SPANISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

Spanish is spoken as the first language by 400 million people worldwide and 33 million speakers in the USA, which makes it the second most-spoken language in the USA. The demand for professionals who speak Spanish fluently is growing across the nation. Fluency in Spanish can lead to careers in business, engineering, hospitality, medicine, the arts, and other fields. To help students develop global perspectives and professional skills in a second language, we offer five courses in Spanish for Specific Purposes, as well as a Minor in Spanish for the Professions.

Minor in Spanish for the Professions  (15 credits)

Topics covered in our courses include the use of Spanish in professional and formal situations, understanding and discussing aspects related to work environments, intercultural communication in Spanish-speaking settings, and applying for internships and jobs in Spanish-speaking countries. Our goal is to develop students’ communicative and intercultural skills through a variety of speaking or writing activities toward the use of Spanish for professional purposes.

The Minor in Spanish for the Professions consists of five courses: two language-courses and three courses for professional purposes. Beginning after the completion of the fourth semester of Spanish (SPAN 202: Spanish level 4), these courses can be taken independently or as part of the Minor in Spanish for the Professions. 

Courses in Spanish for Specific Purposes

SPAN 321 - Introduction to Spanish for the Professions

Continued work at the advanced-intermediate level with a focus on vocabulary and grammar for contexts in a wide variety of professional settings. Conducted primarily in Spanish. Instructor: Cecilia Tenorio

SPAN 322 - Spanish for the Health Professions

Intermediate level course directed towards the use of Spanish in the health care professions. It covers specialized vocabulary from the medical fields, as well as grammar and syntax with the goal of developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. Students will have the opportunity to apply their skills in practical contexts and discuss cultural considerations. Instructor: Cecilia Tenorio

SPAN 325 - Spanish for Engineering and Technology

Intermediate level course directed towards the use of Spanish in the Engineering and Technology professions. It covers specialized vocabulary from the technical fields, as well as communication and culture with the goal of preparing students for an intercultural working environment. Students will further develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. They will have the opportunity to apply their skills in practical contexts and discuss cultural considerations, as well as meeting professionals from Spanish speaking countries. Instructor: Gabriel Rios

SPAN 415 - Spanish Translation and Interpreting

Introduction to the Translation and Interpretation Studies field for Spanish speakers. High level of competence in Spanish required. Overview of translation theory, methodology, and practice both in class and in real settings. Includes a service-learning component. Conducted in English and Spanish. Instructor: Cecilia Tenorio

SPAN 424 - Business Spanish

A study of the terminology and techniques used in commercial transactions, including the interpretation and writing of business materials. Development of the four language skills, with emphasis on writing and speaking.

For more information or questions about the Spanish for specific purposes courses, please contact Cecilia Tenorio (ctenorio@purdue.edu).