Spanish Minor

Expand your Spanish, connect across Cultures

The minor in Spanish helps students develop advanced language proficiency while gaining a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, and societies of the Spanish-speaking world. Throughout their undergraduate studies, students explore the cultural, historical, political, and social forces that shape the Spanish language and its literatures across different regions and periods. They come to understand language not simply as a means of communication, but as a dynamic expression of identity, culture, and lived experience. The Spanish minor provides students with the linguistic proficiency, intercultural competence, and critical-thinking skills needed to participate effectively in an increasingly multilingual and interconnected world. It complements majors across the humanities, social sciences, business, education, health sciences, and other professional fields. A Spanish minor can make graduates more competitive in the job market, expand career opportunities in education, healthcare, law, government, international relations, social services, and business, and prepare students for a wide range of graduate and professional programs.

Format

Hybrid

Credit Hours

18 credit hours

Additional Requirements

None

Why Earn a Spanish Minor?

A Spanish minor gives structure and depth to your language learning. You will strengthen communication while examining the experiences and perspectives behind the language. Whether your interests involve professional work, community engagement, or further study, the minor helps you connect Spanish with your wider goals.

About the Program

Coursework begins at the intermediate level I (SPAN 103) and progresses through advanced grammar and composition, conversation or Spanish for Spanish speakers, and electives. You will practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing while exploring literature, history, culture, or professional uses of Spanish. Faculty help you understand language as part of identity and lived experience.

A Minor in Spanish requires students to complete, with the grade of a C or above, 18 credit hours in Spanish.

For further information, contact the Chair of the Department of Languages and Literature.

Spanish can complement preparation for education, business, health care, social services, government, and other fields involving multilingual communities. The minor supports communication and cultural understanding; specialized language services and licensed professions may require additional preparation.

Work with Spanish faculty and your major adviser to choose courses that support your interests. Placement assessment and advising help identify an appropriate starting point for continuing learners and heritage speakers.

Community-engaged learning: Apply Spanish through projects with local organizations, connecting language study with the experiences of Spanish-speaking communities through SPAN 300 Field Work.
Collaborative cultural projects: Work with classmates to research and present topics related to the histories, literatures, and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.
Writing and revision in Spanish: Develop written communication through substantial assignments, peer review, faculty feedback, and revision.
Intercultural learning: Participate in guided conversations, cultural events, or virtual exchanges that strengthen Spanish proficiency and encourage reflection on different perspectives.

Communicate in Spanish with increasing accuracy and confidence.
Interpret written and audiovisual materials in context.
Explain connections among language, culture, history, and identity.
Adapt communication to different audiences and purposes.
Engage thoughtfully with perspectives from Spanish-speaking communities.

SXU offers a sequence that connects language development with cultural inquiry and room for electives. Heritage speakers can build on the Spanish they already use while developing academic and professional communication. The minor can be coordinated with a broad range of majors.