Why Study Spanish?
- With over 500 million speakers, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world (after Mandarín).
- With official status in 21 countries and sizable populations of speakers in many other countries, including the United States, Spanish can be heard in just about in every corner of the world.
- With close to 50 million U.S. speakers, Spanish is a living language in the United States that serves real world needs beyond the confines of the classroom. Indeed, the U.S. is home to the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world, after Mexico.
- With a rich cultural legacy and literary tradition, Spanish can expand your mind and broaden your perspectives. It is also a gateway to professional opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. From Healthcare, to Business, Education, Communication, Criminal Justice – wherever your career goals may lie – Spanish can help you get farther and do more.
The knowledge of Spanish for those seeking employment in our region is critical for the fields of teaching, journalism, publishing, advertising, writing, business, law, law enforcement, government, health services, as well as other career opportunities. Even a basic knowledge of Spanish at the SPAN 103 level may increase the probability of employment for these and other fields, as well as affect salary.
Course Descriptions from the CSUSB Catalog
Some classes are offered only once a year, so make sure to consult with a Counselor or Advisor.
Contact
Your Spanish Professor
or
Coordinator: Dr. George Thomas
(909) 537-5849
UH 314
Brochure
An article in the LA Times reports that Spanish has never been a foreign language in the United States.
Four Concentrations
The B.A. in Spanish is offered in four different concentrations:
- Hispanic Language, Literature and Civilization (Teaching)
- Hispanic Studies
- Business Studies
- Communication Studies
The Liberal Studies degree, for those prospective teachers of elementary children K-6, can be enhanced by taking the Hispanic Language, Literature and Civilization. This concentration allows the student to teach in both English and bilingual classrooms.
The minor in Spanish, which can be combined with any non-Spanish major, gives the student additional experience in Hispanic culture, literature and linguistics. A double major of Spanish and another subject is also an option.
Starting Fall 2021
Pre-reqs: Span 1112 or equivalent. Spanish Placement Exams available.
Coursework
SPAN 2261 Intermediate Criminal Justice SpanishI – offered Fall 2021
SPAN 2262 Intermediate Criminal Justice SpanishII – offered Spring 2022
SPAN 3061 Criminal Justice and Cultures in Spain/LatinAmerica – offered Spring 2022
SPAN 4401/2 Spanish for the Professions – offered Fall 2021 and Fall 2022
SPAN 5557 International Experience – offered Summer 2022
Summer 2021 - Span 1112 class for Criminal Justice
Summer 2022 - Study abroad in Spain (Barcelona & Valladolid)
Contact: Prof. Jany, cjany@csusb.edu or Prof. Marteache, nmarte@csusb.edu
Pre-reqs: Span 1112 or equivalent. Spanish Placement Exams available.
- All courses are fully online and asynchronous
- All courses are zero cost materials
- You can complete the 18-unit program in 1-2 years
- Overlaps with Spanish Minor (just 2 more units for Minor)
- Courses begin at the intermediate level with Span 2251
- If you haven’t taken any Spanish courses before, Spanish Placement Exams are available
Optional: you can experience a specialized summer program in Costa Rica
Fall 2021 Course Offerings
- Span 2251: Intermediate Healthcare Spanish I
- Span 4401/2: Spanish for the Professions & Activity
Contact: Prof. Jany, cjany@csusb.edu
Download Healthcare Spanish Brochure
Instructional Student Assistant
Under immediate supervision, the Instructional Student Assistant (ISA) will assist one or more regular faculty members or the teaching staff with various professional, technical and research-based duties associated generally with the subjects or programs in the department of World Languages and Literatures.
Details
Read the complete Position Description for details.
Deadline
December 10, 2021
How to Apply
Items needed to submit
To submit this application, you will need the following. Please be advised that you will not be eligible if all required documentation is not received.
Official Transcript
You must request that an official transcript is sent to Department ASC at wll@csusb.edu.
Application
It is recommended that you do not begin this application until you have all of the necessary items. You will not be able to submit the application without them.
Complete the online Spanish ISA Application.
Peer Lab Program
Some upper division courses offer peer lab facilitators. The peer lab facilitators have previously excelled in the course. They offer specific office hours (separate from the regular course time) in which they are available to answer questions, improve understanding of a subject concept and more.
If you are interested in being a peer lab facilitator, apply through the Office of Student Research.
