Esteban Loustaunau, Ph.D., Director of Assumption University's Center for Purpose and Vocation discusses with students the exploration of vocation in its many forms — active, contemplative, creative, religious, social, communal, personal, and professional.
Undergraduate

Spanish

Enhance your career prospects and ability to engage meaningfully with people of Hispanic heritage in the United States and worldwide in a program that prioritizes a well-rounded education of language, culture, and history.

Why Study Spanish?

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States. As an integral part of a liberal arts education, the Spanish major is designed to inspire a deep appreciation of the cultural and historical significance of Spanish-speaking communities. As a Spanish major or minor, you will be 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 read and view with critical appreciation and enjoyment representative works of authors and filmmakers of Spain and Latin America.

Studying Spanish at Assumption

The Spanish program at Assumption 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, counseling, medical fields, law, criminology, and as interpreters, translators, or representatives in business or government, or for continued work on the graduate level.

By the time you graduate from the program, you can expect to have developed your oral and written language skills in the Spanish language, critical thinking skills, and understanding of the cultures and traditions of Spanish-speaking nations and populations.

Students have the option to include a study abroad experience in Spain or Latin America through partner programs. The department also awards a paid summer internship on campus in an English as a Second Language program for Argentinian high school students.

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

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

Program Curriculum

  • Spanish majors achieve advanced to superior proficiency and fluency in the spoken and written language, become knowledgeable about Hispanic cultures, and 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)

    Students enter the major at their placement level in the SPA 101-204 range and take courses progressively. Students are expected to include language skills, literature, and culture study in their program. After SPA 204: Introduction to Literature in Spanish, students take courses from the SPA 210-299 (at least one) and SPA 300-399 (at least one) ranges to complete 10 courses for the major. Students studying in health-related fields may take SPA 208: Spanish for the Health Professions instead of SPA 201 or 202 and they should take it before SPA 203. Students who place at SPA 202 or higher must take at least two SPA 300-399 courses. LAS 200: Introduction to Latin American Studies may count with permission of the department chair when 60% of the assignments are completed in Spanish. 

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

    All courses for the major must be in Spanish except as noted for LAS 200.

    Course Descriptions

  • Students minoring in Spanish must take a total of six one-semester courses (18 credits) beginning at their placement level. All courses for the minor must be taught in Spanish. LAS 200 is allowed with the department chair’s permission if the student completes 60% of the assignments in Spanish.

    NOTE ON STUDY ABROAD CREDIT

    The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures accepts 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 to 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

  • The minor 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.

Faculty

Maryanne L. Leone, Ph.D
Professor of Spanish Department Chair, Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures
Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D
Professor of Spanish
Arlene Guerrero-Watanabe, Ph.D
Associate Professor of Spanish
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 Spain to Costa Rica, 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

Students in the Spanish program have found careers in diverse settings.

Teachers

Counselors

Medical Translators

Physicians and Nurses

Dentists

Social Workers

Lawyers

Marketing Executives

Accountants

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