Degree Requirements
This major consists of at least 32 semester hours, including a capstone project.
Study abroad is encouraged since it allows for a full immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking culture.16 credits must be taken in the Program, including 4 credits upon their return.
A maximum of 4 credits from courses given in English may be credited toward the major, with the approval of the program director.
Notes on course sequencing depending on initial language level placement:
- Majors starting with SPAN 201 will complete all courses in the Linguistic Competence and SPAN 246 and SPAN 251 from the Professional Settings Competence categories.
- Students starting with SPAN 202 will also complete SPAN 245 and a minimum of two courses in the Professional Settings Competence category.
- All majors must complete at least three (3) courses from the Advanced Analytical and Cultural Competence category.
Linguistic Competence
Depending on your initial language level placement, complete one, two, or all three of the following courses. Prerequisites are SPAN 101 and SPAN 102.
Applied Spanish In Professional Settings Competence
Complete the following courses.
| SPAN 246 | Introduction to Spanish Translation for the Professions | 4 |
| SPAN 251 | Spanish for the Professions | 4 |
Advanced Analytical and Cultural Competence
Complete at least three of the following advanced courses.
| SPAN 270 | Contemporary Issues in Spain | 4 |
| SPAN 310 | Making of Spain: Studies in Spanish Culture | 4 |
| SPAN 312 | Introduction to Latin American Culture and Civilization | 4 |
| SPAN 314 | Hispanic Culture as Seen Through Film | 4 |
| SPAN 336 | Latin American Women Writers | 4 |
| SPAN 395 | Seminar: Special Topics in Spanish | 4 |
Capstone
All Applied Spanish majors will fulfill the capstone requirement with either an internship or a scholarly project.
- INTERNSHIP: Students will get practical experiential learning in internship settings. Students will write reports on their experiences related to Spanish and work on a final project related to their experiences during the semester.
- SCHOLARLY PROJECT: Students can opt for a capstone based on research about a topic related to the content of an advanced 300-level course. This option will be available for students interested in sharpening their analytical skills, working independently, and demonstrating knowledge of the subject matter.
Study Abroad
Students may be granted credit for the satisfactory completion of a prescribed program in duly recognized study abroad programs, provided each proposal is recommended and approved by the program or department concerned, the study-abroad advisor, and the administrative board. Upon return from study abroad, students are expected to complete at least 4 credits towards the major at Simmons. If considering language study, students should explore the options as early as possible to assure adequate preparation.
Honor Society
Outstanding students in Spanish may be named to Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish National Honor Society, through the Simmons University Chapter, Alpha Beta Tau, established in 2023.