Spanish

Spanish is the largest language offering for faculty, students and courses at Pacific University. One of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Spanish is the principal language of 21 countries in the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe, and is commonly spoken in many others. Knowing Spanish is a practical skill that can be combined with just about any other area of study to make students more marketable in the workforce and more appealing to graduate schools.

Program Highlights

• Students majoring in Spanish live abroad for a semester or a year in Spanish-speaking countries
• Several two- or three-week travel courses are offered in winter or summer to Spain and Mexico
• A native Spanish speaker serves as a language assistant and organizes events for students to practice conversational skills
• Students desiring to be teachers can get first-hand experience in teaching languages: Spanish to students in the U.S., and English to children in rural schools in Mexico through a teaching practicum course
• Students may engage in course work with students in other nations around the world, in real time, via advanced video conferencing technology through Pacific's Center for Languages and International Collaboration
• Several Pacific students majoring in Spanish have continued studies after graduation with Fulbright Scholarships and other international programs

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World Langauages
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Courses

Course work begins with an introduction to Spanish language and culture, then intermediate Spanish, although students with prior language training may begin at a higher level. Our course work also includes Spanish for heritage speakers. A variety of upper-division courses, ranging from composition and conversation to the literature, film, history, art, music and cultures of Spain, Latin America and U.S. Latinos, is available.

Proficiency in speaking, writing and comprehending the language is emphasized. Students interested in bilingual education in elementary schools may also take an introductory class on the principles of second-language acquisition or one that include opportunities to participate in bilingual hands-on art and music experiences designed for elementary classrooms.

Through the CLIC, American students at Pacific will engage in course work with students in other nations around the world, in real time, via advanced video conferencing technology.