Alice McAdams

Lecturer of Spanish

Overview

Alice McAdams has been teaching Spanish language at Cornell since 2020. She holds a PhD in Spanish from the University of Michigan (2020), an MA in Spanish from Middlebury College (2014), and a BA in Hispanic Studies from Oberlin College (2013). She teaches all levels of Spanish language and since 2022 has coordinated the low-intermediate course SPAN 1230. She is dedicated to helping students gain confidence in the language and improve their fluidity while speaking. Her courses prioritize introducing students to authentic texts from the Hispanic world, including fashion, visual art, television, podcasts, documentaries, and —in particular— music. She sees music as an invaluable resource for language learning and is passionate about using music in the classroom. Her courses heavily utilize contemporary popular songs as tools for learning grammar and vocabulary, developing the skill of listening comprehension, and gaining a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture. 

Research Focus

Publications

"Leveling the world: Metaphor and deshumanización in the cinematic dissolve." Romance Quarterly 67.3 (2020): 119–135.