Spanish Program
Mission Statement
The Spanish program strives to guide the students in reaching an advanced level of proficiency in all aspects of the Spanish language as well as an understanding and appreciation for Spanish and Spanish-American cultures while emphasizing their contributions to U.S. and North American cultures.
Students elect to study Spanish for the following reasons:
- to major in Spanish (teaching or general major) or to double major with another field of study;
- to pursue a minor in Spanish to complement their major;
- to enhance their major area of study with a competency in a foreign language through elective coursework; or
- to meet the foreign language requirement for the B.A. degree.
Through highly interactive, participative classroom and experiential learning using interpersonal and technological resources, students are challenged to develop their knowledge and expertise to effectively interact with the Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Hispanic communities. Courses offered on campus provide students with exposure to a broad range of aspects of language, culture, literature, and linguistics. In addition, recognizing the importance of total linguistic and cultural immersion, students are encouraged to participate in study programs, experiences, and/or internships in an area where the target language is dominant. Course work and study are balanced by extracurricular activities locally and regionally to provide students an opportunity to use their skills and to broaden their educational focus.
Goals of the Spanish Program
The Spanish major graduate will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Communicate effectively using verbal and written language
- Integrate socio-linguistic and socio-cultural conventions appropriately within a variety of communicative settings
- Demonstrate an oral proficiency of Intermediate Mid (ACTFL proficiency scale) after completing the equivalent of three years of Spanish
- Demonstrate an oral proficiency level of Intermediate High (ACTFL proficiency scale) before graduating
- Write essays with 85% accuracy of grammar, mechanics, and style
- Understand Spanish in verbal and written form
- Read and understand a variety of texts with 90% accuracy
- Translate a variety of texts with 90% accuracy
- Demonstrate listening skills by asking and answering questions in the target language in a variety of context.
- Describe, analyze, and critique the main historical, political, economical, and cultural events connecting Latin America and the U.S. and their impact on current issues
- Recall the main historical facts connecting Spain, Latin America, and the U.S. and their impact on the individual, families, and communities of today.
- Analyze main issues in Spanish-speaking countries in the light of their politics, economy, and history.
- Observe, recognize, and assess facts and overall patterns of the historical and contemporary contexts of the individuals, families, and communities within and across cultures in order to promote appreciation, respect for differences, and effective communication
- Demonstrate an understanding of the traditions and beliefs that helped shape Hispanic cultures
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultual differences.
- Discriminate ethical issues concerning stereotypes and generalizations, and their effect on communication and policy-making.