Spanish
Qualifications
BA, CertArts, DipSpanLang, BA(Hons), MA, PhD, GradDipArts
Introduction
In the world today, Spanish speakers are as numerous as native speakers of English. The largest concentrations are in Spain, Central and Latin America, and the USA. In travel, culture, trade, cyberspace and sport, the Spanish language is a major player.
The Hispanic world is unified by its main official language, but it also represents a rich, complex and heterogeneous space with significant ethnic, cultural, linguistic, political and religious practices. Studying Spanish will give you an insight into this mix of old and new traditions which form the tapestry of Hispanic culture. It will also put you in a position to understand and participate in the economic and political transformations that connect even the remotest places in Latin America with our increasingly globalised world.
In 2004 the Spanish programme established an exchange programme with the University of Castilla-La-Mancha in Spain. This unique opportunity provides an authentic environment to improve your linguistic skills in Spanish. Students have a chance to study in Spain for one or two semesters, usually in their second year of Spanish studies at UC, and suitable courses at Castilla-La-Mancha can be credited towards their degree.
For students studying towards degrees in areas such as Law, Commerce, Engineering or Science, the Diploma in Spanish Language provides a tertiary qualification in a foreign language which will enhance their employment opportunities, especially internationally.
Recommended background
The language courses cater for total beginners as well as those with some prior knowledge of the language. SPAN 101 is for total beginners, while SPAN 201 is the normal entry point for those with NCEA Level 3 Spanish. Placement tests are also available for those who have acquired proficiency by other means.
100-level courses
200-level and beyond
Language studies continue in the second and third years. There are also other courses available that enable students to deepen their understanding of Hispanic cultures.
Further study
Following the BA in Spanish, graduates may go on to the BA(Hons) degree, which involves a fourth year of coursework, and may subsequently decide to obtain the MA and/or PhD. Any students contemplating this level of study are advised to consult with the Programme Director as early as possible.
Career opportunities
Spanish graduates find employment in a wide range of sectors including the teaching professions, casual translations, governmental institutions, research-based institutions, journalism, diplomacy and international law. Spanish will also benefit students majoring in a science who wish to work or do further studies in Spain, the USA or Latin America.
Contact
School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics
Telephone: +64 3 364 2556
Email: lacl@canterbury.ac.nz