Study Abroad
There are multiple opportunities to study abroad, expand your knowledge of the language and culture AND earn units.
Check out the Study Abroad in Spain page for more details.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Communicate effectively in three modes of communication: interpretative, interpersonal, and presentational with speakers of the target language to function successfully in global communities
- Comprehend and analyze oral and written texts in the target language effectively and critically as socially and ideologically constructed and shaped by context so that they can contribute to enriching their local and global communities
- Students can think critically, pose questions and solve problems responsible using their communication skills and knowledge/awareness of the target language and the culture, make connections with their local and global communities
- Students can practically apply disciplinary concepts and ways of thinking in new settings and contexts by engaging in local and global communities
- Students develop an understanding of multiple perspectives and can respectfully interact, collaborate and solve problems across communities and cultures, respect other cultures and become aware of stereotypes in the target community as well as the local one
Degree Requirements
Inclusive Access
Students enrolled in Spanish 1111 through 2112 courses can access the textbook beginning the moment they activate Connect through Canvas. The cost of the digital materials is at the discounted price and will automatically be charged to the student's account. Students are responsible for paying the charges applied to their student account. In addition to the discounted rate, students have access to their class materials in digital format (e-books) from the first day. You should have received an email from the bookstore, Follett, when you enrolled in the course. It contains students’ username, and link for the Follet-CSUSB portal to create their account to login in and opt-out.
How to access Connect via Canvas - Video
Opting-Out
If you wish to opt-out of this program and not receive access to the required digital materials; you will follow the instructions provided in the email sent from the bookstore, Follett, when you enrolled in the course. If you opt-out, you will no longer have access to the textbook online.
Opt-out Info - Info document and sample email
Hard copies of the Textbook are available at the Coyote Bookstore if you decide to opt out.
Please note that the Deadline to Opt-Out is CENSUS DATE, which is the same as the add/drop deadline. If you drop the course by Census date, no other steps are needed to opt-out. Contact the Coyote Bookstore if you have any questions.
IMPORTANT! Once you opt-out of a section, you cannot opt back in!
Saving Students' Money
The Affordable Learning Solutions Program gave special recognition in 2019 to The Department of World Languages and Literatures for pioneering the Inclusive Access Program at CSUSB and saving money for our students.
The Spanish Section has been working hard with the Inclusive Access Program under the leadership of our lower division coordinator, Dr. Rafael Correa.
With Inclusive Access, students have access to their class materials in digital format (e-books), at no charge, from the first day of class until census day; when they can choose to remain in the program and pay for the e-book or opt out. The program has proven to be an efficient way to help students, in that they do not have to commit to buy a textbook until they are sure about staying in the class. Additionally, e-books are usually a less expensive format. This method is also ideal for students who do not receive their financial aid at the beginning of the term.
The Department of World Languages and Literatures helped to save students $120,177.92 through the lower division Spanish courses in 2018-2019. Across CSUSB, Affordable Solutions saved a total of $944,678.83 in one year!!
31st Cervantes Symposium
CSU Northridge, in collaboration with CSU San Bernardino, hosted the 31st Cervantes Symposium. It consisted of outstanding presentations by well regarded Cervantist, as well as junior scholars. CSUN graduate students also shared their research topics for their Don Quixote graduate class in a group panel. Six Spanish graduate students from CSUSB traveled nearly 80 miles to attend the symposium. Thanks to the presenters and students for their engaging commentary.Many thanks to Dr. Adrian Pérez-Boluda and CSUN Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures for hosting such a delightful symposium. Our gratitude also to the CSUSB College of Arts and Letters, and World Languages and Literatures department for their support.
By such innovations are languages enriched, when the words are adopted by the multitude, and naturalized by custom.- Miguel de Cervantes
Phi Beta Delta
Apart from being an international and renowned Honors Society, PBD offer scholarships to study abroad among its big list of benefits.
Día Latino
Día Latino is an afternoon full of culture, music, games, giveaways and much more held every year by the Department's Los Amigos and Acto Latino clubs.
An article in the LA Times HS Insider by Crystal Harrell recognized the success of the collaboration.
