Spanish Language Major | Spanish Language Teaching Certification | Minor in French or Spanish or German or Arabic
Organizations | Puebla Field School | Scholarships | Course Descriptions
Chair: Debra D. Andrist (936) 294-1414
Foreign language study not only enables communication across languages, but opens doors to different cultures and diverse perspectives of life. Knowledge of languages and cultures provides exciting opportunities for travel and careers.
Faculty: Madalina Akli, Debra D. Andrist, Yasser Djazaerly, Shirin Edwin, David Gerling, Frieda Koeninger, Alejandro Latínez, Enrique Mallén, Alcibiades Policarpo, Kay Raymond, Joaquin Rodríguez-Barberá, Rafael Saumell- Muñoz
Information: (936)294-1441; Evans 305; foreignlanguages@shsu.edu
Website: www.shsu.edu/~fol_www
All languages:
Cultural celebrations
Foreign film festivals
Summer Study Abroad in France, Qatar, Spain and Switzerland
French
National French Week: November
German
Oktoberfest: October
Spanish
Grito de Dolores: September
Día de la Raza: October
Día de los Muertos: November
Navidad: December
Semana Santa: spring
Puebla Field School: Each summer, SHSU offers courses in the beautiful city of Puebla, Mexico. Students may take advanced Spanish courses and courses at all levels in such disciplines as art, business, and agriculture on the campus of the Universidad Iberoamericana.
SHSU offers a wide range of courses and area studies particularly applicable to language study minors for individual interests and career goals, especially in Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Health Professions, History, International Business, Journalism, Music and Political Science.
Professionals with competence in one or more foreign languages are needed in almost all professions: agriculture, business, computer science, criminology, education, the fine arts, government service, industry, international business, medicine, science, and related areas. The Department of Foreign Languages prepares students for professions requiring a foreign language as a major skill, for graduate school and functions as a service area in career preparation.
The Foreign Languages Program sponsors many activities designed to enhance the language student’s linguistic and cultural experiences at Sam Houston State University.
The Foreign Languages Program sponsors Pi Delta Phi, the national French honor society and Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society. Students also may participate in the French, German and Spanish Clubs.
Each summer students have the opportunity to study abroad in Puebla, Mexico. Students and faculty come together as a community of scholars to study different aspects of Mexican culture and interact with the Mexican community.
Study abroad opportunities are available in other target-language areas.
Scholarships: Students in languages may apply for the Foreign Languages Scholarship, for the Mozelle Powell Spanish Scholarship and for the Sophie Barat Scholarship. For more information, contact the Foreign Languages office or the Foreign Languages program website. Information on University scholarships may be obtained from the Office of Academic Scholarships website at www.shsu.edu/~sfa_www/scholarship.html or telephone (936) 294-1672.
A major in Spanish requires a total of 36 hours of coursework. These include 141, 142, 263, 264, plus 22 hours of advanced courses (12 hours of which must be taken in residence.)
Foreign language majors and language students in the teacher certification program must take at least one history or geography course dealing with the country or countries whose language they are studying in order to promote interdisciplinary and international education. Students are required to have a 3.0 or the equivalent in their advanced major/minor teaching areas prior to being permitted to take the certification examinations.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| SPN 141 and 142 (four semesters in one language) |
6-8 | SPN 263 and 264 (four semesters in one language) |
6 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | Literature (English or American, Adv.) | 3 |
| Component Area 3 (Natural Science, from two different departments) | 8 | ART, DNC, MUS, THR, or PHL 366 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) |
3 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | HIS 265, HIS 266, GEO 265, GEO 266, SOC 168, or BSL 236 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | PHL 261 or 471 | 3 |
| 33-35 | Component Area 5 | 3 | |
| 30 | |||
| Third & Fourth Year | Credit | ||
| SPN (300-400 level) | 18 | ||
| Minor | 18-23 | ||
| Advisor approved HIS or GEO | 3 | ||
| Advisor Approved Electives | 19-25 | ||
| 57-69 | |||
Note: Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement. All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
| First Year | Credit | Second Year | Credit |
| SPN 141 and 142 (four semesters in one language) | 6-8 | SPN 263 and 264 (four semesters in one language) |
6 |
| ENG 164, 165 | 6 | Component Area 4 (Literature) | 3 |
| MTH 164 or 170 | 3 | CS 133 or 138 | 3 |
| Component Area 3 (Natural Science, from two different departments) |
8 | PHL 261 or 471 | 3 |
| Component Area 4 (Visual and Performing Arts) |
3 | POL 261, POL (200-level) | 6 |
| HIS 163, 164 | 6 | Component Area 5 | 3 |
| KIN 215 | 1 | ART, DNC, MUS, THR, or PHL 366 | 3 |
| 33-35 | SED 383 | 3 | |
| COM 384 or accepted substitute | 3 | ||
| 33 | |||
| Third Year | Credit | Fourth Year | |
| SPN (300-400 level) | 15 | SPN (300-400 level) | 3 |
| Minor | 15 | SED 394, 464, RDG 392 | 9 |
| SED 374 | 3 | SED 480, 496, and 497 | 9 |
| HIS or GEO (Advisor approved) | 3 | Minor | 3 |
| 36 | 24 | ||
Note: All students must complete at least 120 hours to graduate.
