International Studies and Languages Division

Modern Languages: Hispanic Studies

A major in Hispanic Studies equips students with the skills and knowledge to comprehend, speak, read and write competently in real-life situations in the language. Both oral and written communication are stressed in the Program. A successful Hispanic Studies major will be able to discuss the literature, culture, history and geography of Spain and Spanish America at a sophisticated level. Additionally, Hispanic Studies majors engage in the analysis of phonetic aspects of the language. The completion of the major is contingent upon an intensive experience in a Spanish-speaking country. The ultimate goal of the Hispanic Studies Program is to foster awareness not just of another language and its culture, but also of the value of human diversity and each student's capacity to serve in light of this awareness.

Freshman-Year Program

The Hispanic Studies major should enroll in the regular freshman program outlined in the Seaver College catalog and should begin the study of Spanish. The course level is determined by a placement examination.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students who receive a grade of "3" on the AP exam will receive four units of credit and satisfy SPAN 151. Those who receive a score of "4" will receive four units of credit and satisfy SPAN 152. Students with a grade of "5" will receive four units of credit and satisy SPAN 251, thus satisfying the general education requirement for foreign language. Additional placement credit will be determined by departmental examination, including an oral interview.

Program Requirements

The Hispanic Studies major is required to take eight upper-division courses (thirty-two units). The Hispanic Studies major is also required to complete the Summer Language Program in Madrid or Buenos Aires, or 2 semesters in: a) a year-round Pepperdine Spanish abroad program, or b) a pre-approved experience in a Spanish-speaking culture. For more information about the Madrid or Buenos Aires programs, please visit the International Programs Web site.

The Hispanic Studies major consists of the following:

The prerequisite for all 300-level Hispanic Studies courses is SPAN 252. The prerequisite for all 400-level Hispanic Studies courses is the successful completion of SPAN 341.

Secondary Teaching Credential

In addition to the requirements for the major as listed above, students who plan to qualify for a California Teaching Credential in Spanish must complete course work required by the State Department of Education. A credential candidate may not take a directed study as part of the Spanish course work.

A student can graduate with a bachelor's degree in German and a California Teaching Credential in Spanish by taking the required thirty units in education as part of the student's undergraduate elective courses and passing the California Single Subject Assessment Test in Spanish. More information about the credential courses can be found in the Teacher Education section of the Seaver College catalog or the Humanities/Teacher Education Web site.

Hispanic Studies Minor

Students majoring in other areas but interested in Spanish may receive a minor in Hispanic Studies by taking twenty units in the language. The minor consists of the following: