B.A. in Spanish & Latin American Studies

With over 37 million Spanish-speakers in the United States, Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the country – and it’s growing! In fact, the U.S. is second in the world in its number of Spanish-speakers, making it an essential asset in jobs, education, politics, and more. It is also the official language of 21 countries with over 400 million speakers around the world. This makes studying Spanish a smart choice!

As a Spanish and Latin American Studies major, you’ll develop a strong foundation in the language to advance your communicative proficiency and cultural understanding. Through the study of Iberian and Latin American language, cultures, and literatures, our small classes help you understand and appreciate linguistic and cultural diversity in your classes, in your travels, and in your career. You’ll cultivate your identity as a global citizen as you study how languages and cultures form the basis for academic, social, and ethical ways of thinking, creating, and researching. Learn more about how our program helps you develop your strengths to achieve your goals!

Student Learning Outcomes University Learning Goals (KMERI*)
Grammar and structural analysis: 1.1. Students study and examine oral and written language systems to support the understanding and usage of Spanish grammar in a variety of communicative contexts. Knowledgeable
Second language acquisition: 1.2. Students comprehend and communicate effectively in Spanish at the developmentally appropriate level using interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes in order to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
1.2.a. Speaking: Students present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of peers in spoken language on a variety of topics within and beyond the school setting.
1.2.b. Listening: Students develop strategies in interpreting both structured and non-structured spoken language in diverse contexts. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
1.2.c. Writing: Students demonstrate developmentally appropriate skills in a variety of forms, genres, and styles of writing and written communication. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
1.2.d. Reading: Students demonstrate an understanding of a range of simplified and authentic texts. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate
Interdisciplinarity, critical reasoning, and problem solving: 2.1. Students connect with other disciplines and use technology to access, evaluate, and explore information and diverse perspectives to cultivate critical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Knowledgeable, Multi-literate, Engaged
Cultural competence, critical thinking: 2.2. Students make linguistic and cultural comparisons to examine language, contemporary regional and global issues, and how they inform one’s cultural perspective. Engaged, Responsible
Research skills: 2.3. Students develop their research skills by gathering, analyzing, and presenting evidence and ideas to elaborate a critical cultural, social, and/or historical understanding of Iberia and/or Latin America to a specific audience. Knowledge, Multi-literate, Inquisitive
Cultural and historical literacy: 3.1. Students demonstrate cultural and historical literacy and understanding by interacting responsibly with and reflecting critically on the histories and cultural artifacts (e.g. artistic, literary, political, social, etc.) of the target language. Knowledgeable, Engaged, Responsible
Community engagement: 3.2. Students use the language both within and beyond the classroom to engage with Spanish speakers and participate in multilingual academic, professional, and global communities at home and around the world, thereby creating an informed citizenship. Engaged, Responsible
Critical reflection and lifelong learning: 3.3. Students set linguistic goals and reflect on their progress in using languages for enjoyment, enrichment, and advancement in personal experiences, in future study, and in future careers. Engaged, Inquisitive

*NOTE: KMERI refers to Otterbein's learning goals. It stands for KnowledgeableMulti-literateEngagedResponsible, and Inquisitive. To learn more about KMERI, visit our University Learning Goals page.