BA in Spanish
39 units
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and Los Angeles is one of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking cities. There is a growing need for people with linguistic and cultural skills to work in increasingly globalized communities. Indeed, a recent study stated that bilingual speakers earn 10-15 percent more than those who speak only English. The Spanish program is designed to fill this need. It works well as a double-major, with low unit requirements and high compatibility with many career paths. It equips business professionals, healthcare professionals, community workers, journalists—anyone interested in other cultures—to thrive in the diversity of our planet.
The Spanish major at Azusa Pacific University offers opportunities to serve in local Spanish-speaking communities through internships and hands-on coursework, or to study away through various international programs. All courses offered in the department are offered within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and are designed to contribute to a Christian liberal arts education.
Mission Statement
The Spanish program guides student development in Spanish conversation, develops reading and compositional skills, introduces major Spanish-language literary works, heightens cultural sensitivity, and encourages creative and reflective thinking with respect to the history and civilization of Hispanic countries, all to better serve God through service to others.
Off-campus Study
As part of the Spanish language learning experience, Spanish majors and minors are strongly encouraged to study away for one term. Students may choose to participate in study away programs offered by the Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages or other available programs. In all cases, students must consult with a department advisor for their classes prior to enrollment and departure. Credit earned through these programs applies to the degree.
Career Opportunities
In addition to teaching, countless public contact fields may require some proficiency in Spanish. Disaster specialists, translators/interpreters, import/export managers, diplomats, customs inspectors, immigration inspectors, social/medical services, speech pathologists, law enforcement, international finance and banking, international student advisors, pastors/ministers, and the rapidly expanding world of international business—these fields and many others increasingly seek candidates who possess Spanish language ability and cultural sensitivity as valuable career skills. For students who have studied foreign languages in high school and desire to advance, a Spanish major or minor enables them to acquire the language and culture skills appropriate to a variety of public service and business applications.
Requirements
The actual number of units for the Spanish major may be reduced. See note 1 below. We strongly encourage Spanish majors to complete one study term abroad. Students in the Spanish major must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all university coursework.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 30 | |
| Elementary Spanish I 1, 2 | ||
| Elementary Spanish II 1, 2 | ||
| Intermediate Spanish I F | ||
| Intermediate Spanish II S | ||
| Writing 3: Survey of the Literature of the Spanish-Speaking World 3, S | ||
| Writing 2: Writing for the Humanities in Spanish 4, S | ||
| Conversational Skills | 3 | |
| Select one from the following: | ||
| Intermediate Conversation and Writing Abroad (abroad in a Spanish-speaking country) | ||
| Spanish Conversation and Community 5, F | ||
| Spanish for Heritage Speakers F | ||
| Advanced Language-Study Practicum (abroad in a Spanish-speaking country) | ||
| Electives | 6 | |
| Select two from the following list. A course taken to meet the above courses may not also count for elective credit. | ||
| The Chicano(a)/Latino(a) Experience 6 | ||
| Transforming Leadership: Ethnic Studies and Latinx Christian Practice | ||
| Cultural History/Travel Study (If taken with a pre-approved study away program) 6 | ||
| Latinx Psychology | ||
| Advanced Language-Study Practicum (abroad in a Spanish-speaking country) | ||
| History and Civilization of the Spanish-speaking World | ||
| Literary Masters 7, F | ||
| Politics and Society in Latin America 8, OS | ||
| Public Speaking in Spanish 9, OF | ||
| Spanish Applied Linguistics EF | ||
| Spanish Language Pedagogy | ||
| Internship | ||
| Special Topics in Spanish (may be repeated for credit) ES | ||
| Readings | ||
| Luke/Acts through a Latinx Lens 10 | ||
| Total Units | 39 | |
- 1
- See General Education Requirements page. Students who are native speakers of Spanish or have 3-4 years of high school Spanish should take the Spanish placement or CLEP exam, then consult with an advisor before entering intermediate or upper-division work. A CLEP score of 50 waives SPAN 101 and SPAN 102. A CLEP score of 63 also waives SPAN 201. A CLEP score of 74 also waives SPAN 202.
- 2
Meets the General Education Foreign Language requirement.
- 3
Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.
- 4
Meets the General Education Writing 2 requirement.
- 5
Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.
- 6
Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.
- 7
Meets the General Education Humanities: Literature requirement.
- 8
Meets the General Education Civic Knowledge and Engagement requirement.
- 9
Meets the General Education Oral Communication requirement.
- 10
Meets the General Education Luke/Acts requirement.
| F | Offered in Fall only |
| S | Offered in Spring only |
| F/S | Offered in both Fall and Spring terms |
| EF | Offered in Fall in even years |
| ES | Offered in Spring in even years |
| OF | Offered in Fall in odd years |
| OS | Offered in Spring in odd years |