Spanish Major or Minor

Program Description

With nearly 20 million Spanish-speaking people in the United States (including a major Hispanic presence in Florida), fluency in Spanish is becoming increasingly sought after by employers in a diverse array of fields. But in addition to the competitive advantage of learning a new and commercially-significant language, learning Spanish allows you to explore, understand, and appreciate the music, literature, film, history and traditions of Latin America—one of the most culturally vibrant and economically important regions in the world.

The Spanish major emphasizes language skills and a familiarity with the literature of Spanish-speaking cultures. Students are encouraged to study abroad for a semester in a Spanish-speaking country to further enhance their language proficiency while they come to understand another culture. As a Spanish major from Flagler, you will graduate well-prepared for successful careers in government, private industry, non-profit organizations, law, domestic and foreign teaching opportunities, the Peace Corps, and any other profession where fluency in Spanish is an asset.

A student may major or minor in Spanish, or may combine Spanish with Latin American Studies for a major or a minor. Eight semester hours of credit for elementary or intermediate Spanish may be awarded to a student who passes an examination administered in September, provided the students completes one more semester of the language at Flagler College with at least a “B” average during that semester. Only eight semester hours of credit can be awarded to any individual student while at Flagler College who tests out of lower level classes. Students may take one year of foreign language for credit on a pass/fail basis, as long as the credit is not counted toward a major or a minor in the language, or to satisfy the General Education Requirements. Students should take language courses in sequence.

Major Requirements

After elementary Spanish or its equivalent, a student majoring in this field should complete satisfactorily 34 hours in Spanish, including SPA 201, 202, 301-302, SPA 307 or SPA 309, six more hours at the 300 level, and nine more hours at the 400 level to include SPA 401. Spanish courses should be taken in sequence. In addition, six hours in Latin American Studies (LAS 201-202) are required. SPA 401 is also required. This is a requirement of 40 hours for the Spanish major. The department also recommends that a major spend a semester in a Spanish speaking country. Credit in Spanish (from six to ten hours) earned while abroad may be applied to the graduation requirement of 120 hours as study abroad transfer credit. Students who teach are encouraged to take courses on the culture of Spain and Latin America when offered. All students majoring in Spanish are encouraged to take at least four Spanish literature classes.

Minor Requirements

A student who chooses to minor in Spanish should complete satisfactorily at least 22 hours beyond the elementary level. Courses should include SPA 201-202, SPA 301-302 unless the Spanish coordinator makes an exception to policy. One course in Spanish literature at the 300 or 400 level, one course in Latin American studies (either 201 or 202) and SPA 309. At least 12 hours must be completed at Flagler College.

Spanish Heritage Learners

Spanish native speakers will not be enrolled into regular SPA 301 and SPA 302 classes but will take a special SPA 301 and SPA 302 course designated for native speakers. The Heritage learner will receive credit for those courses in lieu of SPA 301 and 302 and after successfully completing the first course with a minimum of a "B" average, can receive credit for SPA 201 and SPA 202.