Course description
B.A. Degree with a Major in Spanish
Requirements for the Major
A major in Spanish is achieved by the completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Course
SPN 140 or an approved course in Latin American History.
Required Distribution Courses
A minimum of seven (7) additional SPN course credits numbered 200 and higher.
Required Collateral Courses
Another foreign language through the 103 level
Exploring the Major
Students interested in Spanish as a major should complete or waive introductory SPN courses as early as possible. Those who have had previous experience with Spanish should contact the faculty who teach Spanish for a placement examination, which will determine their appropriate entry-level course. Also helpful would be early enrollment in SPN 140, which is taught in English and may be taken during the same term as introductory and intermediate courses. Students also should begin taking courses in another foreign language during their second year.
Admission to the Major
To be admitted to this major, students must complete SPN 103 or a higher-level course taught in Spanish with a grade of C or higher.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)
Whether starting with SPN 101 or at a higher level, prospective Spanish majors should begin taking SPN courses as early as possible. Unless waived, all introductory and intermediate courses (SPN 101, 102, 103) must be taken in sequence. After completion of SPN 103, students may take SPN 310 and/or SPN 315 (offered Spring Term only), also in sequence. The courses above SPN 315 may be taken in any sequence. Spanish American literature courses (SPN 330 and 331) are offered in the Fall Terms of alternate years. Peninsular literature courses (SPN 320 and 321) are offered in the Spring Terms of alternate years. The only prerequisites for 320, 321, 330, and 331 are the two intermediate courses (SPN 310 and 315). Majors usually study abroad during their third year or during the Fall Term of their fourth year.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major
A grade of C or higher in each required Spanish course and in each collateral course is required for continuation in the major. Majors must meet all departmental requirements, including a B- average (2.8 GPA) in Spanish, in order to receive financial support from the Department to study abroad. In addition to specified course requirements, each student must satisfy departmental standards for written and oral communication.
Other Considerations or Recommendations
Acceptance into the major neither requires nor guarantees a term abroad. Nevertheless, Spanish majors strongly are encouraged to study abroad during a Spring or Fall term in Spain or Mexico in a program approved by the Department. Students should seek advice in selecting the proper program and applying for scholarships. A significant number of Spanish graduates have experienced the many advantages of combining a major in a language with a variety of other majors. If you are considering combining a Spanish major with a major or minor in another subject, you should plan how you will meet the requirements for your other major or minor while still spending a Fall or Spring term studying abroad.
