Electivo Sessions

¡Pura Vida! - Debbie Salazar

In Spanish or español, it means “pure life” or “simple life.” But the true meaning of “pura vida” goes much deeper than just two simple words. The national motto seems to revolve around this phrase. It’s called “Pura Vida” to demonstrate the laid-back, happy-go-lucky attitude of the locals and their viewpoint of living life to the maximum. This phrase promotes optimism, an easy-going approach, positivity, and tranquility. It suggests living in the present and unwinding in a way that allows you to let go of trivial matters. Learn one phrase and use for almost every single context in a conversation.

Costa Rican Biodiversity - Debbie Salazar

Nestled in the middle of Central America, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Around half a million species are known to live there, which is equal to about 5% of the estimated species on Earth. Considering Costa Rica only makes up 0.03% of the world's landmass, this showcases the remarkable biodiversity of such a small country. Costa Rica has 12 different ecosystems that reach from the oceans to the mountain tops. These range from tropical forests and cloud forests, to mangroves, wetlands and coral reefs. With such an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems, it’s no wonder that there are such a wide range of species that call Costa Rica home. Enjoy this class and learn about the beautiful nature of Costa Rica.

Spanish in the United States - Jacquie Hinds

Over 42 million people speak Spanish in the U.S. Did you know there is an Academy of the Spanish Language in the U.S.? In this course we will briefly explore the history of the Spanish language in our country. We will look at the various Hispanic countries and cultures represented in our country by region. We will focus on tips for working with Spanish-speakers from different countries.
There will be a particular focus on language and culture in Central Oregon.


The World of Alpaca - Angela Quepuy Arana

Discover the fascinating world of alpacas! We will delve into the unique and distinctive characteristics of their soft and luxurious wool, while exploring their natural habitat in the majestic landscapes of Peru. We will explore in detail how these Andean creatures have been fundamental for Peruvian communities throughout history, not only because of their soft fur, but also due to their adaptability to the demanding Andean environment.

The Hispanic Incas - Angela Quepuy Arana

This session tells the story of how Inca descendants proudly wore the Inca crown alongside the Coat of Arms of Castile, Spain.

¡Dale, dale, dale! The Story of the Piñata - Skip Crosby

Discover the surprising history of the piñata from its origins in China and how it became a beloved tradition across the Spanish-speaking world. In this interactive, immersive session, you’ll build festive vocabulary while exploring culture through engaging storytelling. We’ll finish by putting it all into practice, with a real piñata!  Come ready to learn, have fun, and celebrate, ¡porque aprender español también puede ser una fiesta!


Immigration In Spain Today - Lora Looney

In-depth discussion into Spain's immigration landscape today, defined by controversial regulations; labor shortage; and intense political polarization.

Latino Community - Rowan Jones

Join Rowan Jones for a lunch 'n learn discussion regarding immigration myth busters and how to get involved In Latino events beyond COSSI. (NOTE: THIS PRESENTATION IS DURING THE LUNCH BREAK ON THURSDAY; NO HOST LUNCH)

An Immigration Story: From Foster Kid to Judge - Honorable Xiomara Torres

Oregon 4th Judicial District Circuit Court

Judge Torres shares how she overcame the hurdles of the foster system and made her way to the Oregon Circuit Court. (NOTE: THIS PRESENTATION IS DURING THE LUNCH BREAK ON TUESDAY; CATERED BY CUBAN KITCHEN)

Juegos cooperativos: descansar y jugar - Michele Whaley

Have you thrown babies around recently? C’mon, I mean stuffed animal babies! Have you tried to trick your neighbor into saying the wrong number? Or figured out who just changed the rhythm or movement in the group? If not, this session is for you. We’ll play low-stress, cooperative games that get people laughing, moving, and interacting, without pressure or performance. It’s a chance to relax, connect with others, and experience Spanish in a playful, supportive way.


Canciones infantiles: comunidad y lengua - Michele Whaley

Songs create community—and they are powerful tools for language growth. In this session, we’ll explore a variety of children’s songs that are simple, meaningful, and surprisingly rich. You’re welcome to sing, move, or simply listen. Even just “hanging out” with the words and music helps build connections to people, to culture, and to language patterns that stick with you long after the session ends.


Costa Rican Coffee: The Golden Grain - Debbie Salazar

Costa Rica is well-known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. One of the country’s most important exports is coffee, which is often referred to as the “golden grain”. The coffee industry has been a vital part of the country’s economy for centuries, shaping its history and culture in significant ways. Coffee is not just a beverage in Costa Rica, but a way of life that is deeply ingrained in the country’s traditions and customs. Its exceptional quality, unique flavors, and sustainable practices make it a shining example of what coffee should be. Whether enjoyed in a bustling café in San José or savored in the comfort of home, Costa Rican coffee is a delight for the senses and a gift from the land of Pura Vida. Come to this class and learn about Costa Rica’s coffee history, why our coffee is the best, what is La Hora del Café (The coffee hour), and how to use a “chorreador”. You’ll have an amazing experience, and you might go home with a bag of perfect coffee.

Domestication of Purple Corn - Angela Quepuy Arana

This session explores how purple corn originated and how it came to be the purple corn found in Peru today.


Selena: Para Siempre - Laurie Clarcq

Catch a glimpse into the life and music of Selena Quintanilla Perez. Selena has touched the lives of millions and continues to do so!  Come and learn about this lovely young woman and her legacy.


Desde El Fondo De Mi Corazón - Laurie Clarcq

Songs speak to the heart, mind and soul. The class will explore popular songs in Spanish that tell stories and teach expressions that will never be forgotten.


Who is Bad Bunny? - Laurie Clarcq

Practice your Spanish speaking skills, while learning about the music and history of Puerto Rico, all through the Imagery, dance and music of Grammy winner Bad Bunny!

