Modern Languages - Spanish
Did you know that over 500 million people speak Spanish around the world? The U.S. ranks #2 in the world for Spanish speakers behind Mexico, and it is projected that, by 2050, one in three people will speak Spanish (including bilinguals English/Spanish) in the U.S. Our immersive programs offers extensive practice in spoken and written Spanish as well as opportunities to study a range of literary and cultural studies, language for the professions, linguistics, and translation.
Students can take Spanish courses to count toward their language requirements for the B.A., pursue a minor or a major in Spanish, complete a secondary major in International and Area Studies, or pursue graduate studies in Spanish.
Want to know more about Spanish @K-State?
The Modern Languages department provides a diverse range of Spanish courses, along with scholarships to support minors, majors, graduate studies, and students studying abroad. We also offer opportunities to earn free credits for prior language experience. Join us at our Spanish Language Table to practice your Spanish, engage in conversations, and connect with others. For further details, please contact:
Follow us on social media:
- Blog: kstatespanish.wordpress.com
- Twitter: @kstatespanish
- Instagram: @kstatespanish
Contact us:
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Dr. Rebecca Bender |
Dr. Angélique Courbou |
Dr. María DePaoli |
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Dr. Andrea Faber |
Ms. Yasmín Gavigan |
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Dr. Raelynne Hale |
Dr. Laura Kanost |
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Dr. Laura Valentín-Rivera |
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Requirements
Spanish Minor Requirements
The Spanish Minor requires 6 classes at and above Spanish 3, and must include one literature course at the 500-level (SPAN 550 or SPAN 551 is recommended). Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the Spanish Minor.
- To declare or drop a Spanish Minor, please use this form.
Spanish Translation Minor Requirements
The Spanish Translation Minor is an advanced language minor requiring 18 credit hours (6 classes) at and above the 530-level, including professional writing in Spanish and English. See course descriptions to assist you in choosing your courses, and/or contact Dr. Kanost (lakanost@ksu.edu) for more information. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the Spanish Translation Minor.
- To declare or drop a Spanish Translation Minor, please use this form.
Required Courses
- Professional writing in English elective (3 hours)
- ENGL 302, 400, 415, 417, 510, 516
- MC 200, 221, 426
- Approaches to language elective (3 hours)
- ANTH 514, 525, 720, 792
- COMM 480
- ENGL 430, 435, 490
- SPAN 580, 670, 776
- Professional Spanish (3 hours)
- SPAN 530 (business) or SPAN 531 (health)
- Core course (9 hours)
- SPAN 575, SPAN 771, and SPAN 774
Spanish Major Requirements
The Spanish Major requires 11 classes (33 credits) of Spanish courses at and above Spanish 3, including the required "Hispanic Readings & Media" (SPAN 550) or "Hispanic Readings & Media for Heritage Learners" (SPAN 551), and at least three 6/700-level courses.
A grade of “C” or better or a minimum 2.5 GPA is required in all Spanish courses counted towards the major. Classes for the major cannot be taken Pass/Fail. Two non-transfer courses are required at the 700 level. Study Abroad and Retroactive Credit apply toward the Spanish Major.
The Spanish major with distinction requires 13 courses (39 credit hours)of Spanish courses at and above Spanish 3, including one required literature courses at the 500-level, and at least four 6/700-level courses, and a 3.5 GPA in all courses taken toward the major.
- To declare or drop a Spanish Major, please use this form.
Course Descriptions
See below our course descriptions and here for our upcoming semester course schedule
Course Descriptions - Beginner
- Not sure which course you should begin with? Check our placement information.
- Have you learned Spanish growing up with your family? Contact Dr. Valentín-Rivera for placement.
- Do you know you can receive free credit for prior learning if you start above Spanish 1, took AP classes or receive the Seal of Biliteracy? See our placement information for details.
Beginner courses (SPAN 101 through 302) are offered in Fall, Spring and Summer semesters both online and in person. Contact spanishcoordination@ksu.edu if you have placement questions.
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SPAN 101 - Spanish I:
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SPAN 102 - Spanish II:
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SPAN 201 - Spanish III:
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SPAN 301 - Spanish IV:
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Did you learn Spanish growing up? Our Spanish for Heritage sequence, starting with SPAN 302 might be for you. Course Descriptions - Intermediate
Courses at the 400 and 500 level comprise our intermediate courses. All count toward the Spanish Major or Minor requirements and many count toward some general education requirements for BA and BS degrees (e.g.: Foreign Language requirements, Western Heritage, Literary/Rhetorical Arts, Advanced Social Sciences, US Multicultural Overlay, etc.).
If you begin courses at the 400-level or above, you are eligible to receive free retroactive credit for level 1 through 4 courses.
