Spanish

¿Habla Usted Español?

Spanish at Spelman prepares students to critically interpret and analyze complex political, cultural, historical and social issues in the Spanish-speaking world. Our graduates are highly qualified for academic careers, governmental and diplomatic positions, non-governmental and Human Rights organizations, translation and language teaching.

Major Requirements   Minor Requirements

Core Language Classes

Students must take and approve all Core Language Spanish Classes (101, 102, 201, 202) unless exempted by the departmental Spanish Placement Exam. International Studies majors may be required to take an additional year.

Spanish Placement Exam

Upon entering Spelman, students who have taken a year or more of Spanish are encouraged to take a computerized Spanish Placement Exam. Students will be notified about the class in which they have been placed and are strongly advised to enroll in it as soon as possible. If more than a semester lapses without starting Spanish Core Language Classes, students are required to retake the Placement Exam.

Exemptions

A high score in the Spanish Placement Exam qualifies students for an oral interview with a departmental professor. Based on the results, students may be exempt from the language requirement.

Departmental Honors

To qualify for departmental honors, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in Spanish and an overall minimum GPA of 3.2. In addition, students should write a longer thesis, submit a letter of recommendation by a departmental professor, and present an outstanding portfolio. Departmental honors should not be confused with Honor Societies in Spanish.

Students interested in graduating with departmental honors can pick up the requirement form from the department’s front desk.

Spanish Honor Society

Students interested in joining Sigma Delta Pi and graduating as part of this Spanish Honor Society, should contact Dr. Cleveland Johnson for requirements and information.

Spanish Club 

The Spelman Spanish Club sponsors a variety of events each semester that promote and
celebrate the Spanish- speaking world. For more information, contact Dr. Janike Ruginis, club adviser.

Service Learning Opportunities

Students can serve as volunteers at different organizations. See Dr. Alvarez or Dr. Gonzalez- Barrios for further Information.