Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures (Minor)
Discover the vibrant sounds and colors of the Spanish-speaking world.
Students who minor in Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures develop competencies in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in Spanish. At the same time, the program exposes them to literature, culture, history, art, and music to enhance their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world, which includes the United States.
Students who participate in May Term Abroad experience total immersion and the opportunity to advance their knowledge of the Spanish language and Hispanic Cultures. Spanish courses provide the linguistic and cultural foundation to prepare students for advanced studies in Spanish, Latin American literature, and cultural studies.
- Format
- In-person
- Degree(s)
- Minor Only
Next steps
Why minor in Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures at Mary Baldwin?
A Spanish minor at Mary Baldwin University opens up opportunities for career advancement and cultural competency. Getting to know other cultures allows students to widen their worldview while fluency in other languages gives them the competitive edge needed in an increasingly interconnected world. A minor in Spanish can be a strong addition to any major and students often use it to prepare for careers in business, education, pre-medicine, political science, communications, health care administration, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, social work, and psychology both here and abroad.
Special Opportunities
Every other year, students travel with a Spanish faculty member to a Spanish-speaking country as part of our May Term Abroad program.
May Term Abroad provides a total immersion experience, giving students opportunities to interact with a host family, study with native teachers, view contemporary life, travel, and absorb history and culture. During the week, students attend grammar, conversation, and culture classes at a local academic institution. On the weekends, students participate in excursions to archaeological sites, markets, and surrounding communities.
In addition, students enjoy the social and cultural life of the city they are visiting by going to museums, galleries, concerts, festivals, and other popular events. In recent years, MBU students and faculty have traveled to Salamanca, Spain, and Cuernavaca and Oaxaca, Mexico.
Other Opportunities:
- Study and volunteer for a semester or a year in a Spanish-speaking country
- Volunteer for non-profit organizations in the United States or abroad
- Internships
- Tutor Spanish-speaking community members
- Interpreter for Spanish-speakers
Next steps
Minor Requirements
The Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures minor is an 18-credit program.
Students can get additional Spanish language credits by adding a one-hour credit in “Languages Across the Curriculum” to courses taken in any other department.
Sample Courses
- Intermediate Spanish
- Cultures of Latin America
- Advanced Spanish Abroad
- Cine y Conversacion
- Latin American Women Writers