Thumbnail
Undergraduate

Spanish

The Spanish major is designed to contribute to your cultural and intellectual formation. You may prepare for teaching on the elementary or secondary level or for careers in social services, medical fields, law, criminology, as interpreters, translators, or representatives in business or government.

Learning goals:

  1. To develop good oral/aural communication skills in the target language 
  2. To write effectively in the target language 
  3. To think critically about literary and cultural texts using discipline-appropriate methods of analysis 
  4. To better understand the cultures of our target languages 

The Spanish major is an integral part of traditional education in the liberal arts. Spanish is designed to contribute to the cultural and intellectual formation of students, as well as to prepare them for teaching on the elementary or secondary level, and for work in social services, medical fields, law, criminology, and as interpreters, translators, or representatives in business or government, or for continued work on the graduate level.

Spanish majors are taught by exemplary faculty who will encourage you to achieve proficiency and fluency in the spoken and written language;   become knowledgeable about Hispanic cultures, and to read with critical appreciation and enjoyment representative works of the principal authors of Spain and Latin America.

Faculty mentors will guide you select courses that will inspire you to explore the language, literature, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish majors are strongly advised to spend a semester or an academic year in a Spanish speaking country.

Interdisciplinary Major in Latin American and Latino Studies:

The major in Latin American and Latino Studies is designed to respond to the increasing interest in the societies of the region and to the need to understand the complexity of their history, political and economic systems, social structures, and literary and artistic expression. The history of the Latin American nations and the development of their distinctive identities, the struggle for independence, and the establishment of modern democracies offer a challenging range of areas to explore. The presence of Latin America within the United States in the Latino communities gives another dimension to the study.

Learn to enhance your ability to function effectively in an increasingly important commercial language locally, throughout the United States, and abroad. While developing geographic literacy and cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, you will develop skills to conduct successful business in Spanish. The Spanish major also encourages a stronger understanding and appreciation of Spanish art, and culture from Cervantes’ Don Quixote to Cien años de Soledad by Gabriel García Márquez. You will broaden your perspective through an immersion experience in Europe, Latin America, or in an area with Latino populations within the United States. Through these travels, you will learn more about significant issues facing Spanish-speaking countries and populations.

Language Placement Information

Program Contact

Maryanne L. Leone, Ph.D

Professor of Spanish, Department Chair, Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures
508-767-7126 Founders Hall - Room 220

An Ideal Place To Learn

100%
All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants
Students from 29 states and 21 countries
11:1
Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

  • The Major in Spanish is an integral part of traditional education in the liberal arts. The Spanish Major is designed to contribute to the cultural and intellectual formation of students, as well as to prepare them for teaching on the elementary or secondary level, and for work in social services, medical fields, law, criminology, and as interpreters, translators, or representatives in business or government, or for continued work on the graduate level. Spanish majors are expected to achieve proficiency and fluency in the spoken and written language, to become knowledgeable about Hispanic cultures, and to read with critical appreciation and enjoyment representative works of the principal authors of Spain and Latin America. The selection of courses in this major will be made in consultation with the advisor with a view to a complete formation in the language, literature, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. Spanish majors are strongly advised to spend a semester or an academic year in a Spanish-speaking country.

    Required Courses (10)

    A total of 10 major-level courses (those numbered 202 or higher) is required for a major. Students are expected to include language skills, literature, and culture study in their program. The following are the minimum around which an individual program of study should be developed. These must include at least

    A minimum of three courses numbered 210–299 and three courses at the 300-level.

    Students who are considering a major in Spanish are advised to fulfill the Introduction to Literature requirement by taking SPA 204.

    The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures accepts for credit from an approved study abroad program three courses (9 credits) per semester towards a major.

    All courses for the major must be in Spanish.

    Course Descriptions

  • Students minoring in Spanish must take a total of six one-semester courses (18 credits) at level SPA 201 or higher. At least one course must be taken at level SPA 210 or higher. All courses for the minor must be taught in Spanish.

    Note on Study Abroad Credit

    The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures accepts for credit from an approved study abroad program two courses (6 credits) per semester towards a minor. The same policies regarding the language in which the course is taught apply for courses abroad. Students must have courses approved by the chair of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures. Any exceptions to this policy will be reviewed and decided by the chair, in consultation with departmental faculty as the chair deems appropriate.

    Course Descriptions

  • Required Courses (10)

    The Major in Latin American and Latino Studies consists of 10 courses which include a minimum of three 300–400 level courses and a maximum of three in any single discipline selected from C and D. They are divided into five areas:

    LAS 200 Introduction to Latin American Studies

    Language: One course at level SPA 203 Spanish V: Conversational Spanish and Grammar Review, or above.

    Two courses, one course in each discipline, from the following: HIS 250 Colonial Latin American History HIS 251 Modern Latin American History SPA 231 Survey of Latin American Literature 172

    Five courses selected from:
    CLT 256 Latino Voices
    GEO 222 Regional Geography of South America
    HIS 250 Colonial Latin American History
    HIS 251 Modern Latin American History
    HIS 389 Special Topics in History (when topic is on Latin America)
    HIS 401 History Pro-Seminar (when topic is on Latin America)
    HIS 402 History Seminar (when topic is on Latin America)
    LAS 390 Internship
    LAS 395 Special Topics
    LAS 399 Independent Study
    MGT 301 Business and Society
    MGT 311 Diversity in the Work Force
    MUS 125 World Music
    SOC 216 Racial and Ethnic Relations
    SPA 200 Special Topics (when topic is on Latin America)
    SPA 204 Introduction to Literature-Spanish
    SPA 220 Spanish Composition
    SPA 225 Business Spanish: Management
    SPA 226 Business Spanish: Marketing
    SPA 231 Survey of Latin American Literature
    SPA 380 Latin American Chronicles
    SPA 384 Magical Realism and the Literature of the Fantastic
    SPA 400 Special Topics, when appropriate
    SOC 236 Social Justice in a Global Community
    Students may choose an elective from the following courses if the course has a substantive component on Latin America, and with the approval of the director
    ANT 131 Cultural Anthropology
    ECO 252 Economic Development
    ECO 353 International Trade
    ECO 354 International Finance
    GEO 251 Economic Geography
    LAS 400 Latin American Studies Seminar

    Note: Because of the interdisciplinary nature of this major, several courses fulfill Core requirements, thus allowing for a minor or double major. Students are encouraged to consider these options.

    Course Descriptions

Faculty

Maryanne L. Leone, Ph.D
Department Chair, Modern & Classical Languages Professor of Spanish Department Chair, Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures
Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Spanish
Arlene Guerrero-Watanabe, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Spanish
Dona Kercher, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita of Spanish and Film
Esteban Loustaunau, Ph.D.
Professor of Spanish Director of the SOPHIA Program Director of the Center for Purpose and Vocation

Experiential Learning

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.


Career Paths

Boston Public Schools

EMC Corporation

Grafton Public Schools

MassMutual Financial Group

Mellon Financial

Worcester Public Schools

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.


Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.


Programs Related to Spanish

French

Undergraduate

German

Undergraduate

Italian Studies

Undergraduate