Why study Spanish at MC?

In today’s rapidly changing world, there is intense demand for women and men who understand other cultures and can communicate in more languages than their own. They know that a new language is an open door into very different ways of living and understanding the world. Spanish majors develop written and oral skills in the target language that will enable them to survive and thrive in a variety of situations, including the professional world. A Spanish major provides students with a greatly enriched view of the world around them as well as Spanish language skills that will prove useful in many professional occupations.

The means through which students develop these skills includes:

  • Oral presentations on a variety of topics
  • Conversation groups
  • Writing
  • Creative and analytical thought
  • The study of a variety of written texts and films
  • A semester abroad
  • A senior study research project
  • A significant, practical experience in the community.

The latter involves working as a student volunteer in a service learning situation with a local organization dedicated to serving the Hispanic community. Frequently, these volunteer experiences lead to full-time employment after graduation.

The major in Spanish provides a holistic academic, cultural, and linguistic preparation that enables the student to compete in a professional market increasingly needful of bilingual employees. The study abroad experience is integrated into the major as an essential complement to the curriculum, enabling students to reach an advanced level of linguistic proficiency and to access an in depth understanding of another culture.

As a modern language spoken by more than 329 million people on nearly every continent, Spanish ranks number 2 worldwide in terms of native speakers. Nevertheless, the study of Spanish does not simply involve language acquisition vis-a-vis classroom instruction; the acquisition of a language required intellectual engagement through the study of the various cultures and histories of the peoples who claim Spanish as their native tongue. The Spanish faculty are dedicated to facilitating the acquisition and understanding of this modern language in a practical fashion and in a variety of settings such as service in a practicum in the general community and via a semester-long study abroad experience in a Spanish-speaking country. In addition, students of Spanish are expected to increase second language proficiency – oral, aural, and written – via exposure to and academic engagement with a variety of media be it literary, film, historical, or professional (journalism, business, etc.). These media challenge students to question their perception of the various Hispanic cultures and to engage in critical inquiry that leads to a wider understanding of the world.

Given the international and domestic influence of Spanish and Hispanic cultures in all aspects of daily life, the Major in Spanish provides a holistic academic, cultural, and linguistic preparation that enables the student to compete in a professional market increasingly needful of bilingual employees. The Major is an ideal – and arguably necessary – complement to any professional pursuit that requires contact with native speakers of Spanish.

Assistant Professor of Spanish
Dr. Naiara Centeno
Assistant Professor of Spanish
More Info
Assistant Professor in Spanish
Dr. Leire Echevarria-Canal
Assistant Professor in Spanish
More Info
Adjunct Instructor of Spanish
Rosa Toledo
Adjunct Instructor of Spanish
More Info
Adjunct Instructor of Spanish
Pedro Tomas
Adjunct Instructor of Spanish
More Info

With a Spanish degree one could pursue any career that requires a level of international understanding and communication in a foreign language. Popular career paths include: International Business, International Non-Profit organizations, Government service, in particular the diplomatic corps, Social work, Immigration Law, and Teaching.

Career-Related Skills of Spanish Majors:

  • Communication: Foreign language majors gain skills in oral expression, critical reading, writing, editing and interpreting in foreign languages.
  • Human Relations: Appreciation for other cultures, adaptability to different environments, and receptivity to new ideas are developed by both studying abroad and studying other cultures.
  • Research & Problem Solving: Comparison of ideas, problem identification, developing problem solving techniques, and information analysis are skills strengthened through a foreign language major.
  • Education & Instruction: Many foreign language majors gain valuable instructional skills by tutoring others in both the oral and written aspects of the language.

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved:

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of literary terminology and concepts
  • Knowledge of major authors and works from both the Latin American and Spanish literary traditions
  • Knowledge of literary style and its development in various periods in Latin America and Spain
  • Knowledge of the historical, cultural, political, and philosophical events and movements that have had a bearing on the development of Hispanic literatures

Skills

  • Ability to write an analysis of a text in Spanish
  • Ability to use spoken Spanish effectively in order to communicate ideas and to defend a position
  • Ability to identify Spanish-speaking countries and capitals on a map as well as in geographical relation to other countries
  • Ability to articulate the value of the education abroad experience as an integral aspect of the major.
  • Ability to understand spoken Spanish from a variety of areas (U.S., Spain, Central & South America, Caribbean) with a reasonable level of comprehension.
  • Ability to identify different grammatical structures and concepts and use with proficiency
  • Ability to conduct independent research on a topic related to Spanish (literature, history, culture)
  • Ability to effectively communicate information about a research project through development and delivery of an oral presentation in Spanish
  • Ability to write in Spanish using appropriate vocabulary, satisfactory syntax, and correct grammar
  • Ability to read and understand a variety of texts in Spanish with discernment

