Spanish

Curriculum

As a Spanish major at Mount Union, you will be exposed to several different aspects of Hispanic culture while gaining speaking, reading, listening and writing skills. You’ll also be able to put all that you have learned to the test through a study abroad experience that will allow you to hone your language skills and experience the culture of a Spanish-speaking country first hand.

SPANISH LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The Spanish major at the University of Mount Union focuses on several different aspects of Hispanic culture. Spanish majors will gain speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills of the Spanish language. The living patterns, social structure, and value systems of the Spanish culture will be discussed along with Spanish literatures. Students will be able to understand the cultures and civilizations of Spanish speaking people along with an understanding of the careers and professions available to Spanish majors. Lastly, Spanish majors will spend a period of time living and learning in Spain, Costa Rica, Chile, or Mexico, experiencing the culture first-hand.

Student organizations include Alpha Mu Gamma, the foreign language honorary society, Study Abroad Club, Hispanic Organization Latin America (HOLA) and the Association of International Students. Spanish degree graduates can choose from career opportunities such as public relations, teaching, business, social work, government service, scientific research, various technical occupations and legal and medical services. Many students also continue on to graduate study.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR WORLD LANGUAGE STUDENTS

• Students will achieve the level of proficiency necessary to enable them to function in an environment where Spanish is used exclusively. 
• Students will demonstrate speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the Language at the ACTFL Advanced-Low Level
• Students will demonstrate an understanding of the cultures and civilizations of the principal groups of people who speak Spanish, from a variety of perspectives, including the historical, geographical, sociopolitical, literary and artistic.
• Students will demonstrate an awareness of the relevance of foreign languages to professions and careers.

Experiential Learning

Students who choose to major in Spanish at the University of Mount Union have ample opportunities to get “real-world” experience outside of the classroom. By getting involved in extracurricular opportunities and student organizations, you can strengthen your Spanish language and culture proficiency, both of which are critical to a successful career in Spanish.

Experiential learning opportunities will give you many chances to put classroom knowledge to work as a Spanish major. Opportunities for Spanish degree students include:

• Study abroad experience
• International internship opportunities
• Teaching opportunities within local schools
• Research opportunities with faculty
• Faculty-led trips

Careers

The fourth most commonly spoken language in the world, Spanish is the official language on four continents and is being studied by a record number of people in the United States. Without a doubt, it’s a good choice for study among foreign languages.

In our global society, knowledge of other languages, cultures and traditions is increasingly important, and this understanding is sought by employers across our nation and around the world. Whether your interests lie in business, education, technology or translation, a foundation in Spanish and Hispanic culture will prepare you for graduate study and career success in a number of fields.