Spanish Major and Minor

Spanish is spoken by approximately 500 million people worldwide and is the primary language of discourse in 21 countries. It is also the second most used language in international communication.

Hispanics are the largest minority in the United States, with a population of more than 38 million.

The interest in the study of Spanish has doubled worldwide. Spain is now the world’s ninth most powerful economy and it is ranked as the tenth most popular destination for investment. The countries of Latin America are becoming important commercial partners of the US.

The creation of MERCOSUR, NAFTA and many other free trade agreements between South and North America continue to create new opportunities for commerce and communication for the U.S. labor market. Spanish and Latin American cultural contributions also have had far-reaching influence throughout the world.

From Spain’s Golden Age of Literature to contemporary politics, economics and culture, students will encounter a diversity of voices in the Spanish-speaking world. Suffolk students who decide to study Spanish at Suffolk University have several choices. They can pursue a traditional B.A., which involves a thorough study of language, literature and civilization, or choose a major in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Through this multi-disciplinary program in the humanities and social sciences, students will be prepared to pursue their post-graduate interests in international organizations, education, business, government, communications and journalism. Students may also choose to combine their degrees in Spanish and international business or economics to prepare for the global economy. Further still, for those students wishing to pursue a career as a foreign language teacher at the secondary level, our department offers initial and professional licensure in Spanish.

In addition, students can explore our own collection of films and instructional videos, write for our on-line news magazine, Entérate, or participate in our weekly conversation sessions, Tertulias, run by tutors who come from all regions of the Spanish-speaking world. The study abroad program at our campus in Madrid, Spain provides students with a variety of educational experiences in Spanish for an academic year, a semester or a summer session.

Spanish Major requirements

Prerequisite:

• SPAN 201
• SPAN 202

Note:  To qualify for admittance to the major, a student must complete the prerequisite with an average grade of B.

8 Advanced Courses, including the following:

• SPAN 290 or SPAN 300 (to be determined by Spanish Program Coordinator)
• SPAN 301
• SPAN 302

A maximum of two courses from the following list can count toward the major (with supplemental activities in Spanish):

• SPAN 408
• SPAN 409
• SPAN 412
• SPAN 413
• SPAN 414
• SPAN 416

Notes:

• AP Credit: Incoming students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Spanish Examination have fulfilled the prerequisite for the major.
• A maximum of 4 courses taken at other institutions or as part of a Department-approved study abroad program in a Spanish-speaking country may apply toward the major.
• Departmental Honors: Candidates must register for SPAN 502 in the fall semester of the senior year and complete an honors thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. SPAN 502 counts toward completion of the major.
• Any Seminar for Freshmen with a topic related to the Spanish-speaking countries (e.g., culture, politics, society) counts toward the major.
• Students who receive a score of sem4+ on the Spanish online placement test have fulfilled the 201-202 prerequisite.
• Initial Licensure Certification in Spanish is available through the Education and Human Services Department.
• Professional Licensure in Spanish is available through the Education and Human Services Department.

Spanish Minor Requirements

Prerequisite:

• SPAN 101
• SPAN 102

Note:  To qualify for admittance to the minor, a student must complete the prerequisite with an average grade of B.

4 Advanced Courses beyond the intermediate level of SPAN 201-202, including the following:

• SPAN 290 or SPAN 300 (to be determined by Spanish Program Coordinator)
• SPAN 301 or SPAN 302

A maximum of one course from the following list can count toward the minor (with supplemental activities in Spanish):

• SPAN 408
• SPAN 409
• SPAN 412
• SPAN 413
• SPAN 414
• SPAN 416

Notes:

• AP Credit: Incoming students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Spanish Examination have fulfilled the prerequisite for the minor.
• A maximum of 2 courses taken at other institutions or as part of a Department-approved study abroad program in another Spanish-speaking country may apply toward the minor.
• Any Seminar for Freshmen with a topic related to the Spanish-speaking countries (e.g., culture, politics, society) counts toward the minor.
• Students who receive a score of sem2+ on the Spanish online placement test fulfilled the 101-102 prerequisite.