Spanish

Why study Spanish?

• Communicate with real people in the world When you take Spanish and take the time and energy to learn this language, you’re not just abstractly learning words and rules, you’re learning a system of communication that will allow you to speak and communicate with real people.

• Increase and enhance your future career possibilities Being bilingual opens up career possibilities in international businesses, technology, health services, human resources, translation/interpretation and more often with higher salaries.
• Become more worldly and well-rounded Learning another language and learning about other cultures gives you more compassion and empathy for the experiences of others outside the US.
• Strengthen your brain Learning another language increases the folds in your brain. It has also been shown to stall the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. The new language creates new pathways in your brain that helps you retain its strength for many years.
• Learn how to learn Learning Spanish is applicable to learning other skills. Knowing that with time and focused effort you can do anything is a valuable life-lesson.

What Spanish classes can I take at SCU?

Undergraduate Bulletin

Where can I study abroad?

Studying abroad is a transformative experience in many ways, not only do students improve their language skills through immersion in the language, they are also exposed to new cultures and ways of life and can make lifelong connections with fellow citizens of the world. Students that major in Spanish Studies can study abroad in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, or Spain through the Global Engagement’s Study Abroad program.

Other opportunities to go abroad include working with social enterprises and/or nonprofits through the Global Fellows program (with placements in Bolivia) and the Global Social Benefits Fellowship (past placements included Mexico and Nicaragua, but this is subject to change every year). Some Ignatian Center Immersion trips also provide opportunities in the US and abroad to travel and immerse yourself in Spanish!

Study Abroad/Global Engagement

Global Social Benefits Fellowship

Ignatian Center Immersion Trips

Major/Minor Requirements

Major in Spanish Studies

NEW program for students who entered Fall 2020 or after

40 upper-division units, of which:

• One course from 100 or any 101

• One course from 102 or 103

• One course from 100 to 110 (not taken to fulfill the above two requirements)

• Spanish 175 or 176, or an approved equivalent

• One course in literature/culture studies above 110

• One additional course above 110 (not taken to fulfill the above two requirements)

• Any two UD (100-199) Spanish courses not taken to satisfy any of the above requirements

• At least 20 of these units must be taken at SCU or taught by SCU faculty.

For Students who entered SCU BEFORE FALL 2020

• SPAN 100

• SPAN 101

• SPAN 175

• LAT AMER Latin American Lit/Culture

• SPANISH Spanish peninsular Lit/Culture

• RESIDENCY (at least 20 units of the 40 required at SCU)

Minor in Spanish Studies

NEW program for students who entered FALL 2020 OR AFTER

19 upper-division units, of which:

• One course from 100 or any 101

• One course from 102 or 103

• One course in literature/culture studies above 110.

• One upper-division elective, not taken to fulfill the above three requirements

• At least 10 units taken at SCU or taught by SCU Faculty

For Students who entered SCU BEFORE FALL 2020

• SPAN 100 or dept. approved substitution

• SPAN 101 or dept. approved substitution

• One course in Hispanic Lit. or Culture

• Remaining units taken in UD electives taught in Spanish

• 10 units taken at SCU

Any student who enrolled before Fall 2020 is welcome to follow the newer requirements. They will need to contact their advisor to approve the appropriate substitutions for the Registrar.

Spanish Academic Advising

Advisors for Upper-division courses and Spanish Majors:

Abel Cruz
Contact

José Ortigas
Contact

Jill Pellettieri
Contact

Alberto Ribas-Casasayas
Contact

Tripp Strawbridge
Contact

Advisors for Spanish Minors and CORE Second Language, find an advisor by the start of your LAST NAME:

Maria Bauluz
Contact

Laura Callahan
Contact

Maricela Portillo
Contact

Kayce Davis
Contact

Placement/Proficiency Advisor: 
Maria Bauluz
Contact

Where can I use Spanish locally?

• Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative Work with local low-income business owners (many are Spanish-speaking) in a 4 unit ELSJ course in Winter and Spring quarters. 
  Check out this blog post by Spanish Major ‘18, Christian Linares
  
  
• SCCAP - A great on-campus organization connecting you to volunteer opportunities locally. Always remember that the service you do and connections you build should be your main priority, using and improving your Spanish should be seen as a secondary bonus!
  
  
• Check out the Workers Connection and ESL on Campus!
  
  
• ELSJ courses - The ELSJ courses in our department include a component in which you work with local Spanish speaking community members. But also keep in mind that many of the ELSJ courses in other departments may also include working with Spanish speakers!
  
  
• Benson
  Video de estudiantes y trabajadores de Benson 

Student Resources