This international course of study has been designed specifically for teachers of Spanish. It provides graduate-level course work in the Spanish language, Hispanic cultures, teaching methodology, applied linguistics, and Hispanic art and literature. It provides for the professional development of Spanish teachers through the improvement of their language and teaching skills, and it will promote their career advancement. Graduates of the program will in turn contribute to better teaching of Spanish in area schools, improving the language skills and the cultural awareness of students in the state of Indiana. Students completing the Teaching Spanish M.A.T. curriculum will:
- Know a variety of theories on the process of second language acquisition.
- Know effective methods and techniques of Teaching Spanish.
- Know main cultural manifestations of the language in literature.
- Know social practices and perspectives in Spain and Latin America and among U.S Hispanics.
- Know structural and cultural differences between Spanish and English and between the communities that use these languages.
- Understand second language (Spanish) grammars.
- Understand second language production and comprehension, input processing, and the acquisition of pragmatic and sociolinguistic competence.
- Understand the formal properties of The Spanish language.
- Understandthe relationship between language and society in the Spanish-speaking world.
- Understandthe value of different methods to teach languages and cultures.
- Understand the importance of critical thinking in examining other cultures and comparing them with one's own.
- Understand their place within multilingual international communities.
- Understand the connections between language studies (language, literature, culture and translation/interpreting) with other disciplines.
- Be able to identify and implement effective pedagogical practices.
- Be able to identify appropriate teaching objectives, techniques, materials and outcomes.
- Be able to contribute to the improved teaching of Spanish in schools by fostering strong language skills and deep cultural awareness among their students.
- Be able to apply the knowledge of the language system and culture to function effectively as teaching professionals, and in intercultural settings at home and abroad.
- Be able to interact within multilingual international communities here and abroad in ethically and culturally sensitive ways.
- Be able to reflect on their teaching practice and seek professional development opportunities.