2019-2020

Spanish, Minor

Department of Global Languages and Cultures

College of Arts and Letters

Students in this minor gain proficiencies in Spanish language, composition, and stylistics, with an exposure to Spanish-speaking cultures and literature. This language is not only useful, it has also been called by Nobel laureate Camilo Jose Cela, "…a glorious language [and] a gift from the gods."

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 20
Major GPA 2.0
Foreign Language Required

Purpose Statement 
 
The Spanish minor prepares students to interact in oral and written expression with Spanish speakers used to dealing with non-native Spanish speakers in real life situations. Students can also expect to be able to comprehend basic authentic oral and written texts dealing with familiar topics related to work, academic studies and leisure. The minor will also provide learners with an awareness of certain cultural nuances and socio-political issues of the Spanish-speaking world, which will allow them to participate more easily in global organizations and projects. Students who complete the Spanish minor have the necessary foundation for continued professional development in their communication skills in Spanish, giving them an edge in domestic and international job markets. 

Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes are Aligned with Standards for Language Learning created by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Upon completing this minor, students will be able to:

  • Orally express ideas in Spanish through meaningful discussion of concrete topics relating to work, school, home, and leisure activities using all major time frames (present, past, and future). Students can interact with native speakers unaccustomed to dealing with non- natives, and handle complicated or unexpected communicative tasks. (Speaking skills)
  • When listening to others, be able to identify and use main ideas and details from the conversation, including description and narration in different time frames or aspects, about a variety of topics beyond immediacy of the situation, to communicate meaningfully with others. (Listening skills)
  • Identify and use main ideas and details from authentic, connected, longer, written texts involving description and narration in different formats about a variety of topics for communicative purposes. (Reading skills)
  • Create with language to express meanings in written form about familiar topics using the major time frames with some control of aspect. (Writing skills)

Minor Requirements

  • Take the following 20 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:

    • At least 12 units of SPA courses at the 300 level or above. (12 units)
    • SPA courses at the 200 level or above. (8 units)
    Be aware that at least 6 units must be in classroom courses. Also, you may count no more than 14 units of credit-by-exam toward this minor.

    Also be aware that you may only take lower-level SPA courses if you have not already taken advanced SPA coursework. For instance, after you've completed 200-level SPA courses, you can't take SPA courses at the 100 level; after completing 300-level courses, you can't take 100- or 200-level courses.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.