Outstanding Graduates
2024 Outstanding Spanish B.A. Graduate
Gabriela Graziani-Ramírez
Gabriela Graziani-Ramirez is a very dedicated and productive student with outstanding academic and teaching skills. Given her academic excellence, Gabriela was hired in 2021 to co-develop three Spanish language and culture textbooks for Criminal Justice Spanish as part of a three-year federal, multi-campus grant project. In this capacity, Gabriela developed textbook content, assessments, audio files, and other support materials. Throughout this project, Gabriela consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, expertise, and professionalism. Overall, her role for this project was instrumental, and the resulting textbook materials are now being used in specialized Spanish language courses at CSUSB, at CSUS, and elsewhere.
Gabriela is also an excellent educator with natural patience and friendly and engaging manners. She effortlessly builds rapports with her students, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere conducive to learning. [Dr. Carmen Dagastino]
2023 Outstanding Spanish B.A. Graduates
Keyla Torres
During her time at CSUSB, Keyla Torres proved to be outstanding in every sense of the word. Her dedication, handwork, curiosity, generosity toward her peers, and intellectual prowess shined through in every course. There is no doubt in my mind that Keyla will continue making our Coyote family proud in her future endeavors. [-Dr. Esteban Cordoba]
Lily Hansen
Lily is an exceptional student. She commutes from the PDC to the San Bernardino campus and has done a stellar job throughout her academic journey. Among many of her accomplishments, on March 1st, Lily had the amazing opportunity to participate in the HACU panel to talk about her experience at the HACU conference. Additionally, Lily is able to help other students at both the CSUSB and PDC campuses by teaching yoga. [-Dr. Bibiana Diaz-Rodriquez]
2022 Outstanding Spanish B.A. Graduates
Clarissa Carrete
Clarissa’s academic excellence, evidenced in her outstanding G.P.A. is, nevertheless, a mere a reflection of her human quality. Rarely have I met so young a person in my years of instruction who was as unselfish, humble and respectful as Clarissa. I was often impressed and delighted to see how Clarissa communicated with her peers and me with tremendous maturity, knowledge, humility, and attention to the world around her. Clarissa’s insatiable curiosity and unselfishness inspired her peers every week to fully immerse in Latin American and Latino culture and enrich their world outlook, whether it was by motivating the class to inquire further into a topic or by helping clarify lesson points.
Moreover, the essays, exams, projects, and weekly responses she produced throughout our courses were some of the most eloquent and well written. Clarissa’s ability to convey knowledge, whether in writing or speaking, is truly outstanding. She demonstrated this maturity and articulateness in her final project, which was one of the best; a fascinating and captivating radio-novel exploring the legacy of racism in Latin America. However, what is remarkable about Clarissa is her openness to new ideas and willingness to reconsider her own opinions and views. This trait, I believe, is essential for any individual seeking to be successful. For being able to question one’s own prejudices and biases allows one to be in a better position to help others and oneself.
[Excerpt from Dr. Esteban Cordoba's Recommendation Letter.]
Anelsy Pimentel-Meza
Anelsy’s attitude and valuable day to day input is indeed such a positive element in the overall chemistry of the classroom. She never hesitates to help a peer to the best of her ability.
She is a bright and hardworking student. Anelsy’s attitude and valuable day to day input is indeed such a positive element in the overall chemistry of the classroom. She never hesitates to help a peer to the best of her ability.
If her performance in my class is any indication of how she performs within the department of World Languages and Literatures, I believe Anelsy is an excellent addition to our academic community. Despite her busy school and work schedule during Fall 2021, she ensured she gave every assignment her complete attention and effort, and often came into office hours to discuss her work. Essentially, Anelsy does not cut corners but wants the best out of herself and out of others. She is a student with a genuine interest and passion in learning. Anelsy takes nothing for granted. Her hard work and determination led her to find success, as she will be moving on to pursue a Master’s degree in Florida.
[Excerpt from Dr. Bibiana Diaz' Recommendation Letter.]
2021 Outstanding Spanish B.A. Graduates
Mina Breitel
Mina constantly demonstrated a maturity, focus in her studies, as well as sense of purpose, and great interest in literature, language and culture. She has been a leader, and has shown all throughout a high level of dedication, energy, and talent during my classes. She is diligent and responsible, highly accomplished with the tasks entrusted to her; Mina is also collaborative and thoughtful. There is no doubt that she values everything that she receives in the classroom. She came prepared, attentive, and focused to each class. She participated extremely well and with confidence and enthusiasm, even during this virtual environment. Mina’s performance in class was outstanding. Moreover, she is always willing and excited to help her peers, as well as strives to help the people around her.
