Idaho State University Languages Program

10/05/2026

From the classroom to an international forum!
Professor Eduardo Villalobos-Graillet recently participated in the Fourth International Forum on Literature in the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language, organized by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), where he presented “Family Memory as a Pedagogical Resource: A Proposal for Teaching Heritage Spanish through Pedro Martín’s Mexikid (2023).” The project grew directly out of Professor Villalobos-Graillet’s SPAN 2221 Spanish for Heritage Speakers I course this semester, exploring how graphic memoir and family memory can support heritage language learning.
But the project does not end there. Two graduate students in Spanish are currently further exploring Mexikid through a SPAN 6675 Independent Study, and in Spring 2027, this work will grow into SPAN 2200, U.S. Latino Graphic Memoirs, a new undergraduate course featuring Martín’s Mexikid and Mexikid Dreams. From one heritage Spanish classroom to international scholarship—and into new learning opportunities at ISU.

10/02/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Professor Marin on her inclusion in “How We Got It Together”, an exhibition celebrating the creative work of University of Wisconsin alumni who have received graduate degrees since 1986!
The exhibition brings together an inspiring range of artistic practices, including painting, ink work, ceramics, sculpture, performance art, photography, and personal life-work posters.

We’re proud to celebrate Professor Marin and her contribution to this exciting showcase of creativity, talent, and artistic journeys. Congratulations, Professor Marin 👏
Read ISU News full article: https://www.isu.edu/news/2026-fall/isu-faculty-featured-in-university-of-wisconsin-madison-art-showcase.html
Catalog Show link: https://howwegotittogether.blog/

09/23/2026

Celebrate the European Day of Languages with ISU!

Every September 26, the Council of Europe invites people around the world to celebrate linguistic diversity and the joy of learning languages. At ISU, the celebration continues throughout the year through our Spanish, French, and German programs.

Learning a language is more than learning words; it opens doors to new cultures, meaningful connections, academic opportunities, and future careers. Whether you want to begin a new language or take your skills further, there is a place for you at ISU!

Explore our language programs and discover where a new language can take you.

09/17/2026

Hey Bengals, this is your reminder that the deadline to apply for December 2026 graduation is coming up on September 21st. Make sure you get those applications in on time! 🎓

09/15/2026

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with ISU’s Spanish Program!

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. This year’s theme, “Unidos, somos más” (“Together, We Are More”), highlights how our diverse histories, cultures, and voices strengthen our communities.

Join us in celebrating Hispanic cultures, languages, and communities!

09/14/2026

📢 Recently added course for Fall 2026!
SPAN 2200 | South American Dictatorships
Professor Maria Claudia Huerta
Late-8-Week Course
Fully online, no set times

How do societies that have gone through long-term political violence deal with the aftermath? Through the study of fiction and documentary films, this course will explore how decades of dictatorships and civil wars in Argentina, Chile, and Peru are remembered and addressed today. No prerequisites!

09/08/2026

🎓 Ready to take your Spanish to the next level?

Applications for Idaho State University’s Spanish MA program, beginning Spring 2027, will begin being reviewed September 15, 2026.

If you’re interested, now is the time to start gathering your application materials, including:
• Two letters of recommendation
• Academic transcripts
• A Spanish academic writing sample
• A short video explaining your goals for the program

Have questions? Reach out to the Spanish MA program at [email protected]. We’d be happy to help!

09/04/2026

Today is the deadline!

Hey Graduate Students!

We wanted to remind you that the last day to opt out of the ISU Book Bundle is September 4th (this Friday).

All students are automatically enrolled in the Book Bundle, which costs $25 per credit and provides required materials for each class on a rental basis for the entire semester.

Please calculate your costs to see if the Book Bundle makes sense for you. If you're not planning to use it, make sure you've opted out before the deadline!

09/03/2026

📣 Professional Development Workshop: Presenting at Academic Conferences
Join the Spanish MA Program on Monday, October 19th, from 5:30–6:30 PM for a professional development workshop featuring Spanish MA student Jaela Dinsmore!

🎓 Topic: Presenting at Academic Conferences
💻 Location: Zoom https://isu.zoom.us/j/82033155561
🗓️ Date: Monday, October 19th
⏰ Time: 5:30–6:30 PM

Jaela will share helpful insights and practical tips for preparing and presenting your research at academic conferences. Whether you’re considering your first conference presentation or looking to strengthen your presentation skills, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn and connect!

We hope to see you there!

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08/25/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our MA alumni and current students Hillary Naomi, Rik Golden, Dilcia Schwartz, Johnathan Widdows, Erika Tumanuvao, Grant Harrison, Patricia Valery, and Yamileth Pusateri on the publication of their academic interview with award-winning Valencian graphic novelist Ana Penyas!

Published as “Todo bajo el sol. Turismo, memoria y representación: una conversación con Ana Penyas,” the interview appears in issue 26 (2026) of CuCo, Cuadernos de Cómic, an academic journal supported by Editorial Universidad de Alcalá. The conversation examines Penyas’s Todo bajo el sol (2021), a graphic novel that explores mass tourism, urban development, intergenerational memory, and the transformation of Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

The interview originated as a collaborative project in the Spring 2025 Critical Theory course. Its publication demonstrates how classroom learning can develop into meaningful scholarly work that contributes to knowledge production and promotes contemporary Spanish graphic narrative.

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!