Mar 28, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2018-2019 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Spanish, B.A.


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Objectives


This major equips students with language proficiency in Spanish as it introduces them to the multicultural nature and historical evolution of literary and cultural expressions in the target language. It provides students with opportunities to comprehend, interpret, and practice advanced linguistic skills in Spanish through oral and written exercises and assignments. Survey and seminar classes familiarize them with representative literary works and cultural texts from Latin America, Spain, the U.S., and other diasporic Spanish-speaking populations. Our students become familiar with theoretical terminology and concepts essential to analyze these and other cultural products. The major also includes the study of Spanish phonology, morphology, syntax, and dialectal varieties. Students consistently participate in intercultural events and service learning activities in academic and culturally significant contexts. They acquire an increasing commitment to the mission of the University.

Spanish Student Learning Outcomes


Spanish majors will know:

  • The variety and nature of linguistic practices of Spanish-speaking populations
  • The variety and nature of cultural texts of Spanish-speaking populations
  • The variety and nature of cultural perspectives of Spanish-speaking populations
  • Representative literary works and cultural texts from Latin America, Spain, the U.S., and other Spanish-speaking populations
  • Theoretical terminology and concepts essential to analyze literary and cultural texts.

Spanish majors will be able to:

  • Understand spoken Spanish at the appropriate level
  • Speak Spanish at the appropriate level
  • Read Spanish at the appropriate level
  • Write Spanish at the appropriate level
  • Use acquired theoretical and critical skills to textual analyses and scholarly research
  • Demonstrate an informed knowledge of literary works developed by Spanish-speaking populations
  • Demonstrate an informed knowledge of cultural products developed by Spanish-speaking populations
  • Demonstrate an informed knowledge of linguistic varieties developed by Spanish-speaking populations.

Spanish majors will also demonstrate an appreciation for:

  • The evolution and variety of perspectives in Spanish-speaking cultures
  • The mission of our University
  • Transcultural similarities and differences. 

Major Requirements


Prerequisite


Lower Division Requirements:


12 semester hours in lower division courses:

Note:


SPAN 2101 , SPAN 2102 , and SPAN 2103 /2113  may be satisfied by placing above that level through the LMU Spanish Placement Exam. A minimum grade of C (2.0) is required in all lower division Spanish courses.

Upper Division Requirements:


The major in Spanish requires 25 semester hours in upper division courses: 8 semester hours in SPAN 3410  and SPAN 3510 ; 8 semester hours in SPAN 3431 , or SPAN 3521 , or SPAN 3541  (choose 2); 8 semester hours in 4000-level Spanish electives; and SPAN 4990 , a senior capstone project (1 semester hour). Students are permitted to take up to 33 upper division hours in Spanish. Students must complete all upper division courses with a minimum grade of C (2.0).

Senior Capstone Project: Portfolio Requirements:


Spanish majors are required to register for a one-credit course (SPAN 4990 Senior Capstone Project ) during, or after, their last semester in the Spanish major program. Each graduating student constructs a portfolio that includes a collection of previous works, a brief description of extracurricular activities connected with the Spanish major, and a reflective essay in Spanish demonstrating how the goals of the program were met. These goals are language proficiency, cultural competency, mastery of literary and linguistic studies, development of a sense of social justice, and transcultural understanding. An oral presentation of the portfolio to a faculty panel is required.

Guidelines for the elaboration of the portfolio and the oral presentation are available in the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. This course is graded Credit/No Credit.

Secondary Teacher Preparation Program (STPP) for Spanish


Students interested in obtaining a Spanish secondary teaching credential for the State of California must fulfill the requirements for the Spanish major and take two additional Spanish courses: SPAN 4252  and SPAN 4474  or their equivalents. They will also have to take courses and do their teaching practice under the School of Education. To complete all requirements in four years, Spanish majors are encouraged to start this process early by contacting the Center for Undergraduate Teacher Preparation (CUTP) to learn about the School of Education requirements.

For additional information, contact Professor Alicia Partnoy, STPP-Spanish Director.

LMU Spanish Placement Exam


Any student who has knowledge of or has had prior instruction in Spanish in high school or at a college or university other than LMU must take the LMU Spanish Placement Exam.

This requirement includes students who have taken an AP Spanish Exam in high school. A student who receives a score of 5 or 4 on the AP Spanish Exam (Language and/or Literature) might place in SPAN 2103 Spanish 3  or SPAN 2113 Spanish 3 for Latino Students . Final placement is conditional upon the instructor’s consent. The student’s Degree Works will reflect credit for SPAN 2101  and SPAN 2102  after official scores have been received from the College Board. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the official AP scores have been sent to Loyola Marymount University.

To know when and how a student should take a language placement exam in Spanish, please refer to the guidelines provided under Modern Languages and Literatures .

Students that need more semester hours to complete the major/minor because of their language placement must take additional courses in the language. In the event that there are no courses in the language, students may take MDLG 3400 , MDLG 4400 , or FNLT 4200  (provided it is related to language concentration). If additional classes are not available in the Modern Languages and Literatures Department, students may fulfill those credits with courses in the appropriate cultural studies areas (e.g., CLST , LBST ) in consultation with the language coordinator and the Department Chair.

Study Abroad


Students are strongly encouraged to take language courses abroad for a semester either during their sophomore year (Spring semester) or junior year (Fall or Spring semester). Prior to departure, students must obtain transfer credit approval for any courses that they plan to take.

No more than four (4) units in Spanish course(s) will transfer for the major or minor unless the student has the approval of the Spanish Coordinator.

Consult the Study Abroad Office or the Spanish language professors for information about semester, year-long, or summer study abroad programs offered by other universities other than those that the Spanish program endorses.

Spanish Model Four-Year Plan


The normal course load is 16 semester hours per semester (4 classes). By following the model below, a student who places at the second semester level of Spanish (SPAN 2102 ) at the time of admission into our program will complete most major prerequisites and all lower division core requirements by the end of the sophomore year. Students with no previous knowledge of Spanish will be able to complete the program in four years if they are willing to take a Spanish course approved by our department, either abroad or at another institution during the summer. Note that core areas are suggested to provide a distribution of various disciplines every semester. Please be flexible implementing these suggestions, given your own interests and course availability. In four years, this plan meets all common graduation requirements.

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 14-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 1 semester hours
  • SPAN 4000-level 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 14-17 semester hours

Spanish Model Four-Year Plan–For Students Starting at an Advanced Level of Proficiency


The normal course load is 16 semester hours per semester (4 classes). By following the model below, a student will complete all lower division core requirements by the end of the first semester freshman year as well as most major prerequisites. Note that core areas are suggested to provide a distribution of various disciplines every semester. Please be flexible implementing these suggestions, given your own interests and course availability. In four years, this plan meets all common graduation requirements.

Freshman Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Sophomore Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Junior Year


Fall Semester


Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • SPAN 4000-level 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 Semester Hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours

Senior Year


Fall Semester


  • SPAN 4000-level 4 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 Semester Hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-16 semester hours

Spring Semester


  • 1 semester hours
  • University Core 3-4 semester hours
  • Upper Division Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
  • Elective 3-4 semester hours
Total: 13-17 semester hours

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