Spanish is the official language of 21 countries and territories and is spoken by nearly half a billion people around the world. Acquiring a basic foundation in Spanish can be a valuable asset in many fields, from government and business to health care and education.
Though not as comprehensive as our major, this program will immerse you in the language offering each course entirely in Spanish. You’ll gain a cultural understanding of Spanish-speaking countries and communities around the world.
You’ll have the flexibility to shape your minor and hone your language skills in electives that explore topics such as the Spanish Caribbean, History of the Romance Languages and Spanish American Literature. In addition, Quinnipiac’s Albert Schweitzer Institute is an exciting resource, sponsoring service trips, educational projects and internship opportunities in countries including Nicaragua, Guatemala and Costa Rica.
Whether on campus or half a world away, Marisa Otis ’17, embraced all that Quinnipiac University had to offer as an undergraduate student. After earning her bachelor’s degree in health science studies with minors in Spanish and global public health, she went on to earn a master’s in public health at Boston University, where she co-authored two scientific journal articles, a white paper and a chapter for the dean’s textbook, “Urban Health.”
“My Quinnipiac global public health foundation made me a strong applicant in the master’s program because I had already spent four years studying public health, which was not yet common at the undergraduate level,” said Otis. “The GPH program provided a strong support network from the staff to fellow students, and its interdisciplinary nature allowed me to take courses from many different schools and subject areas. In addition, my minor introduced core public health concepts and pushed me to think about health through a different lens.”
Marisa took advantage of Quinnipiac’s global learning opportunities as well, with a study abroad semester in Costa Rica and a GPH international experience in Nicaragua. As a sophomore, she studied the rights-based approach to health care in Latin America and while in Leon, Nicaragua, she interned with Alianza Americana working alongside medical staff in rural health posts, community centers and a local hospital.
I felt well-prepared for my international experiences, particularly because of my GPH core classes. Studying and experiencing universal healthcare systems firsthand was enlightening,” said Otis. “It pushed me to think critically about the U.S. healthcare system, which undervalues public health and preventative care while prioritizing profits and top technological advances.”
The minor consists of six courses (18 credits) with at least two of the six courses at the 300 level. Students are required to take at least 9 credits on campus.
Here are course sequences for the Spanish Minor based on your starting course level:
SP 101, SP 102, SP 201, SP 202, SP 301, an elective at the 300 level.
SP 102, SP 201, SP 202, SP 301, an elective at the 300 level, an elective.
SP 201, SP 202, SP 301, an elective at the 300 level, two electives.
SP 202, SP 301, an elective at the 300 level, three electives.
SP 301, an elective at the 300 level, four electives.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Possible courses include (as well as others chosen in consultation with your Spanish minor adviser): | ||
| EN 277 | Literature of the Americas | 3 |
| HS 254 | Colonial Latin America | 3 |
| PO 221 | Introduction to Latin America | 3 |
| SP 101 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
| SP 102 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 |
| SP 105 | Introductory Spanish for Health Professions | 3 |
| SP 201 | Intermediate Spanish I | 3 |
| SP 202 | Intermediate Spanish II | 3 |
| SP 203 | Environmental Spanish | 3 |
| SP 205 | Puerto Rican Culture | 3 |
| SP 210 | The Culture and Civilization of Spain | 3 |
| SP 215 | Spanish for Business | 3 |
| SP 220 | Legal Spanish | 3 |
| SP 221 | Masterpieces of Spanish Literature | 3 |
| SP 225 | Cuban Culture | 3 |
| SP 226 | Exploring Global Engagement Through Language | 3 |
| SP 230 | Spanish Film Club | 1 |
| SP 231 | Folklore of the Americas | 1 |
| SP 232 | Food and Culture in the Hispanic World | 1 |
| SP 233 | Environmental Issues in Hispanic Countries | 1 |
| SP 234 | Conversations in Spanish | 1 |
| SP 235 | Art in Spain and Latin America | 1 |
| SP 301 | Advanced Spanish | 3 |
| SP 310 | Spanish for Health Professions I | 3 |
| SP 311 | Spanish for Health Professions II | 3 |
| SP 312 | Advanced Conversation | 3 |
| SP 317 | Approaches to Literary Genres | 3 |
| SP 328 | Spanish American Literature from the Conquest to 1880 | 3 |
| SP 329 | Spanish American Literature from 1880 to Present | 3 |
| SP 335 | Nineteenth-Century Literature of Spain | 3 |
| SP 343 | Culture of Spain | 3 |
| SP 348 | Spanish Drama and Poetry of the Golden Age | 3 |
| SP 351 | The Modern Spanish Short Story | 3 |
| SP 370 | History of the Romance Languages | 3 |
| SP 371 | Classics of Spanish-American Literature Literature | 3 |
| SP 373 | Latin American Cultures I | 3 |
| SP 374 | Latin American Cultures II | 3 |
| SP 376 | The Spanish Caribbean | 3 |
| SP 401 | Advanced Spanish Grammar | 3 |
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.