Spanish

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A major in world languages prepares the conscientious student for graduate school, teaching, international business, the travel industry, social work, foreign missions, and work in volunteer agencies such as the Peace Corps and Doctors Without Borders. Language majors are encouraged to take advantage of the many study abroad opportunities offered by Georgetown College. A language major or minor is also a valuable complement to other majors such as political science, business, computer science, music, art, english, history, biology, and theatre.

Majors and minors are offered in French, German, and Spanish. MCLC also offers a German Studies major. Majors, minors, and general education students reach different levels of proficiency; however, in accordance with guidelines from the Common European Framework (CEF), and more specifically with the national guidelines (5Cs) from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), all world language students at Georgetown College will:

  • Communicate in languages other than English;
  • Gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, including their art, film, literature, history, music, etc.;
  • Connect with other disciplines;
  • Make comparisons to other languages and develop insights into the nature of language and culture;
  • Participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world.

Students with two years of Spanish at the high school level desiring to continue in the same language must enroll in the 102-level course, or they may take the placement exam to attempt to place into 201. Those with more than two years of high school study in Spanish are required to take a placement exam to determine placement in 102 or higher.

Students who have successfully completed 200 level courses will not be allowed to take 100 level courses; nor will students who have successfully completed 300 or 400 level courses be allowed to take 100 level courses or SPA 201. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the departmental chair. (This policy applies to students who have taken language courses at Georgetown or another college or university.)

Major

(B.A. degree) Thirty-six hours required in Spanish above SPA 102 to include the following: SPA 230 and SPA 235 (or the equivalent), plus 27 hours at the 300 or 400 level, 3 hours of which must be a 400 level literature or topics course. Majors are expected to reach the Advanced Level in accordance with ACTFL guidelines, B2.1.2 CEF.

Spanish Major Leading to Teacher Certification

Thirty-nine hours required above the 102 level to include the following: SPA 230 and SPA 235 (or the equivalent), SPA 310, SPA 312, SPA 402, plus 21 hours at the 300 or 400 level, 3 hours of which must be a 400 level literature or topics course. Those seeking certification in teaching are strongly encouraged to enroll in SPA 320, SPA 322, and SPA 435. Students seeking certification in teaching are expected to reach an Advanced Plus level in accordance with ACTFL guidelines, B2.2 in accordance with CEF.

All prospective majors who start with 101 are encouraged to study abroad in order to complete the program in four years.

Minor

Eighteen hours required above SPA 102. Minors are expected to reach an Intermediate High level in accordance with ACTFL guidelines, B2.1 in accordance with CEF. SPA 402 will not count towards the minor.

Courses

101-102. Elementary Spanish I and II. (3 hours each) Development of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and culture. Communicative skills will be emphasized. One hour of lab per week required. ACTFL level of novice-mid for SPA 101 and level of novice-high for SPA 102. Fall and Spring

201. Intermediate Spanish. (3 hours) Continued development of the four language skills plus culture (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Communicative skills will be emphasized. One hour of lab per week required. Prerequisite: SPA 102 or by placement exam. ACTFL level of intermediate-low. Fall and Spring

230. Intensive Grammar/Composition. (3 hours) Designed to improve proficiency in all four language skills with an emphasis on grammar. Prerequisite: SPA 201 or evidence of proficiency. ACTFL level of intermediate-mid. Fall and Spring

235. Introduction to Hispanic Literature: Reading/Conversation. (3 hours) Development of reading comprehension and introduction to literary criticism through the study and discussion of literary, historical and cultural texts. ACFTL level of intermediate-high. Prerequisite: Spanish 230 or permission of the instructor. Fall and Spring

310. Spanish Civilization and Culture. (3 hours) A study of the various aspects of Spanish culture such as the arts, music, leisure activities, geography, political structures, and the main events of Spanish history. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Even Falls

312. Hispanic American Civilization/Culture. (3 hours) A study of the various aspects of Spanish American culture such as the arts, music, leisure activities, geography, political structures, and the main events of Hispanic American history. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Odd Falls

314. Latino Civilization/Culture. (3 hours) A study of Latino civilization and culture through literary historical and cultural texts. Major issues and challenges to the Latino population will be addressed; in addition, students will learn of the contributions made by Latinos to U.S. culture. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Even Falls

320. Survey of Spanish Literature. (3 hours) A study of prominent authors and works from the 12th through the 21st centuries. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Odd Springs

322. Survey of Hispanic American Literature. (3 hours) A study of prominent authors and works from the 15th through the 21st centuries. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Even Springs

324. Spanish American Short Story. (3 hours) A study of the principal authors and representatives examples of the Spanish American short story. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Odd Springs

327. Hispanic Film. (3 hours) A study of major Hispanic films, directors, and actors and their contributions to cinematic art. Within the framework of history, culture, and politics the course develops a deeper understanding of the Spanishspeaking world. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Odd Falls

329. Hispanic Women Writers. (3 hours) This course will give students broad knowledge about Hispanic women writers from various countries and time periods. The course covers different literary genres (narrative, theatre, poetry) and discusses numerous themes and issues faced by women. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Even Falls

340. Independent Study. (1, 2, 3 hours) As needed

355. Business Spanish. (3 hours) A study of language and cultural practices as related to the world of business and/or other professional activities. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Even Springs

370. Topics in Hispanic Language/Culture/Literature. (3 hours) Study of special
topics announced at advanced registration. As needed

402. Teaching of World Languages. (3 hours) Methods and materials for the teaching of world languages. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Fall as needed

420. Spanish Literature of the Golden Age. (3 hours) A study of prominent authors and/or writings from the IXV and XVII centuries in Spain, the golden age of Spanish literature. Prerequisite: Any 300 level SPA course, or instructor’s permission. Even Springs

431. Caribbean Literature. (3 hours) The objective of this course is to explore the history, culture, and experience of the Hispanic Caribbean by means of various artistic and literary genres. A series of concepts and techniques are used to augment the aesthetic appreciation, bibliographic knowledge, and cultural and linguistic command of the student. It will investigate the concept of “caribeñidad” within the framework of Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, and its repercussions in the United States, Hispanic America, and Spain. Prerequisites: any 300 level SPA course or permission of instructor. Odd Springs

435. Advanced Grammar. (3 hours) A study of advanced grammatical structures of the Spanish language. Emphasis will be placed on skills required to reach ACTFL advanced level. Prerequisite: any 300 level SPA course, or instructor’s permission. Even Falls

440. Independent Study. (1, 2, or 3 hours) As needed

450. Seminar. (3 hours) As needed

470. Topics. (1, 2, or 3 hours) Cervantes, Literature of the “Boom”, Hispanic Testimonial Literature, Spanish Post-War Literature, or Spanish Modernity, 1700-1898. Prerequisite: Any 300 level SPA course, or instructor’s permission. Odd Falls