Applied Spanish

You'll learn to speak and write articulately in Spanish, and immerse yourself in Spanish culture from history to literature.

Students in class

The ability to speak Spanish is a critical skill in today's world

No matter your career path, fluency in the Spanish language will set you apart from the competition. We encourage our students to develop their global perspective through study abroad opportunities. Our students go on to successful careers in fields such as law, health, business, government and education.

The Applied Spanish major develops language skills needed to communicate and understand Spanish at an advanced level, including professionally-oriented courses to prepare students for a variety of career settings. The program allows students to start at different points of entry (depending on the results of placement exams or individual placement), offering an individualized progression of courses for students with different language-learning experiences, from students learning the language in college to students who took AP Spanish in high school to heritage speakers who speak Spanish at home, to name a few of these experiences.

The minor in Spanish consists of five courses above the 201 level to be distributed as follows:

SPAN202 Intermediate Spanish II 4
SPAN245 Conversation & Composition 4
One civilization course
One literature course
Two electives

Levels of Competency

The Applied Spanish Major focuses on three levels of competency: linguistics, professional, and analytical and cultural. The program seeks to develop communication skills useful to students in a variety of professional settings or life experiences.

1. Linguistic Competence

Students will be able to achieve a level of language competence that allows them to communicate with others by strengthening their reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills Students will work towards the achievement of an Advanced Level Language Proficiency according to the ACTFL scale and C1 Advanced Level according to the Common European Framework of Reference 

Pre-requisites: SPAN 101-SPAN 102. 

  • SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II
  • SPAN 245 Advanced Conversation and Composition

2. Applied Spanish in Professional Settings Competence

Students will sharpen their language skills by focusing on communication skills needed in many professional settings that serve the Hispanic community.

Pre-requisite: SPAN 245

  • SPAN 204 Spanish for the Professions
  • SPAN 380 Migrant in the City: Fieldwork Seminar on Puerto Rican Culture
  • SPAN ### Introduction to Translation Practices

3. Advanced Analytical and Cultural Competence

Students will be able to discuss and write at length about various cultural topics. Students will be able to recognize historical, political, and cultural events from Latin America and Spain. Students will be able to analyze and express arguments, opinions, and hypotheses about selected cultural content that deals with issues of social justice, and political upheavals, as well as issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

  • SPAN 270 Contemporary Issues in Spain
  • SPAN 310  Making of Spain
  • SPAN 312 Latin American Culture
  • SPAN 314 Hispanic Culture as Seen Through Film
  • SPAN 336 Latin American Women Writers
  • SPAN 395 Special Topics Seminar


Capstone Experience

Internship

Students will get practical experiential learning in internship settings. Students will write reports on their experiences related to Spanish and work on a final project related to their experience during the semester.

Scholarly Project

Students can opt for a capstone based on research about a topic related to the content of an advanced 300-level course. This option will be available for students interested in sharpening their analytical skills, working independently, and demonstrating knowledge of the subject matter.

Program Pathway Examples Based on Placement

Here are different examples of different “tracks” depending on the initial language level placement:

Language A (starting from prerequisites or an intermediate level)

  • SPAN 201 Intermediate Spanish I
  • SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II
  • SPAN 245 Advanced Conversation and Composition
  • SPAN 204 Spanish for the Professions
  • SPAN ### Introduction to Translation Practices
  • SPAN 270 Contemporary Issues in Spain
  • SPAN 312 Latin American Culture 
  • CAPSTONE: Internship

Language B (starting from a intermediate II level)

  • SPAN 202 Intermediate Spanish II
  • SPAN 245 Advanced Conversation and Composition 
  • SPAN 204 Spanish for the Professions
  • SPAN ### Introduction to Translation Practices
  • SPAN 270 Contemporary Issues in Spain
  • SPAN 310 Making of Spain
  • SPAN 312 Latin American Culture
  • CAPSTONE: Internship

Language C (starting from an advanced level)

  • SPAN 245 Advanced Conversation and Composition 
  • SPAN 380 Migrant in the City: Fieldwork Seminar on Puerto Rican Culture
  • SPAN ### Introduction to Translation Practices
  • SPAN 310 Making of Spain
  • SPAN 312 Latin American Culture
  • SPAN 314 Hispanic Culture as Seen Through Film
  • SPAN 336 Latin American Women Writers
  • CAPSTONE: Research Project Related to 300-level Course

 

Internships and study abroad are a key component of the Spanish major. In a cultural center like Boston, there are myriad opportunities to build your skills, résumé, and networking relationships with organizations in the city and beyond. Our students have worked in the following institutions as interns:

  • Hyde Square Task Force
  • Latin American Health institute in Boston
  • Consumer Quality Initiatives

Spotlight on Applied Spanish Students and Alums

Julia Wilen ’24

Celebrating a Safe Space for Survivors with the Peer Education and Support Group Betsy’s Friends

Julia Wilen ’24, a double major in Spanish and Women’s and Gender Studies, with a minor in Literature and Writing, began her work supporting survivors of violence before she came to Simmons and stayed involved throughout her time at the University.


Estela Raya-Fouts Profile Photo

Enjoying the Opportunities at Simmons: From Studying Abroad to Internships to Research

Political Science and Spanish double major Estela Raya-Fouts ’24 discusses impactful internships, catching the travel bug, her favorite course and more Simmons memories.


Headshots of the 2024 Senior Scholar Award winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Senior Scholars

The annual Senior Scholar Award is sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. The award recognizes six graduating seniors for their outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


Passionate Leaders Project Students Spring 2023

Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2023 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports Simmons undergraduates by enriching their academic and professional interests beyond the confines of the classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 to support their research, internships, and creative endeavors. This semester's cohort is producing...


Nicole Morison Acrylic Gouache on Paper

Technology, History, Art, Gender, and Class: Students Re-Envision Modern America (and the World) at the Simmons Undergraduate Symposium

Undergraduate students across Simmons presented research projects and creative works in a dynamic day of live Zoom panel sessions and pre-recorded video presentations. In a live presentation, Computer Science students Chelsea Hua ’24, Livic Inoa ’22, Melat Ali ’22, Nardos...


Sarah DeFanti, bachelor of science in nursing (bsn) student

Major Spotlight: Sarah DeFanti '22, Nursing

Why did Sarah DeFanti decide to major in nursing? It really boils down to one thing: the patients. We caught up with Sarah about her journey into nursing and what she learned during her clinicals at state-of-the-art Boston hospitals.


Headshot of Enna Jimenez

Community Leader: Enna E. Jimenez ‘91, ‘06E Supports Students and Engages Alumnae/i

We spoke with Honorary Trustee, Enna E. Jimenez '91, '06E, about her continued engagement with Simmons and how she wants to bridge the gap between alumnae/i and students.