Spanish Language and Culture
Betsy Gordon, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Speech Communication;
Chair, LLC Division;
begordon@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6889; Carnegie Hall 114
In order to prepare students for a world that is becoming more economically interdependent
and culturally diverse, the study of foreign language may afford students
opportunities to communicate with persons from other cultures as well as foster students’
understanding and appreciation of cultures other than their own. Foreign language
courses emphasize learning grammar and vocabulary, improving conversation
skills, and improving students’ ability to read another language. Because learning a foreign
language necessitates the rigorous study of grammar, it may enhance students’
overall language awareness and understanding of the grammar of English.
To minor in Spanish language and culture, a student must complete a minimum of
16 credit hours in Spanish language and culture courses. Students seeking a teaching
endorsement in a language need the following: 18 hours of the language for an endorsement
to teach middle school and 24 hours of the language to teach secondary school.
18 hours of a language may also be used as an area of concentration for elementary
school teachers. Up to 8 credit hours of CLEP or Advanced Placement Examination
credit will be accepted toward the 16 hour minor requirement or the 18 and 24 hour
teaching endorsements. (cf. Transfer of Credit section of this catalog). Students may
apply up to 8 hours of CLEP or AP credit toward the 16 hour minor or the teaching
endorsement requirements. Students who have successfully completed two years of
high school Spanish and who are allowed to waive SPA 101 and 102 based on criteria
other than the CLEP or AP tests may complete the 16 hour minor with 11 additional
credit hours. To complete the teaching endorsements, students must have 18 (middle
school) or 24 (secondary) hours of college credit in the language, up to 8 of which may
come from the CLEP or AP examinations.
SPA 101 SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE I (4)
An introductory course designed for the student with no knowledge of the Spanish language. Emphasis
is placed on listening, speaking, and writing skills as well as an introduction to Spanish culture and history. Annually, Fall.
SPA 102 SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE II (4)
A continuation of SPA 101. The course emphasizes speaking and understanding of conversational
Spanish with a continued development of writing and vocabulary skills. Prerequisite: SPA 101 or placement test. Annually, Spring.
SPA 201 SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE III (3)
This course focuses on developing the students skills to an intermediate level of proficiency. Emphasis is placed on the development of the spoken language, original composition, and a knowledge of the culture through readings in Spanish and in translation. Prerequisite: SPA 102 or placement test. Annually, Fall.
SPA 202 SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IV (3)
A continuation of SPA 201. The course provides a development of oral and written skills in the Spanish
language. Consideration is given to correct Spanish usage in business affairs. The student’s appreciation of Spanish culture is enhanced through readings in Spanish literature. Prerequisite: SPA 201 or placement test. Annually, Spring.
SPA 351 LANGUAGE EXPERIENCE IN SPAIN (3-6)
A six to eight week period of intensive language and cultural study during a summer session in Spain
or other Spanish-speaking country. Credit is determined through arrangement with the instructor for
projects in Spanish history and culture. As needed.
SPA 380-389 TOPICS IN SPANISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (2-3)
The focus on this course will be development of speaking competency. The course will be taught in
the Spanish language; various methodologies will be used to further social and linguistic interaction
in the classroom. Students should realize an appreciable growth in oral comprehension and expression
in the language. Prerequisite: SPA 202 (or concurrent enrollment). As needed.
SPA 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPANISH (1-4)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and academic advisor. As needed.