爱德华王子岛大学

Today, Spanish is said to be the fastest growing language in the world. Over 360 million people speak Spanish. In the U.S., it has been the second language, and in Canada, it is becoming increasingly important and popular as NAFTA and other commercial links are established with Latin America. This creates a need for translators, interpreters and teachers, as Spanish speaking persons are needed in tourism, management, corporations, etc.

As Spanish is not presently taught in P.E.I.'s high schools, UPEI presents the only opportunity for learning this language. This means that students wishing to study Spanish start with 1010 which demands no prior background in the language. Those who have had some contact with the language either through exchanges, family background, or travel may enter at a higher level (1020, 2010, 2020, etc.).

Courses designated 1001-1020 or 2010-2020 are basically language courses, while courses above these levels focus mainly on cultural studies. Students may do a so-called minor in Spanish (7 courses) and even a major. In the latter case, however, two of the 14 semester courses must be taken elsewhere, preferably abroad.

Major:

Under the supervision of the Department, a student is allowed to major in Spanish if he/she shows a high level of interest and competency in the subject and intends to cover the minimum requirement of 42 semester hours.

This would be done under the approval of a Departmental Committee and the Dean of Arts after all courses taken or intended to be taken, at UPEI or another Canadian or foreign institution, have been considered. It is highly recommended that students take part of the exchange programs available with the University of Salamanca (Spain) and/or the University of La Republic (Uruguay).

A major consists of a minimum of 42 semester hours of Spanish.

Electives:

Students must include at least 12 semester hours in a modern language or modern languages other than Spanish.

Students should discuss these courses or other alternatives with the Chair of Modern Languages as early as possible.