Spanish Language Skills: Elementary Level - Certificate of Accomplishment

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.

The demand for on-the-job Spanish language skills has increased in the past few years. In California alone, Spanish is in high demand for careers in education, social work, law enforcement, the medical/dental/nursing professions, viticulture, agricultural sciences, global studies, business and many other careers where contact with the public is a must. Functional knowledge of elementary level Spanish assists people who would be using it for business, or in routine work, such as developing contacts, exchanging information, confirming meeting arrangements, and other administrative tasks typical of line supervisors, receptionists, clerical and/or administrative staff in direct contact with the public.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Reflect a set of language proficiency skills -- reading, writing, and speaking -- at the elementary level.

Use and understand up to 1,000 of the most frequently encountered words and phrases.

Develop and maintain functional linguistic skills in Spanish that are appropriate for this level.

Program Map

Requirement
GE General Education
E Elective

Fall Year 1

5 units
SPAN 101
Elementary Spanish I

This course is designed for non-native Spanish speakers and therefore ideal for students with minimal or no exposure to Spanish. SPAN 101 offers an introduction to the Spanish language, presenting students with introductory vocabulary and grammar, reading and writing skills as well as oral and listening skills (including pronunciation). This course also includes an introduction to cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. 

      1. C2 - Humanities
      1. Category 3: Humanities

        Spring Year 1

        5 units
        SPAN 102
        Elementary Spanish II
        This course is a continuation to SPAN 101. Students work on further vocabulary and grammar skills, pronunciation, oral and listening skills, reading skills, and writing skills. This course also includes cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world not covered in SPAN 101 and/or expands on cultural aspects presented in SPAN 101.
        1. Prerequisite: SPAN 101
        1. 3B - Humanities
        1. C2 - Humanities
        1. Category 3: Humanities

          Fall Year 2

          3 units
          SPAN 111
          Intermediate Spanish Conversation
          This course is designed to practice vocabulary and grammar covered in SPAN 102 with an emphasis in pronunciation, oral, and listening skills. Reading and writing skills are covered as well. Using a communicative style, students practice Spanish grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and oral skills. This course also includes cultural aspects of the Spanish-speaking world. This conversation course, taught entirely in Spanish, is designed for students who have completed SPAN 102.
          1. Prerequisite: SPAN 102
                  SPAN 189
                  Independent Projects in Spanish
                  Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester