Spanish

"When the heart speaks, however simple the words, its language is always acceptable to those who have hearts."

 Mary Baker Eddy

 Miscellaneous Writings, p. 262

Julien Ekiaka Oblazamengo, Assistant Professor

Annabelle Marquez, Assistant Professor

¡Hola y Bienvenidos al programa de español!

Spanish has the standing of a major global language. It is one of the most spoken languages in the world, the most spoken language in the Americas, and the most spoken language in the U.S., after English. The importance of this language is enormous and learning to speak and understand Spanish is an impactful 21st century skill. 

A major in Spanish Language equips students to communicate with native speakers, enables students to understand the cultural, social, and literary backgrounds of the Hispanic peoples, and prepares students for positions in the diplomatic service, international business, non-governmental organizations, and bilingual and second language teaching.

Students can major in Spanish Language or elect a minor in either Spanish Language or Hispanic Studies. 

For the Spanish Language major, students must complete at least twelve courses for a minimum of 31 semester hours. One advisor-approved course taught in English with relevant content supporting cultural, historical, political, or religious knowledge of Spanish-speaking countries may be used to fulfill a course requirement for this major. It is encouraged and highly recommended that students participate in an immersion or abroad experience during their Spanish language study. Credit by Examination requires prior approval from the Languages and Cultures Department Chair and is also available for students participating in well-established Spanish language institutes or schools. Courses at the appropriate level offered abroad by accredited institutions may be substituted for required or elective courses by approval of the Spanish faculty, provided they have been officially transferred in for credit through the Registrar's Office. 

Upon request, the Spanish program faculty may waive the major requirement for SPAN 204 for students placing directly into SPAN 205 or 216, thus reducing the required number of semester hours for the major from a minimum of 31 to a minimum of 28 SH. In cases where a student places out of SPAN 205, the student will take an advisor-approved replacement course for 205 to complete a total of 11 required courses. 

Spanish Language majors are strongly encouraged to participate at least in one immersive Spanish study abroad experience before completing their coursework. This is a golden opportunity for them to live in the culture as well as to practice the language they are learning with host parents. They are also encouraged to include an internship for the purpose of exploring career opportunities or service-learning. Additional content-related courses such as Latin American history, Latin American politics, religious studies, and related socio-cultural courses are also recommended. 

Minors in Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies require six three-semester hour courses. No more than two transfer courses may be counted towards either concentration of the Spanish minor. Only courses taught in Spanish may be applied to a minor in Spanish Language, whereas one course taught in English may be applied to a minor in Hispanic Studies.

¡Los esperamos!