Spain’s Literary Golden Age: What is the Picaresque novel? - Rachel Kirk 

Explore 16th century Spanish culture and literature through an overview of Lazarillo de Tormes and its plot. This novel is funny, interesting, and informative, with fantastic insight about Spain in the 16th century. 


Spain’s Literary Golden Age: Who was Don Juan? - Rachel Kirk

From Don Juan Tenorio in Tirso de Molina's play The Barber of Seville, and beyond. We still hear people refer to others as "Don Juan" but most students don't know where he originated. Learn all about this literary character. 


Spain’s Literary Golden Age: Don Quixote - Rachel Kirk

Practice your Spanish while learning about the adventures of Don Quixote, who, with his squire, Sancho Panza, tried to restore chivalry.


Spain Today Through Film - Lora Looney. Ph.D.

Join Dr. Lora Looney, throughout the week, viewing a series of Spanish films, followed by a dynamic discussion of topics surrounding the economy, cultural impact, geography and significant historical events of Spanish speaking regions. Dr. Looney has over 40 years using the big, and small screen, to teach about other languages and cultures. She has lived in Spain, led study-abroad groups and is emerita faculty at the University of Portland. (NOTE: THESE SESSIONS RUN 12:30-2 PM)

Travel: Parques Nacionales de Costa Rica - Debbie Salazar

The Costa Rica National Parks & Reserves consist of lush primary virgin rainforests and a complex system of freshwater and marine resources. Costa Rica has 28 national parks in total, 3 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Costar Rica it is a very small country. It fits into Oregon five times!!! Costa Rica has a land area of nearly 19,760 sq mi (51,180 km2). Roughly 28% of this territory is a park or reserve. The territory of Oregon is 98,381 sq mi (254,806 km2). Can you believe living in the most biologically intense place on earth?


Travel: Adventure Tourism - David Kargol 

Tired of relaxing on vacation? Join us as we explore ten of the most adrenaline-inducing destinations in the Spanish-speaking world. From snorkeling in Mexico's underwater caves to biking Bolivia's infamous "death road," these extreme itineraries will leave you anything but bored. 


Travel: Year in Chile - David Kargol

Explore the expansive Andean nation of Chile through the lens of a year spent living and teaching in the capitol city of Santiago. Follow my route through this mountainous land, ranging from the northern deserts of Atacama to the glaciers of Patagonia. 


Travel: Lima - City of Kings - Angela Quepuy Arana

Founded in 1535 as "The City of Kings," Lima combines an impressive colonial legacy with the vibrant life of a modern city. From its historic center, a World Heritage Site, to its world-class gastronomy and contemporary districts, Lima is a fascinating encounter between history and modernity.  

 

Travel: Plan a Trip to Venezuela! - Jacquie Hinds

Learn Travel Spanish and have fun, preparing for a trip to Venezuela! The session will discuss vocabulary for purchasing tickets; hotel stays; activities; transportation; gastronomy; local history; colloquialisms; emergency medical care, and more!

Fluency Strategies - Janet Gesme

Become fluent in Spanish. This class will fill your toolbox with fluency strategies and teach you how to be confident speaking Spanish. Come and collect ideas to keep you going strong in Spanish all year long. 


Leer para crecer en español inicial - Michele Whaley

Research shows that we gain much of our vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and overall language feel through reading, but only when we understand most of what we read. Constantly stopping to look up words breaks the flow that helps language settle naturally into our brains. In this session, we’ll explore accessible, compelling CI novels from special collections and take time to read, reflect, and talk about them together. You may be surprised by how enjoyable and effective reading in Spanish can be.


Leer las noticias: enfocándonos en lo positivo - Michele Whaley

Many language learners dream of reading the news in their new language, but getting there can feel overwhelming. This session offers a gentler path. We’ll work with short, positive news stories presented in ways that build confidence, vocabulary, and familiarity with how real-world texts work. The goal is to help you develop the experience you need to eventually approach local newspapers with curiosity instead of trepidation.


Picture Talk: Making Language Come Alive - Skip Crosby

Discover how a single image can spark meaningful communication in the target language. In this interactive session, you’ll experience Picture Talk, a powerful TCI strategy for building vocabulary, storytelling, and engagement, all with minimal prep. Come see how pictures can increase your proficiency.

One Word Image: Create, Imagine, and Speak - Skip Crosby

How much can you say from just one word? In this interactive session, you’ll help bring a simple word to life by building a character together—adding details, personality, and story all in Spanish. This session invites you to imagine, create, and communicate in a fun, low-pressure way. Come see how one word can become a whole world.

Get to Know You: En Español! Circling with Cards - Skip Crosby

Learn about your classmates in a fun, interactive way—using only Spanish. In this session, you’ll draw something you love to do and use it to communicate, ask questions, and discover shared interests. Through simple, guided conversation, you’ll build confidence, connect with others, and start speaking right away. Come ready to draw, share, and make new connections.

Pronunciation - Jacquie Hinds

Using songs, tongue twisters, and common phrases, participants will learn, and practice the correct way to pronounce vowels and consonants in Spanish. We will then delve into the perplexing world of syllabication and accentuation.


Memorization Techniques - Jacquie Hinds

Learn mnemonic devices and other tricks to memorize vocabulary. Bring your grammar manual so you can put your newfound skills to work.

Conversación

¿Quién eres?

Learn the many ways to describe yourself in this focused conversation group.

La familia

Learn the many ways to describe your family in this focused conversation group.

General Conversación

Students and instructors will practice their level of conversational Spanish in small group setting. This informal round table discussion will help students practice and polish their everyday conversation and grammar. Offered at the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced levels at different locations throughout each day.