A minor in French or Spanish requires a total of 23 hours of coursework. These include 141, 142, 263, 264, plus nine hours of advanced courses (six hours of which must be taken in residence.) The German minor requires 368, 380, and 460.
Foreign Language Requirement: The 12-14 semester hour requirement consists of four courses in one language: 141, 142, 263, and 264. These courses must be taken in sequence. No two courses in the series may be taken concurrently without the written approval of the Department Chair. The requirement reads “12-14 hours” to accommodate transfer students from institutions that award only 3 hours credit for each semester of the first year.
Credit-by-Examination/Placement Examination: The University offers a CLEP subject exam in
order to determine the amount of credit to be given for courses which need not be taken because
of adequate performance on the examination. Inquiries should be directed to the Office of Undergraduate
Admissions. However, each student must take a separate departmental placement
examination before enrolling for the first time in a target-language course in Foreign Languages
Department at the University. Inquiries should be directed to the Foreign Languages office.
ARB 131 Elementary Arabic For students with no previous instruction in Arabic. Introduction to the Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, vocabulary and basic language codes, stressing an oral approach to the language with emphasis on conversation and oral drill.
ARB 132 Elementary Arabic II A continuation of Arabic 141. Language codes with more complexity discussed and drilled. Stress on aural and oral skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in Arabic 141 or equivalent.
ARB 263 Intermediate Arabic I A continuation of Arabic 142, adding more complex structures as a basis for reading
and aural comprehension as well as for oral communication.
ARB 264 Intermediate Arabic II A continuation of Arabic 263. Special emphasis on practical needs for communication. Short cultural reading passages. More complex grammar. Particular emphasis on roots of Arabic words. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ARB 263 or equivalent.
ARB 380 Contemporary Arab World Taught in the Arabic language for additional skill development in listening, speaking, reading and writing, the course emphasizes the fifth skill: cultural knowledge with insights and perspective via the viewpoint and linguistic expression of the native Arabic speaker. Introduces and describes the linguistic and cultural ramifications of the historical, political, social and economic situations in Arab countries with some analysis & comparison among Arabic countries. An emphasis on gender issues, progress and reforms, the rise of fundamentalisms and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in ARB 264 or the equivalent. Credit: 3.
FL 463 Methods of Teaching Secondary Foreign Languages Methods of Teaching Secondary Foreign Languages is designed as a methods course
in second language acquisition. This course will present information and materials for
Second Language teachers that will enhance their teaching. Currently, SHSU does
not offer this course, either in the Department of Foreign Languages or in the College
of Education.
FRN 141 Elementary French. [FREN 1411] For students who have had no previous instruction in French. The work includes vocabulary acquisition, international cultural components, pronunciation, drills, sentence formation, and everyday conversation leading to proficiency. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Credit 4.
FRN 142 Elementary French. [FREN 1412] A continuation of FRN 141 with more speaking and writing toward advancing proficiency. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FRN 141 or equivalent. Credit 4.
FRN 263 French Reading and Composition. [FREN 2311] A continuation of FRN 142 with emphasis on written and oral skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FRN 142 or equivalent. Credit 3.
FRN 264 Comprehension and Communication. [FREN 2312] A continuing emphasis on fluent usage of oral and written French. Intensive study of selected written work with the purpose of mastering mid-level proficiency skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in FRN 263 or equivalent. Credit 3.
FRN 364 Survey of French Literature. A detailed study of the various schools and periods of literature from the 19th century to modern times. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or equivalent. Credit 3.
