Spanish Overview


Program Overview

Our Spanish program gives students the opportunity to dive into the rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world, which has over 400 million speakers. Our Major and Minor cover the languages, literatures, and cultures of Spanish-speaking countries around the globe, and in dialogue with other fields of knowledge, from linguistics, history, and health sciences to gender studies, political science, and visual culture.

In addition to developing their language skills, our students build a strong foundation in reading, writing, researching, and critical thinking while pursuing the Major or Minor, both of which can be completed in combination with other majors.

Why Study Spanish?

Spanish is the second largest language in the United States. Learning Spanish will allow you to enjoy interactions with other communities, and to learn and enjoy their cultures. From travelling to other countries to enhancing your competitiveness in your future workplace, learning a second language is a gateway to exciting opportunities locally and abroad.

 

Contact Info

World Languages and Cultures

350 Spelman Lane, S.W.
Atlanta, GA. 30314

404-270-5541
jalvarez@spelman.edu

Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Core Language Classes

Students must take and approve all Core Language Spanish Classes (101, 102, 201, 202) unless exempted by the departmental Spanish Placement Exam. International Studies majors may be required to take an additional year.

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Spanish Placement Exam

Upon entering Spelman, students who have taken a year or more of Spanish are encouraged to take a computerized Spanish Placement Exam. Students will be notified about the class in which they have been placed and are strongly advised to enroll in it as soon as possible. If more than a semester lapses without starting Spanish Core Language Classes, students are required to retake the Placement Exam.

Exemptions

A high score in the Spanish Placement Exam qualifies students for an oral interview with a departmental professor. Based on the results, students may be exempt from the language requirement.

Departmental Honors

To qualify for departmental honors, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Spanish and an overall minimum GPA of 3.2. In addition, students should write a longer thesis, submit a letter of recommendation by a departmental professor, and present an outstanding portfolio. Departmental honors should not be confused with Honor Societies in Spanish.

Students interested in graduating with departmental honors can pick up the requirement form from the department’s front desk.

Spanish Honor Society

Students interested in joining Sigma Delta Pi and graduating as part of this Spanish Honor Society, should contact Dr. Cleveland Johnson for requirements and information.

Spanish Club 

The Spelman Spanish Club sponsors a variety of events each semester that promote and celebrate the Spanish- speaking world. For more information, contact Dr. Janike Ruginis, club adviser.

Service Learning Opportunities

Students can serve as volunteers at different organizations. See Dr. Alvarez or Dr. Gonzalez- Barrios for further Information.

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College Bulletin

2020-2022

College Bulletin

2017-2019

College Bulletin

2009-2010

College Bulletin

2008-2009

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