2017-2018

Spanish

Classical and Modern Foreign Languages Department

Rachel L. Burk, Ph.D., Chair
Therese Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D.
Theresa Lamy, SSND, Ph.D.
Linda Stilling, SSND, M.A.
Marcela Valencia, Ph.D
Associate Faculty
Joseph Wieczorek, Ph.D.

Degrees offered

Major
Minor

Campuses

Main Campus
Anne Arundel Community College
College of Southern Maryland (CSM)
Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC)
University Center Northeastern Maryland (formerly the HEAT Center)

¡Bienvenidos al programa de español! Learn to speak the third most popular language in the world through individualized attention, integrated technology, and communication-focused coursework. Our students take Spanish from the classroom into the NDMU community and the larger world via study abroad, service learning, language-exchange partners, the Hispanic Culture Club, and internships. ¡Qué aproveche!

Spanish

Courses cover essential language structures, practical communication, and cultural learning. Small classes, close relationships with professors, multi-media technology, and interactions with native speakers encourage General Education students to speak, write, listen, and read in Spanish while gaining perspectives on the Hispanic world. Majors and minors in Spanish refine their language skills and at the same time immerse themselves in Hispanic literature, history, film, art, and culture, locally and internationally.

General Education Language Requirement

Native Speakers of English

Women’s College students of traditional age—first-year and transfer—may fulfill the general education foreign language requirement in one of three ways:

  • AP Exam: Provide evidence of an earned grade of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Language or Literature exam
  • Language Department Placement Exam: Place into the advanced level (301) on the language department placement exam. (These students may wish to satisfy the general education literature requirement through a literature course in the foreign language.)
  • Course work: Complete one course at the intermediate level (103, 233 or 234), preferably building upon foreign language skills acquired at the secondary level.

Students in the Women’s College ages 25 years and older at the time of matriculation, as well as students in the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, may fulfill the general education language requirement in one of two ways:

  • Exam: Provide evidence of completion of one semester of foreign language study through the Advanced Placement Language or Literature exam or the CLEP test (available in French, Spanish and German through the College Board).
  • Coursework: Complete one semester at the appropriate level (101,102,103 or higher).

Native speakers of English who are bilingual should consult with the chair of the language department for guidance regarding the language requirement.

Language courses that satisfy the general education language requirement are: 103, 233, 234 or any Latin course above the 102 level.

Non-Native Speakers of English

International students may fulfill the general education foreign language requirement in one of three ways:

  • TOEFL Exam: At entrance, provide evidence of a score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL exam, or 213 or higher on the TOEFL: BT Test or 80 or higher on the IBT Test.
  • Language department placement exam: At entrance, score on the advanced level on all parts of the language department's English placement test.
  • Language department placement exam: Complete LEF-203, LEF-204, LCL-331 or LCL-332, based on the results of the English placement test.


Placement Testing

Placement testing will assure that every student studies at a level consistent with her current abilities. Students at Notre Dame must complete one semester of foreign language at the intermediate level (103) or above. The sequence of foreign language courses offered is as follows:

101-102 Beginning Spanish I and II (do not fulfill the language requirement)
103 Intermediate Spanish I (Courses beginning at this level fulfill language requirement.)
233/ 234  Spanish for Oral/Written Proficiency
301-302 Advanced Conversation and Composition I and II

Placement result

Courses needed to fulfill the language requirement
101 101, 102, 103
Start a new language 101, 102, 103
102 102, 103
103 103
233 233
234 234

Students who have achieved a score of 3 or above on the Advanced Placement Language or Literature Test are considered to have fulfilled the language requirement. No additional courses are required.

Transfer students

Those who have studied a foreign language at the college level satisfy the requirement with one course at the intermediate level. Those students who have college level language credit must make this information known to their advisors! Since course numbering varies, failure to do so may result in taking the same course twice and being denied credit.

Placement Testing for Nursing Majors

Nursing students at Notre Dame must successfully complete LSP 108 as part of the requirement for the Nursing major. Students who do not place directly into this course must complete LSP 105 and/or LSP 106, depending on their individual placement, prior to enrolling in LSP 108:

LSP-105      Spanish Language and Culture for Professional Settings I
LSP-106      Spanish Language and Culture for Professional Settings II
LSP-108      Spanish Language and Culture for Healthcare Professions

NOTE: LSP 108 satisfies the language requirement for Nursing students. It does not satisfy the general education requirement for language for students outside of the Nursing program.

Placement result

Courses needed to fulfill the language requirement for Nursing majors
105 105, 106, 108
106 106, 108
108 108

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Programs of Study

Students who wish to major in a modern foreign language may choose one of the following programs of study:
* The French major
* The Spanish major
* The modern foreign language major (a dual language major which combines the study of two modern languages)
Students who wish to minor in a modern foreign language choose one modern language.

