The Spanish B.A. prepares students for leadership and professions in a changing multicultural and plurilingual world through a curriculum that enhances students’ ability to read analytically, think critically, and write clearly in dealing with literature, linguistics and culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The CPP Spanish degree is distinct in that it offers courses specially designed to address the linguistic needs of both Spanish heritage speakers and non-Spanish heritage speakers, and in that it offers a strong linguistics component and a cross-linguistic approach that set this program apart from other Spanish programs that are almost exclusively literature-oriented. The specific balance of courses in linguistics, literature and civilization, as well as service-learning and undergraduate research opportunities, prepares students well for an array of Spanish language-related professions as well as postgraduate coursework.  

The Spanish degree prepares students for a variety of professional settings. At the end of the program, students must be able to communicate orally and in writing in Spanish in a variety of topics and settings and for different purposes at the ACTFL advanced-high proficiency level.  Students must also be able to read critically, interpret analytically, and write coherently about literature produced in Spanish and about fundamental principles of the Spanish language. Finally, students must demonstrate deep understanding and appreciation of the cultural values of Spanish-speaking people. 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Oral communication: Students will communicate orally in Spanish at a high level of proficiency about a variety of general and discipline-related topics.
2. Written communication: Students will communicate effectively in writing in Spanish about a variety of general and discipline-related topics, in academic, creative, and professional genres.
3. Critical reading of literary and cultural texts: Students will (a) contextualize a variety of literary and cultural texts produced in Spanish within their periods and countries, and (b) critique literary and cultural texts using current critical language.
4. Metalinguistic awareness and knowledge: Students will (a) apply the fundamental principles of the Spanish language structure, language use, and first and second language acquisition and learning, and (b) analyze the different subsystems of the Spanish language.
5. Appreciation of culture: Students will recognize the value of linguistic, social, and cultural diversity in the Spanish-speaking world, both at a local and a global level.