Minor in Spanish

Students who complete a minor in Spanish gain a sound linguistic, cultural, and literary background in Spanish that allows them to take part in the global Spanish-speaking world, including the United States, Latin America, and Europe. They are able to enrich their chosen majors and broaden their horizons with linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge.

Small, discussion-based courses equip students with advanced knowledge and skills for understanding nuances of the Spanish language and using it effectively in academic, daily, and professional contexts. Emphasis on the study of literature, film, and other media develops students’ cultural competence, communication, and research skills. Students graduate with the capacity for close, analytical reading and interpretive argumentation though spoken and written engagement with major works, events, periods, and people responsible for shaping the history of regions including the Iberian Peninsula, Latin America, and Latino communities in the US, with special attention to the remarkable human experience reflected in cultural products from the Middle Ages to the present. Study abroad is strongly encouraged, and many students fulfill requirements for the minor at one of Boston University’s Study Abroad programs in Spain or Latin America.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a minor in Spanish will demonstrate:

• An advanced-low level of proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension of Spanish, following ACTFL 2012 guidelines.
• Knowledge of literary and cultural production from Latin American, Iberian, and/or US Latino communities, with attention to historical and cultural contexts.
• Corresponding understanding of the national and cultural diversity of these regions.
• The ability to read, analyze, and write critically about literature, culture, and linguistic diversity with attention to contextual, thematic, and formal issues.

Requirements

Six 4-unit courses with a grade of C or higher are required for the minor; students may take up to three courses through an approved Study Abroad program (up to four from the BU Madrid program). Students typically progress through three categories of coursework: foundation courses, gateway courses, and upper-division courses. Students with advanced standing should begin with a level-appropriate course (see Placement Test below). Heritage speakers should begin with foundation courses designed for heritage learners or consult with an advisor. Native speakers should skip foundation courses and begin with a gateway course.

Prerequisites

• CAS LS 211 or equivalent placement results

Foundation Courses

• Select up to three language and culture courses numbered CAS LS 212–349 on the BU Charles River Campus or via a BU Study Abroad program, including an internship conducted in Spanish. Heritage speakers should select courses designed for heritage learners, such as CAS LS 309, or consult with an advisor. Native speakers should skip foundation courses and begin with a gateway course, though they may choose to complete an internship via Study Abroad.

Gateway Courses

• Select at least one gateway course numbered CAS LS 350–359 on the analysis of Iberian, Latin American, and US Latino literature, film, and media.

Upper-Division Courses

• Select at least two courses in Iberian, Latin American, and US Latino literature, film, and media numbered CAS LS 400 and above on the BU Charles River Campus, or equivalent courses taken abroad as approved by a minor advisor.

Study Abroad

Students may take courses to fulfill their language requirement or courses toward a Spanish major or minor at one of Boston University’s Study Abroad programs in Spain or Latin America. Students should consult with a faculty advisor before going abroad to determine which Study Abroad courses may fulfill major and minor requirements.

Opportunities to take courses abroad taught in Spanish are also available in management, through the Madrid Business Internship Program, and science, through the Madrid Science Program. Additional information on all of these programs is available in the Study Abroad and Internship Programs portion of this Bulletin. Students should consult with a faculty advisor before going abroad to determine which Study Abroad courses may fulfill major and minor requirements.

Placement Test

A placement test is required for all students whose most recent course in Spanish was taken in high school or at a college other than Boston University and who wish to continue their study of this language here. Information regarding the online placement test is available in the department or on the departmental website.