Spanish at Adams State University

Master the language, literature, and culture of Spain and Latin America with a degree in Spanish from Adams State University. As one of the most spoken languages in the world, Spanish is an integral part of the global economy. Whether you work in the commercial or public-sector upon graduation, Spanish-language skills will boost your long-term career prospects.

Along with an engaged and attentive faculty guiding your studies, The San Luis Valley is a rich cultural area to study the Spanish language. Diverse indigenous populations make up the local community, and the area has a deep political and cultural history as a territory of both Spain and Mexico before becoming part of the United States in the mid-19th century. Opportunities to learn directly from your neighbors will support your personal and professional growth.

The Spanish student organization, El Parnaso, is one of the oldest on campus.

Degrees

  • Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (Liberal Arts Emphasis)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (Secondary Teacher Licensure)
  • Spanish Emphasis for Elementary Education Licensure
  • Minor in Spanish (7 courses)

Semester Offerings

Adams State students wishing to begin the study of Spanish at the beginning level must enroll in Spanish 103 classes during the fall semester, and then continue with Spanish 104 in the Spring. The department will not offer Spanish 103 during the Spring semester; therefore, students are encouraged to plan their schedules carefully. Likewise, Spanish 203 will only be offered during the fall semester, and then continue with Spanish 204 in the Spring.

First Year Language Courses in Spanish

The learning-pace and level-of-progression of Spanish 103 and Spanish 104 are consistent with other university-level Spanish classes. Generally, the acquisition of language skills follow predictable levels of performance during the first two semesters. Students are encouraged to be diligent in the study and practice of Spanish in order to maximize their progress and fluency in the language.

Second Year Language Courses in Spanish

The learning-pace and level-of-progression of Spanish 203 and Spanish 204 are consistent with other college-level Spanish classes. Generally, intermediate levels-of-performance also follow predictable patterns of progression. Our classes are designed to nurture and challenge the normal acquisition of language skills during this intermediate phase of study. Students are encouraged to maintain an active level of participation in Spanish usage in order to maximize their progress and fluency in the language.

Learning and Acquisition of Spanish

Learning to use Spanish requires consistent practice in the language “performing” tasks. This means that the student should look for every opportunity to “use” what is being learned in the classroom. The students are encouraged to listen to Spanish music, t.v. programs, radio productions and join conversation groups outside of class. Striving to reach higher levels of oral & written performance in language use will make your language experience more enjoyable and profitable.

Reward yourself by challenging your language abilities

You know your own language performance abilities better than anyone. Follow a self-placement course of study that challenges your abilities. Our self-placement policy rewards your efforts by giving you up to 8 “free credits” for self-placing at a level in Spanish that challenges you.

Related Programs

Contact Us!

Elaine Wenta
Administrative Assistant
719-587-7862
evwenta@adams.edu

Adams State campus north

Spanish Program Highlights

Master your language skills and build cultural knowledge. Enhance your career options or become a language professional. Adams State will help you achieve your goals. This excellent academic program will guide you on the right path to a successful career. Our focus on student experience and student outcomes has led us to the highest job placement rates of any institution our size in Colorado and the nation.

Spanish Program Outcomes

Spanish For Business

Business contacts that deal with the Spanish speaking population are more likely to have positive results when the business representative demonstrates a knowledge of the client’s language and culture.

Spanish For Medical Personnel

Medical clinics, hospitals, emergency centers and nursing care units routinely seek out employees who can speak Spanish.

Potential Careers

Translator or Interpreter, News Analyst or Commentator, Public Relations Manager, Foreign Service officer, Elementary or Secondary school teacher, and Adult Education.

Adams State north campus

Spanish Program Faculty

Nick-Saenz
Nick Saenz, Ph.D
Associate Professor of History

Spanish Program Curriculum

Explore Some of Our Courses

SPAN 103: Elementary Spanish I (4 hours)
A study of the principles of pronunciation, basic level conversation, essentials of grammar, written composition, and reading of materials of graded difficulty.

SPAN 204: Reading & Conversation (3 hours)
Readings on cultural topics, discussions, speaking activities, review of some grammatical features, attention to vocabulary building. Emphasis on understanding and speaking Spanish.

SPAN 350: Advanced Grammar & Comp (3 hours)
Intensive course in grammar and in the writing composition of the language. Advanced grammar principles, translation from English to Spanish and other language refinements.

Academic Catalog