FRN 365 French Grammar And Stylistics. A review of the structure of the French language combined with detailed study of the various tenses and moods. Emphasis is placed on writing and composition. The objective is to acquire facility in writing about everyday topics. Prerequisite: French 364 or the equivalent. Credit 3.
FRN 367 French Phonetics and Conversation. Basic theory of French pronunciation and intonation. With ample opportunity for drill, students achieve an intermediate level of oral proficiency. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
FRN 380 French Culture and Civilization. A course to portray the overall picture of the role played by French culture and civilization throughout the world. This course will provide cultural background for French majors or minors. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
FRN 464 Modern French Usage and Conversation. A useful course for all levels, including those seeking oral proficiency. Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speech and conversation dealing with modern topics. Conducted in French. Prerequisite: FRN 264 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
FRN 470 Seminar In Selected Topics in Literature, Language, or Civilization. This course will be an in-depth study of a selected topic by which French majors and minors, lacking specific skills, may acquire the necessary knowledge of francophone culture and/or the ability to speak, read, and write the French language at an advanced level. The topic to be explored will change from semester to semester. The course may be repeated for credit as the content varies. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in French or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
FRN 475 Individual French Readings. This course is designed for the individual student who may need study of a particular era or genre or author. Enrollment in this course is restricted and approval for such must be obtained from the Program Coordinator. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Credit 3.
GER 141 Elementary German. [GERM 1411] For students who have had no previous instruction in German. The work includes vocabulary acquisition, international cultural components, pronunciation, drills, sentence formation, and everyday conversation leading to proficiency. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Credit 4.
GER 142 Elementary German. [GERM 1412] A continuation of GER 141 with more speaking and writing toward advancing proficiency. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GER 141 or equivalent. Credit 4.
GER 263 German Reading and Composition. [GERM 2311] A continuation of GER 142 with emphasis on written and oral skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GER 142 or equivalent. Credit 3.
GER 264 German Reading And Composition. [GERM 2312] A continuing emphasis on fluent usage of oral and written German. Intensive study of selected written work with the purpose of mastering midlevel proficiency skills. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in GER 263 or equivalent. Credit 3.
GER 333 Multicultures of America: German. A survey course designed to increase an awareness of Central- European culture in America with particular emphasis on the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries. This course may be conducted in English or German. Credit for this course may be applied to the major or minor only with permission. Credit 3.
GER 368* German Media. Study of German Media. Focus on conversational, listening, reading, and vocabulary skills. Students will watch German television programs and will read articles from major German magazines and newspapers. Includes a review of German grammar. Prerequisite: GER 264. Credit 3.
GER 380* Modern German Culture. An overview of the cultures of German speaking countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) from 1780 to the present. Prerequisite: GER 368. Credit 3.
GER 460* Modern German Literature. An overview of the literatures of German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) from 1770 to the present. Prerequisite: GER 360. Credit 3.
GER 475 Individual Readings in German. This course is designed for the individual student who may need study of a particular era, genre, or author. Enrollment in this course is restricted and approval of such must be obtained from the Program Coordinator. The course may be repeated for credit as content varies. Credit 3.
SPN 141 Elementary Spanish I. [SPAN 1411] For students who have had no previous instruction in Spanish. Introduction to Spanish pronunciation, vocabulary, and basic language codes stressing an oral approach to the language with special emphasis on conversation and oral drill. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. For non-native speakers of Spanish. Native Spanish speakers should take the CLEP or register for 264. Credit 4.
SPN 142 Elementary Spanish II. [SPAN 1412] This course is a continuation of SPN 141. Language codes with more complexity are discussed and drilled. Stress is placed on aural and oral skills. Two one-hour language laboratory periods weekly are required. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPN 141 or equivalent. For non-native speakers of Spanish. Native Spanish speakers should take the CLEP or register for 264. Credit 4.
SPN 263 Intermediate Spanish I. [SPAN 2311] Readings of medium difficulty are used as a basis for reading and aural comprehension as well as for oral communication. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPN 142 or equivalent. For non-native speakers of Spanish. Native Spanish speakers should take the CLEP or register for 264. Credit 3.
SPN 264 Intermediate Spanish II. [SPAN 2312] Continuation of SPN 263 with special emphasis on practical needs for communication. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPN 263 or equivalent. A section may be reserved for native Spanish speakers. Credit 3.