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SPAN 410 - Spanish Communication through Pop Culture (aka Spanish Composition and Grammar)
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Spanish Communication through Pop Culture is a new approach to SPAN 410. In this course, we will improve spontaneous conversation in Spanish through impromptu discussions, word games, partner conversations and more! We will improve our writing skills through creative writing prompts, peer-review and writing workshops with your instructor. We will also learn how to activate language absorption through authentic input by listening to music, watching documentaries, tv shows and films, and reading short stories and graphic novels in Spanish.
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SPAN 411 - Heritage Speakers Spanish Composition & Grammar
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This course is intended to help heritage speakers (individuals that have learnt the language given the early exposure to it at home and who have primarily completed their academic preparation in English while living in the US), to further their literacy skills in Spanish. This course promotes a) the awareness of the existence of different linguistic variations of the Spanish language, b) an appreciation of the very unique variation of Spanish developed in the US, while motivating students to aspire to developing a standard register. This course also reinforces grammatical features and assist students in acquiring a sophisticated and academic lexicon, as well as further developing skills to express their ideas in more complex and professional settings. Finally, this course explores the current socioeconomic and political situations of different Hispanic countries.
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SPAN 530 - Professional Spanish: Business
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The need for professional Spanish skills in the workplace is on the rise across industries throughout the US. [1] In this course, students will not only develop their professional communication skills in Spanish, but will also examine the political, economic, and social movements related to commerce throughout the Americas from 1492 to today through a variety of texts such as historical diary entries, legal statutes, marketing campaigns, literature, art, and film. Students will provide evidence of their learning by creating professional documents, presentations, and creative projects related to the themes of the class. [1] Source: Lead With Languages
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SPAN 531 - Professional Spanish: Health & Human Services
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This course develops culturally appropriate writing, listening, and oral communication language skills in the fields of health and human services. It is designed to provide students with cultural knowledge of diverse Spanish-speaking communities living inside and/or outside the United States. Span 531 has a service-learning component in the areas of health and human services, providing a hands-on experience. The course emphasizes specialized content and vocabulary, as well as some experience in translation.
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SPAN 550 - Introduction to Hispanic Readings and Media
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Stories are at the core of how humans experience the world. By reading and discussing texts, film, and art from the Spanish-speaking world, you develop your vocabulary, cultural awareness, and ability to express yourself. This class gives you tools for comprehending and responding to stories, poetry/song lyrics, drama, and film.
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SPAN 551 - Introduction to Hispanic Readings and Media for Heritage Learners
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Use your knowledge of popular and trending singers, like Peso Pluma, movies, and books to further your critical skills in Spanish. This course will also help you expand your oral and written fluency, reading skills and vocabulary so that you can efficiently communicate in formal and professional settings while sharing your unique cultural and bilingual experiences.
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SPAN 560 - Cultures of the Spanish Speaking World: U.S. Latinx |
United States has the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. This course focuses on literature and media created in Spanish (as well as bilingual texts featuring code-switching or Spanglish”) within the United States. A historical overview helps us to understand the social and political contexts that have shaped this diverse community and its cultural production since the 16th century. Students will develop cultural awareness, critical thinking, and language and communication skills, and research a topic of personal interest in a creative project.
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SPAN 566 - Cultures of the Spanish Speaking World: Spanish America |
This interdisciplinary course traces the sociocultural significance of crops such as chocolate, corn, sugar, and potato in Spanish America. We’ll explore the relationship between food and identity in recipes, art, music, and readings. Develop cultural awareness, critical thinking, and language and communication skills, and research a topic of personal interest in a creative project.
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SPAN 567 - Cultures of the Spanish Speaking World: Transatlantic
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Develops critical understanding of the historical, political, social forces that have connected Spanish and Spanish American literatures and cultures over time through interdisciplinary focus on a topic (e.g., conflict, exploration, social class). Course is taught in Spanish.
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SPAN 575 - Introduction to Spanish Translation
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People who are bilingual are often asked to translate or interpret in their jobs or communities. This course is designed to begin developing those skills and instill an awareness of the ethical responsibilities of translators and interpreters. Focusing on the linguistic and cultural differences specific to Spanish<>English translation, through memes, short texts, videos, and interviews, you will gain practice translating texts in a variety of genres. Special attention is paid to the role of the sociocultural context in the reception of both the original text and the translation.
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SPAN 580 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics |
Introduction to the field of Hispanic linguistics, including the sound system (phonetics and phonology), sentence formation (syntax), and language use in context (pragmatics). This base is built upon through the study of applied linguistic analysis, including Spanish dialectology, sociolinguistics, second language acquisition, and pedagogy.
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Course Descriptions - Advanced
Most 6-700-level Spanish courses have variable topics, meaning each semester the course may be different! See below some of the themes discussed in these courses.
- NOTE: Students should have completed at least two 500-level Spanish courses prior to taking 6 or 700-level courses.