-Excerpt from Dr. Bibiana Díaz's Recommendation Letter
Ingrid Flores
My name is Ingrid Flores and I'm from El Salvador. I’m very proud to be able to represent my country and my people as a college graduate. My greatest hope is to become a Spanish professor someday like the great professors I’ve had the pleasure of learning from, such as Dra. María Puente and Dr. Fernández-Gibert. I’d like to also thank my wonderful family, my mother, my father, and my brother for being so incredibly supportive through my educational journey and always being there for me in every aspect of my life.
-Ingrid Flores
2020 Outstanding Undergraduate in Spanish: Nicole Roman
Nicole is a very passionate and hard-working student who always accomplishes the goals set for herself. She is very engaged and eager to learn and expand her knowledge and skillset. Given her academic excellence and her outstanding communication skills, she was chosen as a Peer Lab Advisor for Span 415, a difficult Spanish linguistics class. Not only did she master the challenging class content when she took the course herself, but she was also able to explain it to other students, develop her own review materials and create additional practice exercises, as well as to hold successful and well-attended Peer Lab sessions. Before that, Nicole had already been serving students as a successful bilingual and bicultural tutor at the Chaffey Community College.
Nicole strives for becoming a passionate and caring teacher to inspire others and to promote the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures in the community and beyond. Working toward that goal, she was selected last summer to attend a Summer Seminar at UC Santa Barbara organized by the California Language Teacher Association. She has also attended teaching-related workshops on our campus. Nicole’s passion for helping other goes beyond her involvements with academic institutions. She is also eager to serve her community and to serve as a role model for Hispanic women. Over the past years, she has been volunteering at her church as a catechist whereby she is teaching children about faith. It is thus no surprise that Nicole is currently serving as the vice president of Sigma Delta Pi (the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society) and that she is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi.
Nicole will surely have a brilliant career as a successful educator and leader in the Hispanic community. She truly deserves the Outstanding Student Award for Spanish.
Dr. Carmen Jany
Professor of Spanish
2019 Department Commencement Speaker: Brenda Gillman
Brenda’s is truly an outstanding student with a GPA of 3.992. She has been in the Dean’s list continuously since coming to CSUSB. She served as a Teacher’s Assistance, while at the same time volunteering to tutor two foreign students learning Spanish. She received the Inland Empire Foreign Language Association and the Center for the Advancement of Second Language Acquisition Awards. In 2018, Brenda volunteered as a translator for the LEAD Conference, sponsored by the College of Education. She was nominated and initiated into the CSUSB Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, The National Collegiate Spanish Honor Society and became its current president for 2018-2019 academic year. In summer 2018, Brenda was invited to attend the Annual Summer Seminar for Language Teachers sponsored by the California Language Teacher Association held at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
A returning student and single mother, Brenda has continued to attend workshops and seminars that “assist me in my path to the foreign language classroom.” To that effect, she has been a member of the Graduate Research Office’s Peer Lab Facilitator Program, where student attend a particular class and then hold office hours in order to assist/tutor students. She also maintains contact with the community college she attended, RCC-Norco, to mentor and recruit students for CSUSB. Brenda also has a personal project that involves collecting clothes and toys for children in a small village in Mexico so that she “can put a smile on the faces of so many vulnerable children.” Overall, she says, her university experience at CSUSB has been very happy and rewarding. Brenda expects to remain here in order to complete an M.A. degree in Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Literatures.
Dr. Rafael Correa
Professor of Spanish
2018 Outstanding Undergraduate in Spanish: Estefani Vázquez
Once dreaming of becoming a professional dancer, Estefani’s passion for Spanish and education has led her to major in Spanish to become a teacher. Her strong dedication, captivating enthusiasm and compassionate nature, as well as her continued and extensive involvement in campus and community events has earned her great recognition among faculty and students alike. Already a leader, Estefani is currently serving as the President for the CSUSB Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, and has been instrumental in participating and supporting events sponsored by the CSUSB Dreamers Resource and Success Center. In fact, she is taking part in the planning and organizing of the Dreamers Graduation Ceremony this year. In addition to her solid contribution to the CSUSB community and beyond, Estefani is a stellar and active scholar who has participated in many workshops, completed a project collaborating with a museum in Spain, and has received several scholarships. She has already been accepted into the graduate program in UCR to earn her MA and teaching credentials and is looking forward to teaching the Spanish language, literature, and culture in the near future. (Photo courtesy of Gloria Posada)