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.

Spanish Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: February 15

Degrees Offered

B.A.

School

D'Amour College of the Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures

Program Overview
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.

Program Contact

Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Spanish

508-767-7368 jgrijalv@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 218

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

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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

A minimum of 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.

All courses for the major must be in Spanish.

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Major in Spanish Course Descriptions
Students minoring in Spanish must take a total of six one-semester courses (18 credits), which can include SPA 104. The program must be planned with a departmental advisor. All courses for the minor must be 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
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in Spanish Course Descriptions

Major in Latin American and Latino Studies

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

ASK ME ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Faculty

Arlene Guerrero-Watanabe, Ph.D. Department Chair, Modern & Classical Languages Associate Professor of Spanish

Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Spanish

Dona Kercher, Ph.D. Professor of Spanish & Film Director of Latin American Studies

Maryanne Leone, 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

Nick Pezzote Adjunct Instructor

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?)

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I wanted to learn what it would be like to work in journalism, a field I’m very passionate about, and Assumption afforded me this opportunity. Professor O'Hara was a huge influence in my decisions. She believed in me and guided me towards my professional and personal goals.

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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.

Spanish Program

Learning goals:

Juan Carlos Grijalva, Ph.D.

An Ideal Place To Learn

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Required Courses (10)

Note on Study Abroad Credit

Required Courses (10)

Five courses selected from:

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

ASK ME ABOUT THIS PROGRAM

Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Career Paths

Assumption exposed me to new and exciting opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere.

I wanted to learn what it would be like to work in journalism, a field I’m very passionate about, and Assumption afforded me this opportunity. Professor O'Hara was a huge influence in my decisions. She believed in me and guided me towards my professional and personal goals.

Shining Their Light

Assumption exposed me to new and exciting opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible elsewhere.

I wanted to learn what it would be like to work in journalism, a field I’m very passionate about, and Assumption afforded me this opportunity. Professor O'Hara was a huge influence in my decisions. She believed in me and guided me towards my professional and personal goals.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

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

Related Programs

English

French

German

Italian Studies

Latin American and Latino Studies

Medieval and Early Modern Studies

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A Catholic university located in the heart of New England in Worcester, Massachusetts, Assumption University strives to form graduates known for their critical intelligence, thoughtful citizenship, and compassionate service.