Course (educ.)

Question

Suppose I want to say: "I am taking five courses this semester." I just learned from some Spaniards that "course" is not translated as "curso" but rather "asignatura." So asignatura can mean either "course" or "subject." You would say: "Este semestre hago cinco asignaturas."

Is this correct? Is this the same in Latin American Spanish?

This dictionary translates "asignatura" as "subject" only, but this seems to be a major failing.

I also wonder whether there is a difference between American and British English here. Here in America, we say "I am taking five courses this semester". Do Brits say "I am taking five subjects this semester" ??

Please fill out your profile so as we may better help you . Welcome to the forum . Buena suerte amiga. - ray76, Jun 9, 2014

:) - ian-hill, Jun 9, 2014

Answer 1

For Costa Rica "cursos". Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I cannot speak for Latin America, but in the U.S. it can be said either way. "I'm taking five courses/subjects this semester.In the U.K., I have it on good authority that it is said like this.

"I am taking 5 courses (in 5 different subjects this term) :D we do not normally use "semester" per Ian Hill

Some Universities in the US use semesters and others use quarters. Quarters are shorter and there are three per academic year while there are only two semesters, both excluding summer sessions. - gringojrf, Jun 9, 2014

Thanks Gringo. :) - rac1, Jun 10, 2014