The ability to communicate in Spanish and the knowledge of Hispanic cultures both within our country's borders and beyond have become increasingly important skills in the twenty-first century. To meet these needs, the IUP Department of Spanish has designed programs to enable students to develop their language and culture skills through proficiency-based instruction that emphasizes spoken language.
The Spanish Department offers three degree programs: the B.A. in Spanish, the B.A. in Spanish for International Trade, and the B.S.Ed. in Spanish Education K-12. In 2006, the B.S. in Spanish received national recognition as an outstanding teacher-education program by ACTFL (American Council of the Teaching of Foreign Languages), only one of twelve programs nationwide to receive such an honor.
The department has two minors: Spanish, a natural complement to almost any major, but in particular Criminology, Business, and Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Spanish for Elementary Teaching, which prepares teachers for bilingual and total-immersion schools. The department also offers an honors program.
All students who study Spanish, whether or not they are enrolled in a formal degree program, are encouraged to participate in one or more of our international programs in Spain, in Mexico, and in Costa Rica. A foreign study experience is required of all Spanish majors.
The department also provides the opportunity for students to be involved in professional activities through department-sponsored conferences and publications. There are many student activities available through the Spanish club, Dimensiones españolas, and the opportunity to live in on the Spanish residence floor, Piso Cervantes, located beginning Fall 2008 in the new Suites on Grant. Students can also publish their original creative works in the student publication, Adelante.
