(Bachelor of Arts)

The Spanish and Latin American Studies program provides students with communication skills in both written and spoken Spanish and gives them an understanding of and appreciation for the peoples, literatures, and cultures of Spain and Latin America. Stronger ties with the Spanish-speaking world and the growing number of Spanish-speakers in the United States have significantly increased the need for teachers and speakers of Spanish.

Although some students choose to study Spanish primarily for personal growth and intellectual enrichment, graduates in Spanish and Latin American Studies have found satisfying careers in teaching, international business, translating and interpreting, personnel work, public relations, business management, social work, government service, and other fields. The Spanish and Latin American Studies major is also excellent preparation for graduate study. Proficiency in a foreign language and understanding of other cultures are essential for peace and prosperity in an interdependent world.

Learning a new language is a life-long endeavor, only part of which can be accomplished in the classroom. All students of Spanish and Latin American Studies are strongly encouraged to pursue the opportunities faculty provide for travel and study in Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, and South America. Additionally, ways exist to interact with the Hispanic community of Green Bay. A language laboratory with interactive audio equipment, computers, and international television reception helps language learning and cultural awareness. Spanish conversation groups meet periodically to offer the opportunity to practice the language. Students are encouraged to become members of the student-led Spanish Club.

Many students majoring in Spanish and Latin American Studies will also choose a complimentary minor. Students may choose Humanities; students interested in the arts or the performing arts may choose Design Arts or Arts Management. Depending on their preferences and goals, students may find other minors appropriate, such as Human Development or Democracy and Justice Studies. Students desiring teacher preparation in Spanish must combine their studies in Spanish with the secondary Education minor.

Students who begin Spanish and Latin American Studies study at UW-Green Bay should enroll in SPANISH 101. Students with previous Spanish should select a course appropriate to their level by counting a year of high school work as equivalent to a semester of college work, or consult the Spanish and Latin American Studies adviser. If more than two semesters have elapsed between your high school Spanish classes and when you will be enrolling in college Spanish courses, you are required to take the UW placement test for appropriate placement.

Students seeking teacher certification must be admitted to the Education Program and should contact the Education Office for information and further requirements.

The following is required of all students seeking teacher certification in Spanish and Latin American Studies:

• An oral proficiency exam must be successfully completed before student can be approved for student teaching.
• Student is required to spend an appropriate period of time in a country where Spanish is spoken or participate in an approved immersion program.

Students may study abroad or at other campuses in the United States through UW-Green Bay’s participation in international exchange programs and National Student Exchange. Travel courses are another option for obtaining academic credits and completing requirements. For more information, contact the Office of International Education at (920) 465-2190 or see http://www.uwgb.edu/international/.

Retroactive Credit

Degree seeking students who have taken a second language in high school or who have acquired knowledge of a second language elsewhere may earn up to 14 additional credits for their previous language study by completing a foreign language course beyond the 101 level. With a grade of “B” or better, credit will be given in that language for all of the courses in that language preceding the one in which the student has enrolled, to a maximum of 14 credits; with a grade of “BC” or “C,” half credit will be given for the courses preceding the one in which the student has enrolled, to a maximum of seven credits.

For example, with four years of high school Spanish, students who complete SPANISH 225, with a grade of “B” will receive 14 retroactive credits for SPANISH 101, SPANISH 102, SPANISH 201, and SPANISH 202 in addition to the three credits for SPANISH 225; students who complete the course with a “C” will receive seven retroactive credits for SPANISH 101 (2 of the total 4 credits), SPANISH 102 (2 of the total 4 credits), SPANISH 201 (1.5 of the total 3 credits), and SPANISH 202 (1.5 of the total 3 credits).

Requests for retroactive credit in a student’s native language are not generally accepted.

To determine eligibility for retroactive credit, students must consult with the appropriate language program chair or course instructor who will advise them regarding which foreign language course they should take. If a student meets the criteria above, the course instructor must complete the Retroactive Credit Form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. The appropriate courses and corresponding credits will then be recorded on the student’s transcript.

Retroactive credit will not be awarded based on a student’s performance on any sort of test.  This includes, but is not limited to, AP, CLEP, or Challenge exams.  Retroactive foreign language credits may only be earned by satisfactorily passing a course at UW-Green Bay or through an approved CCHS program as described above.

Retroactive credits earned at any UW System institution or from St. Norbert College courses will be honored and granted to transfer students.  Retroactive foreign language credits awarded by other institutions will not be granted to students who transfer to UW-Green Bay.  Students may request an exception to this policy by submitting a written appeal to the language coordinator of the department they wish to receive credit from.

If you’re repeating a course, contact the Spanish and Latin American Studies program chair for further information on retroactive credits.