Spanish

Overview

In a global community it has become ever more important to understand not only other languages, but other cultures. There are increasing opportunities in almost all fields for those who have this understanding. A Spanish major can prepare one to enter graduate school, or to enter any number of professional areas with a decided enhancement to his/her qualifications.

What skills do I need to excel in this major?

Skills necessary for excellence in this major include a high level of proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and speaking the Spanish language. This involves a good understanding of Spanish grammar and syntax. Also necessary are the abilities to identify and understand points of cultural diversity, and to understand and critically analyze good literature written in the Spanish language.

What skills can I expect to develop through this degree?

Skills developed through this major will be a proficiency in reading, writing, understanding, and speaking the Spanish language. In addition, one will develop a good knowledge of the historical, cultural and literary elements which have contributed to the development of the Hispanic cultures. The ability to identify areas of cultural difference and contributions made by the Hispanic culture to the culture of the United States will be developed also. Finally, the ability to read and critically analyze good literature in the Spanish language will be demonstrated.

What I will learn

Majors in Spanish will be able to respond correctly in written and oral form to objective questions concerning points of grammar in the Spanish language. Majors will compose grammatically and syntactically appropriate written responses in Spanish to oral or written questions in Spanish. Majors will demonstrate in writing and orally different levels of grammatical formality in Hispanic cultural situations. Majors will demonstrate acquisition of Spanish vocabulary, of proficiency in pronunciation, of understanding of grammar, and of acceptable fluency. Majors will demonstrate knowledge of the geography of Spain and Latin America and of contributions of Hispanic culture to that of the United States. Majors will read and comprehend the Spanish language by appropriately answering questions in written form over written selections in Spanish. Majors will understand the history, literary movements, and outstanding literary works of Spain and Latin America. Majors will write a critical analysis of a literary selection in Spanish. Majors will demonstrate knowledge and cultural understanding gained by direct experience during a study-abroad session or an internship requiring interaction in Spanish with native speakers.

What opportunities are there for internships or other hands-on learning experiences?

All Spanish majors will be required to study in a Spanish-speaking country or work in a Spanish-speaking environment. Financial aid is available for study abroad. Students have previously traveled to Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica and Guatemala. Internships in a Hispanic country or a Spanish-speaking professional environment in the United States are also available.

What are some possible entry-level careers with a degree in this field?

There are a myriad of careers available to Spanish majors. The field of education still needs a great many Spanish teachers. Both national and international businesses are now doing business with Spanish-speaking populations and need those who can speak the language for all kinds of interaction -- customer service, business coaching, advertising, bookkeeping, etc. In medicine there are enhanced opportunities for doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals who can communicate in Spanish. The legal profession needs lawyers, paralegals, and court interpreters with language skills. There are jobs for copy writers for journals and newspapers. Spanish is becoming more and more necessary for law enforcement officers. And, of course, there is always a need in government for translators, interpreters, and diplomatic corps personnel who can speak another language.

What are some CMU graduates with this degree doing?

Some graduates with a Spanish major are now working as teachers, lawyers, social workers, Peace Corps workers, nurses, doctors and business personnel.

Spanish