Foreign Language Placement

Students who have completed three or more years of a Spanish in high school are required to take the language placement exam before taking a course in Spanish. Students who took two years of Spanish in high school in a strong program are highly recommended but not required to take the placement exam. Students who received dual enrollment or AP credit in Spanish, or who transferred in college credit in Spanish are not required to take the exam. It is highly recommended that students take the placement exam within one year of enrolling at Benedictine College, as this is when their previous language experience will be strongest. Students may not take the placement exam more than once. The placement exam is regularly scheduled at the beginning of the semester, during registration and during SOAR weekends. See the Academic Calendar for dates. For more information, contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures or Admissions.

Study Abroad

The Department of World Languages and Cultures sponsors several study-abroad programs to provide students with an opportunity for immersion in Spanish. Students majoring in Spanish are required to have an immersion experience abroad in Spanish, either through studying, completing an internship, doing service learning, or volunteering abroad. This requirement may be waived for students who already demonstrate advanced proficiency in the language or who have substantial immersion experience in the target language.

The department offers study abroad opportunities in Spanish in Seville, Spain. Students also have the option of participating in an exchange program through the College’s affiliation with ISEP. This program is administered by the International Programs office.

Some language courses are offered on an alternate semester or yearly basis. Those who choose to major or minor in a foreign language should consult with an advisor in the department and declare their course of study as early as possible so as to follow the recommended schedule of classes.

Program Mission

The mission of the Spanish Program is to develop proficient communicators in and translators and readers of Spanish. Learners will also demonstrate knowledge of the structure of the Spanish language, and of the cultures, history and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Program Outcomes

1. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal communication in Spanish.
2. Graduates will demonstrate proficiency in presentational communication—writing in Spanish.
3. Graduates will use Spanish in interpersonal communication that is appropriate to the context and the intended audience.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an awareness of Hispanic cultures and how they shape perceptions, practices, and cultural products.
5. Graduates will be able to recognize and express understanding of difference, express a respect for the perspectives of others, and critically reflect on their own worldview.

Program Requirements

Note: At least 12 hours of the upper-division courses (3000-level and above courses) towards the major must be completed on campus at Benedictine College and not through study abroad. Placement by exam does not count towards these twelve hours. Transfer students who intend to major in Spanish must take a minimum of 50% of the 3000-level and above courses required for the major either at Benedictine College or through an approved study abroad program.

Transfer students who intend to major or minor in Spanish must take a minimum of 50% of the 3000-level and above courses required for the major either at Benedictine College or through an approved study abroad program.

Requirements for Prospective Teachers of Spanish

The student will complete the Spanish major as outlined above. In addition, the student will complete FORL-4457 Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages. The student will also complete a major in Secondary Education.

Suggested Sequence of Courses for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish

Please note that students majoring in Spanish are encouraged to double major; thus, courses indicated as electives would ideally fulfill another major.

Student majoring in Spanish are required to study abroad. Because the semester or summer when students study abroad varies, this suggested sequence shows classes as they are taught on the Benedictine College campus only. Students will consult with the Chair of the Department of World Languages & Cultures about how their study abroad credits will count towards major requirements.

Fulfilling Foundations

Note that there are several courses in the major that fulfill Foundations.