SPA 101 - Spanish I

3 Credit Hours

Spanish I introduces the four basic elements of Spanish language acquisition: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Using these skills, students will learn to communicate in Spanish at an introductory level. In addition, students will explore the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries, with emphasis on the Caribbean and South America.

Semesters Offered: All

*Placement Guidelines for Foreign Language Classes

Students should select a class based on their prior experience; if they follow these guidelines in selecting a course, they will have the instructor’s permission to enter the level of language study indicated here.

Non-native speakers: Students with no experience or with one year of high school Spanish should take Spanish I. Spanish II is the appropriate choice for students with two or three years of high school Spanish. Students with four years of high school Spanish should take Spanish III or Spanish IV; Spanish III will offer greater opportunity for review. Students who have been away from language study for a number of years, had unsatisfactory grades in previous language courses, or attended classes where the primary focus was limited to conjugating verbs or translating sentences may select a lower course in consultation with their instructor or advisor. Please note that Spanish I is designed for students with no experience in the language.

Native speakers of Spanish: Students who have had listening and/or speaking practice in the home setting but limited experience writing should take Spanish I. Students with intermediate high proficiency in Spanish who are confident writing and speaking about past, present, and future events, listing daily activities, asking questions, and describing themselves, family, and friends should enroll in Spanish III or IV.