Studying Spanish at UW-Stevens Point
As a student at UW-Stevens Point you have many options for majors. Here are just some of
the reasons you might consider majoring in Spanish:
- To communicate with 350 million native Spanish speakers worldwide.
Approximately 350 million people worldwide speak Spanish as a native
language. It is the second most spoken language in the world in terms
of native speakers, after Mandarin Chinese. It is estimated that the
combined total number of Spanish speakers is between 470 and 500
million, making it the third most spoken language by total number of
speakers (after Chinese and English). Spanish is the third most commonly
used language on the Internet. The number of Spanish speakers is
growing at a faster rate than that of English speakers.
- To communicate with Spanish-speaking people at home.
The United States now has the 5th largest number of Spanish speakers
in the world. If you live in the US, it is possible to maintain almost
daily contact with native Spanish speakers in many cities or even in
rural areas. The nation is becoming even more diverse: More than one
third of its population belongs to a minority group, and Hispanics are
the fastest-growing segment. In 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau reported
that the minority population of the U.S. had reached an estimated 104.6
million -- or 34 percent of the nation's total population and that
nearly one in six residents, or 46.9 million people, are Hispanic.
- To enjoy traveling throughout Mexico, Spain, and Latin America.
There are 21 countries in the world that have Spanish as their
official language: Spain, Equatorial Guinea (Malabo) in West Africa,
Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,
Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela. Knowing the
language of the places you visit will give you insights into the people
and culture that a non-Spanish speaker would never have access to.
- Because the ability to speak Spanish is a valuable skill in today’s job market.
The Spanish-speaking population is one of the fasting growing
segments in the world, especially in the United States. The Hispanic
market is today the most rapidly expanding market in the United States.
Hispanic consumers have become a driving force in the largest national
markets, including southern and northern California, New York, Chicago,
Florida, Texas, and others. Marketing studies show that the majority of
Hispanics prefer to make buying decisions in Spanish. Not surprisingly,
there are many career fields in the US that need Spanish speakers.
- To improve your knowledge of your own language.
Spanish is from the Romance language family of languages, coming
primarily from Latin. English also has many words of Latin origin.
Learning Spanish helps speakers of English broaden their vocabulary in
their native language. In addition, a recognition and understanding of
words of Latin origin is especially helpful in certain professions in
science, medicine, law, and many others with specialized vocabulary.
- To prepare for study abroad opportunities.
In conjunction with International Programs, The Department of
Foreign Languages offers two study abroad opportunities for Spanish
students: 1) a 10 week summer program in Oaxaca, Mexico; 2) spring
semester in Valladolid, Spain. A study abroad program gives you the
opportunity to improve your language skills tremendously at the same
time as having the experience of a lifetime living and traveling in
another country.
- To gain better appreciation of Spanish-speaking cultures.
Learning Spanish helps you to gain access to a wealth of Spanish
art, music, literature and film. You can learn more about the works of
great artists like Pablo Picasso and read masterpieces like Don Quijote
in Spanish. In addition to opening up access to areas of "high" culture
such as art, literature, and history, learning another language opens
many doors to meeting new people that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
- To help develop better critical thinking skills.
Becoming bilingual means seeing the world through more than one lens; a skill that can help you in many areas.
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The Department of World Languages offers both a major and a minor in Spanish.
A Spanish Foreign Language major has 4 tracks plus a minor: 1. 24
credit Spanish major 2. 30 credit Hispanic Cultural Studies Major and 3.
A 30 credit Spanish/Teacher Certification Major and 4. A 36 credit
Spanish Education Cultural Studies Major. 5. A 15 credit Spanish minor.
The Spanish Club at UWSP is active and holds twice monthly meetings.
The 24 credit Spanish Major:
- 313 Intermediate Conversation; Spanish 314 Intermediate Composition
- Spanish 340, Introduction to Hispanic Literature
- One advanced Spanish Literature course beyond Spanish 340
- Hispanic Culture 481, 482 or 483
- Spanish 345 Advanced Composition and Conversation
- Two elective Spanish courses at the 300 or 400 level
The 30 credit Spanish Major with a concentration in Cultural Studies:
- Spanish 313 - Intermediate Conversation; Spanish 314 – Intermediate Composition
- Spanish 340 – Introduction to Hispanic Literature
- Spanish 345 – Advanced Composition and Conversation
- One elective Spanish course at the 300 or 400 level
- Two Hispanic Culture courses (Spanish 481, 481 and 483)
- Three courses related to Hispanic studies totaling 9 credits taken
outside the department to be approved by your department advisor
The Spanish Major with Concentration for Teacher Certification consists of 30 credits:
- Language and literature, 18 credits at the 300/400 level, including 313, 314, 340, 345, 420
- One additional literature course beyond 340
- Hispanic Culture and Civilization (481,482 or 483)
- Two electives chosen from literature or culture courses
- Foreign Language Ed 333
The Spanish Minor consists of 15 credits in courses at the 300/400 level, including 313, 314, 340 and a culture or advanced literature course.
Suggested Four Year Sequence
The Department of World Languages encourages students to graduate in four years. The suggested four year sequence
provide a suggested sequence of courses that illustrate how a student
could successfully complete a Foreign Languages major or minor in 4
years. Please consult with and advisor when planning your major or
minor.
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