Undergraduate Degrees Offered
B.A. in Spanish -Liberal Arts Emphasis
B. A. in Spanish- K-12 Teaching Emphasis
B.A. in Mexican American Studies-Liberal Arts Emphasis
B.A. in Mexican American Studies- Social Science Secondary Teaching Emphasis
Minor in Spanish
Minor in Mexican American Studies
Endorsement in Spanish
Endorsement in Teaching English as a Second Language
Endorsement in Bilingual/Bicultural Education
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Mexican-American Studies. (Available emphases: Liberal Arts Emphasis, Secondary Teaching Emphasis.) This program examines the development of Mexican-American history and culture from their origins to the present, including the sociopolitical, artistic, an economic results of direct contact with the United States culture. With this major you can pursue careers in law, urban affairs, business relations, environmental studies, human development and international relations as well as other fields of public service. With the Secondary Teaching Emphasis, you will be licensed in UNC's PTEP program as a Social Studies teacher with Emphasis in Mexican American Studies. An Mexican American Studies minor is also available.
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Spanish. (Available emphases: Liberal Arts Emphasis, K-12 Teaching Emphasis.) Although most Spanish majors have studied Spanish in high school, you can major in Spanish at UNC without previous Spanish language experience. In your first year, if you are beginning the language, you will start with the sequence of elementary language courses. If you have prior Spanish experience, you will take the sequence of intermediate language courses to prepare for advanced courses in conversation, grammar, and composition. Subsequently, you will complete your major requirements with courses in literature, civilization, and linguistics. In order to gain permission to apply for graduation, a Spanish major must successfully pass the program’s oral proficiency exam. If you wish to earn a Colorado secondary teaching certificate, you will also complete the Professional Teacher Education (PTE) Program and student teach. A minor in Spanish is also available.
The Classroom
The Hispanic Studies faculty are highly experienced in teaching undergraduates. This experience, combined with the small size of most Hispanic Studies courses, ensures that you will receive a superior education. The faculty is committed to give you as much personal attention as possible in the classroom and in advising sessions.
The Hispanic Studies faculty also is active in professional research and publication. Their interests include subjects as diverse as Chicano art and history, creative writing, gender studies, foreign language methodology, and Latin American, Mexican, and Spanish literature. The faculty have outstanding publication and teaching records.
All are actively involved with professional organizations and regularly make scholarly presentations to local, state, and national associations. Many provide service to national language organizations and to the local community. Faculty members are constantly updating their knowledge of Hispanic culture and civilization. They pursue post-doctoral training and new professional interests through private and government grants. They also frequently travel to Spanish-speaking areas and countries to maintain contact with current social developments in Hispanic cultures.
The Hispanic Studies program provides a fully-equipped, modern language laboratory. You will have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and Hispanic culture for academic terms in either Spain or Mexico. Because these study trips are led by a Hispanic Studies faculty member for small student groups, you will receive personal attention from a professor who already knows you well, plus the full advantages of living and studying within a Hispanic culture.
In recent years, undergraduates in Hispanic Studies have enjoyed participating in cultural field trips to the Southwest, art exhibits, and conferences. You also can become involved in Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Día de los Muertos, Chicano/a Arts Festival, and UNC’s World Language Day.
After Graduation
There is presently an insufficient number of Spanish teachers in Colorado and the Nation. Therefore, when you complete a Spanish teaching degree, your chances for employment in a Spanish language or an elementary school program are excellent.
As the significance of Hispanic culture grows in the United States, familiarity with the culture is becoming increasingly important for those who would pursue professional careers. An emphasis in Spanish or Hispanic Studies can make you highly marketable in fields as diverse as international business, marketing, publishing, nursing, social work, law enforcement, and advertising.
Many students at UNC have successfully combined a major in various academic areas with a major or a minor in Hispanic Studies, enhancing their employment opportunities while developing their cultural sensitivity.
For More Information...
E-mail the coordinator of the Hispanic Studies program: Joy Landeira.
