Description
A Spanish major includes the study of Spanish grammar and linguistics, Latin American literature and cultures, and literature and culture from Spain. In addition students are exposed to Hispanic film, medical and legal terminology in Spanish, Spanish-English translations skills, study abroad, and an understanding of Latino Culture within the US context.
What careers can this major prepare you for?
There are over 50 million people of Hispanic origin in the US, more than 400 million people who speak Spanish in 21 countries around the World, and Spanish is one of the official languages of the UN, World Trade Organization, and the Organization of American States. Majoring in Spanish provides students with language skills that have proven in a range of professional occupations. A rising number of employers prefer individuals who can speak Spanish fluently. Many Spanish majors combine their skillset with other areas of study such as education, international business, health, government, and social services. The following is a list of career paths that Spanish majors across the country can pursue: Teacher, Community College/University Professor, Librarian, Research Assistant, College Admissions Officer, University Grant Writer, Business/Customer Service Manager, Bilingual Technical Support Specialist, Insurance Consultant, Analyst for International Financial Firm, Representative for International Company, Assistant News Analyst, Technical Writer, News Anchor/Reporter, Film &Video/Book Editor, Translator/Interpreter, Pastoral/Ministry Personnel, Editorial Assistant for Book Publisher, Intelligence Officer, Program Assistant for U.S Supreme Court, Public Health Data Analyst, International Trade Specialist, Peace Corps, Tour guide/Consultant, Sales Coordinator for International Company, Guest Services Agent (Hotel), Public Relations, Marketing Assistant for National Sports League.
What skills are developed within this major?
Spanish majors acquire valuable transferrable skills that they can apply in their future studies and careers: Intercultural competence (a set of cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills and characteristics that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts), verbal communication skills (oral presentations), written communication skills (papers, exams), information literacy, critical thinking and analytic reasoning, being detail-oriented (accuracy in oral and written language proficiency), knowledge of global issues (culture, politics, literature, cinema and current societal issues).
Special tracks
The Spanish major integrates the study of Spanish Peninsular and Latin American areas of literature, linguistics and culture. Students can also concentrate in language studies or combine any of the above areas for teaching or other professional careers.
Language Skill Courses
A student who has completed Spanish course work in high school or at another institution who wishes to continue the study of Spanish must begin course work for credit at the level consistent with academic background. A placement test is required for all students with less than three years of high-school Spanish or the equivalent. Students who have had three or more years of previous study must consult with an adviser in the foreign language department to determine the appropriate level.
Native speakers
As a general guideline, students who read and write Spanish fluently must begin course work for credit at the 300-level or higher. Students considering a major in Spanish should consult an adviser in the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures as early as possible to plan an effective course of study.
Retroactive Credit
Students are eligible to earn up to 16 “retroactive” credits for previous knowledge of Spanish. This policy is for students who have completed a foreign language skills course and who earned a B or better in that course. For example, if your first Spanish skills course is SPN 102 and you receive an A or B, you can receive credit for SPN 101 . Consult the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at 216-687-4646 for further information.
Credit by Examination
Students who successfully complete the Advanced Placement language examinations may be eligible for credit. For further information, refer to the External Test Credits section of the Registrar’s Office website: http://www.csuohio.edu/registrar/external-test-credit
Note that only credits at the 300-level and above may count toward the Spanish major, and 200-level or above for the Spanish minor. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applied to the major.