Minor Spanish Language and Culture

The Spanish Language & Culture minor combines traditional classroom learning with interactive activities, such as language workshops, cultural events, and collaborative projects. This dynamic approach ensures that you not only learn the language but also understand cultural nuances. 

This minor offers you the opportunity to: 

• experience the richness of Spanish culture first-hand with a field trip to a Spanish-speaking country.
• explore historic cities, enjoy authentic cuisine, and engage with local communities.
• gain a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures within the Spanish-speaking world. From art and literature to music and dance, you will explore the traditions that make these cultures so fascinating.
• step out of your comfort zone and develop valuable life skills such as adaptability, communication, and cultural sensitivity; these experiences will shape you into a globally minded individual. 

More information:

Language of instruction

English.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements for BUas students:

• No entry-level Spanish required
• Propaedeutic certificate obtained

Admission requirements for external students:

• No entry-level Spanish required
• Propaedeutic certificate obtained

Learning outcomes & competencies

By the end of this minor, you should be able to:

• Apply your knowledge of language and culture to conduct research in real-world settings, such as fieldwork in local communities or while travelling.
• Significantly improve your language proficiency; you will be able to apply grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure, and engage in conversations appropriate to your level of Spanish.
• Analyse key aspects of Spanish-speaking cultures, including traditions, history, literature, arts, and social norms, and compare cultural practices across different countries. 

You will also step out of your comfort zone and develop valuable life skills such as adaptability, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and cultural sensitivity. These experiences will shape you into a more well-rounded, globally minded individual.

Topics and structure of the minor

• Fieldwork: A two-week immersive experience in a Spanish-speaking country where you will practise your language skills and investigate a cultural topic of interest to you.
• Interactive classes: Engaging lessons designed to build on the knowledge gained through self-study sessions.
• Cultural events: Participation in festivals, workshops, and activities organised with your classmates to truly experience the culture.
• Collaborative assignments: Working in pairs or groups to complete a task exploring contemporary issues in Spanish-speaking countries, fostering teamwork and critical thinking.

Teaching & assessment

Three days of on-campus activities (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), and two days of off-campus activities and self-study.

Teaching methods: Guest lectures, workshops, feedback sessions, group work and fieldwork.

Assessment: Collection of information in a portfolio, participation in activities, data points, reports and presentations.

Required study materials

Online platform AVE Global, Instituto Cervantes.

Additional costs

AVE Global: €75
Fieldwork: A study abroad experience lasting between one and two weeks. The price depends on the chosen destination.

Minor coordinator

Celia van Arenthals-Atienza: [email protected], Marleen Hövels: [email protected] & Ágata Ortega: [email protected]