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2026-2027 Catalog
Spanish, B.A.
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Program of Study
As its primary objective, the Spanish Major promotes the study of the language and culture of Spanish-speaking people. It is designed to provide the background and appreciation of Hispanic literatures and cultures, and linguistic and analytic skills, so students can pursue careers in a variety of fields. The program seeks to contribute support to and articulate with other areas of study at the University. It aims to serve the immediate region and its needs, while providing students with understanding and insight into the Hispanic world at large. The Spanish Major addresses cultural and linguistic connections between the United States and its Spanish-speaking neighbors. It promotes the concept that Spanish is not a foreign language, but rather one to be cultivated and appreciated alongside English in Southern California. The Spanish Major gives students flexibility and diversity while providing a strong core in all basic linguistic, analytic, and cultural skills. The program takes into account the unique nature of the Cal State San Marcos student body and the University’s Mission Statement. The program addresses the need for trained language specialists in a variety of fields, with special attention to the location of Cal State San Marcos, in North San Diego County, an area characterized by a large Spanish-speaking population. The bi-national interaction that stems from our proximity to the Mexican border establishes the need for a multidimensional major which incorporates practical and academic components. The University’s commitment to interdisciplinary and multicultural issues guides the cultural and literary elements of the major. All of these principles are prevalent in the curriculum and the faculty, both of which are complemented by those of other programs. Students interested in the field of Spanish translation may complete the 12-unit Certificate in Spanish Translation as a part of the Spanish Major course of study. Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish will be able to: - Express themselves in Spanish with accuracy and clarity via conversations, oral presentations, and in writing.
- Critically analyze and interpret language data and literary texts in Spanish.
- Recognize the diversity and richness of the Hispanic world’s literary and artistic expression.
- Relate the patterns of behavior and values integral to Hispanic cultures to their own culture, aspirations, and identity.
- Analyze issues of social justice relevant to Hispanic communities.
- Conduct research using appropriate tools and methodologies.
Career Opportunities
The world is tied together by many bonds—economic, diplomatic and human—and because of technological advances in transportation and communication, an increasing number of Americans rely on the knowledge of a second language. Concentrated study of the languages and cultures of other nations contributes significantly to the improvement of international relations. Employment possibilities for Spanish majors include the many positions available to humanities students in any field. For bilinguals there are openings in foreign countries as well as in the United States. Graduates have found jobs in teaching, translating, foreign diplomacy, foreign correspondence, the travel/hospitality industries, import-export work, international corporations, and in government agencies. Spanish language competence is an asset to workers in social services, public health, and law enforcement. While graduates with skills and backgrounds only in the Spanish language may encounter keen competition for jobs, as a supplement to other skills the knowledge of a language other than English is a valuable professional commodity. Special Conditions for the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
- The major consists of 48 semester units, with 36 units of upper-division coursework.
- The 12 units of SPAN 101-201 and SPAN 250, or any portion thereof, may be met by demonstrating equivalent proficiency. In such a case, the units in lower-division would be reduced proportionately.
- Upper-division requirements are divided among 18 units of core requirements, 15 units of electives, and one 3-unit capstone course, for a total of 36 units.
- Credit/No Credit grading is not allowed in the upper-division courses required for the major, except in the case of students who pass course-specific challenge exams administered by the program.
- A grade of C (2.0) or better must be earned in all upper-division courses applied to the major.
- In no case may more than two upper-division courses conducted in English be applied to the Spanish major.
- Students who complete the series SPAN 320 , SPAN 330 , and SPAN 340 as part of the Spanish Major will also earn a Certificate in Spanish Translation .
Requirements
Breadth Requirement (3 Units)
Additional course in Upper Division Arts and Humanities (UD3 designated) outside the major. This requirement can also count as the UD3 requirement in Upper Division General Education, but it must be taken in an Arts and Humanities or Interdisciplinary program other than Spanish. Any course carrying the UD3 designation outside of the Spanish major can be used to fulfill this requirement. If a student chooses to satisfy their UD3 outside the major, the breadth requirement will become 3 free elective units. Interdisciplinary Social Science Requirement (3 Units)
All Spanish majors must meet an Interdisciplinary Social Science (IDSS) requirement. This is satisfied with an approved lower-division interdisciplinary social science course from one of the following departments or programs: American Indian Studies, Anthropology, Border Studies, Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Global Studies, Linguistics, Social Sciences, and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies. The course taken to satisfy IDSS cannot double count with other major requirements and must be outside the student’s major discipline. Preparation for the Major
Lower-Division (3-15 Units)
Core Requirements (18 Units)
Electives (15 Units)
Choose 15 units from the following: Capstone (3 Units)
Choose one: Minimum Total (120 Units)
Students must take a sufficient number of elective units to bring the total number of units to a minimum of 120. |
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