 

The Major in Spanish consists of 47-48 credit hours in major and related disciplines. Transfer students bringing 45 or more credit hours in transfer are exempted from HUM 299.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

OVS 203: For eligible students

SPN 201: Intermediate Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 202: Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing(3 hrs)
SPN 203: Conversational Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 304: Introduction to Literature in Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 305: Civilizations & Cultures of Latin America(3 hrs)
SPN 306: Civilizations & Cultures of Spain(3 hrs)
SPN 337: Internship(3 hrs)
SPN 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
SPN 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
OVS 203: Cross-Cultural Preparation for Education Abroad(0-1 hrs)
HUM 299: Issues in Professional Development(1 hrs)
HUM 347: Research in the Humanities(1 hrs)

One of the following:

SPN 313: Topics in Spanish Peninsular Literature(3 hrs)
SPN 314: Topics in Latin American Literature(3 hrs)
SPN 349: Selected Topics(3 hrs)

An additional 15 credit hours fulfilled through some combination of the following:

Up to twelve hours of study abroad: For eligible students.

Up to twelve hours of study abroad
Three to fifteen hours of internship
Additional 300-level courses in Spanish

Spanish majors eligible to travel abroad normally spend a semester abroad in an approved full-time program in a Spanish-speaking country. Arrangements for study at foreign institutions are described under Study Abroad in this catalog.

The Minor in Spanish consists of at least 15 credit hours in Spanish in courses above the 100- level.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

SPN 201: Intermediate Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 202: Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing(3 hrs)
SPN 203: Conversational Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 304: Introduction to Literature in Spanish(3 hrs)
Additional 3 credit hours in Spanish

A second track in the major, Spanish for Teacher Licensure, consists of 36-37 credit hours in major and related disciplines and 42 credit hours in courses related to educator preparation.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

SPN 201: Intermediate Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 202: Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing(3 hrs)
SPN 203: Conversational Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 304: Introduction to Literature in Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 337: Internship(3 hrs)
ENG 312: Linguistic Theory and Second Language Acquisition(3 hrs)
OVS 203: Cross-Cultural Preparation for Education Abroad(0-1 hrs)

One of the following:

SPN 305: Civilizations & Cultures of Latin America(3 hrs)
SPN 306: Civilizations & Cultures of Spain(3 hrs)

One of the following:

SPN 313: Topics in Spanish Peninsular Literature(3 hrs)
SPN 314: Topics in Latin American Literature(3 hrs)
SPN 349: Selected Topics(3 hrs)

Educator Preparation Courses

PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 218: Adolescent Development(3 hrs)
EDU 202: Educational Technology(3 hrs)
EDU 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Education(1 hrs)
EDU 300: Field Experience(1 hrs)
EDU 301: Models of Classroom Management & Instruction(3 hrs)
EDU 312: Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners(3 hrs)
EDU 321: Disciplinary Literacy Methods(3 hrs)
EDU 333: Applied Pedagogy(3 hrs)
EDU 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
EDU 352: Senior Study II: Professional Seminar(3 hrs)
EDU 403: Clinical Practice for PK12/Secondary (10)(10 hrs)
EDU 411: Educational Assessment & Evaluation(3 hrs)

In addition to completing the courses above, Spanish majors for Teacher Licensure must spend a semester abroad in an approved full-time program in a Spanish-speaking country. Arrangements for study at foreign institutions are described under Study Abroad in this catalog.

The Minor in Spanish for Additional Teaching Endorsement requires the completion of 15 hours of Spanish above the 100-level.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

SPN 201: Intermediate Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 202: Intermediate Spanish Grammar and Writing(3 hrs)
SPN 203: Conversational Spanish(3 hrs)
SPN 304: Introduction to Literature in Spanish(3 hrs)
Additional 3 credit hours in Spanish

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

You may also be interested in:

Catalog Apply

Request Info

Interested in this Program of Study at Maryville College? Submit your basic information and an Admissions counselor will contact you shortly to answer any questions you might have.

Loading…