Spanish

Irma López, Chair
Main Office: 409 Sprau Tower
Telephone: (269) 387-3014
Fax: (269) 387-3103

Michael Braun
Robert Felkel
Carolyn Harris
Antonio Isea
Michael Millar
Patricia Montilla
Holly Nibert
Natalio Ohanna
Pablo Pastrana-Pérez
Mariola Pérez de la Cruz
Mercedes Tasende
Benjamín Torres
Robert Vann

The Department of Spanish offers courses in Spanish language at all levels, as well as courses in culture, literature, and linguistics. In language courses emphasis is placed on developing practical communication skills that will be of interest and value to students in a wide variety of disciplines and careers. Culture courses, through the use of authentic materials in Spanish, provide knowledge and insights into the life of the Spanish-speaking people of Spain, Spanish America, and the United States. Courses in literature and linguistics, at intermediate and advanced levels, facilitate a deeper understanding of both language and culture.

Placement

Students who have studied Spanish in high school or who have learned Spanish through travel or residence abroad must take a placement evaluation before enrolling in their first Spanish class at Western Michigan University. Students have two placement options available: (1) an Online Placement Exam and (2) a Monitored Test-Out Exam. The Online Placement Exam is designed to help students determine which WMU language course is appropriate for their level of preparedness. It cannot be used to satisfy any foreign language requirement. The Monitored Test-Out Exam, on the other hand, may be taken by students who wish to try to place out of the foreign language requirements that exist for majors or minors in certain programs at WMU or for all students in the College of Arts and Sciences. The Monitored Test-Out Exam may be taken only once and must be taken before students begin their first class in that language at WMU.

Students who place above the 2000-level in the on-line placement exam are eligible for retroactive credit if they complete Spanish classes at WMU. Students who place in SPAN 2010 are eligible for 4 credit hours (SPAN 2000) upon completion of SPAN 2010 with a grade of “C” or better. Students who place at the SPAN 3000-level are eligible for 8 credit hours (SPAN 2000 and 2010) upon completion of SPAN 3160 and 3170 with a grade of “C” or better.

Transfer students who have successfully completed Spanish courses at community colleges or four-year colleges do not need to take the placement evaluation at Western Michigan University. They should ascertain the WMU equivalent for the courses taken at the other institution and then enroll in the next course in the sequence. Students who are unsure about equivalencies should check with a Spanish advisor or the department chair before enrolling in a particular course.

Native speakers of Spanish are not required to take the placement evaluation. They must, however, consult with a Spanish advisor or the department chair before registering for classes.

Advanced Courses

5000-level courses may be taken only by advanced undergraduate students. Advanced undergraduate students are defined as those who have satisfactorily completed a minimum of four courses, or equivalent, applicable toward a major or minor in any one language. Each course, however, may have more specific and/or additional prerequisites.

Study Abroad

Students are strongly encouraged to study in a Spanish-speaking country as part of their undergraduate program. Western Michigan University offers excellent, affordable programs in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Burgos (Spain), and Santander (Spain). Some scholarships are available. Students interested in receiving Spanish credit for study abroad with a non-WMU program must consult with one of the Spanish study abroad advisors well in advance of such study in order to plan properly and to obtain approval.

Majors and Minors

Given the increasing importance of Spanish as an international language and within the United States, many students wish to take courses beyond the intermediate level. We encourage them to do so, whether or not they intend to major or minor in the language. It is quite common for students who major or minor in Spanish to have an additional major or minor in a related or entirely different field. All students having questions about a Spanish major or minor are welcome to speak with an advisor during walk-in hours (for specific hours, check with the department secretary or see www.wmich.edu/spanish).

As soon as students decide to major or minor in Spanish, they should confer with a Spanish advisor in order to plan their program. Major slips are required for all majors. Minor slips are required for all minors. Only courses in which a grade of “C” or better is obtained can be counted toward a major or minor.

Teaching certification is approved for majors or minors in Spanish in secondary, middle school and elementary education. A course in the methods of teaching Spanish is required for all teaching majors and minors.

Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement for Majors

Students who have chosen to major in Spanish will satisfy the Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement by successfully completing LANG 3750: Foreign Literature in English Translation. For those having more than one major, this requirement may be satisfied in their other major.

Residency Requirement for Majors and Minors in Spanish

Majors in Spanish must take at least five courses (of the total required for the major) on campus at Western Michigan University. These five courses must be at the 2000-level or above. At least two of the five must be 4000- or 5000-level classes. Minors in Spanish must take at least four courses (of the total required for the minor) on campus at Western Michigan University. These four courses must be at the 2000-level or above. At least one of the four must be above SPAN 3170.

Foreign Credits

Credits for language study at a foreign university may be granted on official proof that the student has completed the course work successfully.