Georgetown College
Spanish
Associate Professor Emily Stow (MCLC Chair);
Associate Professors Adela Borrallo-Solis (Coordinator),
Laura Hunt, Sara Maria Rivas; and Assistant Professor Adam Glover
Contact the Department
Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Cultures
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
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 or more of high school Spanish (level II or higher) de-siring to continue in Spanish must take the Spanish placement test in order to determine placement in SPA 115, 102, 201 or above. SPA 101 credit will not be given to students who have completed two years or more (level II or higher) of high school Spanish.
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, SPA 235, and a minimum of 27 hours at the 300 or 400 level, three hours of which must be a 400-level literature or topics course. Majors are expected to reach the Advanced-Mid 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, SPA 235, SPA 310, SPA 312, SPA 402, and a minimum of 21 hours at the 300 or 400 level, three 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-High 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.
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. ACTFL level of Novice-Mid for SPA 101 and level of Novice-High for SPA 102. Fall and Spring
115. Intensive Elementary Spanish. (3 hours) Intensive review of the fundamentals of Spanish designed for students who have already developed a basic command of the language but are not fully prepared for SPA 102. Communicative skills will be emphasized through the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and culture. At least two years of high school Spanish is required. ACTFL level of Novice-High. 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. 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-Mid. 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 his-tory. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Odd Falls
314. U.S. Latino Civilization/Culture. (3 hours) A study of Latino civilization in the United States 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 Spanish-speaking 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
333. Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics. (3 hours) An introduction to the historical development of the Spanish language and five other areas of Hispanic Linguistics: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and sociolinguistics. Prerequisites: SPA 230 and 235, or permission of instructor. Even Springs
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. Taught in English. SPA 402 only counts for the Spanish Major Leading to Teacher Certification. It will not count towards the major or minor. 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
| AREA | EMPLOYERS | STRATEGIES |
|---|---|---|
GOVERNMENT | ||
|
| Learn federal, state and local job application procedures. Plan to attend a specialized school that teaches foreign languages. Join armed forces as a way to get experience. The government is one of the largest employers of people with foreign language skills. |
ARTS, MEDIA, ENTERTAINMENT | ||
|
| Learn about the customs and culture of the country in which your language of study is primarily spoken. Spend time studying or working abroad. Read international newspapers to keep up with developments overseas. |
INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE | ||
|
| Supplement coursework with business classes. Gain experience through an internship or work abroad program. Find out which companies do business with the countries in which your language of study is spoken. Be prepared to start in a position in the US working for a firm with an overseas presence. Very few entry-level positions are available in international business. |
TRAVEL AND TOURISM | ||
|
| Take courses in hotel/restaurant administration. Get a part-time job in a hotel or restaurant to gain experience. Spend some time abroad to learn the traditions of fine dining, wines, etc. Brush up on your knowledge of geography. Plan to attend a travel school. Develop office skills such as typing, organizing, and working with computers. Read international newspapers to keep up with overseas developments. |
INTERPRETATION/TRANSLATION | ||
|
| Develop a “near perfect” knowledge of a second language. Seek out any opportunity to converse with native speakers to better learn the language. Gain experience through internships or volunteering. Learn a third language for great job opportunities. Develop aptitude with computers and the Internet. Most people who work in this field freelance. Freelancers who have expertise in a particular area such as law or medicine may find more opportunities. Seek certification or accreditation from an interpretation/translation organization. |
SERVICE AND EDUCATION | ||
|
| Obtain state teacher licensure for K-12 teaching. Develop superior written and oral communication skills in the English language including proper sentence structure and comprehensive vocabulary. Notify local hospitals, schools, and chambers of commerce of your availability to translate or interpret for international visitors. Minor or double major in another subject that you could also teach. Consider teaching English in another country. Service and Education. Obtain a graduate degree for college or university teaching opportunities. Get experience by becoming a teaching assistant or tutor. Be familiar with the cultural base of your language (literature, art, politics, etc.) as well as with cultural traditions. Specialize in an area of research. Plan to take both written and oral examinations to become an interpreter. Get a part-time job teaching English as a second language. Volunteer with government programs such as Peace Corps or VISTA. |
General Information About Foreign Language Studies, Including German
- Choose an additional academic area of study to supplement the foreign language, preferably one that requires a high degree of technical skill. Most people with foreign language ability use those skills to assist them in a different career field such as business, education, etc.
- Related courses to study include geography, history, civilization, foreign relations, international law, and world economics.
Decide and choose which language is necessary for your career. Decide the level of foreign language ability you will need to acquire for success in your career. Possible languages to study: Spanish, German, French, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Hebrew, Arabic and Portuguese. - Plan to attend a private language institute to learn additional languages and cultures.
- Travel to a foreign country or study abroad in international exchange programs to learn different cultures.
- Study and practice your foreign language skills by reading foreign newspapers, magazines and books.
- Watch foreign movies and listen to foreign broadcasts to maintain your fluency.
- Volunteer your language skills to churches, community organizations and programs that work with people who speak your target language.
- Participate in summer programs, co-ops, and internships to improve your skills.
- Pen pal with a correspondent from a foreign country.
- Contact professional associations and read their publications to learn about job opportunities.
- Research job postings on the Internet to get an idea of jobs in which knowledge of a foreign language is useful.
Helpful Links
- Foreign Policy Association Student Corner
- English as a Second Language
- Overseas Jobs
- Bilingual Jobs
- American Translators Association
- The Riley Guide International Resources
- Lat Pro
- Trabajos (in Spanish)
- Peace Corps
- Flight Attendant from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Teachers-Postsecondary from the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer