Spanish Language Studies BA

The Spanish Language Studies major at Ramapo College will provide students with the skills needed to communicate efficiently and confidently in Spanish, at the same time that it will give them a solid background in the history, cultures, and literatures of the Hispanic world. Furthermore, our innovative curriculum extends beyond the traditional spaces of the Hispanic world to explore and celebrate the diversity of the Spanish-speaking communities today, including the vibrant and varied communities of the United States. Innovation extends to strengthening the interconnections between the humanities and other fields. Such a comprehensive approach to Spanish Language Studies prepares students for success in graduate school as well as a wide range of careers in business, education, community organizations, law, communications, and government. In addition to empowering students through the acquisition of another language, our aim is to contribute to the values and knowledge embodied by the humanities and liberal studies, such as tolerance, cultural competence, and social justice, in these other disciplines.  

Spanish Language Studies majors are made up of both native or heritage speakers and non-native second language learners. This not only makes for a diverse, rich classroom experience, but it also allows students to use their unique strengths and gaps in linguistic and cultural knowledge to learn from one another. In this way, students have the opportunity to acquire a key skill in mastering any language – understanding how we learn language itself. Studying language is one of the best ways to become culturally competent, that is, being able to interact effectively in more than one culture. Studying a second language is also a great way to improve writing and public speaking in English. Thus, by studying Spanish or any second language, students can expand their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, idiomatic expressions and other linguistic features of their own language.

With only 10 required courses, the major is designed to pair with another discipline. Spanish Language Studies majors can complete a second major, teacher education, or a minor in most disciplines and graduate on time with a clear plan. Often times, studying abroad facilitates this process. The secret is getting good advisement from your Spanish Language Studies major advisor as early as possible.

Students majoring in Spanish Language Studies are required to pursue an approved summer, semester- or year-long study abroad program in a Spanish-speaking country, a service-learning experience, or an internship program. We offer a semester- or year-long study abroad program at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain and many other programs in a variety of countries. Please see the Study Abroad page.

A program is also offered.

Goal 1 - Communication: Communicate in Spanish with Advanced-low proficiency.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate oral proficiency level of at least Advanced-low as described in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines:

Outcome 2: Demonstrate written proficiency level of at least Advanced-low as described in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines:

• Explain, compare, describe and narrate in present, past and future times.

• Expand on a variety of concrete topics in connected discourse (paragraphs).

• Use diverse language strategies and deal with complications.

Goal 2 - Cultures and Literatures: Gain knowledge and understanding of cultures and literatures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Outcome 3: Use the language to investigate, explain, and reflect on the relationship between the practices and products of a culture and its perspectives.

Outcome 4: Analyze and interpret literary texts and show understanding of the social processes that produce them.

Goal 3 - Comparisons: Develop critical insight into the nature of language and culture.

Outcome 5: Demonstrate critical understanding of the nature of language (including varieties of Spanish) through comparisons of Spanish and one’s own language.

Outcome 6: Demonstrate critical understanding of the concept of culture through comparisons of the cultures studied and one’s own.

Goal 4 - Connections: Connect with other disciplines and acquire information and diverse perspectives in order to use the language to function in academic and career-related situations.

Outcome 7: Learners build, reinforce, and expand their knowledge of other disciplines while using the language to develop critical thinking and to solve problems creatively. Learn how to self assess, maintain, and increase language proficiency on one’s own.