Spanish
Spanish Degree
Learn practical skills to communicate in a foreign language and understand significant components of world culture.
Request InformationTo prepare students for a world that is becoming more economically interdependent
and culturally diverse, the study of foreign languages allows students to communicate
with people from other cultures in professional and personal settings. Students gain
an understanding and appreciation of cultures other than their own. Today, more than
ever, Spanish is on demand on the job market as the Hispanic population increases
consistently.
We believe that along linguistic abilities, successful communication is achieved through
the understanding of the foreign culture. The Spanish curriculum does not focus heavily
on literature like most traditional Spanish programs at other institutions. We aim
at providing you with the practical skills to communicate in the foreign language
while teaching significant components of culture to help you gain a better understanding
of your interlocutors' background. In addition, it has been proven that students studying
a foreign language are better test takers and gain a better overall language awareness
and an understanding of English grammar.
Want to be successful in the educational and professional career? Study Spanish at
McKendree!
McKendree offers Chinese and French regularly! So keep an eye open for those courses!
Why a B.A. Degree in Spanish?
Do you enjoy immersing yourself in other cultures and interacting with people whose
background is different from your own? The bachelor’s degree in Spanish gives you
the opportunity to communicate with people from other cultures in professional and
personal settings. Today, more than ever, Spanish fluency is on demand in the job
market as the Hispanic population rapidly increases in the United States and the world
becomes more economically interdependent.
About the Spanish Major
The B.A. in Spanish is found under the Division of Humanities and is geared toward the practical usage of the language, as well as an understanding
of the Spanish-speaking culture. Unlike most Spanish programs, McKendree’s curriculum
does not focus heavily on a study of Spanish literature. Instead, we aim to provide
you with real-world skills to communicate in the language while teaching significant
components of culture to help you better understand the diverse backgrounds of Spanish-speaking
people across the globe.
2017-2018 Program Catalog
2017-2018 4-Year Plan
A minor in Spanish is also available, as well as a language teaching endorsement to
teach middle school.
Why McKendree?
McKendree University provides you with interactive learning opportunities through
our small class sizes, experienced faculty, and unique internship experiences that
move you beyond the classroom. We are committed to your success in the degree programs
we offer, the internships and extracurricular activities that will set you apart,
and the college experience you’ll get here. Just 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis,
Missouri, McKendree University is located in historic Lebanon, Illinois, and affords
students a host of enriching cultural, career, and entertainment opportunities.
Program Highlights
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A Spanish curriculum that keeps in mind your practical and professional needs in the language
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Study Abroad programs in many Spanish-speaking countries like Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Chile
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Highly interactive courses give you the chance to interact with Spanish speakers from different countries through technology
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Student organizations, such as Spanish Club, allow you to meet others and participate in fun events
Employment Opportunities
Graduates in Spanish find careers in translation and interpretation, education, and
international business. They are often hired by government agencies, international
organizations such as the United Nations, and non-profit organizations.
What Our Students & Alumni Are Saying
“My favorite part of McKendree’s Spanish program was the diversity of topics covered. On top of practicing fundamentals, such as grammar and conversation, we also spent time studying contemporary women writers, gender issues in Hispanic countries, Latin American history, and the current situation of Spanish-speaking immigrants in the U.S.”
~ Victoria Cook ’15, Graduate Student in Spanish at Saint Louis University’s Madrid
Campus in Madrid, Spain
“McKendree's Spanish program did a lot to help me in my career as a foreign language
teacher. Not only did the program help me learn Spanish, but it also showed me different
methods and styles of language teaching. The Spanish program has an emphasis on discussion
in classes. This was a fun and useful way for me to apply the language we learned
and built a community around the Spanish class. This is what I think makes McKendree
special. The classes are small so you are able to know your classmates and professor.
This is especially useful in a foreign language. Everyone gets a change to contribute
to the class multiple times and the professor can identify specific problems each
student has and is able to address them”
~ Meghan Birdsong ’14, ESL Teacher in Santiago, Chile
Interesting Courses
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Language Experience in a Spanish Speaking Country
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Spanish/Latin American Films
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Advanced Business Spanish
Club Information / Honor Societies
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Spanish Club - Join other Spanish-speaking students to make lasting memories and spread an appreciation of Spanish culture throughout the community.
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Study Abroad - Learn more about how your trip of a lifetime is within reach!
Related Programs
Student Support
Meet the Faculty
Associate Professor of Spanish
Carnegie Hall 305
accapron@mckendree.edu
Continue Your Story Apply Today!
