Spanish Language and Culture Certificate
The Spanish Language and Culture Certificate is for Western students who are motivated to enhance their education with the study of language and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. Graduates of the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate are expected to have a basic understanding of and proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening (oral comprehension) to Spanish; and to be familiar with and appreciate Hispanic civilization and culture.
The nature of any language program, Spanish included, is rooted in offering students a diversity of perspectives and fosters the discussion and growth of what a global citizen is. Students have a unique setting to learn Spanish, as Western offers small class sizes. Interactions among peers and professors are among the features of the program.
Program Benefits
Students who finish any degree and are additionally proficient in Spanish at the college level immediately enhance their opportunities to be hired in better positions once they graduate. They can become part of a select group in the workforce who can influence more people without having the need to use translators. Benefits of the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate also include access to all the opportunities the Spanish program offers.
Admission Requirements
Any Western student may earn the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate. Students are responsible for completing all necessary course prerequisites. The Advanced Spanish Proficiency Certificate assumes students have intermediate level Spanish proficiency prior to admission. This is demonstrated through prior college credit (AP, IB, or dual/concurrent enrollment), the CLEP exam, and/or the WebCAPE exam. More information about the CLEP and WebCAPE exams can be found here.
Program Requirements
Continuation in the program is based on a progression through elementary to intermediate Spanish classes, which can be summarized as a completion of program requirements. A minimum of 12 credits is required and six of these credits need to be Western residency-credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPAN 101 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
| SPAN 102 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 |
| SPAN 201 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
| SPAN 202 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |