english & foreign language SPANISH CRAZE II department grows in number The foreign language department's Spanish section saw immense growth in the past several years, especially this year. The Spanish department was started in 1973 by Ava Conley, who was appointed chairman of the foreign language department this year. She saw the deparhnent grow from three students when it began, to 300 this year. "We have had growth over the last several years, afolllld 50 students a year," Flemming Bell, assistant professor of Spanish, said. "That's wo more classes every year." Because of the influx of students, the department needed to add two new sections of classes. Also, the department hired a new Spanish instructor, Michelle Coizman, to help ease the teaching responsibilities. To help with the overload, two graduate assistants were hired to grade papers and run labs. Esparanza Massana and Alex Quinterro took on these responsibilities Senior Jessica McCormick reads "Sunlight on the Garden" by Louis MacNiece at the English department's Literary Festival Oct. 7. The festival allowed students from various English clubs and groups to share literary works. (Photo by Melissa Wilson) 15611academics as part of their graduate work. The Spanish departmenfs popularity could be attributed to a number of factors. "The growth is due to rise in the Hispanic population and its influence, especially in the southwestern part of the country," Dr. Robert McCready, associate professor of French, said. Another factor contributing to the rapid departmental growth was the requirement of a second language in many other academic majors. "There is an ever-increasing need for Spanish in all professions today," Conley said. Conley said the quality of education that Spanish students received at Harding was strong. "We have a strong emphasis on practical use of the language," Conley said. "'Our goal is to maintain a high level of competency that will enable our students to compete at a top level in the job market." - Justin Bronson Dr. Gary Elliott, professor of English, discusses a writing assignment in a composition class Oct. 29. Elliott, known for his sense of humor, began teaching at Harding in 1967. (Photo by Melissa Wilson)
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