Two students in a classroom at Belmont
Undergraduate | In-Person

Spanish, BA

Studying Spanish at Belmont is both enlightening and empowering.

Why Major in Spanish? 

A student presents during a classThrough Belmont's Spanish major, you'll become equipped with the knowledge and confidence required to engage meaningfully with Hispanic individuals, communities and cultures all over the world.

At Belmont, Spanish classes are lively learning environments where students and professors collaborate closely to make sense of relevant and impactful texts and ideas. Our instructors help students develop linguistic proficiency and grow intellectually by working through texts from various genres (film, poetry, short story, comic strips, etc.), locations and time-periods.

You'll learn to read and understand a multiplicity of texts without having to rely on someone else’s translation, and you'll be able to communicate directly and in real time with individuals who may not speak English, or may not speak it as well as their native Spanish.

Through text exercises, ongoing conversation and communication with peers and professors and plenty of opportunities to study abroad, you'll journey through a dynamic learning process that prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities and for a lifetime of meaningful encounters beyond our campus and nation.

What You'll Learn 

  • Effective communication and understanding of the Spanish language
  • Historical insights into Spanish civilization and culture
  • Critical thinking and interpretation of Spanish literature
  • Intercultural experiences through study abroad opportunities
  • Analytical skills and cultural literacy that can apply to business, sciences, law, communications, advertising, banking, education, travel, government service, or overseas employment

Career Possibilities

  • International Law
  • Diplomat
  • Communications Manager
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Translator
  • Hospitality and Tourism

Program Details

Curriculum

The Spanish major leads to a bachelor of arts. It requires 128 hours of coursework:

  • BELL core requirements: 53 hours
  • Major requirements: 30 hours
  • Minor requirements: 18 hours
  • General electives: 27 hours

See All Program Requirements

 

Courses You'll Take

  • SPA 3100 Advanced Spanish I
  • Prerequisites: SPA 2020, SPA 2060 or equivalent.
    Extensive practice in oral and written expression.

    • SPA 3110 Advanced Spanish II

    Prerequisites: SPA 3100.
    Extensive practice in oral and written expression.

    • SPA 2950 Study Abroad: Intermediate Spanish

    Study of Spanish at the intermediate level and of Spanish culture in a Spanish-speaking country. Individual titles may be assigned; course may be repeated with different topics. (1-18 Hours)

    • SPA 3950 Study Abroad: Advanced Spanish Special Topics

    Study of Spanish at the advanced level in a Spanish-speaking country; individual titles assigned reflecting specific focus of study. Individual titles may be assigned. Repeatable up to 24 hours of credit. (1-18 Hours)

    • SPA 2010 Intermediate Spanish I

    Prerequisites: SPA 1020, SPA 1060 or equivalent.
    Students who have completed at least three years of high school Spanish are encouraged to begin with SPA 2010. Speaking, reading and writing in Spanish, with a structured approach to the language and to building vocabulary.

    • SPA 2020 Intermediate Spanish II

    Prerequisites: SPA 2010 or equivalent.
    Students who have completed at least three years of high school Spanish are encouraged to begin with SPA 2010. Speaking, reading and writing in Spanish, with a structured approach to the language and to building vocabulary.

    • SPA 3200 Civilization of Spain

    Prerequisites: SPA 2020 or equivalent.
    The study of the history and culture of Spain.

    • SPA 3210 Survey of Spanish Literature

    Prerequisites: SPA 2020 or equivalent Recommended SPA 3200.
    A survey of Spanish literature.

    • SPA 3300 Civilization of Hispanic America

    Prerequisites: SPA 2020 or equivalent.
    The study of the history and culture of Hispanic America from its early beginnings to modern time.

    • SPA 3310 Survey of Hispanic American Literature

    Prerequisites: SPA 2020 or equivalent Recommended SPA 3300.
    A survey of Spanish American literature from the colonial period to the present.

    • SPA 3500 Advanced Hispanic Literature

    Prerequisites: SPA 3110 Advanced Spanish II.
    Study of specific period, movements, themes and/or authors in Spanish or Spanish-American literature. Topics are determined for each offering. This course may be repeated for credit as content of course changes.

    • SPA 3600 Special Topics in Spanish

    Prerequisites: SPA 3110 Advanced Spanish II.
    Advanced study of language, culture or history of Spain and/or Spanish America. This course may be repeated for credit as content of course changes.

    • SPA 2990 Independent Studies

    Courses designed with a professor for independent study purposes.

    • SPA 3980 Peer Tutor

    Prerequisites: SPA 2020 or equivalent and permission of the instructor.
    Arranged on an individual basis, this course introduces students to the teaching and/or tutoring of foreign languages. Students work closely with a faculty mentor and students in a classroom or tutoring setting. May count toward the Major or Minor in the corresponding language.

    • SPA 3990 Independent Studies

    Courses designed with a professor for independent study purposes.

Phi Sigma Iota

  • Phi Sigma Iota recognizes outstanding accomplishment in the study or teaching of any of the academic fields related to foreign language, literature or culture. These fields include not only modern foreign languages, but also Classics, Linguistics, Philology, Comparative Literature, Bilingual Education, Second Language Acquisition and other interdisciplinary programs with a significant foreign language component. Phi Sigma Iota is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages. There are approximately 250 chapters of Phi Sigma Iota at institutions of higher learning in the U.S., Mexico and France.
  • Hispanic Student Association: The Hispanic Student Association is a student-centered organization that aims to empower its members through diverse cultural experiences in community service, social events and professional development. By engaging its members in extracurricular activities that emphasize diversity, even within its own membership, the organization will enhance the University and community’s understanding of rich culture and tradition on Belmont’s campus. In fulfillment of its mission, the organization aspires to connect and unite students on campus and beyond. As a Christian organization, the members will esteem values of faith, hope and love in interactions with each other and the community at large. By educating each other, the University community and the wider Nashville community about our culture, the organization will foster a greater understanding of how intercultural relationships enrich the university experience of all.

Alumni Testimonial

Aaron Kleinschmidt

Aaron Kleinschmidt

Class of 2023

“After years of studying Spanish, I knew I needed a program that would help me build on the progress I had already made. Since becoming a Bruin, I have used my skills in more capacities than I could have imagined, and my Spanish professors have become invaluable resources as I consider post-graduation opportunities. The selfless, personable faculty at Belmont have since guided me toward topics of interest that go beyond grammar and conventional learning and helped me with my semester abroad in Spain, a life-changing experience that helped me achieve professional fluency in Spanish.”

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