The Spanish Language Studies major at Ramapo College will provide students with the skills needed to communicate efficiently and confidently in Spanish, at the same time that it will give them a solid background in the history, cultures, and literatures of the Hispanic world. Furthermore, our innovative curriculum extends beyond the traditional spaces of the Hispanic world to explore and celebrate the diversity of the Spanish-speaking communities today, including the vibrant and varied communities of the United States. Such a comprehensive approach to Spanish Language Studies prepares students for success in graduate school as well as a wide range of careers in business, education, community organizations, law, communications, and government.

Spanish majors are made up of both native or heritage speakers and non-native second language learners. This not only makes for a diverse, rich classroom experience, but it also allows students to use their unique strengths and gaps in linguistic and cultural knowledge to learn from one another.  In this way, students have the opportunity to acquire a key skill in mastering any language – understanding how we learn language itself.  Studying language is one of the best ways to become culturally competent, that is, being able to interact effectively in more than one culture. Studying a second language is also a great way to improve writing and public speaking in English .  Thus, by studying Spanish or any second language, students can expand their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, idiomatic expressions and other linguistic features of their own language.

With only 10 required courses, the major is designed to pair with another discipline. Spanish Language Studies majors can complete a second major, teacher education, or a minor in most disciplines and graduate on time with a clear plan.  Often times, studying abroad facilitates this process.  The secret is getting good advisement from your Spanish Language Studies major advisor as early as possible.

Students majoring in Spanish Language Studies are required to pursue an approved summer, semester- or year-long study abroad program in a Spanish-speaking country, a service-learning experience, or an internship program. We offer a semester- or year-long abroad program at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain and many other programs in a variety of countries.  Please see the Study Abroad Website.

Goal 1 Communication:  Communicate in Spanish in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes achieving Advanced-low proficiency and striving for superior proficiency

Outcome 1: Demonstrate oral and written proficiency level of at least “advanced low,” as described in the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines: explain, compare, describe and narrate in present, past and future times; expand on a variety of concrete topics in connected discourse (paragraphs); use diverse language strategies and deal with complications

Goal 2 Cultures and Literatures:  Gain knowledge and understanding of cultures and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world

Outcome 2: Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and products of a culture and its perspectives

Outcome 3: Analyze and interpret literary texts and show understanding of the social processes that produce them

Goal 3 Comparisons:  Develop critical insight into the nature of language and culture

Outcome 4: Demonstrate critical understanding of the nature of language (including varieties of Spanish) through comparisons of Spanish and one’s own language

Outcome 5: Demonstrate critical understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and one’s own

Goal 4 Competencies:  Learn how to learn in order to further academic and professional competence

Outcome 6: Write academic essays employing college-level discourse and conduct research and employ documentation appropriately

Outcome 7: Learn how to self assess, maintain, and increase language proficiency on one’s own

Adapted from the World Readiness Standards for Learning Language (2012)

1. Students are required to take 10 courses (40 credits) to complete this major.
2. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
3. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
4. Writing Intensive Requirement (five courses):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing and Studies in the Arts and Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.  Within the Spanish Language Studies major, students are required to take the Capstone, the Art of Writing and the Art of Conversation courses, which are all writing intensive.
5. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.
6. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation. Visit the Cahill Career Center.

SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDIES MAJOR

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

* Students whose proficiency places them in Intermediate II or higher may complete the five courses required for the minor by taking upper level courses. Information on placement, STAMP, and CLEP and NYU testing is available at the Testing Site.

** Students seeking credits for study abroad courses must get approval from world language Conveners prior to travel.

The Spanish Language Studies minor at Ramapo College will provide you with the skills needed to communicate efficiently and confidently in Spanish, at the same time it will give you a solid background in the history, cultures, and literatures of the Hispanic world. Furthermore, our innovative curriculum extends beyond the traditional spaces of the Hispanic world to explore and celebrate the diversity of the Spanish-speaking communities today, including the vibrant and varied communities of the United States. Such a comprehensive approach to Spanish Language Studies prepares students for success in graduate school as well as a wide range of careers in business, education, community organizations, law, communications, health professions, and government.

Spanish minors are made up of both native or heritage speakers and non-native second language learners. This not only makes for a diverse, rich classroom experience, but it also allows students to use their unique strengths and gaps in linguistic and/or cultural knowledge to learn from one another.  In this way, you have the opportunity to acquire a key skill in mastering any language – understanding how we learn language itself. Studying language is one of the best ways to become culturally competent, that is, being able to interact effectively in more than one culture. Studying a second language is also a great way to improve writing and public speaking in English. Thus, by studying Spanish or any second language, you can expand your knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, idiomatic expressions and other linguistic features of their own language.

With only 5 required courses, two at the intermediate level, two at the 300 level and one at the 400 level, the minor is designed to pair easily with any another discipline.  You may choose from a list of exciting and varied upper level courses to fit your interests and goals including such topics as Nueva York Latino, Hispanic Caribbean Writers, Popular Culture and Medical Spanish.

Students minoring in Spanish Language Studies are encouraged to pursue study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country, a service-learning experience, or an internship program to further their skills.  You may transfer in two out of the five required courses from such programs. Summer programs generally offer two courses, which can be counted towards the minor.  We offer summer, semester- or year-long abroad programs at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain and many other programs in a variety of countries.

1. Students are required to take 5 courses (i.e., 20 credits) to complete this minor.
2. At least half of the courses fulfilling a minor must be distinct from the student’s major. That is, three of the five courses required for a minor cannot be used towards fulfillment of major requirements. A school core does not need to be completed for a minor. Minors are open to students regardless of school affiliation.

SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDIES MINOR

* Students are strongly advised to take the STAMP placement text, which does not bear credits. Those whose proficiency places them in Intermediate II or higher may complete the minor by taking upper-level courses.  Those who earn intermediate-level credits through CLEP or the NYU Language test may complete the minor with three upper-level courses only. Bear in mind that CLEP credits are considered transfer credits and students are limited to two courses taken off campus towards the minor. This will be important if you are interested in study abroad.  Information on STAMP, CLEP and NYU testing is available at the Testing Website (link).  Please speak with a Spanish Language Studies advisor if you are a native speaker or have questions about your placement.

** Students seeking credits for study abroad courses must get approval from world language Conveners prior to travel.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
World Languages Convening Group Website
School of Humanities and Global Studies Website
Faculty Profiles