Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

The Spanish Program at Saint Joseph’s University offers a major and minor. Other related fields of study are a minor in Linguistics, a Latin American certificate or minor, and certification to teach Spanish. Students may also pursue an M.S. in Education with a Concentration to teach in Spanish (contact Dr. Encarna Rodriguez of the Education Department for additional information). Students majoring in Spanish are required to take eight courses at the upper division level in addition to the GER requirement. Minors in the language take six courses above the 1300 level. A certificate in Latin American Studies requires nine courses.

The major and minor focus on the study of literature and culture of Spain and Latin America, as well as on Spanish linguistics. Other courses on Spanish for business, advanced aspects of the written and spoken language, and translation are also part of the available curriculum. Many of our majors and minors go on to teach from grade to high school levels. Several of our graduates have gone on to be college professors. A number of recent graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in Law, Social Sciences, and International Business. Many of our students take advantage of their language skills in Spanish to join service programs in needy areas of the Hispanic world.

Since 1992 Saint Joseph’s University has had a Study Abroad Program with Saint Louis University in Madrid. Opportunities to study abroad also exist in Latin America and other cities in Spain. As many as half of the required courses for the major or minor may be taken abroad. Study Tour Courses in Spain and Cuba have been regularly scheduled.

The Spanish Program has an active chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Honorary, initiating up to twenty students in the Spring Semester. Dr. Robert Shannon serves as the Sigma Delta Pi advisor. A Spanish Club organizes diverse cultural and social activities.

All majors are advised by department members Dr. Concha Alborg (Contemporary Peninsular Literature), Dr. Robert Shannon (Spanish Golden Age), and Dr. Heather Hennes (Colonial Latin American Literature). Minors are advised by Dr. Jennifer Ewald (Linguistics) and Dr. Elaine Shenk (Linguistics). Dr. Carmen Faccini (Contemporary Latin American Literature) and Ms. Theresa Zmurkewycz (Spanish Language) complete the faculty roster.