WLC Department Requirements
Admission Requirements
Students planning to major or minor must meet with an advisor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures for details about admission requirements and to complete an application form.
Program Requirements
Students in the majors and minors must earn a minimum grade of C+ in each course used for their program/s.
Core Course Requirements
Only courses numbered 200 and above will count toward a major or minor. Students may contact the department to request placement testing if they have prior instruction in any of the languages. For students with sufficient preparation, the 200-level sequence may be waived through our placement exam or credit by examination. Please note that Spanish CLEP test scores may be used to complete general education and/or graduation requirements but may not be used to fulfill course requirements for Spanish majors or minors. Students planning to study abroad must see their advisor prior to departure to ensure the applicability of the proposed course of study. All upper-division classes not listed as requirements are approved electives.
Spanish Shared Core
This major and associated specializations require a minor or second major. This major has three specializations: (1) applied linguistics (2) Spanish teaching and (3) translation and interpretation. Students can complete a general Spanish major, BA, by choosing upper division coursework from either the applied linguistics or translation and interpretation specializations. Study abroad is recommended but not required for this major.
There are two streams connected with this major. Second Language Learners (L2) Stream is for students who learned and continue to learn Spanish in academic settings. Heritage Program Stream is for students who grew up around Spanish language; or have cultural heritage that originated in a Spanish-speaking country; or identify as Hispanic/Mexican- American/PuertoRican/Latino/Latine/latinx - all identities and bilingual competencies are welcome! Spanish major curriculum offers a focus on linguistic proficiency; a broad foundation in Hispanic and Latinx area studies; and fundamentals of global intercultural competence.
Spanish major emphasizes linguistic proficiency for L2 students and advancement of bilingual competencies for heritage students. The major offers advanced courses that examine history, culture and society in Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. Latinx communities. Spanish program features small classes offered in flexible modalities and a student-centered learning environment. Our students have many opportunities for enhanced learning experiences, such as: study abroad; hands-on practice in the areas of translation/interpretation and linguistic data analysis; internships, and more.
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. Spanish is the second spoken language in the U.S. - having a degree in Spanish enhances any other career choice.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- perform linguistic proficiency in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in the target language at the intermediate level on the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale;
- apply global intercultural competence at the advanced level as defined by the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL);
- recognize the value of cultural and linguistic diversity in various communicative contexts. Connect the value of cultural and linguistic diversity to personal development;
- examine and interpret salient historical and cultural features of the regions/communities studied;
- compare cross-cultural products, practices, and perspectives in the linguistic and cultural context of the regions/communities studied; and
- synthesize target language proficiencies, cultural competencies, cultural humility, and critical modes of thinking and expression for an in-depth level of communication.
Second-year Spanish Credits: 15
Spanish for Heritage Speakers Credits: 15
Literature and Cultures Credits: 10
Composition and Conversation Credits: 5
Culminating Experience Credits: 2