Why Spanish?

The Spanish Discipline offers courses in language, literature and film that emphasize the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical insight into:

• The philosophy and values of another culture
• Expertise in Spanish
• Analytical competence with literature and other forms of cultural production that reflect the experience of the Spanish-speaking world

Spanish prepares students for a wide variety of potential careers or further advanced study.

Major

The core of the major in Spanish comprises eight courses emphasizing:

• Composition and conversation skills
• Cultural competence
• Fundamental methods of analyzing film and literature
• Broad surveys of Peninsular and Latin American literature and culture

This core is complemented by an upper level sequence of four additional courses, including three electives chosen from among various options in Spanish and Latin American literature and film.

Finally, students complete a capstone research symposium in which students develop and present their own individualized research projects.

Minor

The minor in Spanish has a six-course core of language study, supplemented by four upper-level departmental electives.

And More

With a combination of coursework, extracurricular and service learning activities, and study abroad the program creates graduates who have practical expertise in the language and who are well-rounded in their knowledge of Spanish-speaking culture.

In addition to the academic offerings, the Morris campus has many other options for students to perfect their language skills.

Community-based service learning opportunities with the local Hispanic community are available, including Plan Amistad English as a Second Language (ESL) volunteering program and the Jane Addams School of Democracy project.

There are two Spanish-language student organizations, Vamos Juntos and Voces Unidas, as well as the Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. There is a weekly Spanish conversation table and an annual Festival of Spanish Language Cinema.

The faculty also participate in national and international conferences and film festivals in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Ecuador.

Study abroad is the most effective means by which to improve language abilities, broaden academic and personal horizons, globalize one’s world-view, expand career opportunities, and advance cross-cultural understanding and problem-solving skills. The opportunity to study abroad is a critical one for modern language majors, and the Spanish faculty is devoted and motivated to make this feasible for students.

Why Study Spanish?

• Outreach Opportunities in Spanish
• Jane Addams Program
• The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain