Spanish Major

Overview

The Department of Languages offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. A semester of study abroad or an internship abroad is required for a major. This requirement is usually satisfied during the junior year in either the fall or spring semester but may also be satisfied through summer study abroad. Under the guidance of a faculty member and approval of the department, an individualized study abroad program is tailored to meet the needs of the student. Stritch students have studied abroad in France, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Columbia, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The objectives of Language studies are to enable students to communicate effectively through development of skills in understanding, speaking, reading and writing the language and to understand and appreciate the values of cultures and world-views that are different from their own. Foreign language study increases students’ awareness of their own values and beliefs. Classes in literature and civilization acquaint students with the masterpieces in the foreign culture.

When coordinated with studies in other departments, the major will satisfy students with widely differing career goals: working in international business, law, or industry; performing government service; teaching in elementary or secondary schools; continuing language studies in graduate school; working for museums; doing research in original languages; serving in the tourism industry; working in the health care or social service professions.

Retroactive credits for previous language study are available. Students who have studied a foreign language for two or more years are encouraged to seek retroactive credits. Up to twelve, no fee, retroactive credits are possible. The number of credits is determined by the course level at which the student begins foreign language study at the University.

Retroactive credits are awarded upon completion of one university level course, designated by the department, with a grade of B or above. These credits are available to any student who has taken a foreign language in high school.

Retroactive credits fulfill university credit requirements for graduation.

Spanish Major: 34 credits
(Exclusive of 101, 102)
Tracks in Major:
- Language Major with Business Orientation
- Secondary Teaching
- Teaching Certification Minors for Elementary Teachers
- K-12 Foreign Language Specialist Certification in French or Spanish

Required courses for Major: 201, 202, 203, 204, 306, 309, 330 or 331, 345, 401 and any other upper division courses (300 or 400) to attain 34 credits.
Some required courses for the major will be completed abroad. A semester or summer of study abroad is required for a Major.
The Secondary Teaching Major requires 307 and Ed 368

French or Spanish Minor: 19-24 credits
(Exclusive of 101, 102)
Required courses for the Minor: 201, 202, 203, 204, 306 or 309, 310 and any other upper division courses (300 or 400) to attain 24 credits.
An immersion experience (310) is required for a minor. This requirement can be fulfilled in a variety of ways subject to prior departmental approval.
Examples of immersion experiences include summer study abroad, interim study abroad, study in an immersion setting in the United States, internships in immersion schools or with Hispanic or French companies.
The Secondary Teaching Minor and the Elementary Certification Teaching Minor require 307 and Ed 368. The Secondary Teaching Minor also requires 345. This course is recommended for the Elementary Certification Minor.
All students (Major or Minor) must pass the Departmental Oral Proficiency Assessment before student teaching or before graduation. Spanish syntax and grammar through work in composition.

Faculty

Barbara M. Nolan
Assistant Professor
(414) 410-4253
bmnolan@stritch.edu

Gerardo I. Cruz-Tanahara
Instructor
(414) 410-4375
gicruztanahara@stritch.edu

Alumni

Gabriel Mucino, ’05, Pursuing a master’s degree in Spanish literature at Marquette University
Many alumni who have studied Spanish at Stritch have started and maintained successful careers in schools throughout the area, including Milwaukee Public Schools.