Dr. Potowski teaches an 8-week summer version of this course, 100% online synchronously, through Ohio State University.

In Summer 2026, it was:

  • June 9 - July 28, 2026.

  • Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 pm EST.

  • Cost: $400 + $80 for textbook & online activities

  • This course does not carry university credit, but counts for professional development units

Details here . Check back in April 2027 for information about Summer 2027.

Fall 2025

Teaching Spanish to Heritage Speakers

Fall 2026: Taught by Dr. Angela Betancourt

Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30 pm CST, August 26th-December 2nd, 2026

If you are not a UIC student:

  • Please email Dr. Angela Betancourt here to indicate your interest in enrolling.

  • Here are the registration instructions for a non-degree student through UIC Online.

  • Pass/Fail option available.

  • Cost: Approximately $2,190 (for 4 graduate credit hours) + $80 for textbook & online activities.

Fall 2025: Taught by Dr. Kim Potowski

Wednesdays, 5:30-8:00 pm CST, August 27th-December 3rd, 2025

If you are not a UIC student:

  • Please email Dr. Kim Potowski here to indicate your interest in enrolling.

  • Here are the registration instructions for a non-degree student through UIC Online.

  • Pass/Fail option available.

  • Cost: Approximately $2,190 (for 4 graduate credit hours) + $80 for textbook & online activities.

Fall 2024

This course is open to UIC students and to the general public, who register through UIC Extended Campus.

In this course, taught in Spanish and English, participants will:

  • Read and discuss material related to Spanish as a heritage language in the U.S. including bilingual language development, critical language pedagogy, and program design relevant to K–12 and university contexts.

  • Develop beliefs and instructional tools aligned with critical approaches to teaching heritage learners that incorporate social justice, growth in language use, and critical thinking throughout the curriculum.

  • Gain confidence in advocating for heritage speakers within their institutions and professional communities.

Main textbook:Cultivando jardines: El español para hablantes de herencia by Kim Potowski.
The textbook costs $40 and the online component via Lingco costs $39.99.
This totals approximately $80 and is not included in the course fee/tuition.

Credit: 3 undergraduate/4 graduate credits.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and consent of the instructor.
Recommended background: Credit or concurrent registration in SPAN 363, SPAN 448 or SPAN 449.

The course carries 60 PD hours of ISBE PD credit. 
Non-UIC students pay approximately $546 per credit hour ($2,190 for 4 credits). This is the same whether the course is taken “Pass/Fail” or for a grade.

Fall 2022

Fall 2021

Fall 2020