Chair, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Spanish Program Coordinator
Ph.D., The University of Georgia
Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
(440) 826-2244
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OVERVIEW
The native language of 400 million people across the world, Spanish is a culturally enriching and academically enhancing program of study. It is an outstanding major for students preparing for an increasingly global society.
A Spanish major builds competencies in reading, writing, speaking and language comprehension. Coursework includes literature, cultural history, civilization and contemporary lifestyles of Spanish and Latin Americans.
Baldwin Wallace's practical approach links rigorous language study to real life. You'll learn to view the world through a diverse cultural lens as you probe current events, intercultural communication and sensitivities, as well as other topics.
Experiential learning is central to the program. You can attend cultural events and culinary field trips, join student organizations and participate in a Spanish language table (La Tertulia).
Study abroad offers outstanding opportunities for year-long, semester, six- or two-week immersion experiences. Spain, South America and Latin America are some of the options available to you.
Study of Foreign Language Boosts Skills
Benefits of learning a foreign language are multi-fold and include:
- Career marketability
- Effective oral and written communication
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Global awareness and intercultural competence
- Cultural appreciation
CURRICULUM
Offered as a major and minor, Spanish blends comprehensive coursework with dynamic practical application.
It is an outstanding companion major or minor to other disciplines, including international studies, business, communication, sociology and political science.
Spanish courses are open to students of all majors. If you have previously taken classes in Spanish in high school, you will be required to complete a placement test prior to registering for courses.
Within the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, BW offers additional majors and minors in French and German. Instruction also is available for Arabic, Chinese and Italian.
The Spanish major prepares students to:
- Communicate in languages other than English
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of other cultures
- Use foreign language in connection with other disciplines
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of language and culture
STUDENT EXPERIENCES
Experiential learning bridges classroom study with real-world opportunities. You can enhance your studies through internships, co-curricular activities and other learning opportunities that include:
Student Clubs and Organizations
Sigma
Delta
Pi
-
National
Honorary
in
Spanish
Members
must
have
completed
three
years
of
study
of
college-level
Spanish
(18
semester
credit
hours)
or
the
equivalent
thereof,
including
at
least
three
semester
hours
of
a
course
in
Hispanic
literature
or
Hispanic
culture
and
civilization
(Spanish
for
the
professions
may
be
considered
as
a
Hispanic
culture
course,
provided
that
culture
is
the
foundation
of
the
course
content).
Members
must
be
at
the
junior
or
senior
level
level;
must
have
a
minimal
grade
point
average
of
3.0
on
a
4.0
point
scale
in
all
Spanish
courses
taken;
must
rank
in
the
upper
35%
of
their
class
(and/or
have
at
least
a
3.2
cumulative
grade
point
average)
-
sophomore,
junior,
or
senior
-
and
must
have
completed
at
least
three
semesters
or
five
quarters
of
college
work.
Spanish
Club
Open
to
all
students,
BW's
Spanish
Club
seeks
to
represent
the
cultures
of
Spanish-speaking
countries
to
the
BW
community,
as
well
as
to
promote
the
use
of
the
Spanish
language.
The
club
aims
to
increase
the
awareness
of
Spanish/Hispanic
cultures
around
the
world
through
art,
literature,
history,
traditions,
guest
speakers
and
more.
It
also
promotes
the
learning
and
use
of
the
Spanish
language
on
the
BW
campus
and
in
the
surrounding
area.
Spanish
Club
aids
in
volunteer
efforts
that
affect
people
from
Spanish
speaking
countries
or
aid
people
in
understanding
cultural/language
differences
outside
of
the
BW
community.
Spanish
and
Latinx
Student
Association
(S.A.L.S.A.)
S.A.L.S.A.,
which
is
open
to
all
BW
students,
promotes
awareness
and
appreciation
of
Hispanic
and
Latinx
culture
through
educational
and
social
opportunities.
Spanish
Language
Tables
Language
tables
are
a
great
opportunity
to
practice
language
skills
outside
of
the
classroom.
For
more
details
regarding
weekly
locations
and
times,
contact
Dr.
Karen
Barahona
at
kbarahon@bw.edu
or
Brenda
Lennox,
office
manager
at
the
Department
of
World
Languages,
Literatures
and
Cultures
at
(440)
826-2244
or
blennox@bw.edu.
All
language
levels
are
welcomed.
BW
International
Film
Series
The
BW
International
Film
Series
is
a
student
organization
funded
by
the
Student
Government
and
supported
by
the
French
Club,
German
Club,
Spanish
Club,
Middle
Eastern
Culture
Club,
Chinese
Club
and
Italian
Club.
For
further
information,
please
contact
Dr.
Nadia
Sahely
at
nsahely@bw.edu
or
Brenda
Lennox
at
blennox@bw.edu
in
the
Department
of
World
Languages,
Literatures,
and
Cultures
at
(440)
826-2244.
ALUMNI SUCCESS
FACULTY
Full-Time Faculty
Karen Barahona
Chair, Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Spanish Program Coordinator
Associate Professor
Ph.D., The University of Georgia
Matthew Feinberg
Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Adjunct Faculty
Gilma Gamboa
Lecturer
M.A., Cleveland State University
Rosa Mejía
Lecturer
M.A., Cleveland State University