Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Spanish with a Teaching Endorsement, BA
What Is the Study of Spanish?
In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the department trains in two areas: language structure and literary analysis. Language structure is taught both holistically and analytically. Holistic language learning is facilitated by modern methods and multimedia technology, as well as study abroad opportunities. The department supports the analytical instruction of language structure through a full range of language skills courses, as well as a significant number of courses in linguistics. Literary analysis is essential to a student’s understanding of the highest achievements in aesthetic expression of a culture’s values. The department provides instruction in history and culture, as well as literary theory, with an end to enabling the student to gain access to the intellectual life in the culture. The department imparts skills to future foreign language teachers so that they may similarly enable high school students to begin the acquisition of foreign languages.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The Department of Modern and Classical Languages provides students with the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies. The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. The modern languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people. The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture and civilization. It is a meeting place for true diversity.
The BA in or Spanish leads to a BA degree without teacher certification. In order to receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification students must complete the “teacher certification” program which is offered by the Department of Secondary Education as one of the following
- a part of the undergraduate BA degree
- a post-baccalaureate program
- a part of the Master’s in Teaching degree.
See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Regulations for teaching endorsement are subject to change. For teaching endorsement program, contact the foreign language endorsement advisor.
How to Declare:
Students seeking admission to the major must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of SPAN 203 with a “B” or better (transfer students must meet the same requirement for any course accepted as an equivalent to SPAN 203).
- Complete at least one Spanish course at Western.
- Submit application (available from Spanish advisor or department office).
Students meeting qualifications but not admitted because of space limitations may reapply.
Coursework
A. Language Component
- Spanish, BA
B. Endorsement Requirements (10 credits)
- LANG 410 - World Language Instruction: Theory and Method I
- LANG 420 - World Language Instruction: Theory and Method II
- SPAN 425 - Teaching-Learning Processes in Elementary Spanish
- Be recommended by a faculty member in the major field
- Pass the departmental foreign language oral proficiency exam given during spring quarter
- Complete the professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements (68 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II - Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- BCOM: SPAN 201
- HUM: SPAN 202, 203, 301, 302
Note: To fulfill the HUM requirement, courses must be from at least two departments.
Sample Careers
- Interpreter
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- FBI Agent
- Educator
- Foreign Diplomat
- Travel Writer
- All careers involving communication
Department
Contact
Modern and Classical Languages Department Office
MH 223, 360-650-3918
Spanish and World Languages
Education Advisor
Shaw GynanMH 215A360-650-4853Shaw.Gynan@wwu.edu
Secondary Education
Program Manager
Janna CeckaMH 401C; 360-650-3327Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie GrammMH 401A; 360-650-3327Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu