Intermediate Spanish This accelerated course is designed to review, reinforce, and consolidate the linguistic structures that students need in order to reach the intermediate level of proficiency in Spanish. A grammar review will accompany intensive language acquisition, vocabulary expansion, readings, discussions, and compositions.

Narratives of Diversity in 21st Century Spain In this course we will explore recent Spanish voices that denounce the inequalities suffered historically by minorities in that country. These narratives strive to criticize oppression and to create a more inclusive space of coexistence. We will analyze the memoirs of the Afro-Spanish activist Desiree Bela-Lobedde and of the Asian-Spanish singer Chenta Tsai. We will also analyze queer cultures in rural spaces, and the controversial use of flamenco by singer Rosalía, among other topics. Finally, through the essay Ofendiditos by Lucía Litjmaer, we will analyze the reactions that these narratives encounter in the current Spanish and international political climate. 3 hrs.lect./disc

Youth Cultures in Contemporary Spain In this course we will explore youth cultures in contemporary Spain (1980-2016). In 1985 the Spanish punk rock band Siniestro Total wrote the song “I Will Dance On Your Grave”, a metaphor for the end of the dictatorship and the beginning of “freedom”. We will explore the colorful Movida (80s), the grunge movement (90s), queer cultures (2000s), and the disenchantment (2010s). All these events will be framed in a global context and accompanied by critical theory. Through literature, comics, film, arts, and music, we will discuss issues of sexuality, drugs, family, gender, and politics. (SPAN 0220 or equivalent).

A Bridge Between Nations: Introduction to Galician Culture and Language Galicia is a cultural region in the Iberian Peninsula. In this course we will explore how the study of the Galician region, its language and culture, can help us develop a deeper understanding of the Luso-Hispanic world. This will be an interdisciplinary course in which we discuss history and politics (formation of the region, its place in the globalized world and Spain); key sociolinguistic terms (diglossia, minoritized/minority language); and cultural manifestations while we explore and learn a new, but familiar, language. (SPAN 220 or PGSE 0215 or equivalent). 3 hrs.lect./disc

Streaming Spain Streaming companies such as Netflix and Amazon Prime have changed forever the audiovisual scenario due to their innovative distribution practices and their agreements with national production companies. In this course, we will analyze how content (movies and shows) produced and/or showcased by these multinational streaming platforms shape the understanding of modern Spain in the globalized context. To do so, we will study comedies Valeria, Paquita Salas, Lo nunca visto, narco-fictions Fariña, Vivir sin permiso, dramas Adú/, /Merlí: Sapere Aude, and thrillers La casa de papel, O sabor das margaridas to delve into issues of identity, class, gender representation, economic insecurity, and globalization. (SPAN 220 or equivalent). 3 hrs.lect./disc.

Beginning Spanish II This course is a continuation of SPAN 0101. Intensive reading, writing, and oral activities will advance students’ proficiency in Spanish in an academic setting.

In the Middle of Nowhere: Rural Spain through History In this course we will analyze visual and narrative discourses related to rural communities in Spain. From a historical point of view, we will explore literary concepts such as bucolismo and naturalismo, the paleto cinema of the Francoism era and its contestation in Los santos inocentes. From there we will move to contemporary issues such as the vindication of the España vaciada, and new critical approaches such as the glocal, the rurban, and ecofeminism. We will include the voices of Ana Iris Simón, Oliver Laxe and María Sánchez that portray rural spaces and its inhabitants with respect and dignity. The goal of this course is to showcase rural spaces as sophisticated, diverse, and complex while we explore our own experience of Middlebury as a rural place. (Al least two Spanish courses at the 0300 level or above, or by waiver.) 3hrs.lect./disc.

College Life Through Literature (in Spanish) In this seminar students will read fiction and nonfiction related to university life, including topics such as attending college in a rural area, studying abroad, equity and inclusion in higher education, and the first-generation experience. Our focus will be on the literary representation of university life. We will examine these narratives through theories and perspectives such as the (post) pandemic scenario, critical race theory, critical pedagogy, the #MeToo movement, etc. Readings may include Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner, On Beauty by Zadie Smith, Todas las Almas by Javier Marias, and Historia de Una Maestra by Josefina Aldecoa. Texts will be in English and Spanish. This seminar will be taught in Spanish (appropriate for native speakers, bilingual speakers, or through placement test equivalent to SPAN 0300).

Laura Lesta Garcia

Reviews and ratings for Laura Lesta Garcia at Middlebury College.Laura Lesta Garcia teaches Intermediate Spanish, Narratives of Diversity Spain, Youth Cultures Spain and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Laura Lesta Garcia good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I took Spanish for 4 years in high school but this course really pushed my limits. The hardest part for me was reading "Las Maravillas" (a book entirely in Spanish) and quite honestly felt too advanced for the course. However, Prof. Lesta Garcia's teaching style is quite effective. If you want to learn, make sure to do the readings before class and take notes. Additionally, start on the essays early! They are tough but if you create an outline it really helps. You should take advantage of office hours; the prof will answer any questions you have (I went to her multiple times, sometimes only asking about certain words or grammar questions for my essays). This is a tough course, but if you are committed, it will be fine.

Lesta Garcia is a nice professor who is knowledgeable about teaching Spanish. However, exams and essays were stressful and it often felt like the homework we had outside of Connect was meant for higher level Spanish students and this is an introductory course.

The professor is awesome. Super sweet, really wants to connect with her students. Fair grader. Great class to take before going abroad in Spain. Course content a little irrelevant if you aren't. Good balance of reading, movies, plays, etc. 