Rafael Osuna-Montanez Spanish Program Director, Instructor of Spanish

Bio

EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Spanish. University of Connecticut
M.A. in Spanish. University of Connecticut
B.A. Degree in English Philology. University of Córdoba (Spain).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Teaching Associate Professor at West Virginia University
Guest Professor. Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (Spain)
Visiting Professor at Denison University, OH
Assistant Professor at King´s College, PA
Graduate Fellow at Trinity College, CT

Areas of Expertise

XX–XXI century Spanish fiction with an emphasis on the Spanish Civil War, Spain under the Dictatorship, and Post-Franco Spain 1975-2024; Film Studies, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Contemporary Spain.

I have taught all language levels of Spanish along with courses on Spain through graphic novels, cinema, history (including posters, photos, and paintings) and literature with a variety of speaking, reading and writing approaches.

Courses I Teach

Spanish lower and upper-level courses

From Professor Osuna-Montanez

I believe it is a mark of an educated person to be able imaginatively to inhabit the lives of others and gain perspective on their own. It’s like living in a hyphen of identities between the self and the other.

When we step beyond our limited cultural surroundings and attempt to enter into the minds of others in the world community, we are often confronted with values and perspectives that challenge our beliefs and assumptions. The liberally educated individual whose philosophy of life is solidly grounded in humane principles should understand cultural diversity and be equipped to deal with it with sensitivity. Foreign language courses –and Study Abroad experiences—provide this paramount dimension of a liberal arts education.

I am excited to join Saint Michael’s College because it places the value of real learning in a small class within a supportive campus atmosphere where the results are visible. I am ready to participate in the excitement of personal and frequent interactions with students and colleagues.