Spanish

Division of Humanities

The first two years of the Spanish program focus on establishing a practical knowledge base in the language, concentrating on speaking and writing skills as well as Spanish-speaking cultures worldwide. Many students who have studied several years of Spanish in high school are able to test into intermediate or advanced-level courses, providing them with a head start on a degree in Spanish. After Spanish 220 or its equivalent, majors take nine additional courses and minors take five.

The next level of courses targets advanced writing and conversation skills; explores Peninsular, Latin American, and U.S. Latinx cultures; and introduces students to literary analysis. Advanced courses concentrate on the literature and other modes of cultural production of these populations. In addition to our regular rotation of courses, specialized new courses are offered which reflect both student and faculty interest.

Students are encouraged to develop their language skills on campus, elsewhere in the U.S., and abroad. The Spanish program regularly offers courses in international settings through Centre’s established program of study in Mérida, México and through CentreTerm courses abroad, most recently in El Salvador and Brazil. The program’s faculty is also available to help students gain access to reputable programs abroad at other locations.

Other activities on campus are available to those students wishing to make practical application of their language skills. The Service Learning Project provides the opportunity to interact with Latinos in the Danville area, as students become involved in community volunteer projects of their choosing. The Latine Club, open to all students at all skill levels, meets throughout the year for discussions related to current issues in the Latin American and Spanish-speaking world. There is also a chapter of the National Spanish Honor Society on campus, Sigma Delta Pi.

Increasingly, those individuals who possess additional language skills will have a distinct advantage on the job market. Opportunities for Spanish speakers abound in business, medicine, finance, and law, etc. Since parents want their children’s competitive edge to start early, Spanish language teachers are always in demand. U.S. Latinos represent the nation’s fastest-growing minority; this emerging population makes students’ knowledge of culture especially relevant. A major or minor in Spanish is a useful complement to a major in any field.

Faculty

William Costley (chair), Genny Ballard, Laura Chinchilla, Mary Daniels, Satty Flaherty-Echeverría, Alicia Juncos, Chantell Limerick, Philip Limerick, Paloma Pinillos, Iulia Sprinceana

Student Representatives

Victor Azevedo, Sara Tahanasab

Recommended First-Year/Sophomore Preparation

Students considering a major in Spanish are encouraged to plan their academic programs to include as wide a distribution of courses as possible regardless of their professional or vocational objectives. Prospective majors should consider especially taking courses in literature, history, philosophy, anthropology, politics, and the fine arts.

Spanish Courses

Course Descriptions