Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Spanish Major BA, Translation and Interpretation Specialization


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The Spanish Translation and Interpretation specialization includes a series of four translation and interpretation courses- SPAN 442, SPAN 443, SPAN 454 and SPAN 492- and aims at offering extensive practice in the areas of English/Spanish and Spanish/English translation and interpretation. Students first get acquainted with theories of translation and interpretation, and then proceed to practice their theoretical knowledge through the translation and interpretation of a variety of written texts and oral materials. Students get the opportunity to experience first-hand the many subtleties of written translation and practice with consecutive and simultaneous interpretation. The last two courses of the series- SPAN 454 and SPAN 492- are highly specialized and focus on medical and legal vocabulary. They are designed to help students prepare for the Washington State Translator Certification. All courses also include a systematic review of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. During the course of their specialization, students are offered opportunities to translate and interpret for different entities in the community.

Spanish Shared Core


This major and associated specializations require a minor or second major.

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.

Core Requirements


Total Core Credits: 32


Translation and Interpretation Specialization


Total Credits: 52


Small Plan Major (fewer than 60 credits)


This major requires the completion of a minor or second major. Please consult with the departments about any specific restrictions regarding overlap between plans.

College and Department Information


World Languages and Cultures Department  
College of Arts and Humanities  

Program Codes
Major plan codes: SPA, SPAP
Specialization plan code: TRIN

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

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