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Department of

Languages and Literatures

Program

Core Curriculum

The typical student begins with Spanish 101 and progresses to Spanish 201. However, some students with a strong background in Spanish may begin with Spanish 102. Others, who have not taken a Spanish class in years or who have learned Spanish informally, may be given the option to take a 4-unit version of 102 which begins with a review of 101 before beginning (and finishing) the work of the "regular" 102 class.

Students who have completed college-level Spanish 102 prior to enrolling at USD may satisfy the language requirement by taking only Spanish 201. Note: Third semester classes are only open to students who have completed a second semester college course or who have demonstrated their readiness on the USD placement exam.

Each summer we offer students the opportunity to take Spanish 201 in Guadalajara, Mexico. In addition, it may also be taught during Intersession (January) in Spain or South America. These classes afford students the opportunity to complete the Core Curriculum requirement in a single academic year with the added benefit of cultural immersion in una país hispanica.

The Minor

We offer two options to students who wish to minor in Spanish.

Option 1: 18 units

Spanish 102 + 201 + 202 + 301 + 2 other upper-division classes or
Spanish 201 + 202 + 301 + 3 other upper-division classes or
Spanish 202 + 301 + 4 other upper-division classes.

Option 2: 12 units of upper-division courses
(numbered 300 or higher)
The prerequisite for this option is fourth semester competency
in Spanish and approval by the Department Chair.

For either option, a minimum of six upper-division units must be taken on the San Diego campus. With that restriction in mind, we highly recommend the experience of living and studying in a Spanish-speaking country.

Students who are interested in enrolling in non-affiliated programs should visit the Study Abroad site. Each course must be approved before it is taken. To download the form, click here.

The Major

Mission Statement

The mission of the Spanish Program is the development of students' communicative proficiency and cultural understanding through the study of current societies and cultural histories of the Spanish speaking world.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Spanish Major, the student is expected to be able to:

  1. Communicative proficiency: Communicate in Spanish in the four basic skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) at the intermediate to advanced level according to the ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
  2. Cultural competency: Demonstrate the capacity to interact appropriately and effectively within diverse social settings in the Spanish speaking world.
  3. Knowledge and understanding: Identify and cogently explain the historical significance of principal figures, works, and tendencies in the production of literature, film, and other art forms throughout the major historical periods of the Spanish speaking world.
  4. Critical thinking and research: Critically analyze a cultural text, define a position, and substantiate it using thorough research techniques.
  5. Diversity, and global understanding: Appreciate and contribute to the level of inclusion and diversity in U.S. society through cultural understanding and linguistic proficiency.
  6. Preparation for continued studies and/or job world: Effectively initiate graduate studies and/or use her or his language skills in professional settings in community development, business, education, or the health professions, among many other fields.

Coursework

A working knowledge of the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax, correct pronunciation, and ease in oral expression (12 units of lower-division or equivalent) are required to proceed to upper-division course work.

The 24 units of upper-division work, which must be selected from Spanish courses numbered 300 or above, must include:

  • 301
  • 303
  • 302 or 304 or 305
  • One 400-level course in Spanish Peninsular Literature
  • One 400-level course in Latin American Literature
  • One 400-level course in Latin American or Spanish Peninsular Literature.

A minimum of 15 upper-division units must be taken on the USD campus. The experience of living and studying in a Spanish-speaking country is highly recommended.