Program Coordinator/Contact
José (Pepe) Álvarez, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Spanish
School of American and Global Studies
Wagner Hall 115, Box 2275
605-688-4273
Program Information
Learning one or more foreign languages is about much more than just grammar and structure of languages. To learn a language is to engage with the heritage of entire civilizations, as well as with the contemporary norms that structure societies’ politics, religions, identities, and workplace, in order to communicate more effectively. Furthermore, language study provides models for dealing with cultural differences that are applicable in any part of the world, including the U.S., taken together, courses offered in Spanish at SDSU prepare students with the skills to function and communicate effectively in any environment.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of the Spanish major, students should be able to:
- Speak, read and write Spanish at the Intermediate-High or Advanced level, developing solid competence in the language needed for everyday life and advanced narrative skills in the past, present, and future.
- Demonstrate understanding of and growth in the skills required for intercultural communication and competence and life-long learning.
- Identify the cultural perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world’s civilizations and their cultural products, such as literatures, arts, institutions, pop cultures, etc. and compare the cultural frames that determine everyday life in Spanish- speaking cultures and the U.S.
- Adapt behavior to a variety of cultural contexts through critical analysis of cultural frames.
- Articulate the value of their language and cultural studies and apply this knowledge in future employment.
Academic Requirements
Major Coursework
A minimum grade of “C” is required for a Spanish course to count towards the major or minor.
Placement
Students who have a background in modern language study before entering the University should take the Placement Examination to determine the appropriate course in which to enroll. Credit may be obtained for courses exempted upon completion of one course in the department, with a grade of “C” or better, and the payment of the established fee to the Testing Center. Please refer to Modern Language Credit under Policies & General Academic Information in the catalog for more detailed information.
Oral Proficiency Interview
An official Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) certified by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) is required of all students majoring in Spanish. A minimum ranking of Intermediate Mid is required for all Spanish Majors and Intermediate High for majors with a teaching specialization.
Course Delivery Format
The Spanish major offers a combination of face-to-face on campus and online courses every semester. During the summer term, we also offer faculty-led study abroad programs and non-faculty-lead internships abroad as well as online courses.
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