Spanish
- Bachelor of Arts
- Minor
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The Spanish Program
The curriculum in the Department allows students to develop skills in a second language as part of the College’s mission to produce a well-rounded graduate who is prepared for life and citizenship as well as for a career. Because today’s world is enriched by diversity, faculty strive to cultivate in each student an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. Respect for self and others must be at the basis of any worthwhile communication. It is in this sense that the Department considers the study of other languages integral to a liberal arts education. All classes foster the skills of communication and understanding in a second language. Listening, speaking, reading, writing, and an exploration of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world are integrated at each level of study.
Undergraduate Programs
What Can I Do With a Major in Spanish?
With the changing cultural landscape of today's world, it has become more apparent that knowledge of another language is advantageous and perhaps a necessity for living in a globalized world.
Spanish ranks high among the world’s most spoken languages. The Spanish-speaking population in the United States has continued to climb rapidly. This makes a Spanish major an ideal choice for foreign language study. In fact, the U.S. government is among the largest employers for foreign language speakers.
Whether your ultimate career goal is in business, diplomacy, education, health care, law, social services, government, communications or many other fields, fluency in Spanish and an understanding of the Spanish culture is sure to open many doors for you.
Curriculum Requirements
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Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish
The Spanish major requires 12 courses. Spanish 203 and Spanish 204 fulfill the core requirement as well as six (6) credits for the major. In addition, a major in Spanish requires 10 courses above Spanish 204. The following Spanish classes are required:
SP 315 Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition - 3 credits
SP 317 Introduction to Spanish Literary Analysis - 3 credits
SP 320 Developing Oral Proficiency & Phonetics in Spanish - 3 credits
SP 444 Peninsular Culture and Civilization - 3 credits
SP 445 Spanish American Culture and Civilization - 3 creditsElectives:
Any 300 or 400 level Peninsular Literature class - 3 credits
Any 300 or 400 level Spanish American Literature class - 3 credits
Any three (3) courses above SP 204 - 9 creditsCredits earned in approved study abroad programs fulfill requirements for the major. Prior approval of study abroad programs is required from the department chair.
Required Core Spanish Courses:
HI 233 History of Latin America - 3 credits
One course from the following:
AR 100 Art and Music of Western Culture - 3 credits
AR 101 Art History I: Ancient through Renaissance- 3 credits
AR 102 Art History II: Baroque to the Present - 3 credits
One course from the following :
EL 138 Multi-Ethnic Literature of the United States - 3 credits
EL 236 Modern European Literature - 3 credits
EL 145 Reading as Writers: Poetry - 3 credits
EL 252 Literary Translation Workshop - 3 credits
One course from the follow:
AN 222 Cultural Anthropology - 3 credits
AN 328 Linguistic Anthropology - 3 credits
SP 550 Spanish Internship is highly recommended.Spanish majors are required to pursue a second major or a minor. Spanish majors are also required to develop a portfolio and undergo annual assessments of their oral skills.
Requirements for a Minor in Spanish (18 credits):
A minor in Spanish requires six courses above SP 203.
The following four (4) courses are required:
SP 315 Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition - 3 credits
SP 320 Developing Oral Proficiency & Phonetics in Spanish - 3 credits
Any 300 level course in literature - 3 credits
Any course in culture and civilization - 3 credits
Elective: Any two (2) courses above SP 203 - 6 credits
Teacher Preparation
Students seeking Spanish teaching certification for grades K-12 will take a minor in Education. Students are directed to read about teacher certification requirements in the Education Department section of the Saint Vincent Bulletin. They are also advised to contact the chairperson of the Education Department for additional guidance. A student should declare an education minor in the Registrar's office. -
Student Work and Research in Spanish
Study Abroad is essential to attain proficiency in listening, reading, speaking and writing Spanish. Therefore, a minimum of a 9-credit summer program or one semester of study in a Spanish-speaking country or region is required. Students are encouraged to participate in the college’s program at the UNIVERSAL Language Center in Cuernavaca, Mexico (9-credit maximum).
For students who are not able to study abroad, language study in a Spanish immersion program may be substituted. All programs must be approved by the department chair. Credits earned through study abroad fulfill requirements for the major.
Program Highlights
Results
Spanish majors are required to pursue a second major or a minor, develop a portfolio and undergo annual assessments of their oral skills, as well as complete a minimum of a nine-credit summer program or one semester of study in a Spanish-speaking country. Graduates possess deeper cultural understanding as well as proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing the Spanish language. They are prepared for careers in business, education, government, history, law, journalism and public services.
Internships and Careers in Spanish
Spanish major jobs are available in a variety of different fields. Students who complete the Spanish program may be employed or continue their education as:
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Spanish major jobs are available in a variety of different fields. Students who complete the Spanish program may be employed or continue their education as:
- Translators/Interpreters
- Business
- Law
- Manufacturing
- Travel/Tourism
- Healthcare
- Teachers
- Government Workers
- Civil Service
- Customs
- Intelligence
- Language analysis
- Museum Employees
- Marketers
- Journalists/Broadcasters
- Social Workers
- Mission Workers
- Language Analysts
- Graduate School Students
- Translators/Interpreters
Student Learning Outcomes
The Department’s student learning outcomes are aligned with the National Standards of Foreign Language Learning. Your Spanish courses will allow you to:
- Demonstrate skills in speaking and writing the target language in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Demonstrate understanding of spoken and written discourse from a variety of sources.
- Link to other disciplines by analyzing how texts and other cultural artifacts reflect cultural values and religious, historic, political, geographical and economic elements.
- Compare world cultures through analytical reflection of the connection between cultural perspectives, products and practices.