Por escrito by Jorge Febles

Por escrito by Jorge Febles

Por escrito employs a step-by-step, task-oriented approach directed to intermediate and third-year students of Spanish. Students develop fundamental writing skills through a review of very specific grammatical topics and original reading selections. The material evolves from the simple to the complex, focusing first on description, then on narrative prose, and finally on expository writing of an argumentative and analytical nature. By following the prescribed method, students learn to write clearly and to communicate efficiently, avoiding the perils of direct translation. As a result, students increase their understanding of Spanish syntax and begin to develop a sense of style in the target language.

Jorge Febles was born in Cárdenas, Cuba. He completed his BA degree in American History and Spanish at St. John’s University (Collegeville, Minnesota). He earned his Ph.D. in Spanish American literature from the University of Iowa. Currently Chair of the Department of World Languages at the University of North Florida, he holds the rank of full professor of Spanish. During his tenure at UNF, as well as during his more than twenty years at Western Michigan University, he has taught language, literature and culture at all levels. He teaches Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition regularly, and he has frequently taught as well third-year composition classes. Professor Febles, who co-edits the literary and cultural journal Caribe, has published extensively on Latin American and Spanish literature. Lately, his research has focused on Cuban theater. In 1991, Professor Febles won the State of Michigan Teaching Excellence Award, and in 1997, he received the Alumni Teaching Excellence Award. Professor Febles is a Corresponding Member of the North American Royal Academy of the Spanish language.

Carolyn Harris completed her BS studies in Spanish education at Iowa State University. Graduated with a “licenciatura” in English Philology at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. She lived in Spain for seven years. Upon returning to the U.S., she studied at the University of Iowa, where she completed her Ph.D. in Spanish literature. She taught at the University of Richmond for three years. Since 1985, she has taught Spanish language and Hispanic literature and culture at Western Michigan University, attaining the rank of full professor. Her research interests lie in contemporary Spanish theater. She has published numerous essays on Spanish theater, as well as a book on Antonio Gala. In 2001, she received the Alumni Teaching Excellence Award, the most prestigious teaching award granted by Western Michigan University. Professor Harris has taught third-year composition on a regular basis throughout her tenure at Western Michigan University. She has also coordinated the teaching of composition classes.