Required for a major: Nine courses (36 hours), starting at SPAN 201 or above. Required courses are SPAN 303 and SPAN 346; either SPAN 450 or SPAN 460; plus additional hours above 300; language immersion experience. Students interested in teaching should see the education department for secondary minor requirements.

Recommended supporting courses for students majoring in Spanish: Courses in Latin American history; politics and anthropology; courses in another modern or classical language; courses in linguistics.

Required for a minor: Five courses (20 hours), starting at SPAN 201 or above. Required course is SPAN 303; language immersion experience.

Language immersion experience: For majors, a minimum of twelve weeks of academic study in a country where Spanish is an official language. For minors, at least three weeks of academic study or one January term of study in such a country, although a semester is strongly recommended. Those preparing to teach must complete at least twelve weeks of academic study in such a country. Program selection must be approved by the department for all majors and minors prior to departure. All majors and minors are encouraged to help maintain and advance their language skills by completing courses in the language during their final semesters at Luther.

SPAN 101, 102: Elementary Spanish I, II

Introduction to the basic skills needed for communicating in Spanish. Stress on both oral and written forms. Intended for those with no previous Spanish study.

SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish

This course is for students who have successfully completed at least one year of college-level Spanish or the equivalent.

SPAN 302: Conversation and Listening Comprehension

This is a course for students who have completed intermediate-level coursework in Spanish and who have a solid background in Spanish grammar. Focus on developing speaking and oral comprehension skills, increasing proficiency in extended narration and dialogue and developing knowledge of Spanish-speaking cultures. 

SPAN 303: Written Expression

This is a course for students who have completed intermediate-level coursework in Spanish and who have a solid background in Spanish grammar. Focus on developing skills in writing and reading comprehension in a variety of cultural contexts.

SPAN 304: Advanced Grammar and Translation

This course is for students who have completed Spanish 201 or the equivalent and who require more practice with advanced grammar structures. This course is especially recommended for those who plan to teach Spanish. Focus on advanced grammar functions and correcting common mistakes. Translation exercises reinforce grammar fundamentals.

SPAN 340: Language and Culture in the Spanish-Speaking World

This January Term study abroad course will introduce students to the culture of a Spanish-speaking country first-hand. Course locations may include Perú, Dominican Republic, Spain, Ecuador, Mexico, Argentina and other countries where Spanish is an official language. In addition to language and culture instruction at a local institution, students will live with host families and participate in guided visits to sites that illustrate the diverse cultural history of the country. This course satisfies the immersion requirement for the Spanish minor.

SPAN 346: Introduction to the Study of Hispanic Literature

An introduction to the basic dramatic, narrative, and poetic forms of Hispanic literature utilizing representative works of Spanish and Spanish-American authors. The course will focus on critical approaches to literature, introduce bibliographic resources, and continue development of writing proficiency.

SPAN 460: Seminar in Latin American Literature and Culture

A seminar with rotating topics on Latin American literature and culture. Topics may include the short story in Latin America, Latin American poetry, memory and political violence, Latin American women writers and the representation of Latin America in literature and film. Significant practice in writing, including a research project. Formal assessment of speaking skills.

SPAN 490: Senior Project

A required course for Spanish majors who choose to do their senior projects in Spanish. Review of research methods and MLA-style documentation appropriate for reseach papers on topics in Spanish language and linguistics, Hispanic cultures and literatures, second language acquisition and language pedagogy. Periodic assessment of speaking skills in Spanish, including a formal presentation of project at end of term.