SPN 361 Spanish Grammar and Composition. Study of the syntactical and morphological characteristics of the Spanish language with emphasis on developing the ability to write in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPN 264, the equivalent of SPN 264, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 362 Survey of Spanish Literature I. A study of the development of the literature of Spain from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Various eras, genres, and authors are studied. Prerequisite: SPN 361, the equivalent of SPN 361, or consent of the Coordinator or Chair. Credit 3.
SPN 363 Survey of Spanish Literature II. Will focus on the literature of Spain beginning with the eighteenth century to the present. Masterworks from genres of drama, poetry, and prose will be read, discussed in Spanish and analyzed in written reports. Prerequisite: SPN 361, the equivalent of SPN 361, or consent of the Coordinator or Chair. Credit 3.
SPN 365 Modern Spanish Short Story. Study of selected short stories written by prominent Spanish authors since 1950. Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in SPN 264 (or equivalent). Credit 3.
SPN 367 Introduction to Spanish Linguistics and Phonology. A study of descriptive, applied, and contrastive linguistics. Prerequisite: SPN 361, 368, or the consent of the Coordinator or Chair. Credit 3.
SPN 368 Conversational Spanish I. Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speaking and conversation. Reading materials from Spanish speaking countries will be included as a basis for conversation and composition. This course cannot be taken for credit by native Spanish speakers. Prerequisite: SPN 264, the equivalent of SPN 264, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 369 Conversational Spanish II. Emphasis is placed on extemporaneous speaking and conversation. Reading materials from Spanish speaking countries will be included as a basis for conversation and composition. Prerequisite: SPN 361,368 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 370 Spanish for Business. Study of business terminology in Spanish related to banking, accounting, international trade, marketing, management, and finance and of cultural aspects of Latin America and Spain, with practice in speaking, reading and translating business Spanish. Prerequisites: Grade of C of better in SPN 264 (or equivalent). Credit 3.
SPN 371 Spanish for Criminal Justice. Study of Spanish and Spanish-related issues and topics for Criminal Justice, criminology, law enforcement, and Sociology. Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in SPN 264 (or equivalent). Credit 3.
SPN 374 Introduction to The Literature of Spanish America. Study of the texts of Spanish-American writers from the Conquest to the present with emphasis given to the historical, cultural, and political factors which influenced their writing. Instruction is in Spanish. Prerequisite: SPN 361, the equivalent of SPN 361, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 375 Genres in Spanish-American Literature. Studies of themes and techniques of outstanding Spanish- American poets, dramatists or novelists. Prerequisite: SPN 361, 368 or the consent of the instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 376 The Mexican Short Story. A study of the short story form in Mexico, particularly from the years 1934 to the present. Students will read and analyze short stories and discuss them in Spanish in class. They will also keep a daily diary, in Spanish, using vocabulary from the stories. Each student will also have an individual project. A midterm and a final examination will be required. Prerequisite: SPN 361 or permission of the instructor. Credit. 3.
SPN 380 Spanish Culture and Civilization. An overview of the culture and civilization of Spain. Prerequisite: SPN 264, the equivalent of SPN 264, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 385 Spanish Presence in the New World. A study of the culture and civilization of the Spanish-speaking areas of the Americas. Prerequisite: SPN 264, the equivalent of SPN 264, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 460 Don Quijote. Analysis of the counter-reformation masterpiece by Miguel de Cervantes, with special attention to the author’s experimentation with various literary genres of his epoch to create the ‘first modern novel.” Prerequisites: SPN 369; SPN 461 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 461 Advanced Spanish Grammar and Composition. An in-depth study of the usage of the Spanish language as it relates to creative writing and scholarly reports. Prerequisite: SPN 361 or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 464 Spanish-American Prose. A study of selected authors, short stories, essays, or novels. Emphasis on themes, techniques, and current literary themes. Prerequisite: SPN 361, 368, the equivalent, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.
SPN 470 Seminar in Selected Topics in Literature, Language, or Civilization. An in-depth study of a selected topic. The topic to be explored will change from year to year. This course may be repeated for credit as the content varies. Prerequisite: advanced standing in Spanish. Credit 3.
SPN 475 Individual Readings in Spanish. Designed for the individual student who may need to study a particular era, genre, or author. Enrollment in this course is restricted. Credit 3.
SPN 486 Contemporary Spanish Peninsular Literature. A study of selected works by contemporary peninsular writers. Prerequisite: SPN 361, 368, the equivalent, or consent of instructor. Credit 3.