Spanish Major, BA

This major requires a minor.

There are two streams connected with this major, one for Second Language Learners (students who do not speak Spanish at home), and one for Heritage Students (students with some linguistic familiarity with Spanish in the home).

Study abroad is recommended but not required for this major.

The Spanish major offers small and student-centered classes. Students develop language proficiency and in-depth knowledge of a culture through coursework that covers Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. Latino population. A solid background in Spanish language and culture is an asset to students who seek careers in education, international business, translation and interpretation, hospitality and tourism, and more. Because Spanish is the second language of the U.S., having a degree in Spanish also automatically enhances any other career choice.  

The Heritage stream offers differentiated second and third year courses especially designed for students who have some prior understanding of the Spanish language, having interacted with it in the home. Students will interact with others who share a similar linguistic and cultural background, as well as learn about the cultures and literatures of the Hispanic world.

Admission Requirements
Eligibility for 2nd-year Spanish is a requirement for entrance to the major.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Development of listening skills in target language at the intermediate level on the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale
• Development of speaking skills in target language at the intermediate level on the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale
• Development of reading skills in target language at the intermediate level on the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale
• Development of writing skills in target language at the intermediate level on the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale
• Development of pronunciation skills in the target language and metalinguistic terminology that describes oral production
• Development of grammatical and metalinguistic competence in accordance with the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
• Acquire an overview of historical and cultural features of the country/countries in which the target language is spoken.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills. To ensure that students acquire and develop disciplined habits of critical thinking and creative expression, thus enabling students to make and communicate enlightened judgments.