Modern Language BA, Spanish Emphasis
The BA in Modern Languages with emphasis in Spanish develops learners who are both linguistically and culturally competent and ready to become global citizens. We offer a broad range of coursework in Spanish, from foundational courses in language and culture to courses focused on literature, linguistics, creative writing, and professions, all aimed at developing competencies for the 21st century. Our introductory-level courses are taught in different delivery modes: in person, hybrid, and online. We encourage study abroad through our short-term faculty-led programs in Costa Rica and Barcelona, as well as through year-long programs in partner institutions.
General Education Requirements
Each language major must satisfy the general education requirements of the university and the general education requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Specific Requirements or Restrictions
Students entering with no high school language units must enroll in Language 1001 or may enroll in Language 2115. Language 2115 (a, b, and c) is the intensive study of a language and will satisfy the foreign language requirement. 2115a, 2115b, and 2115c are co-requisites and must be taken concurrently. To satisfy the foreign language requirement all three sections must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
A grade of D in a Language 1001 course is a passing grade but not an entrance grade for a Language 1002 course. A grade of D in a Language 1002 course is a passing grade but not an entrance grade for a Language 2101 course or its equivalent. A grade of D in a Language 2101 course fulfills the language requirement, but is not an entrance grade for a higher-level course.
Demonstration of a high level of proficiency may affect the number of hours required for the major. Native or heritage speakers of a language should consult with the department concerning appropriate placement and advising. Students with previous language coursework should contact the department for language placement testing and advising. Students may not take for credit an elementary course if they have already completed a higher-level course for which the elementary course, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite.
Degree Requirements
All courses for the major must be passed with a grade of C- or better. No course required for the major may be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (s/u) basis with the exception of those taken abroad as part of a university program that has received departmental approval.
Bachelor of Arts
All students seeking a B.A. in a Modern Language must successfully complete FL 2100 Languages and World View, and must meet the departmental requirement of a minimum of 33 hours in French or 33 hours in German or 37 hours in Japanese or 35 hours in Spanish (excluding Language 1001 and 1002). The maximum number of hours that may be taken in the major is 45 (including Language 1001 and 1002). In addition, students seeking the B.A. in a Modern Language who desire a teaching certificate must also take FGN LANG 4589 (same as SEC ED 4589), Curriculum and Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages, FGN LANG 4590 (same as SEC ED 4590), and fulfill the professional secondary education requirements of the College of Education.
Transfer Students
Transfer students majoring in one of the modern languages must complete at UMSL a minimum of 12 graded hours in language courses at the 3000 level or above with a grade point average of 2.0 or better in those courses.
Native Speakers
Native speakers must complete at least two courses at the 3000 level and four courses at the 4000 level to obtain a major in their native language.
Specific Requirements for Concentration in Spanish
| Each major with a Spanish concentration must complete the following courses: | ||
| SPANISH 2101 | Spanish Language and Culture III (or the equivalent) | 3 |
| SPANISH 2172 | Spanish Composition | 4 |
| SPANISH 2180 | Readings in Spanish | 4 |
| SPANISH 3210 | 3 | |
| or SPANISH 3211 | ||
| SPANISH 3280 | 3 | |
| or SPANISH 3281 | ||
| or SPANISH 3282 | Introduction to Hispanic Literature: A Survey Course | |
| SPANISH 3326 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 |
| Select one additional course at the 3000-level (see course descriptions for more detail) | 3 | |
| Select three courses at the 4000-level | 9 | |
| Select an additional course at the 2000-level, 3000-level, or 4000-level. The selected course must be consistent with the student's level of study. | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 35 | |
Career Outlook
Career options for graduates with a major or minor in modern languages include the following fields: teaching, social work, nursing, engineering, business, communications, government, journalism, travel industry, translation, and research. Our graduates have been especially successful when they combine advanced study in a modern language with another major. They are then able to add proficiency in a foreign language and culture to their knowledge and skills in another specialty. Experience with world cultures makes our graduates more adaptable and better prepared to meet the challenges of a global and increasingly diverse job market.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BA in Modern Languages from the University of Missouri-St. Louis possess the necessary linguistic and cultural competencies to interact with native speakers in culturally appropriate ways. They are able to use the target language in a variety of academic, social, and professional situations and have a rich understanding of the target culture(s) fostered through engaging topic-based courses and opportunities such as study abroad, service learning, and internships. Recognizing the interconnection between languages and world views, they can critically explore their own assumptions, value alternative perspectives, and act with cultural sensitivity. They are empowered with the tools to meet the challenges of a globalized world and continue developing their skills as lifelong learners.
Skills and Knowledge Areas
Upon completion of the major, students should be able to:
Linguistic and Critical Thinking Goals:
- In listening and speaking,
- demonstrate comprehension of the main ideas and supporting details of narrative and descriptive texts on familiar and concrete topics, such as those on radio, television, and podcasts;
- discuss topics related to work, school, home, leisure activities, culture, and a variety of media;
- use the target language in real-world situations in culturally-appropriate ways;
- produce narrations and descriptions on familiar topics in present, past, and future time frames and;
- summarize research in oral presentations.
- In reading and writing,
- demonstrate comprehension of the main idea, supporting details, argumentative structure, and perspective in authentic texts of various genres;
- produce narrations and descriptions in present, past, and future time frames employing connected discourse;
- summarize, analyze, and synthesize content, and begin to express supported opinions;
- assess language reference resources and use them effectively and;
- conduct independent research and present findings.
Cultural and Global Awareness Goals:
- demonstrate an awareness of the linguistic, ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, and social diversity of the target cultures;
- recognize and describe some of the key historical, social, economic, and political forces in the target cultures;
- analyze and critique film, media, literature, art, etc.in their socio-historical contexts;
- compare and contrast their own cultural beliefs, behaviors, and norms with those of other cultures;
- describe how language and culture impact one’s world view;
- explain the skills acquired through language study and their benefits to a potential employer.
The linguistic goals are based on the National Standards For Foreign Language Learning and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. In speaking and listening, graduates are expected to reach the Advanced-Low level proficiency, in writing the Advanced-Mid level proficiency, and in reading the Advanced-High level proficiency. For detailed descriptions of sublevels, see the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
Sample Four Year Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| INTDSC 10031 | 1 | SPANISH 1002 | 5 |
| SPANISH 1001 | 5 | CORE - Communication Proficiency | 3 |
| ENGL 1100 | 3 | CORE - US History and Government | 3 |
| MATH 1020 | 3 | EXPLORE - Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Social Sciences | 3 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| SPANISH 2101 | 3 | SPANISH 2172 | 4 |
| FGN LANG 2100 | 3 | SPANISH 2180 | 4 |
| CORE - Information Literacy | 3 | EXPLORE - Social Sciences | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Social Sciences | 3 | EXPLORE - Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| 15 | 17 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| SPANISH 3212 | 3 | SPANISH 3326 | 3 |
| ENGL 3100 | 3 | SPANISH 3282 | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Mathematics and Like/Natural Sciences | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| SPANISH 3000-level course | 3 | SPANISH 4000-level course | 3 |
| SPANISH 4000-level course | 3 | SPANISH 4000-level course | 3 |
| SPANISH 3000+ level course | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 2 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours: 120 | |||
| 1 | INTDSC 1003 is required only for first-time freshmen and transfer students with less than 24 college credits. |
PLEASE NOTE: This plan is an example of what a four year plan could look like for a typical student. Placement exam scores in math as well as the completion of coursework may change the plan. It should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. All requirements are subject to change.