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The Spanish Studies program offers several concentrations in the Spanish Major for students interested in different aspects of the language, culture, and literature. The foundation of success in Spanish Studies is proficiency in the language. Each major concentration, therefore, begins after students have demonstrated high intermediate to advanced competency in Spanish by either completing language courses for second language learners (SPN 1120-SPN 3400) or by completing language courses designed for Heritage Speakers (SPN 2342 and 3343) or by proving native-speaker competency (High School or College diploma from a Spanish Speaking country). AP exam credits can also certify more advanced language proficiency and can count toward degrees.
To understand your options and opportunities in Spanish Studies, please visit each of the following links and see a Spanish Program advisor:
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| Spanish Language Program |
Students interested in acquiring proficiency in the Spanish language may begin their studies at any appropriate point in the curriculum, depending on individual experience and aptitude. We offer a placement test in the FLMC (GS 206) to help students decide which course is the right place to start. Our courses are taught by experienced faculty and well-trained and supervised graduate students. Classes at all levels are taught in Spanish and require consistent participation in class. Classes combine language study with exploration of the exciting cultures of the Spanish speaking world and are complemented by the latest technology for second language learning, including electronic workbooks and video activities in our Foreign Language Media Center (FLMC).
Heritage speakers of Spanish may take specially-designed courses for the improvement of their formal skills in speaking, writing, and reading. “Heritage” students are those who have been exposed to the language at home in informal situations or who may have spent significant time living in Spanish speaking countries but are not completely proficient in the language. Heritage speaker skills vary according to the individual and students should seek advising from the Spanish Language Program professors as to what level is most appropriate.
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Students should choose one of the following sequences:
Spanish for Second Language Learners
or
Spanish for Heritage Speakers |
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Spanish Majors |
Students interested in advanced study of the language, culture, and literature, should acquire the Spanish major, which is a universally recognized credential that certifies professional-level proficiency in the language and advanced cultural competency in relations with Spanish speaking peoples and countries. The major is a 30-45 credit program, depending on individual circumstances. The major can be easily combined with other majors in the university as a “second major.”
Professional Concentrations within the Spanish major can be designed to suit student interests and professional ambitions. Students may choose from one of the following tracks:
Spanish Literary and Cultural Studies
Spanish for the Professions
Translation Studies |
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Spanish Literary and Cultural Studies |
This track prepares students for a career in teaching, graduate studies, literary publishing, international relations, and social welfare, among others, by providing students with advanced study of the linguistic and cultural heritage of Spanish speaking countries. In addition to developing skills in literary analysis and appreciation, advanced writing and composition, and critical thinking, students develop a more profound cultural competency that is needed in myriad careers that cross borders. Literature classes are taught in the context of cultural histories, while culture and civilization classes expose students to the exciting world of Spanish and Latin American film, dance, music, architecture, art, and popular culture. Students’ writing skills are honed in advanced composition classes, as well as in literary surveys. Advanced Spanish linguistics classes serve to develop a deeper appreciation of, and greater proficiency in, the Spanish language. Almost all classes are conducted exclusively in Spanish, providing ample opportunity to practice language skills. (Requirement checklist) |
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Spanish for the Professions |
This track prepares students for a career in one of the many professions in which bilingual proficiency and cultural competency is needed, including international business, law, engineering, information systems, medical services, international relations, and criminal justice. Students take courses in general language and culture, in order to acquire advanced proficiency or polish their “Heritage” language skills. In addition, they choose to take the various “Spanish for the Professions” courses we offer, including Business Spanish, Translation, Medical Spanish, and Legal Spanish. This preparation affords the student a practical foundation for professional use of the Spanish language, including advanced writing skills, formal presentation skills in Spanish, technical translation skills, and advanced cultural competency. Almost all classes are conducted exclusively in Spanish, providing ample opportunity to practice language skills. (Requirement checklist) |
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Translation Studies |
This track prepares students for a career in translation, in which bilingual competency in both Spanish and English is needed. Students take a range of advanced courses on a variety of topics in order to acquire a diverse set of specialized vocabularies, in addition to specialized courses on the art and skill of translation. In addition to advanced courses in Spanish, students are required to complete credits in advanced English composition and linguistics. The goal is to produce a truly “bi-lingual” professional with cross-cultural competency and specific translation skills. Students interested in adding a third language to their major track, for example, French, German, or Italian, can do so by taking the appropriate advanced courses in those languages in our department. (Requirement checklist) |
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Spanish Minors |
Students wishing to add a minor to one of their majors, can do so by earning up to 18 credits in Spanish. While the minor does not signal the same level of advanced competency in language and culture as does the major, it is a credential that certifies the student has concentrated studies in Spanish through the high intermediate level and has some exposure to the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Minors are recommended for those students who cannot fit in the demands of a second major or who wish to use their university electives to concentrate in acquiring second language or Heritage language skills. (Requirement checklist) |
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Study Abroad Programs in Spanish |
Students are encouraged to study in a Spanish-speaking country during their career at FAU. We sponsor several FAU programs students can choose from, including the Andean Cultural Studies program in Ecuador and the Spanish Cultural Studies program in Madrid, Spain. Both undergraduate and graduate students can earn credits toward their degrees while enjoying and learning from the fascinating cross-cultural experiences of living and studying in a different country. Students can study for a summer session or for a semester or a full year abroad.
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