Spanish
College of Arts & Sciences
Choose Your Next Step
124
Credit hours
4 Years
Estimated completion time
A Whole New World.
Central to the liberal arts education, the study of language provides greater insight into your own language, exposes you to another, diverse culture, and expands your exploration of the human experience.
Through courses in the Spanish language, literature, history, and civilization, Spanish students are introduced to the Spanish language, Spanish-speaking societies, and multiple facets of the Spanish and Latin American world. These include social, gender, and racial issues; politics; literature; film; and music. Students also explore U.S. Latino culture.
Global Citizenship
Spanish students are required to study abroad, to fully immerse themselves into their language studies. Baker makes studying abroad easy, allowing most Baker financial awards and scholarships to be applied directly to study abroad for one full semester.
Program Information
Campus
College of Arts & Sciences
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Exceptional Experiences
Practice Makes Perfect
Recognizing that practice is essential in acquiring fluency in a world language, students at all levels are invited to gather at la mesa española in the university dining hall every week to eat and speak Spanish. For those without meal plans, lunch is provided by the Department of Humanities.
Celebrate Schoolwide
Each November, the Department of Humanities and Office for International and Heritage Students hold a series of events to celebrate international diversity. Campuswide, the week features international cuisine served in the dining hall and events focused on the cultures of our international students.
Careers
Our Spanish majors are prepared for these jobs:
- Foreign Service Officer
- English Exchange Professor
- Translator and Interpreter
- Writer and Journalist
Scholarships
The Department of Humanities gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:
- Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship
- Dr. Irene Murphy Memorial Scholarship
- Etta and Orin Murphy Scholarship
- Kahle Endowed Scholarship
- Jefferson-Greiner Scholarship
Image
Meet the Faculty
Course Work & Requirements
-
SP 111 – Discovering Spanish
Fall term, yearly
In this course, students will develop basic skills in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing Spanish while discovering connections between the Spanish language and the cultures of the Hispanic world. This course does not count toward a major or a minor in Spanish. (4 credit hours)SP 112 – Exploring Spanish
Spring term, yearly
A continuation of the first-semester Spanish course, this course provides further development of communicative skills, as well as a more detailed understanding of Hispanic cultures. This course does not count toward a major or a minor in Spanish. Prerequisite: SP 111 or approved placement test result. (4 credit hours)SP 203 – Building Proficiency in Spanish
Fall term, yearly
Students will refine their communicative skills by learning the more complex stylistic and grammatical features of the language and expanding their vocabulary. The length of readings and compositions will increase and students will deepen their cultural knowledge of the Hispanic world. Prerequisite: SP 112 or approved placement test result. (3 credit hours)SP 204 – Making Connections in Spanish
Spring term, yearly
This course continues to review previously learned structures and to further develop communicative language skills. Students will make connections between Spanish and other areas of interest or career aspirations. Prerequisite: SP 203 or approved placement test result. (3 credit hours)SP 305 – Spanish Composition in Cultural Context
This course is designed to enhance student writing skills in Spanish through extensive writing opportunities combined with a thorough review of Spanish grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: SP 204 or permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)
SP 306 – Spanish Conversation in Cultural Context
This course provides intensive work in communicating in spoken Spanish, with an emphasis on practical, idiomatic usage. Emphasis will be on oral production and listening comprehension. Class time will be spent on various communicative activities such as discussion and debate, role-playing, and presentations. Listening skills will be honed using authentic video and audio sources. Selected readings from Spanish-language journals, newspapers, and Internet sources will be incorporated. Course topics and materials will be designed to stimulate reflection on Hispanic culture. Prerequisite: SP 204 or permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)
SP 343 – Civilization and Culture of Spain
This course provides an intensive focus on the civilization of Spain from a cultural and historical perspective. It is designed for the student with a general interest in Spanish language and culture as well as for the student who plans advanced literary study. Prerequisite: SP 204 or permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)
SP 344 – Civilization and Culture of Latin America
This course provides an intensive focus on the civilization of Latin America from a cultural and historical perspective. It is designed for the student with a general interest in Spanish language and culture as well as for the student who plans advanced literary study. Prerequisite: SP 204 or permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)
SP 360 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature
This course serves as an introduction to the study of Hispanic literature (from Spain and Latin America) and the genres of poetry, drama, and narrative. Texts will be selected from a variety of periods with an emphasis on modern Hispanic literature. Prerequisite: SP 204 or permission of the instructor. (3 credit hours)
Spanish Seminars at the 400 Level
Seminars allow students to develop their skills in research, writing, reading, and conversation by studying Spanish culture, film, and literature related to a specific theme or Hispanic author. All seminars share the following traits: 1) a substantive research paper involving some level of collaboration regarding the writing process; 2) substantial student participation in the conducting of the course through oral presentations or other means; and 3) class interaction based principally on active dialogue rather than on lecture. Prerequisite: A 300-level Spanish course or permission of the instructor. R
SP 413 – Seminar on a Theme or Movement
(3 credit hours)
SP 414 – Seminar on Culture and Literature
(3 credit hours)
SP 416 – Seminar on Film and Literature
(3 credit hours)
SP 418 – Seminar in Specific Authors
(3 credit hours)