Minor in Spanish K-12 Teaching

Program Learning Outcomes

  • (a) demonstrate understanding of the major linguistic features of the target language (i.e., phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) and describe the structure, function, and meaning of target language discourse;
  • (b) explain rules for word and sentence formation (e.g., verbal system, agreement, use of pronouns) and provide examples;
  • (c) identify and explain pragmatic and sociolinguistic features (e.g., politeness, formal/informal address) of the target discourse and identify features for creating coherence and discourse in extended spoken and written texts;
  • (d) demonstrate listening comprehension to understand short conventional narrative and descriptive texts, such as descriptions of persons, places, and things; and narrations about past, present, and future events;
  • (e) in paragraph-length discourse, narrate and describe in the major time frames with some control of aspect;
  • (f) handle the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events appropriately within the context of a situation;
  • (g) deliver oral presentations extemporaneously on familiar literary and cultural topics and those of personal interest, using a variety of strategies to tailor the presentation to the needs of their audience;
  • (h) understand conventional written narrative and descriptive texts, such as descriptions of persons, places, and things and narrations about past, present, and future events;
  • (i) write narratives, descriptions, and summaries on topics of general interest in all major time frames with good control of aspect;
  • (j) demonstrate understanding of language as an essential element of culture;
  • (k) demonstrate knowledge of cultural perspectives as reflected in daily living patterns and societal structures, including geography, history, religious, and political systems, literature, fine arts, media, and a variety of cultural products;
  • (l) connect perspectives to the products and practices of a culture as a way to compare the target culture to their own or to compare a series of cultures;
  • (m) interpret and synthesize ideas from literary and other cultural texts that represent defining works in the target cultures;
  • (n) identify themes, authors, historical style, and text types in a variety of media that the cultures deem important to understanding their traditions;
  • (o) provide opportunities for students to connect to the target language and culture through a variety of means, including technology, as a key component of their classroom practice;
  • (p) exhibit ease, originality, and flexibility in applying language acquisition theories to instructional practice, using a wide variety of strategies to meet the linguistic needs of their students at various developmental levels;
  • (q) tailor language use to studentsꞌ developing proficiency levels and use a variety of strategies to help students understand oral and written input;
  • (r) use the target language to the maximum extent in the classroom at all levels of instruction;
  • (s) demonstrate an understanding of the national and state standards for foreign language learning to make instructional decisions;
  • (t) understand how to integrate interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in instruction;
  • (u) design authentic and standards-based performance assessments using the three modes of communication to measure student progress in communicative and cultural competencies;
  • (v) design a content-based curriculum which integrates content from other subject areas into instruction;
  • (w) achieve Intermediate High in Spanish on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview.

A student must receive a grade of C or better in all the courses required for this minor and have a GPA of 3.00 or higher.

SPNS 101Elementary Spanish I3
SPNS 102DElementary Spanish II3
SPNS 201DIntermediate Spanish I3
SPNS 202DIntermediate Spanish II3
Take at least two of the following Advanced Language courses:6
Oral and Written Expression in Cultural Contexts
Spanish Oral & Written Expression II
Advanced Spanish Grammar & Pronunciation
Take at least one course on Spain from the following:3
Don Quijote
Spanish Culture & Civilization
Contemporary Spain & Nations
Spanish Literature and Art
Spanish Cinema
Take at least one course on Latin America from the following:3
Early Cultures of Latin America
Modern Cultures Latin America
Contemp Latin Amer Literature
To Infinity and Beyond: Jorge Luis Borges
Women Writers of Latin America
Travel in Latin Am Lit & Film
US Latino Cultures
US Latino Literature
U.S. Latino Text & Cinema
Latin American Text and Cinema
Latin America in Focus
Latin America: Culture and Revolution
Latin Amer Perspectives
Latin American Nature in History and Culture
Hispanic Caribbean: Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic
Take at least one additional SPNS elective2
EDM 410Methods: K-12 Modern Language4
Achieve Intermediate High in Spanish on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview. 1
Total Credits30

1Prior to approval for student teaching placement, students are required to achieve Intermediate High on the ACTFL proficiency scale as determined through an official Oral Proficiency Interview administered by Language Testing International. Student teaching is also required for certification. It is not listed here because it forms part of the major program.