B.A. in Spanish
Overview
Spanish is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages — second only to Mandarin — and is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States. Through Biola’s Spanish major, you’ll develop Spanish writing and speaking skills and grow in appreciation for Hispanic cultures, preparing you for successful careers and service in Spanish-speaking contexts.
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Concentrations
- Generalist in SpanishKnowledge of the Spanish language is a broadly applicable skill — one made more valuable by cultural understanding. Students seeking career flexibility over specialization will value the well-rounded approach of the Spanish Generalist concentration, which includes language and linguistics, literature, culture, study abroad opportunities and more.
- Global MarketplaceSpanish fluency is an increasingly valuable asset in the world of business. By integrating their Spanish studies with business courses offered through Biola's Crowell School of Business, students develop the skills necessary for working in a multilingual local and global marketplace.
- Global MissionsPartnership with Biola's Cook School of Intercultural Studies prepares students to share the gospel to Spanish-speaking countries. This concentration combines Spanish language classes with an emphasis in language and culture to be effective in church planting and global studies.
- International RelationsIn this concentration, students interested in entering global or local politics or foreign affairs will sharpen their Spanish speaking while expanding their political science understanding. This highly practical combination equips students to serve diplomatically in any of the over twenty countries where Spanish is commonly spoken or in culturally diverse areas in the United States.
- Ministry Partnership with Biola's Talbot School of Theology empowers students to incorporate their Spanish communication skills into cross-cultural ministry, meeting a great need in light of the growing number of Spanish-speaking people within the United States. This concentration enables students to serve both abroad and right at home.
- Secondary InstructionWith this unique concentration partnered with the School of Education, students can combine their passion for teaching and Spanish. This concentration will help prepare students to teach in predominantly speaking Spanish schools or to teach Spanish in secondary settings.
- Urban MissionsWith a large concentration of Spanish-speaking populations in urban areas, the need for urban missionaries is on the rise. With an integration of intercultural studies, Spanish studies and urban missions, students will be equipped in both language and culture to serve urban communities effectively.
Why Choose Spanish at Biola?
In addition to its strong curriculum, expert faculty members and biblical integration, Biola’s Spanish program offers several key advantages:
- All Spanish majors are strongly encouraged to take a travel practicum or to participate in a study-abroad program, such as Biola in Ecuador or the Latin American Studies Program.
- Biola’s location in Southern California offers great opportunities to engage with Spanish-speaking communities and to work or intern in Spanish-speaking churches, schools and businesses.
- Small classes give you an opportunity to form deep relationships with your professors and fellow students.
What Will I Study?
As a Spanish major, you are invited to immerse yourself into the traditions and experiences of Latin culture. Much more than simply learning words, you will converse with peers and fluent Spanish speakers in relevant contextual dialogues and be fully prepared to interact and exist in the communities you learn about. Understanding the nature of the language and a proficiency in conversational and formal usage is the goal for each student. Course learning highlights include:
- Historical and sociological examination of the role of religion in culture
- Training to activate strategies to understand longer and complex texts
- Producing well structured written texts on wide variety of topics
- Introduction to translation theory and prose documents
- Experiential discussions and field work specific to global business professions
- Exploring Hispanic linguistics through field work and practical application
- Full immersion language experience while living with a host family
Students will be equipped with the skills to not only speak, read and write Spanish, but will develop a greater understanding of the Hispanic culture and how to fulfill the great commission.
All of my former Spanish professors were extremely dedicated to their students and their calling. Each professor became a mentor to me throughout my time at Biola.