Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Spanish Minor


To be able to communicate in a foreign language is a fundamental asset in any profession, from careers in education, translating and interpreting, to those in international studies, health, business or law. A minor in Spanish addresses the needs of students who seek the ability to communicate in more than one language in order to be competitive in their chosen profession. The study of Spanish language and culture is of special importance in the United States, the country with the second largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. The Spanish minor offers students the linguistic confidence needed for studying in another country and the benefits of being exposed to other cultures.

Minimum Requirements


Substitutions and waivers are subject to approval by the Foreign Language Coordinator. Students may complete only one course in English to be counted toward the minor.

Note:


See the SSHA Advising website for more information on Foreign Language Placement: ssha-advising.ucmerced.edu/policies-and-procedures/foreign-language-placement-guidelines.

Program Learning Outcomes


After completing two years (Intermediate level II) of the foreign language of their choice, students will be able to identify and analyze cultural traits and concepts relevant to the country and communities where the target language is spoken. In addition, they will have developed intermediate writing, reading, listening and oral proficiency in that foreign language, which means that students will:

  1. Possess listening skills equivalent at least to the Intermediate-Mid level of the ACTFL Proficiency. Guidelines: Ability to understand main ideas and some facts from interactive exchanges and aural texts.
  2. Possess speaking skills equivalent at least to the Intermediate-Mid level of the ACTFL Proficiency. Guidelines: Ability to handle successfully a variety of uncomplicated communicative tasks in straightforward social situations.
  3. Possess reading skills equivalent at least to the Intermediate-Mid level of the ACTFL Proficiency. Guidelines: Ability to read consistently with increased understanding simple, connected texts dealing with a variety of basic and social needs.
  4. Possess writing skills equivalent at least to the Intermediate-Mid level of the ACTFL Proficiency. Guidelines: Able to meet a number of practical writing needs. They can write short, simple communications, compositions, descriptions, and requests for information in loosely connected texts that are based on personal preferences, daily routines, common events, and other topics related to personal experiences and immediate surroundings.
  5. Demonstrate in their oral presentations, compositions, and other class assignments a reasonable knowledge of the ways of thinking, behavioral practices, and the cultural products of the country and communities where the target language is spoken.

Students that complete Foreign Language courses at the upper division level will be able to identify and analyze cultural traits and concepts relevant to the country and communities where the target language is spoken. In addition, they will develop skills in critical thinking and advanced writing, reading, listening and oral proficiency in the target language.

The following guidelines pertain to all SSHA minors:


  • To complete any SSHA minor, students must complete a minimum of five courses, at least four of which must be upper division.
  • All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
  • All minor course requirements must be completed with a C- or better.
  • A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 (C) in upper division courses is required. The only exception is a minor in Arts, for which the minimum GPA in upper division courses is 2.7 (B-).
  • At least three of the five required courses must be taken at UC Merced.
  • Only one course may be used simultaneously to satisfy requirements for two minors.
  • Only one course may be used to satisfy both a minor and a major requirement.
  • Students must consult the UC Merced General Catalog for prerequisites to required courses.