Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Major in Spanish (2620)
A major in Spanish consists of at least 27 semester hours in courses numbered 300 or above, taught in the target language. These courses will include Spanish 341 or 330, 342 and 451; three hours of culture and civilization; and three hours of literature. Majors in Spanish are required to complete a language immersion experience as approved by their faculty adviser; completion of this requirement will add an additional three hours toward the total of 27. For the immersion experience requirement, the department will assist in placement appropriate to the student’s needs, which might include residence in a foreign country, studies abroad, exchange programs, international relationships, or other opportunities that ensure intensive cultural and language experiences. Finally, an additional three 300 or 400-level Spanish courses, for a total of nine hours, will serve as electives within the major. Completion of 341 or 330, and 342, is a prerequisite to all other courses numbered 300 and higher. Additional non-foreign language requirements for the major are HIST 121 , HIST 122 and INST 200 . All general education requirements for the B.A. degree must be met.
Majors in Spanish must also complete three co-curricular requirements prior to graduation: a written exam in advanced Spanish grammar; an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) conducted with a tester certified by ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages); and a portfolio assembled under the supervision of their faculty adviser. This portfolio will include revised writing samples from various advanced classes, and the results from the written exam in Spanish grammar and the OPI.
In general, majors should work during their freshman and sophomore years toward the completion of the general education requirements and additional requirements toward the Bachelor of Arts. They should also complete the three-semester, lower-division Spanish sequence (SPAN 111 or 115, SPAN 122, SPAN 222), so that they may begin as soon as possible the 300 and 400-level courses required for the major.
Majors in Spanish are expected to consult their advisers each semester regarding the selection of options and courses. They are also encouraged to enhance their education by completing, as appropriate, complementary programs of study in fields as diverse as English, political science, social work, economics, education, communication and travel and tourism. Combining Spanish with training in such fields will better enable majors to purse graduate studies and careers in various professions. Students who pursue the Spanish major might also discuss with their adviser further immersion experiences to enhance their language proficiency. Students seeking teacher licensure should contact the Department of Educational Studies to inquire about the program in Secondary Education: Concentration Spanish.
A few recommended minors for Spanish majors include English, history, philosophy, political science, international studies, mass media and strategic communication, theatre, or one of the other fine arts.
For more information about the Spanish major, please contact:
Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages
131 Humanities Building
209 Hurt Street
Martin, TN 38238
731-881-7300
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