University General Education Requirements
Chairperson: Brenda Eatman Aghahowa
The Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Literatures offers a BA in Spanish. The program emphasizes quality preparation in the humanities, provides access to traditionally underrepresented populations, especially Latino students, and contributes to the economic and social welfare of the community. At the heart of the department’s philosophy is a belief that language and communication are paramount to the human experience.
Competence in more than one language is not only integral to a complete educational experience, but also enables individuals to participate more fully in the global society and marketplace. In addition, the study of other languages and cultures empowers people to behave with a greater sense of self and to be successful in their relationships with those of different backgrounds.
Students enrolled in the liberal arts option in Spanish may prepare for careers in government, public service, translation, interpreting, sales, etc. Completion of the teacher preparation option in Spanish qualifies students for an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement for teaching Spanish for grades K-12. Licensure requires the successful completion of the Illinois Licensure Spanish content area test and the edTPA. The program meets Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards for foreign language education in Spanish.
The department offers introductory and advanced courses in Spanish and French. It also offers introductory courses in African languages, Arabic, Chinese, and German. The first-year foreign language courses are intended to develop the ability to understand, speak, and read the target language. The department also offers minor sequences in French, Spanish, and Latin American/Latino Studies for students majoring in other degree programs.
The department will grant a maximum of nine hours of proficiency credit to both Spanish and bilingual education majors, six hours to elementary education majors and students undertaking a Spanish minor or Latin American/Latino Studies minor, and six hours to French minors.
Proficiency credit will be awarded during the last semester of the program.