Spanish

Program Overview

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The B.A. in Spanish at Shenandoah University equips students with proficiency in Spanish language and Hispanic studies, fostering cultural competency and critical thinking skills. Through interactive classes, internships, and study abroad opportunities, students develop fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while gaining a deep understanding of Hispanic cultures and their integration into various career paths.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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in Spanish: The program aims to equip students with proficiency in the Spanish language and Hispanic Studies to enhance their chosen careers.

It integrates classroom learning, internships, cultural immersion experiences, Latin American clubs, and specialized electives to cultivate comprehensive understanding and fluency.

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Objectives:

• Develop proficiency in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, writing, interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and cultural competency in Spanish.
• Understand Hispanic cultures in Spain, Latin America, and the United States.
• Integrate language skills and Hispanic studies into chosen careers.

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Program Description:

• Small, interactive classes led by dedicated professors.
• Focus on developing individual potential through personalized attention.
• Internship requirement involving working among Hispanics in the local community.
• Opportunities for study abroad through various short-term and semester programs.

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Outline:

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Course Components:

• Speaking: Develop conversational fluency through interactive exercises, role-playing, and discussions.
• Listening Comprehension: Refine understanding of spoken Spanish through diverse audio materials and activities.
• Reading: Enhance reading comprehension by analyzing various texts, from literary works to news articles.
• Writing: Hone writing skills through diverse writing assignments, including compositions and creative writing.
• Interpersonal Communication: Develop effective communication skills for interacting with Spanish speakers in various contexts.
• Critical Thinking: Sharpen analytical skills through critical examination of Hispanic culture, literature, and current events.
• Cultural Competency: Gain deep understanding of Hispanic values, customs, and societal norms.

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Program Structure:

• 18 credits of required coursework, including:
• Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN 202)
• Exploring the World Through Spanish (SPAN 300)
• Spanish Composition or Advanced Written Spanish (SPAN 302 or SPAN 412)
• Spanish Civilization and Culture (SPAN 311)
• Latin American Civilization and Culture (SPAN 312)
• Senior Seminar and Project (SPAN 430)
• 15 credits of electives chosen from various courses covering topics like:
• Spanish for the Professions
• Spanish for Healthcare Professionals
• Readings in Chicana/o Literature and Culture
• Spanish Cinema
• Latin American Cinema
• The Southern Cone
• Andean Literature and Culture
• Spanish Literature Through Popular Culture
• Survey of Latin American Literature
• Advanced Written Spanish
• 6 credits of internship experience:
• Internship in Spanish (SPAN 391, 392, or 393)

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods may include:

• Exams and quizzes to evaluate comprehension and retention of course material.
• Oral presentations to assess speaking fluency and communication skills.
• Written assignments, essays, and research papers to evaluate writing proficiency and analytical abilities.
• Participation in classroom discussions and group activities to gauge engagement and critical thinking.
• Completion of internship assignments and reflection papers to measure practical application and learning outcomes.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program employs various interactive and engaging teaching methods, such as:
• Discussion-based learning
• Collaborative activities
• Role-playing exercises
• Multimedia presentations
• Technology integration
• Cultural immersion experiences
• Faculty: Experienced and passionate professors with diverse backgrounds and expertise in Hispanic language, literature, and culture.
• Unique Approaches:
• Focus on individualized attention to maximize each student's potential.
• Emphasis on practical application and real-world communication skills.
• Incorporation of diverse cultural perspectives into the learning experience.
• Opportunities for personalized learning through electives and study abroad programs.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Transportation Planner
• Postsecondary Teacher
• Interpreter and Translator
• Broadcast News Analyst
• City and Regional Planning Aid
• Copywriter
• Editor
• Logistics Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Purchasing Agent
• Recreation Worker
• Reporter and Correspondent
• Training and Development Specialist
• High School Teacher
• Human Resources (HR) Manager
• Career and Salary Examples for Spanish Majors:
• Transportation Planner: $80,650
• Postsecondary teacher: $71, 210
• Interpreter and Translator: $48,360
• Broadcast News Analyst: $89,240
• City and Regional Planning Aid: $45,760
• Copywriter: $69,130
• Editor: $64,910
• Logistics Analyst: $77,470
• Public Relations Specialist: $65,830
• Purchasing Agent: $66,120
• Recreation Worker: $26,610
• Reporter and Correspondent: $46,560
• Training and Development Specialist: $62,460
• High School Teacher: $29,639 – $79,396
• Human Resources (HR) Manager: $41,212 – $100,500

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Other:

• The program encourages developing competence in a second foreign language at the intermediate level.
This can be achieved through prior coursework, qualifying exams, and/or study abroad experiences.
• Shenandoah University offers learning support services to all students in every course, including peer tutoring, writing assistance, and math and science support.
• Students are encouraged to participate in the Honors Program to enhance their academic and extracurricular experiences.