The Study of Spanish
Why Study Spanish?
-What do you call a person who speaks many languages?
-Multilingual.
-What do you call a person who speaks two languages?
-Bilingual.
-What do you call a person who speaks only one language?
-American.
The President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies has warned that monolinguism has weakened Americans’ ability to operate effectively in today’s international economy and has put them at a disadvantage in the worldwide marketplace. For professional—if not for personal and cultural—reasons, learning an additional language is important, and mastering the Spanish language can be of special importance in today’s global economy. ¿Por qué? Because Spanish is spoken by approximately 400 million people in twenty-one countries, including the U.S. and most of our neighboring countries in Latin America. In fact, the Hispanic population in the United States alone has grown by 60% in just one decade. The 39 million Hispanics currently living in the U.S. make up almost 15% of the total population. Clearly, having the ability to communicate with 15% of the population in either English or Spanish increases a person’s opportunities for professional, personal, and cultural growth.
Why Study Spanish at Texas Wesleyan?
At Texas Wesleyan we offer small classes and personal attention to all our students. What is more, Wesleyan boasts a diverse student body that is comprised of approximately 17% Hispanic men and women on our Historic Campus alone. This diversity offers beginning Spanish students a wonderful opportunity to accelerate their language acquisition and mingle with heritage speakers of the language. Students who major in Spanish and are already fluent or practically fluent in the language can take an assessment exam and receive credit for up to nine out of the required 36 hours for a major (24 for a minor).
A major in Spanish at Texas Wesleyan allows students to develop fluency in written and spoken Spanish and gain an understanding of the literature and culture of the Hispanic world. Elementary and intermediate courses sharpen students’ skills and prepare them for advanced study of the language and of major Spanish-language literary works. Students are encouraged to enhance their knowledge of Hispanic language and culture by studying in a Spanish-speaking country through our International Programs Office (for more information, please contact Betsy Johnson at 817-531-4965, or at ejohnson@txwes.edu). Skills gained from the major set the stage for a host of opportunities after graduation, including graduate work in the language and its literature, teaching the language, translating or interpreting, and working with the Spanish-speaking public in a variety of roles and professions. Graduates may also enter the fields of international business, state or federal government, social services and a number of paraprofessional occupations in the areas of medicine and law.
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