Spanish, B.A.

The culture and literary traditions of Spain, the growing interest in the politics, culture, and commerce of Latin America, the proximity of Mexico, and the presence of a large Spanish-speaking population in California and the University’s service area all contribute to the shaping of the curriculum of the Spanish program and provide excellent reasons for the study of Spanish. The Spanish program offers a full range of courses in language, literature, and culture, as well as interdisciplinary concentrations. Courses taken abroad in the CSU International Programs, may be counted toward the major or minor, with the exception of SPAN 490 and SPAN 491 (at least one of which must be taken in residence at SSU).

Spanish Placement Evaluation

Students are encouraged to have a placement evaluation. Please see a program advisor for proper course placement.

Program Learning Outcomes

Specific Learning Objectives include the following:

Receptive Skills: Listening and Reading Comprehension
Students shall demonstrate listening and reading comprehension at a level sufficient to understand authentic speech and written texts in a variety of situations and contexts at a level equivalent to the advanced level in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
Productive Skills: Speaking and Writing
Students shall speak and write on a variety of topics in diverse situations and contexts, academic and non-academic, at a level equivalent to the advanced level in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
Knowledge of Culture
Students shall study the art, geography, history, and social structures of the Spanish-speaking world, including within the United States.
Cultural Competence
Students shall be able to function effectively and in a manner considered culturally appropriate within the target culture.
Attitudes Toward Culture
Students learn to respect and understand the customs, traditions, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world within and outside of the U.S.
Understanding of Literature
Students shall learn to distinguish specific characteristics of literary genres, movements, and styles in the literary productions of the Spanish-speaking world.
Analysis of Literature
Students shall learn to analyze and interpret literary works as well as to be able to conduct basic research (within the discipline as well as inter-disciplinarily).
Nature of Language
Students shall understand linguistic characteristics of language, its acquisition, and its use, either as heritage language learners or as second language learners.
Analysis of the Target Language
Students shall learn to analyze Spanish using a linguistic approach in order to be able to conduct basic research (within the discipline as well as inter-disciplinarily).
Pragmatic Competence
Students shall be able to use target language effectively and in a manner considered appropriate to social registers and discourse levels for both heritage and non-heritage learners.
Information Competence
Students shall be proficient in the use, analysis, and evaluation of recorded information, including both print and digital materials.

Degree Requirements

See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Lower-Division Spanish Courses

These courses are prerequisites for the upper-division courses in the major and minor. Some or all of these courses or their equivalents may be waived by virtue of prior language study, courses in transfer, or placement in higher level courses.

SPAN 101 - Basic Spanish, First Semester Unit(s): 4
SPAN 102 - Basic Spanish, Second Semester Unit(s): 4
SPAN 201 - Intermediate Spanish, 1st Semester Unit(s): 4
SPAN 202 - Intermediate Spanish, 2nd Semester Unit(s): 4

Electives

SPAN 150 - Elementary Conversation Unit(s): 2
SPAN 250 - Intermediate Conversation Unit(s): 2

Major Requirements

For the major, students must complete SPAN 300 or SPAN 300H , SPAN 301 , SPAN 304 , SPAN 305 , SPAN 306 , SPAN 307 , and three classes at the 400 level, at least one of which must be SPAN 490 or SPAN 491 (490 or 491 must be taken in residence at SSU):

SPAN 300 - Advanced Spanish Language Unit(s): 4
SPAN 300H - Advanced Spanish Language for Native/Heritage Speakers Unit(s): 4
SPAN 301 - Advanced Composition and Conversation Unit(s): 4
SPAN 304 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics Unit(s): 4
SPAN 305 - Introduction to Literature Unit(s): 4
SPAN 306 - Cultures of Spain Unit(s): 4
SPAN 307 - Cultures of Latin America Unit(s): 4

Plus, any two of the following courses:

SPAN 400 - Special Topics in Linguistics Unit(s): 4
SPAN 401 - Authors of Spain Unit(s): 4
SPAN 402 - Latin American Literature Unit(s): 4
SPAN 410 - Spanish Translation, Theory, and Practice Unit(s): 4
SPAN 427 - Spanish Teaching Methodologies Unit(s): 4

Plus, either:

SPAN 490 - Seminar in Linguistics Unit(s): 4
SPAN 491 - Seminar in Literature Unit(s): 4

Plus, Additional Language Requirment

All students obtaining a B.A. in Spanish shall take at least one course in a language other than English or Spanish.

Units

Total Lower-Division units: 16-20

Total units in the major: 39

Program Roadmaps

Sample Four-Year Program

Spanish, B.A.

Note: If students have already completed lower-division classes (or equivalents) before arriving at SSU, they can begin taking advanced-level courses as soon as desired and could take fewer classes per semester than indicated in this plan. In addition to the four-year graduation plan specified, students pursuing the bachelor of arts in Spanish may also elect a five- or six-year plan. Please consult with a Spanish program advisor.