Students in every field benefit from proficiency in a modern language, as it develops critical-thinking skills, a deeper understanding of their own first language, and the realization that ways of viewing the world and life’s possibilities are much broader than the boundaries defined by a monolingual perspective. Another language broadens appreciation for one’s culture and that of others. It prepares one for active citizenship in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual world.

 In a highly competitive world, with an ever more intertwined global economy, proficiency in at least one additional language represents a very real and invaluable asset. It allows wider access to diverse opportunities for careers is business, law, government, communication, medicine, and most other fields.   

 We recommend a major in a modern language or a double major including a modern language, to all students pursuing a bachelor’s degree on this campus. In addition, all language majors at IU Southeast are encouraged to minor in one of the other modern languages offered.

The study of a language should enable students to engage with diverse communities at home and abroad. Through language study, students gain knowledge and understanding of the cultures of the world, connect with other disciplines, acquire information that may be unavailable to the monolingual English speaker, develop insight into the nature of language and culture, and become more aware of the mechanics and richness of their first language.

The Spanish, French, and German undergraduate programs are designed for those who desire a greater understanding of the world through the study of language, contemporary culture, history, literature, music, and film. Additionally, in a highly competitive world, with an increasingly intricate global economy, proficiency in at least one additional language creates myriad opportunities for careers in business, law, government, communication, medicine, and many other fields. Our majors receive excellent professional preparation for a career as language teachers (note that IUS offers a minor in Education which includes student teaching) and for entry into an advanced degree program. To expand employment options, students are encouraged to combine a language degree with a major in one or more additional areas.

• Students must complete language courses (200 and above) with a C or better.
• Only one online course completed at an institution other than IU Southeast can be used towards fulfillment of the major requirements.
• Student candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in a modern language must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours above the 100-level, some of which may be taken overseas (see Overseas Study) or through other local colleges and universities in the area with whom IU Southeast has entered into consortium agreements.  
• Students majoring in a language must include study abroad in a country that speaks the target language or an approved equivalent as part of their undergraduate curriculum (strongly recommended for minor).  Studying abroad can be an efficient way to complete coursework, and it enable students to develop a level of communicative skill and cultural competence that is difficult to attain in the classroom setting alone.  See full-time faculty for more information.

See “General Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees at IU Southeast” and “General Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree.”

Major Specific Requirements

Required Courses

*Native speakers can not apply credit for SPAN-S 317 towards the major requirements and should substitute any 300- or 400- level course that is not already required.  SPAN-S 317 may be repeated once for credit in a study abroad.

Upper Level Electives

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts in Spanish must earn 15 credit hours from the following courses, at least one course must be at the 400-level.  Students may substitute additional 400-level courses for 300-level courses if they so choose.

*Native speaker OR students who have previously completed a 300- or 400- level Spanish literature or civilization course will only receive credit for SPAN-S 275 or SPAN-S 291 with the instructor's consent.

** SPAN-S 363 may be repeated once for credit.

Study Abroad or International Engagement Capstone Activity 

In addition, study abroad or an international engagement activity is required for the BA degree. The international engagement activity is reserved for those majors with a demonstrated inability to study abroad. This alternative engagement activity must be developed in consultation with a Modern Languages faculty member and may include substantial community engagement or a substantial directed research project. Study in approved study abroad programs will be applied to fulfillment of other requirements in the major. Students should speak with a Modern Languages faculty member for more details.

Students majoring in Spanish may also qualify for a second credential, the Certificate in Second Language Competency. The certificate differs from the major in that it  requires a B in each course in that curriculum.