BA in Spanish
The Department of Modern Languages & Literatures offers a wide range of programs in language study to meet the varying needs of today's students. The ability to communicate effectively is essential for success-oriented graduates, and acquiring the competence to communicate in a language other than English can often provide a competitive edge in today's global economy.
Communicating effectively in a second language is more than the acquisition of language skills. Students also gain insight into another culture, which often provides invaluable perspectives and greater appreciation of alternate ways of life and thought. The Department views language, culture, and literature as integrally-related facets of communication that help us achieve a better understanding of ourselves and others in the rapidly-changing world in which we live.
The study of language and culture, as with other humanities and social sciences disciplines, fosters scholarship and values, social responsibility, free and critical inquiry, empirical analysis, and leadership skills. Together, these elements prepare students for intellectually-rewarding lives, responsible citizenship, and a wide variety of careers by developing critical thinking, clear writing, problem-solving skills, and a heightened understanding of the human condition.
The Spanish major in Cal State Fullerton's Department of Modern Languages & Literatures provides a broad curricular base for students interested in developing and enriching their communication skills in Spanish, and in gaining insights and an appreciation of the culture of Spanish-speaking peoples.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Spanish offers:
A Wide Range of Courses: The program offers courses that cover the areas of Spanish Linguistics, Spanish Literature, Spanish Culture, Spanish American Literature, and Spanish American Culture. Furthermore, the program collaborates with other departments to offer courses in Spanish for Health Professions and Spanish for Hispanic Media. We are currently developing a track in Translation and Interpretation.
Outstanding Faculty: Our nationally- and internationally-known faculty members are experienced educators who hold advanced degrees from prestigious universities in the United States and abroad. They are also active in research and publication, although their main focus is teaching.
Media Center/Computer Classroom: We boast a state-of-the-art media center and computer classroom, which features interactive computer-assisted instructional equipment.
What types of career opportunities are available?
As a result of the State of California's foreign language requirements for graduation from high school and entry into public universities, there will be an increasing demand for teachers of Spanish in the public school system. Moreover, openings for college-level Spanish faculty are expected to increase in the future. Anyone interested in this career option should consult the Department of Secondary Education and ask about the Single-Subject Credential Program in Spanish. Furthermore, the growing internationalization of business in the U.S., and especially in Southern California, means that there will be a greater need in business and commerce for persons proficient in Spanish. The Department offers two business-oriented Spanish classes (SPAN 310 and SPAN 311) to provide special preparation in this area.
Similar opportunities for individuals proficient in Spanish exist in a wide range of public service professions, such as social service, law enforcement, government, travel and tourism, the media, publishing, and translation and interpreting. We currently have courses that address some of these areas, such as SPAN 280 and 302 for health professions, and SPAN 303 and 405 for Hispanic Media.
What courses should I take to obtain a B.A. in Spanish?
For incoming students with no prior experience or course work in Spanish, the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish consists of 58 units: 22 units of lower-division (e.g. 100- and 200-level) Spanish course work, plus 36 units of upper-division (e.g. 300- and 400-level) course work, including the upper division writing requirement (MLNG 301). Depending on prior experience, course work, and/or demonstrated proficiency in the language, some or all lower-division course work may be waived (please refer to the Spanish Advisement page). Lower-division course work for native/heritage speakers of Spanish includes SPAN 202 and SPAN 214 only. Students should consult with a Spanish advisor to be placed in the appropriate course(s).
Lower-Division Courses
*NOTE: These courses should be taken depending on your placement after consulting with an adviser. You are not required to take these if you are placed at a higher level.
Non-native/non-heritage speaker track:
SPAN 101 / 102 – Fundamental Spanish (5 units each)
SPAN 203 – Intermediate Spanish A (3)
SPAN 204 – Intermediate Spanish B (3)
SPAN 213 – Intermediate Conversation (3)
SPAN 214 – Intermediate Composition (3)
Native/heritage speaker track:
SPAN 202 – Spanish for Spanish Speakers B (3)
SPAN 214 – Intermediate Composition (3)
Upper-Division Requirements (36 units)
I. Upper-Division Writing (3 units required)
MLNG 301 – Writing in an Intercultural Context (3)
II. Language (6 units required)
SPAN 301 – Advanced Grammar and Composition (3)
SPAN 400* – Advanced Writing (3)
* This course should be taken before taking the 400-level literature courses
III. Culture (6 units required)
SPAN 315 – Introduction to Spanish Civilization (3)
SPAN 316 – Introduction to Spanish-American Civilization (3)
IV. Literature (9 units required)
SPAN 375 – Introduction to Literary Forms (3)
SPAN 430 – Spanish Literature to Neoclassicism (3)
or SPAN 461 – Spanish Literature Since Neoclassicism (3)
SPAN 440 – Spanish American Literature to Modernismo (3)
or SPAN 441 – Spanish American Literature Since Modernismo (3)
V. Linguistics (6 units required)
SPAN 466 – Spanish Phonology and Dialectology (3)
or SPAN 468 - Spanish/English Bilingualism and Language Contact (3)
SPAN 467 – Spanish Morphology and Syntax (3)
VI. Seminar (3 units required)
SPAN 475T – Topics in Spanish Peninsular Literature (3)
SPAN 480T – Topics in Spanish Linguistics (3)
SPAN 485T – Topics in Spanish American Literature (3)
VII. Elective (3 units required)
SPAN 325, SPAN 326, or any 400-level SPAN course not already taken, chosen in consultation with an adviser.
SPAN 475T, SPAN 480T, and SPAN 485T may be repeated with a different topic.
Students planning to pursue the Spanish K-12 teaching credential should choose the linguistics course not already taken (SPAN 466 or SPAN 468) as their elective.
