Spanish Minor

Requirements

A minor in French, Japanese or Spanish requires the completion of four courses in the language beyond the basic foundation sequence (Language 1001, Language 1002, and Language 2101). Transfer students must complete at least two courses for the minor at UMSL. All courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

Heritage Speakers

For departmental purposes, heritage speakers are defined as individuals who have been raised in a family or social environment in which the target language is habitually used for day-to-day communication but have not completed their secondary schooling in the target language. 

Students will take a nationally-normed proficiency test (STAMP or equivalent) to determine placement. 

Students who receive a score at or above Intermediate Mid across all skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) must complete 9 credits in the language, including the following courses: 

• Any 3-credit hour course at the 2xxx level above 2101

• Any 2 3-credit hour courses at the 3xxx level or above 

• Students who receive a score below Intermediate Mid in any skill must meet with an advisor to determine proper placement. 

​Native Speakers 

For departmental purposes, native speakers are defined as individuals who completed their secondary education or above in the target language. Students will submit an official transcript to the University. 

The Modern Language Minor is not an option for Native speakers.

Specific Requirements for the Spanish Minor

Course Number	Title	Hours
Select two of the following:		7-8
SPANISH 2172	Spanish Communication, Culture and Writing
SPANISH 2180	Readings in Spanish
SPANISH 2199	Special Topics: Language Immersion: Spanish
Plus two Spanish courses on the 3000-level or above		6
Total Hours		13-14

Minimum total hours required for the minor in Spanish is 12 beyond SPANISH 2101.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a minor in French, German, Spanish, or Modern Languages from the University of Missouri-St. Louis can use the language to interact with native speakers on familiar topics related to their daily lives. They have an emerging understanding of the target cultures fostered through engaging courses and opportunities such as study abroad. They can apply their linguistic and cultural competencies in real-life situations such as travel and work. 

Skills and Knowledge Areas

Upon completion of the minor, students should be able to:

Linguistic Goals: 

• In listening/speaking:
  • identify the main ideas and supporting details of texts about familiar and concrete topics, such as those on radio, television, and podcasts;
  • take part in basic conversations on topics related to work, school, home, leisure activities, and culture and,
  • produce uncomplicated descriptions and narrations on familiar topics.
• In reading/writing:
  • identify the main idea and supporting details in a variety of non-complex authentic texts of various genres;
  • apply reading strategies to glean key information from more challenging texts;
  • compose simple practical texts, such as messages and letters, requests for information, and notes on topics of personal and professional interest and;
  • assess language reference resources and use them effectively.

Cultural Goals:

• recognize some of the key historical, social, economic, and political forces in the target cultures;
• demonstrate awareness of some of the linguistic, ethnic, racial, religious, cultural, and social diversity of the target cultures and;
• discuss film, media, literature, art, etc. in their socio-historical contexts.

The specific language minor goals are based on the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Minors are expected to reach the Intermediate-Mid level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing, according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.