Spanish is spoken by 36 million people in the United States and is the primary language for 21 countries around the world. When you study Spanish at Assumption you become proficient in both oral and written language skills, and you also gain greater cultural understanding.
Our students are prepared to enter graduate school, become teachers in the elementary, middle or high school, or serve as interpreters, translators, social workers, or law enforcement professionals. Our graduates also go on to rewarding career in law, business, government and nonprofit organizations or enter graduate school.
Immerse Yourself
Students majoring in Spanish are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a semester, a summer or an academic year in a Spanish-speaking country. You may choose from among a number of different sites to spend a semester, a summer or even a year. Students unable to study abroad work with a departmental advisor to develop an alternate experience, such as an appropriate local internship, in which to apply their language/culture competence.
Major
A total of 11 courses (33 credits) is required. The course work includes language, literature, and culture study. You’ll read works from Spanish and Latin American authors, reviewing them with a critical eye and a new appreciation of their contributions. One course may be taken from the Modern and Classical Languages offerings in English that relate to the study of Spanish.
Hispanic Culture and Civilization Concentration
You can major in Spanish with a concentration in Hispanic Culture and Civilization, which requires 11 courses (33 credits). This concentration helps develop cultural literacy and familiarity with the language and its interaction with culture. You study the values and norms that distinguish the culture of Spain, Spanish-America, and Latino cultures within the United States and other regions of the world.
This concentration is an excellent preparation for a teaching career, graduate work, community service, and employment in organizations and agencies with international interests.
Education Concentration
You take 7 to 10 courses (21 to 30 credits) in the Education concentration in addition to your Spanish major requirements. Massachusetts requires that students major in a specific academic discipline in conjunction with an education concentration. The Modern Languages Dept. and the Education Dept. at Assumption work together very closely to prepare you to teach Spanish in grades 5-12.
Minor
A minor in Spanish requires a total of 6 courses (18 credits). All courses for the minor must be in Spanish.