To declare a major or a minor in the department, a student must have a minimum grade of C in the course that satisfies the general education language requirement. All courses in the major and the minor must be completed with a grade of C or above. Double major programs may be developed through consultation with academic advisors from each department.

The language department strongly recommends that students who major or minor in foreign language study abroad. All such courses must be pre-approved by the University in advance of the study abroad year or semester.

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The Spanish Major

The Spanish major requires 33 credit hours (11 courses) beginning at the 200-level. Students who place out of LSP-233 and 234 will take 27 credits (nine courses). All majors, including native speakers, must take LSP-301 and LSP-302.

Required Courses for The Spanish Major Credits

Language Skills:

LSP-233 Spanish for Oral Proficiency or LSP-210 Spanish for Health Professions (3) 
LSP-234 Spanish for Written Proficiency (3)
LSP-301 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I (3)
LSP-302 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition II (3)

Introduction to the Discipline:

LFN-201 The World of Language (taught in English) (3)
LSP-258* Readings in Hispanic Literature (taught in Spanish) (3)
*For native speakers who have successfully completed a literature course in English, LSP-258 should be replaced by one 300-level literature course in Spanish.

Literature:

One 3 credit course at the 300-level (3)

Culture and Civilization:

LSP-358 Spanish Culture & Civilization or LSP-359 Latin American Culture & Civilization (3)
LFN-450 Research Seminar (3)

Elective Courses:

One course at the 200- or 300-level (3)
One 400-level course in linguistics, literature or culture in Spanish (3)

Foreign Language Major

Through language courses at NDMU and schools in the consortium, students study and demonstrate proficiency in two modern languages courses. This major is highly recommended for those who want to become language teachers.

Requirements

  • Forty two (42) CREDIT HOURS (14 courses)
  • GRADE OF C OR ABOVE in all language courses in the major

Checklist

  • LFN 201 World of Language (Introduction to the discipline, taught in English)

First Language

  • 233 Oral Proficiency
  • 234 Written Proficiency
  • 301 Advanced Conversation & Composition I
  • 302 Advanced Conversation & Composition II

Second Language

  • 101 Beginning Language I
  • 102 Beginning Language II
  • 103 Intermediate
  • 233 Oral Proficiency
  • 234 Written Proficiency

Literature

  • 258 Readings in __________ Literature
  • 3__ Literature Course

Other

  • 358 Culture and Civilization
  • 450 Research Seminar

Options for 300 or 400-level courses

** prior departmental approval required**

  • Consortium (Loyola, Hopkins, Goucher, Towson, Morgan)
  • Study Abroad (strongly recommended)
  • Internship or Teaching Apprentice (strongly recommended)
  • Notre Dame Study Tour Abroad

Modern Foreign Language Minor

The minor requires 21 credit hours in the same modern language (seven courses). Students who place into the 300-level must complete a minimum of 18 credits (six courses) in order to minor in the language. They may substitute one 300-level literature, culture or linguistics course for 233/234.

Courses for a Minor in Foreign Language

Required Courses (15 credits)

LFN-201 The World of Language (taught In English) (3)
233 Oral Proficiency (3) 
234 Written Proficiency (3)
301, 302 Advanced Conversation and Composition I, II (6)
All minors, including native speakers, must take 301 and 302.

Elective Courses (6 credits) two of the following:

103 Intermediate language (through placement only) (3)
258* Readings in Literature (3)
*For native speakers who have successfully completed a literature course in English, 258 should be replaced by one 300-level literature course in the target language.
358 or 359 Culture and Civilization (3)

International studies majors who minor in language are not required to take a culture course. They may complete the minor with 18 credits (six courses).

Students who place into the 300-level must complete a minimum of 18 credits (six courses) in order to minor in the language. They may substitute one 300-level literature, culture or linguistics course for 233/234.

Spanish Language and Culture Program

The Spanish Language and Culture Program is a unique, one-of-a-kind experience!

What’s unique about this program?

  • It is focused on conversation in Spanish and study of Latino culture.
  • Three sequential courses (LSP 105, 106, 107) can be taken for one credit each for NDMU students. A certificate is offered to persons from the community who are not taking the course for credit.
  • A fourth course, Spanish Language and Culture for Healthcare Professions (LSP 108) is also offered.
  • Classes meet for two hours once a week for ten weeks.
  • It is made up of professionals, people from the community as well as NDMU students.

Why is this program important?

We live in a country and a world where the Spanish speaking population is ever-growing and there is a need for cultural sensitivity and understanding among all people. Employment and volunteer opportunities are broadened through knowledge of Spanish Language and Culture. It is truly a great asset. Diversity can enrich us all!


What can you expect from this course?

