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 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.

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

Semester Offerings

Adams State students wishing to begin the study of Spanish at the beginning level must enroll in Spanish 103 (Elementary Spanish I) classes during the fall semester, and then continue with Spanish 104 (Elementary Spanish II) 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 (Intermediate Spanish I) will only be offered during the fall semester, and then continue with Spanish 204 (Intermediate Spanish II) 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 follows 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. Students are encouraged to listen to Spanish music, TV 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!

Dr. Meliza Ramírez
Assistant Professor of Spanish
719-587-7852
mramirez@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 University’s Spanish program will help you achieve your goals, by guiding 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

Web-Meliza-Ramirez
Meliza Ramirez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Spanish

Spanish Program Curriculum

Explore Some of Our Courses

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

SPAN 179: Intensive Review of Elementary Spanish (4 credits)

A review of the Spanish language at the elementary level (equivalent to Spanish 103 and 104), at an accelerated pace. Students in this class will have intensive practice in all 4 skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

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

SPAN 315: Spanish for Business (3 credits)

Instruction in the specific vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural insights needed to effectively deal with the common everyday business interactions between the Spanish-speaking client and English- speaking business community.

SPAN 316: Spanish for Health Professions (3 credits)

Instruction in the special vocabulary, grammatical structures and cultural understanding needed to deal effectively with the Spanish speaking patient/health professional interactions. The student will learn to interact in Spanish with a variety of simulated common everyday patient/health personnel situations.

SPAN 317: Spanish for Translation (3 credits)

An introduction to the history, theory and techniques of translation and interpretation. Specific vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural insights needed to effectively deal with translations from English/Spanish or Spanish/English will be explored. Students will practice with texts of different length and from different professional fields, such as health, business, and law, and gain confidence translating and interpreting between both languages.

SPAN 325: Spanish Civilization & Culture (3 credits)

Instruction on selected themes taken from the historical legacy and cultural institutions of the Spanish people. The cultural topics include reading on: the Roman legacy, the church, the Moors, the great writers of the Golden Age, the great Spanish monarchs, Franco, etc.
The selected themes will determine the supplemental readings that are selected in depth discussion and study.

SPAN 326: Latin American Civilization & Culture (3 credits)

Instruction on selected themes taken from the historical and literary legacy of the Spanish people. The literary topics include reading about Spanish heroism, medieval Spanish beliefs, Spanish imperialism, Spanish-Indian relations, Great Spanish explorers, etc. The selected themes will determine the reading that are selected for in depth discussion and study.

SPAN 395: Spanish Phonetics–Language History (3 credits)

Introduction to the study of the Spanish sound system including a brief background of the history and development of the Spanish language as well as some discussion of dialectal differences across the globe. Designed for those planning to teach Spanish including pedagogical concepts that can be applied in the classroom to aid students in the improvement of their Spanish pronunciation. Examine English/Spanish contrasts and includes exercises in written transcription, oral productions, and an analysis of spoken Spanish.

SPAN 396: Methods Teaching Foreign Language (3 credits)

A study of effective teaching methods and the development of a contextualized approach to language instruction that is based on meaningful language use, real-world communication, and interaction among learners. Emphasis will be placed on the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines.

SPAN 415: Cervantes/El Quijote (3 credits)

A study of the life and important works of Cervantes with special emphasis on the Quijote. This course requires instructor approval for registration purposes.
Offered periodically to meet student special interests in the field.

Academic Catalog