About the Program

Students in the Spanish program learn skills in writing and in speaking, knowledge of important aspects of Spanish civilization including geography, history, art, social customs, cuisine, business practices and the political life of Spain. Students become familiar with Spanish literature and analysis of texts from original works.  They learn the art of creative writing and journalism and publish their works with faculty members in literary journals.

Students who opt for a teaching career are encouraged to take a course in the Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching.  All students are encouraged to participate in summer abroad programs in Argentina and in Spain, specifically trips to Cádiz and Madrid, where they can master important linguistic, cultural and social skills in addition to course work.  There are also internships in this country in local Spanish institutions.

This program will prepare graduates to:

Demonstrate the ability to understand, speak, write, and read the Spanish language.

  • Communicate with educated native speakers of the language of Spain or Latin American countries on a variety of topics, fluently, without making serious errors in pronunciation or choice of words.
  • Read and demonstrate understanding of a Spanish or Latin American newspaper or an article of general interest.
  • Write letters on subjects of interest and express opinions on daily events.
  • Master advanced grammar and composition writing.

Demonstrate understanding of the values of Spanish and Latin American culture, social, historical, political and every day aspects of life.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the geography, history, social customs, the arts, government and political life of Spain and Latin American countries.
  • Model the social skills necessary to successfully interact with Spanish and Latin American people around the world.

Demonstrate understanding and familiarity with major literary periods, theoretical perspectives of esthetics of language and historical and social values reflected in literature.

  • Distinguish literary periods, and the esthetics of different literary Spanish and Latin American genres.
  • Analyze reflected social values, literary practices, and contemporary literary criticism.