About the Department

¡Bienvenidos!

Welcome to Spanish. The Spanish unit of the Department of Foreign Languages is committed to providing quality instruction in Spanish language, and in the culture and literature of the Spanish-speaking world. With millions of speakers all over the world, Spanish is now the second most spoken language in the United States. Students of Spanish will find that acquiring skills in Spanish is a significant addition to their education at Berea College, and will open the doors to a world of opportunities in their professional future.

The curriculum in Spanish begins with an elementary sequence of courses (101, 102, 103) which introduces students to the basics of the language. The intermediate tier of courses (300, 310, 315) emphasizes grammar, composition, and oral production, and introduces the students to the study of Hispanic Literature. The advanced tier of courses focuses on the literature of Spain and Spanish America. Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are integral in all our courses, as are all aspects of Hispanic culture.

Students of Spanish have the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs during the regular terms or in the summer. Programs in Mexico and Spain provide the students with an excellent opportunity to be immersed in the language and the culture while taking courses in departmentally approved programs.

Whether you are interested in Spanish as a primary major, a secondary major or a minor, or to satisfy the college’s International Perspective Requirement, we are delighted that you are considering this opportunity to acquire a skill that is becoming more and more vital in our global culture.