Modern Languages and Cultures Department

Spanish

In light of current national trends and projections, an education in Spanish is both practical and future-minded. It is a fact that many private companies and public institutions in a variety of fields are in need of people proficient in Spanish.  Whether at home or abroad, linguistic and cultural proficiency in Spanish offers a distinct advantage.

Marist offers a strong curriculum in Spanish. Courses are carefully designed to afford students the opportunity to achieve a specific set of linguistic, cultural, and analytical learning outcomes. 

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Our faculty is well-trained and directly involved in each student’s four-year plan.  They also work closely with Marist Abroad to develop tailored study abroad experiences in Cuba, Spain, Chile, Costa Rica, and other destinations through the Spanish-speaking world.  In addition, internships in Spanish are an asset to prospective employers, and are available both close to home and abroad to students who qualify. Please consult with your faculty member.

As a major, minor, or as a Pathway in the Marist Core, there is a Spanish program that will prepare you for a global and multilingual workplace. 

Why Study Spanish?

The second most used language in the world, Spanish, is spoken in at least 20 countries by over five hundred million people.  After Mexico, the United States has the second largest population of people of Hispanic heritage in the world. With more than 37 million speakers in the US Spanish is by far the most widely spoken language after English, as well as the fastest growing. (Census Bureau 2010)

So, why study Spanish? There are so many reasons!

Consider these: to better communicate with your neighbor, to sell to an international consumer base, or to understand the world from a different cultural perspective. ¡Y muchas razones más!

Course Descriptions

  • 105 Intermediate Spanish I: A continuation of the Spanish elementary course. The basic language skills are pursued more intensely and thoroughly, A better understanding of the various Hispanic cultures continues. Offered fall and spring semesters.
  • 106 Intermediate Spanish II: Counts towards Pathway. A continuation of the Spanish elementary course. The basic language skills are pursued more intensely and thoroughly, A better understanding of the various Hispanic cultures continues. Offered fall and spring semesters.
  • 201 Communicating in the Spanish-Speaking World: Counts towards Pathway and Major/Minor. Extensive use of oral and written Spanish to broaden the students’ linguistic and cultural proficiency. Offered fall and spring semesters.
  • 202 Fiction and Expression: Counts towards Pathway and Major/Minor. Extensive use of Spanish in reading and writing about a variety of texts to broaden the students’ linguistic and literary proficiency. Offered fall and spring semesters.
  • 315 The Experience of Hispanic Literature: Counts towards Pathway and Minor. Required for Major. An overview of the origins and development of the literatures of Spain and Hispanic America to the present time that will include a general introductory study of poetry, drama, the short story, and the novel.
  • 250 Cultures of Spain: Counts towards Pathway. Required for Major/Minor. The cultural development of Spain through the study of its history, geography, literature, and fine arts. Usually offered in the fall.
  • 260 Cultures of Latin America: Counts towards Pathway. Required for Major/Minor. The cultural development of Latin America through the study of its history, geography, literature, and fine arts. Usually offered in the spring.
  • 270 Cultures of Hispanic in the U.S.: Counts towards Pathway and Minor. Required for Major. The study of the presence of Latino groups in the United States, and the interactions between them and with mainstream society.
  • 325 Spanish in the Digital Age: Counts towards Pathway and Major/Minor. Reading, writing and speaking skills are polished as students build on knowledge of the target culture through research, discussion and projects using the latest technology.
  • 330 Themes in Spanish Cinema: Counts towards Pathway and Major/Minor. An introduction to the major directors, themes, and movements in Spanish Cinema. Taught in English. Usually offered in the spring.
  • 335 Themes in Latin American Cinema:  Counts towards Pathway and Major/Minor. An introduction to the major directors, themes, and movements in Latin American Cinema. Taught in English. Usually offered in the spring.
  • 360 Spanish Composition and Conversation: Counts towards Pathway, Major/Minor. Perfect verbal and written skills with intense practice centered on cultural, historical, cinematic, and literary topics.