Spanish
Spanish at UTEP
Spanish and UTEP are the perfect match. Why? First, because of our strategic position on the U.S.-Mexico border, in the world's largest binational metropolitan area. Second, because we are the largest Mexican-American majority University in the country and third, because UTEP's unique multicultural setting is mirrored in El Paso's 78 percent Hispanic population. So studying Spanish at UTEP definitely makes perfect sense! It also makes sense in a national context, for the linguistic map of the United States shows that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the country and our Hispanic population now tops 50 million. What's more, Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese and English, and globally, it is the mother tongue of approximately 350 million people!
Spanish language studies at UTEP reflect this growing importance of the Spanish-speaking world right here on the US-Mexico border, nationally, and worldwide. Our basic language program allows students to fulfill their language requirement for the College of Liberal Arts and for some majors in other UTEP colleges. Our basic language courses are organized in two distinct tracks: one for Heritage speakers and the other for non-Spanish speakers. For students who want to further their language skills, the Department of Languages and Linguistics offers upper-division language courses; for an on-site language experience, students can study abroad. The Department of Languages and Linguistics has its own specially designed and very successful Maymester program for UTEP students in Sevilla, Spain.
Why Study Spanish?
Watch this video to find out!
Spanish Major
Our undergraduate Spanish major is carefully devised to offer students the opportunity to continue perfecting their language competency, and also to study the literature and culture of Latin America, Spain, and of the US/Mexican border. Spanish faculty offer courses ranging from basic-language courses to more advanced culture and literature courses. Our Spanish major is predicated on the belief that our students should gain a deep knowledge of the Spanish language and of all the cultural artifacts that it produces (for example, a variety of written texts, film, music, art,popular culture). Such a knowledge prepares them for a variety of professions in a globalized world, among them teaching, the arts, business, diplomacy, government work, translation, international law, publishing, tourism, and the health professions (to name but a few). All majors are strongly encouraged to make space and time in their program for a study abroad experience;please refer to links above for information. Financial support is available to qualified students.
A double major in Spanish offers a double punch, as combining a solid background in Spanish studies with other majors, such as communication,criminal justice, political science, history, business , sociology,anthropology, psychology or public administration, opens up rich career possibilities. And with good advising and wise choices, double majoring is much easier to do than you might think! Can’t manage the double major? Then choose your minor wisely and you can add increased value to your Spanish major.Please consult the undergraduate catalog for a menu of possible minors. Within the Department of Languages and Linguistics, we offer minors for Spanish majors in French, Linguistics and Translation and Interpretation.
Information about the course requirements and degree plan for the Spanish major can be found in the UTEP Academic Catalog.
Foreign Language Requirement for Spanish Majors
Spanish majors cannot use Spanish to fulfill the language requirement for the College of Liberal Arts. They are required to complete another language at the 2302 (fourth semester level or equivalent). The following languages offered by the Department of Languages and Linguistics fulfill the College language requirement: Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, and Portuguese; some of these courses are intensive and others are on a 2-to-4-semester sequence. Please note also that Hebrew and Italian are listed under the prefix LING 2303 and LIN 2304. Spanish majors should consult with their advisor, Ms. Rosa María Tabuenca (tabuenca@utep.edu), about which language they might choose.
Spanish Minor
A minor in Spanish can be of added value to many of the majors in the College of Liberal Arts, especially those that involve teaching, as well as professions in the public and private sector,non-profits and the arts. Students should consult with advisors in their majors as to the value of a Spanish minor. The Spanish minor requires 18 credit hours, 9 of which must be upper division. SPAN 3357 is required.
Information about the course requirements and degree plan for the Spanish major can be found in the UTEP Academic Catalog.
Spanish M.A.
Our Spanish M.A. builds on the undergraduate degree and students are provided with added skills for advanced research and the analysis of literary and cultural texts from Hispanic America, Spain, Brazil and the U.S./Mexico border. Our border location makes our graduate program an ideal one for in-depth study and comparative study of Spanish- speaking and bilingual cultural production. Our Spanish Faculty consists of recognized scholars in Latin American, Spanish and Brazilian literatures and cultures, drama, popular culture, gender studies, border studies, among other fields. Our expertise in Mexican literature is highlighted by our annual Congreso de literatura mexicana contemporánea and by the publication of the internationally-recognized Revista de literatura mexicana contemporánea.
Students who have obtained our M.A. have gone on to study for the Ph.D. at prestigious universities, or have had successful careers as teachers at the high school or junior college levels, as well as in other professions in which familiarity with Spanish and Hispanic cultures is important; for example, international business, foreign cultural affairs, homeland security, public administration, non-profit organizations, tourism and entertainment.
Information about the course requirements and degree plan for the Linguistics M.A. can be found in the UTEP Academic Catalog.