Faculty:

• Michele Chossat, Ph.D.
• Debra Faszer-McMahon, Ph.D.
• Judith Reyna, Ph.D.

The major in Spanish provides students with the opportunity to acquire proficiency in the Spanish language, as well as in-depth knowledge of cultural, linguistic, and literary topics. The United States has the third largest Spanish speaking population of any country in the world, and knowledge of Spanish is increasingly important in all career fields. The Spanish major is designed to help students engage conversationally with native speakers and offers a wide range of courses in the language, literatures, and cultures of the twenty-one Spanish-speaking countries in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. The minor in Spanish provides students with competency in the language and culture, which they can use in various fields of specialization.

The major and minor in Spanish are complementary to interests in other disciplines including the health sciences, pre-medicine, international studies, education, history, business, economics, environmental studies, literature in English, political science, pre-law, psychology, and religious studies, among others. Students majoring in these or other areas, and particularly those considering a career in business, medicine, or law, are strongly encouraged to pursue a double major.

Learning Objectives: Spanish

1. Describe, narrate, and argue in Spanish, interpreting (via reading and listening) at the advanced low to advanced mid levels and formulating (via speaking and writing) at the intermediate high to advanced low levels.
2. Develop Intercultural Competence by examining and reflecting on one’s own cultural perspectives and the diverse manifestations of culture from throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
3. Analyze and compare cultural products, practices, and perspectives via three modes (interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational) related to diverse Spanish-speaking cultures.
4. Create presentations and papers in Spanish about a range of cultural and social topics.
5. Connect major topics in history, culture, and geography to current events and issues in global contexts and Spanish-speaking countries.
6. Select, participate in, and reflect on an immersive intercultural experience in the Spanish-speaking world.
7. Conduct extended, independent, and original research dealing with current issues, connecting cultural topics from the Spanish-speaking world with career goals.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish must complete the requirements of the Liberal Arts Curriculum, the capstone assessment requirement, and the courses required for the major.

The capstone assessment includes demonstration through an oral examination of intermediate-advanced level proficiency according to the ACTFL standards and an oral presentation in Spanish which addresses how the major and University objectives are integrated.

A minimum of 120 credits is required.

Students interested in receiving teaching certification in Spanish should see “Education Teaching Certification ”.