Spanish (B.A.)

Program Overview

The Spanish major encompasses a wide variety of courses to study the language itself, as well as the history, literature, culture, and civilization of the Spanish-speaking peoples. Introductory level courses focus on grammar, phonetics, conversation, composition and culture and are taught with an emphasis on oral proficiency. Intermediate and advanced courses are taught in Spanish.

Study-Abroad Requirement

All Spanish majors are required one semester in a study abroad program in one of the following locations:

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile

Universidad de Adolfo Ibañez, Viña del Mar, Chile

Universidad de Granada, España

The pre-requisites for study abroad are:

•   Sophomore, junior, or senior status

•   Four completed semesters of college-level courses in the language of their major

•   2.75 GPA

•   Clear probation record (disciplinary, chapel, academic)*

•   Apply for pre-approval a year in advance (Fall – December 1; spring April1)

*Students denied the opportunity to do study abroad can appeal to the Dean

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Spanish program can:

1. Describe the significance of historical and cultural trends for the geographical areas in which the target language is spoken
2. Recognize important literary periods and genres.
3. Write thesis driven essays that engage in cultural and literary analysis and critical interpretation in the target language.
4. Communicate in spoken form in the target language at an advanced level according to ACTFL standards
5. Communicate in written form in the target language at an intermediate advanced level according to ACTFL standards.
6. Identify and locate career and continuing education opportunities in the field of Modern Languages
7. Articulate the integration of their Christian Faith with the academic and professional field of Foreign Languages

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

Nine credits from the following:

Fifteen credits of the following:

Approved Spanish courses at the Universidad de Granada, (Spain), the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso (Chile) or Universidad de Adolfo Ibanez, Viña del Mar (Chile). Students must complete at least one Latin American or Spanish peninsular literature class (3 hours). Additional courses should be selected among a variety of humanities courses that may include grammar, literature, history, art history, or political science to attain a total of 15 credits of Spanish classes. Students should confirm with the Department of Language, Literature and Writing that the courses that they select are approved for the Spanish major.

QuEST Requirements

The writing requirement for this major is distributed among courses within the major.