The goal of the Spanish program at USU is to prepare students for advanced studies in Spanish language, literature, and culture. Spanish majors at USU take extensive language courses where they develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students also take courses in Spanish and Latin American history and literature, giving them the opportunity to broaden their education.
The faculty in this department have culturally diverse expertise in all aspects and areas of language and literature. Students have access to their knowledge, as well as a language lab and many tutors to help them through their upper-division classes and prepare for a number of exciting careers in government, education, travel, and foreign affairs. Spanish majors gain a solid grounding in another language and culture, which helps them function effectively as members of the international community.
Students also have a chance to complete an international experience component through USU's study abroad program.
Emphases:
- Spanish Teaching: This emphasis is for students who wish to obtain licensure to teach in secondary schools. It includes courses in language history, the interaction of language and society, and teaching methodologies.
Education Component:
This is for the Spanish teaching emphasis only. In order to obtain a secondary teaching license for grades 6-12, students must complete the 35-credit Secondary Teacher Education Program (STEP), which includes one semester of student teaching in a public school. This program is administered by USUs School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services. Student must apply to the School of TEAL the semester before taking STEP courses. This is usually the fall of their junior year. Students learn subject content through the Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies Department, and spend the last year or two studying education techniques through the STEP program.
Students in the Spanish teaching program are required to select an approved teaching minor in order to expand their career options.