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Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
It is tough to think of a more important language to learn than Spanish, or a better time to learn it. Spanish is a widely spoken, easy to learn, and essential language for today’s job market that can connect individuals from several foreign countries, including individuals here in the United States.
Whether it is to travel, conduct business domestically or abroad, explore Hispanic
art, cuisine, and history, teach students, or go into politics, speaking Spanish can
help open the door to exciting possibilities. Learning Spanish can help students and
graduates speak to large numbers of people, do business in rapidly growing markets,
and travel through countries using a single language.
Beyond language, learning about Hispanic people and their culture is the key to success
in connecting with communities in both the U.S. and Spanish-speaking countries. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish can provide an extensive knowledge about the
histories, cultures, societies, literature, and customs of the Spanish-speaking world,
as well as linguistic fluency of this popular and in-demand language.
A Spanish major provides students with an enriched view of the world as well as language skills that will prove useful in many professional occupations; many students choose to combine their Spanish studies with other areas to prepare for career opportunities in international business, government, travel, or communications, where knowledge of a foreign language and of foreign cultures is essential. With its emphases on research, writing, and both creative and analytical thought, a Spanish major prepares students for graduate studies in Spanish and to attend professional post-graduate schools, such as law, business, education, and medicine.
The mission of the Department of Languages and Culture at Albertus is to contribute
to the liberal learning and personal enrichment of students through emphasis on the
structure of a second language and literacy. This structure includes the basics of
listening, speaking, reading, writing, and gives students the opportunity to expand
communication techniques while learning about diverse cultures and countries.
Open the door to global and cultural proficiency with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
from Albertus Magnus College.
What Makes Spanish at Albertus Different?
Engaged
Students
- Hands-on, experiential learning
- Interdisciplinary perspectives
- Emphasis on collaborative work
Great
Teaching
- Personally invested professors
- Small class sizes
- Innovative, well-rounded programs
- Resources and opportunities for research
Vibrant
Communities
- Lively extracurricular activities
- Campus-wide events
- Service and community engagement
Successful
Outcomes
- Active career counseling
- Opportunity-building networks
- Access to internships and professional experiences
The Albertus Spanish Degree Program
As they explore and analyze major literary and critical works of the Spanish-speaking world, ranging from medieval times through the present, students are strongly encouraged to complement their coursework with a semester or summer experience abroad.
Studying abroad can give students the opportunity to put their skills to the test by being immersed in a Spanish-speaking country and culture, while making memories to last a lifetime. Albertus Magnus College is associated with many study abroad programs that provide students a variety of courses and internships to choose from. Students can have the option to study abroad in countries like Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Ecuador, and Spain.
Learn MoreThe Albertus Spanish Faculty
Where Will Your Spanish Degree take You?
Jobs for Spanish majors graduating from Albertus include the areas of education, law, civil service, journalism, publishing, business, and sport management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual salaries for language degree jobs average over $75,000.
Possible career paths with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish include:
Spanish Courses
In order to major in Spanish, students must successfully complete 30 credits beyond the elementary levels (FL 111S, FL 112S). Of these, at least 12 credits must be taken at the advanced 300 level. Students majoring in Spanish must take the Departmental Seminar during their senior year. Students pursuing teacher certification are required to take FL 391S and to arrange with the Education Programs Department for a teaching practicum in an area school in conjunction with this course.
| Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| FL 111S, 112S | Elementary Spanish I, II | Introduction to the basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Classes are structured to provide extensive oral practice in Spanish. FL 111S is a prerequisite for FL 112S. Offered annually. (3 credits each) |
| FL 211S, 212S | Intermediate Spanish I, II | A continuation of the study of the essentials of grammar and pronunciation, with continued emphasis on oral performance. Includes increased practice in composition and reading. Prerequisite: FL 111S, 112S or three units of high school Spanish. Offered annually. (3 credits each) |
| FL 230S | Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition | Intensive review of Spanish language structure with emphasis on composition and conversation. The course prepares students for more advanced study of Spanish and LatinAmerican cultures through extensive readings and in-class analysis. Generally offered annually. Prerequisite: FL 211S, 212S or equivalent. (3 credits) |
| FL 231S | Conversational Spanish | A course that builds students’ conversational skills in Spanish. While all four vital skills of language (speaking, listening, reading and writing) are targeted, the course emphasizes proficiency in oral communication skills. Students are required to practice Spanish through class discussions, presentations and reports. Prerequisite: FL 211S, 212S, two years of successful high school Spanish or the equivalent with permission of the instructor. Generally offered annually. (3 credits) |
| FL 244S | Spanish/Hispanic Civilization and Culture (in English) | A survey of key aspects of Spanish and Hispanic culture and civilization. Includes an examination of the contributions of Spanish-speaking writers, artists, and essayists to the formation of the modern Spanish-speaking world. Course may fulfill three of the six-credit language/culture requirement at Albertus. This course may be counted toward the Spanish major or minor by students who read translated texts in the original and do all writing in Spanish. Generally offered annually. (3 credits) |
| FL 290S | Independent Study | An individualized program of study at the advanced intermediate level. A variety of student-oriented projects is possible, such as an intensive audiotape program or directed readings. Prerequisite: Spanish proficiency and permission of Department chairperson. Hours and credits to be arranged. (3 credits) |
| FL 299S | Introduction to Latin American Literature | An introductory survey of Spanish and Latin American literature from medieval times to the present, including poetry, prose, and theater. Emphasis is on reading and literary techniques of interpretation and on familiarizing students with major works while building on Hispanic cultural literacy. The course prepares students for more advanced study of Spanish culture. Prerequisite: FL 230S, the equivalent, or permission from the instructor. Generally offered on the basis of student needs and interest. (3 credits) |
| FL 340S | Latin American Literature to Modernismo | An exploration of works of literature from the Spanish conquest to the late nineteenth century, with attention paid to the impact of colonialism on the present Spanish-speaking world. Major figures studied include Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Garcilaso de la Vega (El Inca), as well as the rise of Romanticism in Spanish America. Prerequisite: FL 299S or permission of the instructor. Generally offered on the basis of student needs and interest.(3 credits) |
| FL 341S | Masters of Latin American Literature | A study of the major works of Latin American literature from modernismo, through the “Boom” and the contemporary period. Students learn of the rise of independent forms of cultural expression from the diverse genres of poetry, prose, and theater. Writers studied include Rubén Darío, José Martí, Jorge Luis Borges, Alfonsina Storni, Juan Rulfo, Gabriel García Márquez, Julio Cortázar, Carlos Fuentes, and Antonio Skármeta. Prerequisite: FL 299S or permission of the instructor. Generally offered on the basis of student needs and interest. (3 credits) |
| FL 352S | Medieval/Golden Age Spanish Literature | A study of significant aspects of medieval and Golden Age Spanish literature and culture. Major works studied include, but are not limited to, the anonymous Cantar de mío Cid, Don Juan Manuel’s Conde Lucanor, Calderon’s La vida es sueño, and excerpts from Cervantes. Special attention is given to the role of misogyny in early modern culture, as well as the significant contributions of Muslims and Jews to the formation of Spanish culture. Prerequisite: FL 299S or permission of the instructor. Generally offered on the basis of student needs and interest. (3 credits) |
| FL 354S | Special Topics in Latin American Literature | A study of significant areas of Hispanic culture through the exploration of a particular theme rather than genre or period. Topics ranging from year to year may include Women Writers of Latin America, Poetry and Politics, Social Drama, Creolization and Literature in the Caribbean. May be repeated for credit if topics differ. Occasionally offered in translation for non-Spanish majors. Prerequisite: FL 299S or permission of the instructor. (3 credits) |
| FL 390S | Independent Study | An individualized program of study at the upper level. A variety of student-oriented projects is possible, including directed readings or individual research. Prerequisite: Spanish proficiency and permission of the Department chairperson. Hours and credits to be arranged. (3 credits) |
| FL 391S | Practicum | Supervised practical experience. With the approval of the Department’s chairperson, a limited number of students may be placed in a variety of positions where the student’s principal activity centers on communication in Spanish. Suggested practica may include teaching practice at area schools or business internships with a focus on Spanish language usage. Student minors in Spanish are strongly encouraged to do a practicum. Prerequisite: 18 credit-hours in Spanish and permission of the Department chairperson. Hours and credits to be arranged. (3 credits) |
| FL 395 | Departmental Seminar | An integrated study of a particular theme, topic, or genre. Possible topics include the Renaissance in Spain, Existentialism in the Contemporary Novel, Cervantes and the Rise of the Novel, among others. Prerequisite: Spanish proficiency and permission of the Department chairperson. (3 credits) |
Students in other departments are invited to pursue a minor in Spanish as an additional subfield of specialization. In order to fulfill the minor, students must complete a minimum of 18 credits in Spanish, including 6 credits in each of the 200 and 300 level courses.
Students in other departments are invited to pursue a minor in Spanish as an additional subfield of specialization. In order to fulfill the minor, students must complete a minimum of 18 credits (in English or in Spanish) from the departmental course offerings, including 6 credits in each of the 200 and 300 level courses.
Interested in learning more about the diverse courses offered at Albertus?
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