What will I study if I minor or major in Spanish?
After completeing or placing out of the first four semesters of Spanish (1101/1102 or 1103, then 2211/2212), students generally take 2230, Spanish Conversation. This course places a high emphasis on the creation of real language. There is a bit of review of some of the more challenging grammar points, but structure takes a back seat to vocabulary building and negotiatin more complex conversations about a broad range of topics.
Once you have progressed to the advanced level, we shift to developing your linguistic competence through the study of culture through a broad range of topics in literature, society, history and curent events. Two courses in particular, The Cultural History of Spain (3309) and Contemporary Latin American Culture (3303), provide a context for the courses that follow, giving the student a broad understanding of these two very different spaces in the Spanish-speaking world. Two courses (that are also prerequisites for upper-division courses, including our Senior Capstone experience) will give you the building blocks for further study: the Introduction to Literary Analysis (3305) and Spanish Syntac and Composition (3304). Both of these courses are writing-intensive. Introduction to Literary Analysis teaches you the proper terminology and methods for studying, talking and writing about literary texts of three genres: poetry, narrative, and theater. Syntax and Composition allows advanced-level students an opportunity to study the nueances of the more complex features of Spanish grammar and hone their writing skills.
There is a broad range of courses that are offered as Special Topics courses, and won't be found in the caralog since we vary the content to suit the needs and interests of our Spanish majors. Past topics have included: "Spanish for Business," "Spanish for the Professions" (Social services, Education, Tourism, Law/Law Enfocement), "Hispanic Roots," "The Latin American Chronicle," "Cervantes," "Spanish Novels to film," "Voices from the Margins: Women, the Indigenous, and the African Diaspoa in Spanish American Culture," "Women in Latino/Latin American Culture," and "Dictatorship in Popular Culture." In these courses students will bein to read novels in Spanish, learn about theoretical approaches to studying literature and culture, begin to explore scholarly publications in the field, and analyze texts using the theories and tools we've taught them alond the way.
One common question is: Why so much literature? There are a few different answers to this question. The main answer is that this is what people in our field "do." Once you have a command of the language, you are on a path to understanding the people, their culture, and their history. Immersion (living abroad) is one way, and another is to take a critical look at how people from a culture portray themselves. Yo uwill notice that many of these courses also study (or are completely dedicated to) film, music, video, art, and print ofr Internet media. This reflects a general shift in the changing ways, as a society, that we choose to represent ourselves. The Spanish-speaking world is no different.
The Senior Capstone Experience
The Capstone in Spanish is a seminar course, generally based on a special topic. Students are challenged to apply all that they have learned throughout the major and in their immersion experience to produce and present written research and chritical analysis. The theme of your project is worked out individually with the professor, and it is usually connected with the course topic.
Immersion: Study abroad or the Spanish House?
Completion of our major requires that students either study abroad for a minimum of 12 weeks of live in the Spanish House for one year. Study abroad is, without question, the best path to take. There is simply no replacement for being completely immersed in the language and culture. The obvious benefit is that you have a much better chance of becoming highly proficient in Spanish. But there are some other considerations. Most students report this as a life-changing experience, returning with dramatically greater self-knowledge and independence, increased focus on their academics in general, and a profound understand of the world and their place in it. One thing that should weigh heavily into your decision is that living abroad will give you a competitive edge in your professional life later. Last, but certainly not least: it is FUN! Yes, ti's hard to be away from your family and friends, and oyu will have to "hit the pause utton" on some things while you are away, but we can guaranteee that oyu will believe is was work it upon your return.
If you are a person for whome study abroad for a semester or a year doesn't seem possible for personal or financial reasons, please talk to your Spanish professor about it before making a decision. If you are on sports teams or have other commitments that prevent you from missing a whole semester during the academic year, we have affiliation agreements that allow you to fit a twelve-week semester into a summer. If you have financial concerns, do know that often a semester abroad is cheaper than being here@! Most financial aid will cover study abroad, and with a little planning you can make it happen.
If you choose not to study abroad, you can spend one year living in the Spanish House. Find out more about the Spanish House. Find out more about the Spanish House and Spanish On Campus.
If you are considering a major or minor in Spanish, we are eager to talk to you about it! Dr. Amy McNichols (amcnichols@mcdaniel.edu, x2461) and Dr. Thomas Deveny (tdeveny@mcdaniel.edu, x2465) are available by email, phone, or during office hours.