This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.valdosta.edu.

Selected Educational Outcomes

  1. To demonstrate the ability to listen and to read in Spanish at the advanced level of proficiency, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines.
  2. To demonstrate the ability to speak and to write in Spanish at the advanced-low level of proficiency, as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Proficiency Guidelines.
  3. To demonstrate knowledge of cultural universals and trends as well as specific similarities and differences between Hispanic and American cultures, including both non-verbal and verbal aspects.
  4. To demonstrate knowledge of major historical events and their role in the development of the Hispanic cultures as well as knowledge of the major literary and artistic works of those cultures.
  5. To demonstrate the ability to use technology for research purposes and as a means of communication with the various areas of the Spanish-speaking world.

Examples of Outcome Assessments

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages evaluates the level of linguistic proficiency and cultural knowledge achieved by the students in the Bachelor of Arts program in Spanish by using a variety of assessment measures. The results of the assessment activities are used for continued curriculum development and revision. Among the methods used to determine the effectiveness of the program are the following:

  1. An examination to assess the level of listening, reading, and writing proficiency. The examination is administered in SPAN 3000 and SPAN 4990.
  2. ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interviews administered to assess the level of speaking. These Oral Proficiency Interviews are administered in SPAN 3000 and SPAN 4990.
  3. An examination covering appropriate topics to assess the student’s knowledge of content material related to Hispanic culture, linguistics, and literature. The examination is administered in SPAN 3000 and SPAN 4990.
  4. Evaluation of student performance during SPAN 4980, including an assessment of linguistic proficiency and interpreting and translating skills adequate to the practicum assignment, completed by the supervisor in the field.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Spanish
Language and Culture Track

Core Curriculum 60
Core Curriculum Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Core Curriculum Area F18
SPAN 1001Beginning Spanish Language and Introduction to Hispanic Cultures, I0-3
SPAN 1002Beginning Spanish Language and Introduction to Hispanic Cultures, II0-3
SPAN 2001Intermediate Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures I0-3
SPAN 2002Intermediate Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures II0-3
Foreign Language and Culture (2nd Foreign Language)0-12
Electives from Area C and Area E Courses0-6
Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses taken in Area F.
Senior College Curriculum60
Upper-Level Courses in Spanish
SPAN 3000Intermediate Grammar and Conversation3
SPAN 3010
SPAN 3150
SPAN 3160
Culture, Conversation and Composition
and Civilization and Culture of Spain
and Civilization and Culture of Latin America
9
SPAN 3200Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3250Survey of Peninsular Literature3
or SPAN 3260 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 3300Introduction to Spanish Phonetics and Phonology3
SPAN 4010Advanced Grammar3
SPAN 4020Advanced Conversation3
Electives: 3000/4000-level courses6
SPAN 4980Community Practicum (taken twice)2
SPAN 4990Senior Seminar3
Supporting Courses
ESOL 4010Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers3
2nd Foreign Language & Culture (may be taken in Areas C & F) 0-12
Electives7-19
Total hours required for the degree120

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Spanish
World Languages and Cultures Track

The World Languages and Cultures in Spanish offers students the opportunity to combine two or more world languages in a program of study that will impart the basic knowledge necessary to participate in international and intercultural settings. The track emphasizes knowledge of modern foreign cultures and enables students to focus on one modern language while achieving speaking facility in one or two others. These tracks are foundational to advanced studies in humanities disciplines such as modern languages, history, art history, philosophy, or political science. When combined with business courses, these degrees can open up international professional opportunities.

Majors in World Languages and Cultures may find employment in business, government, education, media, travel and social services, depending upon their skills and experiences. Majors can seek out employment opportunities in which language skills are required in the work place. Such positions include translating, interpreting, and teaching foreign languages within a corporate context. World Languages and Cultures majors also pursue careers in social services capacities.

Additionally, completion of the Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) as part of this degree will prepare majors to teach English to speakers of other languages throughout the world. Internships and practicum placements and study abroad are highly recommended as study components in these tracks.

Core Curriculum 60
Core Curriculum Areas A-E (See VSU Core Curriculum)42
Core Curriculum Area F
SPAN 1001
SPAN 1002
Beginning Spanish Language and Introduction to Hispanic Cultures, I
and Beginning Spanish Language and Introduction to Hispanic Cultures, II
0-6
SPAN 2001
SPAN 2002
Intermediate Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures I
and Intermediate Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures II
0-6
Electives from Area C and Area E Courses0-18
Second Foreign Language at the 1001-2002 levels0-12
Electives from Area C and Area E courses0-6
Students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in all courses taken in Area F.
Senior College Curriculum60
Upper-Level Courses in Spanish
SPAN 3000
SPAN 3010
Intermediate Grammar and Conversation
and Culture, Conversation and Composition
6
SPAN 3150
SPAN 3160
Civilization and Culture of Spain
and Civilization and Culture of Latin America
6
SPAN 3200Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3250Survey of Peninsular Literature3
or SPAN 3260 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 4010Advanced Grammar3
SPAN 4020Advanced Conversation3
SPAN 3000- or 4000-level courses6
ESOL 4010Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers3
Related Electives27
Total hours required for the degree120

A second or third foreign language may be taken in the major as needed under the Related Electives.

