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Why Study Spanish?

Studying Spanish at Aquinas College will not only help you achieve your language learning goals, it will also permit you to access a variety of vibrant and varied cultures, as well as a richness of literature and history. Additionally, Spanish would certainly be a plus in your professional life. After English, Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the United States and, of course, the most widely spoken language on our continent.

In addition to language classes, Spanish at Aquinas College will enrich your knowledge and understanding of Spanish and Latin American cultures through programs such as the Latin American Film Festival. You will be encouraged to reach out to native speakers both here (Grand Rapids boasts a large and varied Hispanic community), and abroad. At Aquinas College we have study abroad programs in both Spain and Costa Rica.

In an increasingly interconnected world, it is important to be both fluent in a foreign language as well as culturally aware. Professionally, this will make you more desirable as an employee; personally, it will give you sources of pleasure and avenues of social contribution that will enrich your life.

However you may have come to an interest in Spanish, be it an academic requirement, an interest in film or literature, a desire to discover the language of your ancestors, the Aquinas College Spanish program is here, first, to meet your needs and, second, to help you find success in an area we care deeply about.

Mission Statement of the Spanish Program

The Spanish Program at Aquinas College promotes an understanding of and exchange with Hispanic cultures both within and outside the United States. Our integrated program of language learning incorporates all of the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students learn to use the Spanish language in a communicative, interactive environment within the classroom. The Spanish Program offers a variety of upper-division courses for study in culture, linguistics, translation and interpretation, literature, and community involvement through service learning. These courses are designed to enhance an understanding of the richness of the human experience across times and cultures and integrate the Dominican charisms of study, community and service.

Major Requirements

Thirty-five (35) credit hours exclusive of SH101, SH102, and SH201. Required courses:

• SH202
• SH301
• SH302
• SH304
• Two literature courses
  • SH325 or SH326
  • SH327 or SH329
• One culture course
  • SH320, SH363 or SH370

Students seeking to major in Spanish must complete all courses beyond the introductory level with a grade of “C” or higher to continue with the next-level language class (102, 201, 202, 301, and 302). At graduation, the student must have a cumulative G.P.A. of B (3.0) or higher in those courses used to fulfill the major requirement. Overseas language study is strongly recommended for all majors. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at Aquinas College, which may include courses taken while studying abroad. Aquinas College conducts a variety of Study Abroad programs representing the Modern Languages offered by the Department. Participants in study abroad programs remain registered at Aquinas College and the student’s financial aid package may be applied in full.

All Spanish majors and students who wish to enroll in SH496 and/or 497 must demonstrate proficiency at the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) standard of Advanced-Low in Writing and Speaking through examination in SH301 and 302.

Students transferring credits for SH 301 and/or 302 from other institutions will be required to take a proficiency exam. Students must consult with the department chair to arrange the proficiency exam.

Courses

• SH202 Fourth Semester Spanish (4)
• SH301 Advanced Composition (4)
• SH302 Conversation and Diction (On AQ Campus) (3)
• SH304 Spanish Pronunciation (3)
• SH325 Seminar in Spanish Literature: Medieval and Early Modern Spain (3)
• SH326 Seminar in Spanish Literature: 18th Century to Present Day Spain (3) SC
• SH327 Survey of Spanish American Literature (3)
• SH329 Chicano/a and Latino/a Literature (3)
• SH320 Hispanic Film and Literature (3)
• SH363 Latin-American Culture and Civilization (3)

The close-knit educational environment at Aquinas develops students who thrive in all dimensions of life. Learn more, in our students' words about the Aquinas experience and the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, service, and community.

The Dominican tradition is two-fold: contemplative and communal. At Aquinas, we are committed to gathering for liturgical prayer nourished by God's Word and the Spirit. Prayer leads us into the deeper Truth needed to live out God's call for us in the world. We commit ourselves to a love of learning, both formal and informal. This necessitates an openness to learn from the most unlikely sources as well as tried and true scholarship. Aquinas encourages students to engage in service projects and service-learning programs. It also offers preparation for careers that will enable graduates to spread the truths that they have learned - "to make a difference in the world."