston by way of Franklin & Marshall College, where he served as Visiting Assistant Professor from 2019 to 2021.

A graduate of the CUNY Graduate Center—with a Master of Philosophy in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Literatures and Languages (2016) and a doctorate in Latin American, Iberian and Latino Cultures—Dr. Chávarry’s fascinating dissertation work focused on Working Lives: Artistic Solidarity in Revolutionary Peru (1960-1980).

Among his most recent publications are “Viaje a la Revolución: vitalismo y cultura política en las crónicas chinas de Bernardo Kordon” [Revista de Estudios Hispánicos 54.3 (2020)], “Alimentar el espíritu, alimentar el cuerpo: marginalidad y lectura en Patíbulo para un caballo, de Cronwell Jara Jiménez” [Latin American Literary Review 48.95 (2021)] and the forthcoming “‘Desespérate como nosotros’: Hora Zero Oriente y el ‘Memorándum Colectivo’ a Pablo Neruda” (Romance Notes).

Of course, besides being an impressive scholar, Dr. Chávarry is also an accomplished teacher, who makes the subject matter imparted (whatever it may be) come alive for his students—a fact that is plain from his below comments.

For these reasons, and for many others, Hispanic Studies is proud and pleased to welcome Dr. José Chávarry as one of its own.

In his own words:

I think what I love the most about being in the classroom is the discussions we can have around contemporary social and cultural topics, and the ways in which literature and language can bring us to ask questions (and, sometimes, elaborate partial answers) about issues that matter to us. This is why I am very excited to join the Department of Hispanic Studies at the College of Charleston, and look forward to many exciting conversations and collaborations with students and faculty.

The College Today Features Dr. Carrillo

Be sure to check out the following piece on Hispanic Studies’ Dr. Raúl Carrillo—published CofC’s The College Today—in which Dr. Carrillo speaks about his recent novel, Hotel Francés, and its being awarded the Premio Internacional de Narrativa “Ignacio Manuel Altamirano.”

https://today.cofc.edu/2021/07/28/hispanic-studies-faculty-receives-prestigious-international-literary-award-fs/