(PHOENIX, Ariz., Dec. 13, 2004) - For some students, repeating a class can be a dreadful experience. However, for students Larry Rosenblum and Steve Kallan, repeating Advanced Spanish 265 in the Fall (Advanced Spanish 266 in the Spring) has been a rather enjoyable learning endeavor. They have found the class to be so exciting that both Rosenblum and Kallan have continued to enroll in it for more than 10 years.

Since the early 90s, Rosenblum, a retired mechanical engineer, and Kallan, a self-employed businessman, have taken the college's most advanced Spanish class with Delia Escalante. Whether studying this unique romance language or its literature, the students leave the class wanting more. Lessons have ranged in discussions about current events and politics to a true dissection of novels like Don Quixote, Cien años de soledad and Como agua para chocolate.

Advanced Spanish 265/266 is the most advanced Spanish class within the Maricopa County Community College District. The class, which literally began in the Bears' Den with few students, is now housed in the A Building and boasts an average of 15-20 students a semester.

"When I first started teaching this class, the department really had to recruit students and work to keep this class alive," said Escalante. "Now, I get calls and emails from students asking me if I will be teaching the course next semester."

According to Rosenblum and Kallan, this class is "pure" Spanish. While some classes may be "stilted" or "fixed," students keep coming back because of Delia's teaching style.

"Delia is the best teacher in Phoenix," said Rosenblum. "Her class is very addictive."

"I agree with Larry," said Kallan. "Delia is a unique person in that she doesn't just teach, she explains things to us and tells us why. She is very knowledgeable on literally everything in the world regardless of subject matter."

Although Escalante commonly refers to the class as a "tertulia" or social hour, she also reveals how a class of this nature constantly keeps her on her toes.

"These students have become more than just students…they are dear friends and they continue to push me," said Escalante. "This class is very challenging for me considering that the students are at such an advanced level. I continuously have to revise the course material and have to think of new approaches. They will call me on the carpet and question me if something does not seem quite right!"

This course has always attracted a diverse group of native and non-native Spanish speakers, as well as young to mature students. According to Escalante, the unique diversity of the class is also an added benefit.
"While most students come and go, Larry and Steve are truly my veteran students," added Escalante. "I love having them in my class."

For more information on Phoenix College Spanish classes, please call (602) 285-7845 or visit the Foreign Language web site at www.phoenixcollege.edu/languages/.

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