You can expect to increase your speaking skills in Spanish and also grow in cultural awareness and sensitivity so as to be able to build bridges between communities.  “The limits of our language are the limits of our world.” – Ludwig Wittgenstein

Who ought to enroll in this course?

  • Students enrolled in LSP 101,102,103 who want to supplement their language courses by increasing conversational skills and cultural knowledge of the Hispanic world.
  • Persons who want to work or volunteer with the Latino community.
  • Those who want to take an active role in becoming a global citizen.

Spanish Language Skills Courses

LSP-101, 102 Beginning Spanish I, II
LSP-103 Intermediate Spanish
LSP-105 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals I
LSP-106 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals II
LSP-107 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals III
LSP-210 Spanish for Health Professions
LSP-233 Spanish for Oral Proficiency
LSP-234 Spanish for Written Proficiency
LSP-301, 302 Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I, II

Literature

LSP-258 Readings in Hispanic Literature
LSP-310 Survey of Masterpieces in Latin American Literature I
LSP-311 Survey of Masterpieces in Latin American Literature II
LSP-322 Survey of Masterpieces in Peninsular Literature

Culture and Civilization

LSP-358 Spanish Culture and Civilization
LSP-359 Latin American Culture and Civilization

Special Topics

LSP-401 Topics in Spanish
LSP-463 Independent Study

Short-Term Academic Experiences Abroad

(Offered On A Rotating Basis)

LSP-427 Short-Term Academic Experience in a Spanish-Speaking Country

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Courses

LCL-331 The Making and Meaning of Words

Studies Greek and Latin word elements as an aid to better understanding and use of English. Recommended for all students. Fulfills the general education language requirement for nonnative speakers of English. [3 credits]

LEF-203 English: Conversation for Non-Native Speakers of English

Refines listening and speaking skills while expanding knowledge of U.S. cultural values and their historical basis. Provides intensive listening practice through use of the language learning center, feature films, guest speakers and field trips. Expands vocabulary and use of idiomatic language. Improves accuracy through a focus on American English syntax and word choice, and increases oral fluency through providing numerous opportunities for discussion of current issues in U.S. culture. Laboratory required. Fulfills language requirement for non-native speakers of English. Prerequisite: Placement test. [3 credits]

LEF-204 English: Composition for Non-Native Speakers of English

Develops and refines writing skills in English in order to meet the demands of college coursework. Provides extensive practice in writing with an emphasis on the writing process, organization, syntax of American English and appropriate word choice. Prepares non-native speakers of English for ENG-101 College Writing at Notre Dame or the equivalent first-year college English composition course. Prerequisite: Placement test. [3 credits]

LFN-201 The World of Language

Overviews the history, foundations and linguistic methods, as well as the social and cultural aspects of the discipline. Makes explicit the links among language, communication and culture. Helps students to see language in its larger context and introduces them to the principles of linguistic and cross-cultural analysis. Explores current issues in the field: first and second language acquisition, language development and change, bilingualism, literacy, language and the mind, and language use in society. Taught in English. Required for minors and majors of all languages. Open to non-majors. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite: one foreign language course at the 103 level or equivalent. [3 credits]

LSP-101 Beginning Spanish I

Develops the ability to understand, speak, read and write in Spanish. Enhances awareness and understanding of the Spanish-speaking world through presentation of authentic material. LSP-101 is for students with no prior experience in Spanish. Laboratory required. [3 credits]

LSP-105 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals

Designed for professionals or volunteers who interact with Hispanic communities in schools, hospitals, churches, community-based organizations, nonprofits, legal arenas or other settings. The course has both a language and a cultural component. The language component enables one to learn basic conversational skills and elemental phrases to better communicate with Spanish-speaking persons. Good pronunciation, listening and speaking skills are emphasized, as is grammar, in order to increase conversational skills. The cultural component focuses on the customs, spirituality, communication styles and traditions of Hispanics. This course is an elective and does not fulfill the general education language requirement. [1 credit]

LSP-106 Spanish Language and Culture: Part 2

This follow-up course to Spanish Language and Culture (Part 1) continues to emphasize good pronunciation and speaking skills. It provides a greater emphasis on grammar, especially the past tense, in order to increase conversational skills. There will be a continued cultural component to deepen understanding of the Latino community and culture. There will be a one-time volunteer cultural experience in the Latino community. Prerequisite: LSP-105. [ 3 credits ]

LSP-108 Spanish Language and Culture for Professionals: Medical/Healthcare

This is a follow-up course to LSP-105 and LSP-106. In this course the emphasis is heavily on listening and speaking skills. It stresses using the language in practical, conversational situations in a health care setting, as well as drawing on the needs and experiences of the participants. There is a continued review of grammar so the students will learn how to properly express emotions and recommendations in Spanish. Continued cultural and terminological component will be woven into every class. Prerequisite: LSP 106, the equivalent or placement exam. [ 1 credit ]