Western’s Spanish Program allows its majors to study the language, literature, and culture of Spain and Spanish-speaking countries. Graduates of the Spanish Program are expected to have an understanding of and proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening to Spanish; to be acquainted with the phonology of modern Spanish dialects and to explore the sound system; to be able to read, discuss, critique, and appreciate the literary value of Hispanic literature; and to be familiar with and appreciate Hispanic civilization and culture.
The Standard Major prepares students for positions with the federal government or major corporations concerned with international business. They are also prepared for a variety of other positions, such as court interpreters, hotel managers in resort areas, and teachers.
The Secondary Licensure Emphasis qualifies students for the State of Colorado Licensure in Spanish Education.
Program Goals
The Spanish Program at Western abides by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) for learning objectives, which are organized by speaking, writing, listening and writing. Proficiency guidelines are available at the Distinguished, Superior, Advanced, Immediate and Novice levels of each objective and are available at this ACTFL website.
Capstone Course Requirement
The following course in the Spanish Major fulfills the capstone course requirement: SPAN 494 Capstone Experience.
Spanish Courses
An introduction to essentials of the Spanish language: comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Reserved for students with less than two years of high school Spanish, or a WebCAPE score of 269 or lower.
A course to develop oral proficiency and writing skills in Spanish. Focuses on structure and vocabulary, emphasizing both speaking and listening, as well as basic writing skills within the Spanish language. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, or WebCAPE score of 509 or higher, or instructor permission.
A focus on Hispanic identities in an era of globalization. Topics such as linguistic diversity, role, status, attitudes, policies, and history of Spanish-speaking communities are studied. Conducted in English.
A course to develop oral proficiency and writing skills in Spanish as applied to business settings and global marketplace. Marketing and other business-related terminology will also be covered. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or WebCAPE score of 509 or higher, or instructor permission.
A course to develop oral proficiency and writing skills in Spanish as applied to medical and social services settings. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 202 or WebCAPE score of 509 or higher, or instructor permission.
An introduction to the general trends of Latin American civilization, culture and the national character, as expressed in everyday life in the various countries of Latin America. Includes pre-Columbian history to the present. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, or WebCAPE score of 509 or higher, or instructor permission.
A study of the Spanish language and its main components. Topics may include phonology, phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics, sociolinguistics, and Spanish in the U.S. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or WebCAPE score of 509 or higher, or instructor permission.
An introduction to past and current methods of teaching a foreign language, as well as to develop an understanding of proficiency and a synthesis of sound language-teaching practices. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 350 or instructor permission.
A course designed to give students the opportunity to develop their oral proficiency through discussion and presentations. In addition, consideration is given to composition, using tasks that reflect the type of academic work generally asked of Spanish majors and minors, analysis and classification, argumentation, definition, exposition, comparison and contrast, and cause and effect. Prerequisite: SPAN 270 or instructor permission.
Students read authentic Hispanic literature concentrating on details such as style, point of view, theme, and symbolism rather than simply reading for comprehension. Students read works by authors from Spain and Latin America with emphasis on works from major literary movements and styles. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 202, or WebCAPE score of 509 or higher, or instructor permission.
A course of individual research and study about topics in Spanish. Prerequisite: six credits of Spanish beyond SPAN 102; or instructor permission.
An advanced literary analysis course with readings from Spanish literature from pre-Columbian times to the early 19th century. Genres may include poetry, narrative, essay and drama in Spanish. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 385 or instructor permission.
The study of Hispanic literature and culture as represented through film. Topics may include contemporary Spanish-speaking filmmakers, critical thinking, interpretation, speaking, and higher level writing skills. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 385 or instructor permission.
A study of literature written by Hispanics living in the United States and literature written in Spanish-speaking countries that revolve around Hispanics living in the U.S., immigration issues, and associated topics. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 385 or instructor permission.
A study of important twentieth century texts from Spain and Latin America. Readings may include contemporary short stories, novels, and poetry. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 385 or instructor permission.
A study of the correct, and incorrect, native patterns of Spanish pronunciation. Topics may include articulatory phonetics, phonology, phonetic analysis, and phonetic transcription. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 350 or instructor permission.
A study of the structures of words (morphology) and their customary arrangement in phrases and sentences (syntax) of the Spanish language. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPAN 350 or instructor permission.
A course where the students develop critical and linguistic awareness about the relationship between language, individual, and society, in the context of the use of Spanish in the U.S. Conducted in Spanish. Prerequisites: SPAN 350 or instructor permission.
A series of workshops to study various aspects of contemporary issues in Hispanic cultures abroad. Prerequisite: SPAN 202 or equivalent; or instructor permission.
A special study in areas of student interest. May be taken for a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: 15 credits of Spanish or instructor permission.
An integrative capstone experience for seniors majoring in Spanish. Students will discuss, research, and write about their options after graduation. This course is offered yearly. Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor permission.