Spanish

Major | Minor

Develop language proficiency and intercultural skills. Gain greater awareness of human diversity. Deepen your understanding of language by studying Spanish at Luther College.

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Why Study Spanish?

There are more native Spanish speakers in the world than any other language except Mandarin. It is the first or second language for more than 500 million people. Spanish is the official language of Spain, Equatorial Guinea, and 19 countries in the Americas.

By studying Spanish, you will expand who you are able to communicate with by millions of people.

Why Study Spanish at Luther?

As a Spanish student at Luther, you’ll develop language skills and learn to appreciate the diversity of Hispanic cultures. Courses focus on speaking, writing, understanding Hispanic cultures, and professional uses of Spanish.

You’ll learn from expert language instructors and have the opportunity to collaborate on a faculty research project. You’ll have your choice of a number of study-abroad experiences. Luther Spanish majors spend at least six weeks living and studying abroad in Spain or Latin America. Our professors lead January Term courses where students live with host families and immerse themselves in a different culture.

At Luther, you’ll be a part of a Spanish-speaking community of faculty, staff, and students. You can practice your Spanish weekly at the conversation table (La Mesa), perform volunteer service in the Decorah community, and complete an internship.

Program Highlights

Off-Campus Study

Spanish majors and minors must complete a language immersion experience. You can study away for a semester, a summer, or a January Term course, or you can complete an internship in a Spanish-speaking environment. Study abroad locations include the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Chile, Spain, Mexico, and more.

Internships

Luther’s large alumni network helps you get professional work experience. Luther students have completed internships abroad and in the United States.

Language Learning Center

The Language Learning Center (LLC) provides you with the language assistance you need to excel and succeed in your program. The LLC offers drop-in assistance including tutoring, conversation, help with homework and presentations, and test preparation. Access extensive foreign-language film collections and print resources, gather groups to work on projects, or hold study sessions. The LLC can help you improve your language abilities in many ways!

What You’ll Learn

As a Spanish major at Luther, you’ll develop strong language, communication, and literacy skills.

Spanish Major

Spanish majors must complete 32 credit hours. Required courses teach effective writing in Spanish; explore Hispanic art, literature, and film; and investigate cultural expressions of the Hispanic world.

You must complete at least one language immersion experience. You can complete six weeks of credit-bearing study through an approved study-abroad program or at an internships of at least six weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.

Spanish Minor

Spanish minors must complete at least 20 credit hours. You’ll develop skills in writing and reading comprehension in a variety of cultural contexts. You must complete at least three weeks in a study-abroad program, or a three-week internship in a Spanish-speaking environment.

Curriculum

Ryan Goos
With the wealth of experiences I had at Luther, both in and out of the classroom, I feel prepared to take on any new role that I wish to pursue.
Ryan Goos '16
SPANISH MAJOR

Careers and Outcomes

Luther Spanish graduates are highly sought after, with 92 percent of graduates seeking continuing education, volunteering, or finding a job within a year of graduation.

Graduates from the program are prepared for a variety of careers in fields that include:

  • Government
  • International business
  • Health professions
  • Education
  • Teaching English as a second language (ESL)

Students often spend a year engaged in volunteer service or internships with organizations like:

  • Peace Corps
  • Teach for America
  • Lutheran Volunteer Corps
  • Young Adults in Global Mission

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