BA in Spanish Language

 A Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language offers students proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish, along with insight into Spanish-speaking cultures, history, and literature. This program generally includes courses in Spanish linguistics, translation, and cross-cultural communication, preparing students for careers in translation, tourism, education, and international business. Graduates with a BA in Spanish Language are well-prepared for roles in global companies, government positions, or advanced studies in Spanish or related fields.

Year 1: Foundations in Spanish Language and Culture

Semester 1

1. Basic Spanish Language Skills
   • Spanish alphabet, pronunciation, greetings, and numbers.
   • Vocabulary for daily activities and basic sentence structures.
2. Spanish Grammar I
   • Introduction to nouns, articles, adjectives, and pronouns.
   • Verb conjugation in the present tense, sentence formation basics.
3. Reading and Comprehension I
   • Reading simple texts, dialogues, and short narratives.
   • Comprehension exercises and vocabulary building.
4. Spanish Speaking and Listening I
   • Basic conversational skills (introductions, daily routines).
   • Listening exercises for common interactions, greetings, and questions.
5. Introduction to Hispanic Cultures
   • Overview of Spanish-speaking countries and regions.
   • Key cultural elements, festivals, symbols, and notable landmarks.
6. Introduction to Spanish Literature
   • Study of Spanish folk tales, legends, and short stories.
   • Simple analysis and discussion of themes.

Semester 2

1. Elementary Spanish Language Skills
   • Expanding vocabulary (family, weather, hobbies).
   • Conversational practice for routine activities.
2. Spanish Grammar II
   • Introduction to negation, question formation, direct and indirect objects.
   • Verb conjugation in past (preterite) and future tenses.
3. Reading and Comprehension II
   • Reading short stories, poems, and cultural texts.
   • Understanding key ideas and making inferences.
4. Spanish Speaking and Listening II
   • Practicing conversational skills for shopping, directions, and dining.
   • Listening to everyday conversations and responding appropriately.
5. History and Civilization of Spain
   • Overview of Spanish history and significant historical events.
   • Discussion of key figures and their contributions.
6. Introduction to Spanish Poetry
   • Study of simple Spanish poems by authors like Lorca and Neruda.
   • Introduction to poetic forms, themes, and literary devices.

Year 2: Intermediate Language Skills and Cultural Studies

Semester 3

1. Intermediate Spanish Language Skills
   • Constructing complex sentences, vocabulary for daily topics.
   • Writing practice, including letters and short essays.
2. Spanish Grammar III
   • Complex structures, relative pronouns, and reflexive verbs.
   • Introduction to conditional tense and imperative mood.
3. Spanish Literature I: Golden Age
   • Study of works by Golden Age authors such as Cervantes and Lope de Vega.
   • Overview of key themes and literary styles.
4. Translation Techniques I
   • Basic translation exercises from Spanish to English and vice versa.
   • Practicing sentence structure, idioms, and expressions.
5. Introduction to Spanish Cinema
   • Study of Spanish films and their socio-cultural significance.
   • Analysis of selected films, characters, and themes.
6. History of the Spanish Language and Dialects
   • Evolution of the Spanish language, dialectal diversity.
   • Introduction to Old Spanish, regional linguistic variations.

Semester 4

1. Spanish Composition and Essay Writing
   • Writing essays on familiar topics, expanding vocabulary.
   • Focus on paragraph structure and coherence.
2. Spanish Grammar IV
   • Advanced grammar topics, subjunctive mood, complex sentences.
   • Passive voice, indirect speech, and advanced syntax.
3. Spanish Literature II: Romanticism and Realism
   • Study of major Romantic and Realist works and authors (e.g., Bécquer, Galdós).
   • Exploration of themes such as nature, society, and individualism.
4. Translation Techniques II
   • Advanced translation practice with more complex texts.
   • Understanding idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances.
5. Contemporary Spanish Society
   • Discussion of modern Spain: politics, economy, and social issues.
   • Exploration of multiculturalism, current events, and Spain’s role in the world.
6. Spanish Media and Popular Culture
   • Study of Spanish newspapers, magazines, and digital media.
   • Summarizing news articles and analyzing trends in Spanish media.

Year 3: Advanced Language, Literature, and Linguistics

Semester 5

1. Advanced Spanish Writing Skills
   • Writing formal essays, reports, and official correspondence.
   • Developing an academic tone and persuasive writing.
2. Spanish Grammar V
   • Mastery of advanced grammatical structures.
   • Complex sentence structures and advanced subjunctive use.
3. Spanish Literature III: 19th and 20th Century Literature
   • Study of key authors like García Márquez, Borges, and Vargas Llosa.
   • Exploration of realism, modernism, and magical realism.
4. Introduction to Spanish Linguistics
   • Study of Spanish phonetics, morphology, syntax, and semantics.
   • Linguistic theory, phonology, and pronunciation techniques.
5. Research Methodology
   • Introduction to research methods in language, culture, and literature.
   • Conducting research and writing academic papers in Spanish.
6. Hispanic Cultural Studies
   • Study of Hispanic art, music, architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
   • Analysis of cultural values and their impact on Hispanic identity.

Semester 6

1. Academic Spanish and Technical Writing
   • Writing research papers, abstracts, and technical documents.
   • Use of formal language and specialized vocabulary.
2. Contemporary Hispanic Literature
   • Study of post-20th-century authors and themes in Hispanic literature.
   • Discussion of identity, postcolonialism, and contemporary issues.
3. Research Project / Dissertation
   • Independent research project on a topic related to Hispanic studies.
   • Written report and oral presentation of findings.
4. Advanced Translation and Interpretation
   • Translating complex texts, introduction to interpretation skills.
   • Practice interpreting dialogues, speeches, and official documents.
5. Spanish for Specific Purposes
   • Spanish language applications in fields like business, tourism, and healthcare.
   • Industry-specific vocabulary and professional language skills.
6. Internship / Practical Training
   • Internship in a relevant field (language school, cultural center, embassy).
   • Applying Spanish language skills in real-world contexts.