Academics

CLCE: Curso de Lengua y Cultura Española

To enter into the Spanish Language and Culture classes, students must have surpassed level B1.1 (CLM 4 – Intermediate. See chart below. This program is ideal for students who have completed SPAN 2000, 2070 or 2090). Students are required to take Speaking and Writing Skills and Spanish Grammar as part of their CLCE course load. Three additional courses will be chosen from the following topic areas: Language, Literature, Geography, History, History of Art, Sociology, Politics, Economics, Culture, and Modern Languages).

Upon arrival, all students will take a language placement test administered by the Center for Modern Languages (CLM) and will be placed in the appropriate level of instruction. (Scroll below to see reference). Important: In the event that a student does not place into this program, they may study intensive language for the duration of the semester. Students may not take CLCE classes taught in English.

Course Selection & Enrollment

  • All courses are in Spanish, taught to non-native speakers.
  • To find information on specific courses, go to the section on CLCE courses on the CASA Granada page.
  • For assistance in selecting courses, see your faculty or college advisor. (Note: You may earn elective, distributional, minor or major credit depending on your major and college.)
  • You may need to look at courses from a previous semester (i.e.: the most recent spring semester if you want to select classes for a future spring abroad) 

Course Load & Credits

  • During the fall semester, students will complete four weeks of intensive language classes (CILE) after which they will enroll in five classes of the Spanish Language and Culture Course (CLCE). Due to the structure of the spring semester, students will go directly into five Spanish Language and Culture classes.
    • Fall: Intensive September course plus 5 courses for 30.5 ECTS (15 credits); 
    • Spring: 5 courses for 27 ECTS (13.5 credits)
  • Decisions on the final allocation of credit are made upon successful completion of the course (must earn grade equivalent of a “C” or higher—all courses must award a letter grade).
  • For more information on courses and credits from abroad, including policies regarding start/end dates, refer to the Academic Policies page on the Education Abroad website. 

Transcript & Grades

  • Grades will appear on the Cornell transcript in the same format as they are recorded on the original transcript generated by the host institution. Grades are not factored into the Cornell GPA.
  • For information on how grades appear on the transcript and frequently asked questions, including transcript dates for graduating seniors, please refer to the Transcripts and Credits page on the Education Abroad website.
  • Your program will send your transcript to the Education Abroad Office.
 For Reference: CLM Levels Common European Framework

1 Beginner A1
2 Elementary A2
3 Lower Intermediate A2+
4 Intermediate B1.1 (required for Spanish Language & Literature CLCE program)
5 Upper Intermediate B1.2
6 Advanced B2.1 (level required for university study)
7 Upper Advanced B2.2
8 Superior C1
9 Proficiency C2 (highest professional level - translation and interpretation)