Suggested Elective Sequences: Minor in French or German, Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Certificate in Spanish for Professionals.

A minimum of 39 hours must be taken at the 3000/4000 level.

Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Tracks

In the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or Foreign Language Education (FLED), students will complete 9 hours of graduate courses that will count toward the completion of the B.A. in Spanish in either the Language and Culture Track or the World Languages and Cultures Track. These 9 hours may then be applied toward the completion of the degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching -- ESOL or FLED at Valdosta State University upon graduate admission.

To be admitted to the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL or FLED, students must:

  • Have completed at least 60 credit hours;
  • Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher; and
  • Submit the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL or FLED application to the Undergraduate French Advisor.

Once admitted, a specific course of study will be developed with the student’s advisor. Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate will count toward the 120-hour graduation requirement but will not count toward the student’s undergraduate GPA or the calculation of academic honors.

Upon acceptance into the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL or FLED, students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing. Students who do not maintain good standing or who do not wish to continue with the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL or FLED may revert to their original track to complete the remaining requirements for the B.A. in Spanish, either the Language and Culture Track or the World Languages and Cultures Track.

Students interested in continuing their graduate education may apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching -- ESOL or FLED program in their senior year or upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Students in the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL or FLED will not be required to take additional admission tests but must meet all other graduate admission requirements. Students who have completed the Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL or FLED will complete an additional 27 hours of graduate classes to meet the degree requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching -- ESOL or FLED of 36 hours. Upon application to the Graduate School, students who have made a “C” or less in any of their graduate courses taken as undergraduates will be subject to the Master of Arts in Teaching -- ESOL or FLED Special Retention Policy.

Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL for the 
Spanish Language and Culture Track

Senior College Curriculum
SPAN 3000Intermediate Grammar and Conversation3
SPAN 3010Culture, Conversation and Composition3
SPAN 3150Civilization and Culture of Spain3
SPAN 3160Civilization and Culture of Latin America3
SPAN 3200Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3250Survey of Peninsular Literature3
or SPAN 3260 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 3300Introduction to Spanish Phonetics and Phonology3
SPAN 4010Advanced Grammar3
SPAN 4020Advanced Conversation3
SPAN 4980Community Practicum ((taken twice))2
SPAN 4990Senior Seminar3
SPAN 3000- or 4000-level courses6
ESOL 6010Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers3
ESOL 6020 and above6
General Electives1-13
Total hours60

Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in FLED for the
Spanish Language and Culture Track

Senior College Curriculum
SPAN 3000Intermediate Grammar and Conversation3
SPAN 3010Culture, Conversation and Composition3
SPAN 3150Civilization and Culture of Spain3
SPAN 3160Civilization and Culture of Latin America3
SPAN 3200Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3250Survey of Peninsular Literature3
or SPAN 3260 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 3300Introduction to Spanish Phonetics and Phonology3
SPAN 4010Advanced Grammar3
SPAN 4020Advanced Conversation3
SPAN 4980Community Practicum ((taken twice))2
SPAN 4990Senior Seminar3
SPAN 3000- or 4000-level course3
SPEC 3000Serving Students with Diverse Needs3
SPAN course 5000-level or higher3
ESOL 6010Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers3
ESOL 6020Cultural Perspectives for ESOL Teachers3
or ESOL 6030 Methods and Materials for Teaching ESOL
General Electives1-13
Total hours60

Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in ESOL for the 
Spanish World Languages and Cultures Track

Senior College Curriculum
SPAN 3000Intermediate Grammar and Conversation3
SPAN 3010Culture, Conversation and Composition3
SPAN 3150Civilization and Culture of Spain3
SPAN 3160Civilization and Culture of Latin America3
SPAN 3200Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3250Survey of Peninsular Literature3
or SPAN 3260 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 4010Advanced Grammar3
SPAN 4020Advanced Conversation3
SPAN courses 3000 level or higher6
SPEC 3000Serving Students with Diverse Needs3
ESOL 6010Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers3
ESOL 6020 and above6
General Electives18
Total hours60

Accelerated Undergraduate-to-Graduate Track in FLED for the 
Spanish World Languages and Cultures Track

Senior College Curriculum
SPAN 3000Intermediate Grammar and Conversation3
SPAN 3010Culture, Conversation and Composition3
SPAN 3150Civilization and Culture of Spain3
SPAN 3160Civilization and Culture of Latin America3
SPAN 3200Introduction to Hispanic Literature3
SPAN 3250Survey of Peninsular Literature3
or SPAN 3260 Survey of Latin American Literature
SPAN 4010Advanced Grammar3
SPAN 4020Advanced Conversation3
SPAN course 3000 level or above3
SPAN course 5000 level or above3
SPEC 3000Serving Students with Diverse Needs3
ESOL 6010Applied Linguistics for ESOL Teachers3
ESOL 6020Cultural Perspectives for ESOL Teachers3
or ESOL 6030 Methods and Materials for Teaching ESOL
General Electives21
Total hours60