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2018-2019 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the College of Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.

Requirements for a Major in Spanish

Students majoring in Spanish are required to take a minimum of 33 credits in this subject beyond the 200-level, including SPA 321, SPA 322, one civilization and culture course (from SPA 310, SPA 311, SPA 312 or SPA 313), one Survey of Literature course (either SPA 331 OR SPA 332), SPA 330, one 400-level literature course, and SPA 495 (Capstone). All students are urged to declare the major at the beginning of their sophomore year and to take courses beyond the minimum number, particularly those in civilization and culture and literature. Students should also seriously contemplate taking advantage of the various semester and year-long study abroad opportunities, and they are encouraged to consider a minor that will complement the major such as Latin American Studies, business, or another language.

Credits for SPA 101, SPA 102, SPA 150, SPA 201, SPA 202, SPA 203, or SPA 204 will not be counted toward the major or minor.

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Major in Spanish

Note: Majors may also take any of the Spanish for the professions courses as electives at any time.

In order to complete the program in four years, work toward the major should begin in a student's sophomore year. The suggested distribution of courses is as follows:

Sophomore Year

First Semester

Second Semester

Junior Year

First Semester

AND one from the following

Second Semester

AND choose one from:

Senior Year

First Semester

  • One 400-level literature courses

AND one of the following

Second Semester

Note: Majors may also take any of the Spanish for the professions courses as electives at any time. Classes are conducted primarily in Spanish.

Requirements for a Spanish Secondary Education Major

Students choosing Spanish as a teachable major must complete a total of 36 credits in Spanish beyond the 200-level, including SPA 321, SPA 322, SPA 309, two civilization and culture courses (from SPA 310, SPA 311, SPA 312, SPA 313), SPA 314, one Survey of Literature course (either SPA 331 or SPA 332), SPA 330, SPA 335, one 400-level literature course, and SPA 495 (Capstone). In addition, students with a Spanish Secondary Education major must study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country for a minimum of one semester (12-15 credits in Spanish at the 300-level) in a departmentally-approved program. Courses taken during the study abroad semester may fulfill some of the courses required for the major. The semester abroad should take place after students have completed SPA 322. Students who cannot meet this requirement will need to complete an alternative plan approved by the Spanish section's Study Abroad Committee. Students interested in pursuing a teaching degree in Spanish are urged to meet with a Spanish advisor as early as possible in their program.

It is a requirement of the Michigan Department of Education and Grand Valley's College of Education that teacher candidates achieve the Advanced Low level on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) in Spanish before student teaching. Information sessions on the OPI and other requirements for certification are provided regularly, but students should work closely with their advisor in Spanish. Students planning to teach Spanish are strongly encouraged to fulfill the study abroad requirement before attempting the OPI.

Credits for SPA 101, SPA 102, SPA 150, SPA 201, SPA 202, SPA 203, or SPA 204 will not be counted toward the major or minor.

Suggested Order of Coursework for a Spanish Secondary Education Major

In order to complete the program in four years, work toward the major should begin in a student's sophomore year. The suggested distribution of courses is as follows:

Sophomore Year

First Semester

Second Semester

Junior Year

First Semester

Second Semester (recommended study abroad semester):

Senior Year

First Semester

  • One 400-level literature course

AND one of the following:

Second Semester

Note: Classes are conducted primarily in Spanish.


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