As the number of Spanish-speaking people in the United States increases each year, the decision to study Spanish is a strategic choice. The demand for Spanish speakers has also drastically increased in health services, social services, legal counseling, criminal justice, business, finance and marketing. Because of this population growth, the U.S. is the third largest Spanish speaking country in the world.
The opportunities for Spanish speaking teachers, interpreters, and translators has grown tremendously. So too has the demand for Spain. Spanish has become an important part of this hemisphere's skill set due in part to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) making it an essential tool in the business world. Central and South America, where Spanish is highly prevalent, represents one of the greatest opportunities for U.S business growth and expansion. These geographic areas, as well as Spain, are also becoming a favorite destination of many American travelers.
Spanish Courses:
| Credits | ||
| ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses) | (12) | |
| Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII (12 courses) |
(36) | |
| Major course requirements: (18 courses) | ||
| SPA 115-116 Advanced-Introductory Spanish OR |
(6) | |
| SPA 215-216 Intermediate Spanish | (6) | |
| SPA 299 Spanish Language Lab | ||
| SPA 323 Topics in Conversation I | (3) | |
| SPA 324 Topics in Conversation II | (3) | |
| SPA 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish I | (3) | |
| SPA 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish II | (3) | |
| Spanish electives: six courses | (18) | |
| Second language (intermediate level proficiency): four courses | (12) | |
| Electives (6 courses) | (18) | |
| Total (40 courses) | (122-124) |
For information regarding dual majors, click here.
SPA 103-104 Elementary Spanish 6 credits
Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Introduction to Hispanic culture. Almost exclusive use of Spanish in class. Supplemented by required aural-oral practice in Language Laboratory (SPA 299). (AS VIII) Prerequisite for SPA 104: C or better in SPA 103 or permission of chair. SPA 103 (Fall) and SPA 104 (Spring).
SPA 115-116 Advanced-Introductory Spanish 6 credits
Continued development in writing, listening, speaking and especially reading Hispanic literary and cultural material. Comprehensive grammar review. Almost exclusive use of Spanish in class. Lab required. (AS VIII). Prerequisites for SPA 115: C or better in SPA 104 or two-three years of high school Spanish. However, if the last year you studied Spanish was your sophomore year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into SPA 103. Prerequisite for SPA 116: C or better in SPA 115 or permission of chair. SPA 115 (Fall) and SPA 116 (Spring).
SPA 215-216 Intermediate Spanish 6 credits
This course is designed as a thorough review of grammatical structures. Also emphasized is the building of vocabulary, increasing competence in the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and gaining an overview of Hispanic cultures. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Includes service-learning. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for SPA 215: C or better in SPA 116 or four-five years of high school Spanish. However, if the last year you studied Spanish was your junior year in high school and you received a C+ or lower, you will be placed into SPA 115. Prerequisite for SPA 216: C or better in SPA 215 or permission of chair. SPA 215 (Fall) and SPA 216 (Spring).
SPA 299 Spanish Language Lab 0 credits
Students enrolled in SPA 103-104, 115-116, 323-324 must register for one hour per week practice in Language Lab. Prerequisite: Registration for one or more of the courses listed above.
SPA 323 Topics in Conversation I (Fall) 3 credits
Contemporary communication skills emphasized in general exploration of contemporary culture of the Hispanic world. Exclusive use of Spanish in class.. Phonetics may be included. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 216.
SPA 324 Topics in Conversation II (Spring) 3 credits
A continuation of SPA 323. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Language lab required. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 323.
SPA 331 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish, I (Fall) 3 credits
Distinguishing and producing effective writing of different types: essay, correspondence, description, report. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 216.
SPA 332 Substance and Style: Effective Writing in Spanish, II (Spring) 3 credits
A continuation of SPA 331. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 331.
SPA 350 Hispanic Short Stories 3 credits
Critical survey of outstanding short stories ranging from Mnamuno in Spain and Echevería to Cortazar in Latin America. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 216.
SPA 351 Junior Spanish Seminar & Special Topics 3 credits
Intensive analysis of selected literary works. Research paper required. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 400 Spanish Internship 3 credits
Qualified students are placed in jobs or service programs where they will use and perfect language skills. Prerequisite: Permission of chair.
SPA 451 Senior Spanish Seminar 3 credits
Intensive analysis of culture and/or selected literary problems. Research paper required. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 452 Senior Latin American Special Topics 3 credits
Exclusive use of Spanish in class. Prerequisite: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 473 (MGT 473) Mexican Crafts and Culture 3 credits
Meets once a week with MGT 473, in English, for discussion of crafts of Michoacan/importation and sale. Meets once a week independently, in Spanish, for study of general Mexican culture.
SPA 474 Spanish for Business 3 credits
Advanced aural/oral and writing skills needed for working in a Spanish-speaking environment. Practical situations, technical vocabulary, and correspondence highlighted. Exclusive use of Spanish in class. (AS VIII) Prerequisite for SPA 474: C or better in SPA 324 and SPA 332.
SPA 499 Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisite: Permission of chair.