She is the most difficult person I have had to deal with in my time here at UCSB. She walks into lecture like she's the smartest person in the room, and picks on you when you don't raise your hand to say something every time. Attendance is practically mandatory and she is very unreachable when you cant make it. Super inflexible and arrogant.

Participation is extremely important in this course and Prof Bermudez will call on you if you don't volunteer. But in a condescending way and it doesn't foster an environment where students are encouraged to participate or feel they want to. TA was very nice and sections were easier. Make sure to read before every class and read very carefully.

155A - Love & Desire - Best Spanish Class and Best Spanish Prof I took at UCSB, and I am a senior. I loved Profe Cortijo's lectures, so engaging, you actually wanted to participate. The material was unique, fun, and impactful. I can't recommend this class enough!

I took SPAN 131 Golden Age Poetry. Cortijo is the best lecturer ever. He scribbles jiberish all over the board and discusses the most obscure topics but he somehow makes it all make sense. Readings and attendance aren't mandatory but you'll want to go to class. Two 2-page papers and one 8 page final paper.

The course syllabus is diametrically opposed to the teaching of the class. Panoptic pedagogy, Royal Spanish Academy imperialism, cultural and linguistic Eurocentrism and enlightened despotism are the professors pedagogical methods.

Silvia is the reason I am remaining a Spanish double major. She is literally one of the most amazing Spanish Department professor's who deserves the whole world. If there's one professor you should take, it's her!!! The course was really interesting and because she is so invested in the material, the class is even better!!