Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Spanish

A Unique Academic Experience

The Spanish major at Loras College is designed to foster the development of practical and applied language skills and cultural competence. Our curriculum combines a communicative language teaching approach with local and international immersive experiences.

• All Spanish courses at Loras prioritize effective communication in the target language, thus preparing students for real-world interactions in both personal and professional contexts.
• We offer courses on Spanish in the professions for students to enhance their career options by acquiring Spanish for criminal justice, health, and social services.
• Our curriculum allows for community-based learning throughout the major, engaging students with Spanish-speaking populations across Iowa and within the city of Dubuque.

A Distinctive Study Abroad Experience

Semester study abroad options are available to Spain and Argentina. International January-Term courses are offered on a regular basis to Europe and Latin America.

Santiago de Compostela, Spain

• Earn 12 credits toward the Spanish major
• Participate in a home-stay with a family in Santiago
• Complete an internship in an area of academic interest such as biomedical sciences, international studies, public relations, education, psychology, media studies, politics, and criminal justice.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Earn 12 credits toward the Spanish major
• Participate in a home-stay with a family in Buenos Aires
• Engage in community-based learning projects with the Universidad Católica de Argentina

Spanish Program Components: Experiential Learning

The Loras Spanish program views cultural competency and community engagement as essential components of the language learning process. We are, therefore, focused on creating partnerships and fostering student engagement with the Spanish-speaking community in Dubuque.

In our program, students learn that community engagement does not simply mean service. We educate our students about issues of cultural competency and then ask that they apply these skills in a community setting.

Given these values, community-based learning permeates our program from initial courses to the senior capstone. In Spanish 210 students have attended Spanish mass and other community events and then reflected on what was learned from the experience. Upper-level students have engaged in a project that examines the assets of the Hispanic community in Dubuque and, then, uses these resources to suggest long-term community improvement plans.

Student Learning Outcomes – Spanish

1. Students demonstrate speaking and writing skills in the target language consistent with the Advanced levels as defined by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
2. Analyze the cultural and literary products of the Spanish-speaking world in order to evaluate the historical, social, economic, and political forces that shape these societies.
3. Examine the validity of one’s own cultural beliefs, behaviors, and norms by contrasting and comparing them with those of the target cultures.
4. Conduct independent, scholarly research by integrating, comparing, and evaluating ideas and materials from various critical, cultural, and literary sources and applying this research orally and in writing.

“What can I do with a Spanish major?”

As a Spanish student, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers (some may require additional degrees and licensing). Your career could take off into one of these fields:

• Investment Analyst
• Pharmaceutical Representative
• Physician
• Senior Accountant
• Professor of Modern Languages
• Lawyer
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• Educational Recruiter
• Law Enforcement Officer
• Consulting