Employment History:
Professor of Modern Languages, Wesley College (1982-2008); Assistant Professor of Modern Languages, Wesley College (1981-1982); Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish, Franklin and Marshall College (1978-1979); Assistant Professor of Spanish, University of Delaware (1971-1978) Instructor of Spanish, University of Delaware (1970-1971)

Published Works:

Public Speaking Experience:

Why She is an Expert:
Dr. Espadas received her Ph.D. in Spanish literature in 1972 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, her master's degree in Spanish language and literature in 1965 from New York University in Spain and her bachelor's degree in Spanish and applied music, with honors, in 1964 from Florida State University. It is the length of her service and the variety of experiences she has had that makes her an expert. “I have taught in very large institutions and in a small college,” she explains. “I have achieved a high level of skill in the Spanish language.” Additionally, her experiences have granted both knowledge and sensitivity toward the culture – a valuable aspect that helps her maneuver smoothly through her work.

Best Advice:
“Language professors, above all, need to model openness towards other ways of thinking and living – this is probably more important than one’s area of specialization that has been developed through long years of study. Encouraging students to attain this ability will benefit them enormously in the future, but requires a lot of patience and support on our part. Inspire students to travel or live abroad; this can be the most significant part of their education. Seeing the change and growth after such an experience, and knowing that you had a significant role in achieving them, is one of the most satisfying and rewarding parts of our work.”

Passionate about:
“I am most passionate about intercultural issues. I like to explore situations that require give and take on both parts to reach greater understanding.”

Biography Excerpt:
Elizabeth Espadas, Ph.D. is a professor of modern languages at Wesley College whose primary areas of expertise concerns Hispanic literature from the 20th and 21st centuries, with emphasis on the novel and theater. She teaches in four departments: the Spanish department; World Literature in the English department; Spanish or Latin American History in the History department; and interdisciplinary seminars for the Liberal Studies program. Throughout her career, Dr. Espadas has written and administered several grants for curriculum development. She is presently working on the translation of several modern, Spanish-language novels into English.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What are you passionate about?  
ELIZABETH A ESPADAS :  I am most passionate about intercultural issues. I like to explore situations that require give and take on both parts to reach greater understanding.

What is the most significant issue facing your profession today?
The need to improve the linguistic capabilities and cultural awareness of the next generations of students, who will become future leaders in every area. Studying a foreign language should not be viewed as an elitist activity, but as something that makes a person better informed and more culturally sensitive. Globalization in all aspects of our lives means that we cannot live in isolation; nor can we allow xenophobic attitudes to dominate public discourse. Learning a new language opens many doors.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
In the teaching-related aspect of my work, I hope to develop and implement a Spanish major with a study-abroad component. My college has grown considerably in recent years and language enrollments have generally improved. The State of Delaware has seen a considerable influx of Hispanic immigrants, resulting in greater needs and opportunities for bilingual personnel in all fields; the same is true in the neighboring states. In the research dimension of my career, I am completing a translation of a Spanish novel: “El Segundo Hijo Del Mercader de Sedas,” or “The Second Son of the Silk Merchant,” by Felipe Romero Olmedo. In order to make some of the contemporary Spanish and Spanish-American writers available to a wider reading public, I would like to translate some other works – particularly those authors cultivating the new historical novel. As I am approaching retirement age, my long-term goals relate primarily to research and publication. I anticipate working on several projects that have been put aside for lack of time. In particular: a monograph on Granada in the historical novel of both Spanish and foreign writers and an annotated bibliography on women in Hispanic literatures and other translations.