Spanish Certificate
Language Proficiency Certificates (LPCs) require 16 credits. They differ from minors in that fewer credits are required and study abroad is not required. For fuller exposure to a language and to develop intercultural skills the department recommends a minor or major. Certificates are designed to help students increase proficiency in a language and culture and introduce them to some specialized vocabulary. Certificates offer students the opportunity to showcase additional areas of their university education in preparation for the professional world. Language study adds value to a chosen field and gives students an edge in the job market. Through studying culture, embedded in language courses and in specific content courses, students prepare for active integration in a multi-cultural work setting.
Students with prior language experience must take a placement exam to be placed into the appropriate level of language courses. Four credits will be waived for students who place at 300 or 291 level. In order to complete a certificate, students must attain an intermediate-mid level or higher. Language proficiency target levels are set by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). LPCs also require at least an introductory cultural studies course to help develop tools for working in multi-cultural or cross-cultural environments. To be granted a certificate, students also need to develop an individual project as determined by the Departmental Faculty. For the successful completion of a certificate, students must attain a minimum B average for all required courses.
Certificate Requirements
Complete 16 credits including the following:
- A minimum of 8 credits in language courses 201 or above (290 or above for bilingual heritage speakers), according to placement.
- A minimum of 4 credits in language instruction must be taken at Linfield.
- One 3-4 credit culture course about Spanish speaking communities:
Course List Code Title Credits SPANISH COMPOSITION AND CONVERSATION II SPANISH FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS MESOAMERICAN SOCIETIES TOPICS IN LITERATURE TOPICS IN CULTURAL STUDIES LATIN AMERICAN CULTURES THROUGH FILM SPANISH IN THE US Or other appropriate courses
TRANSLATION WORKSHOP: ENGLISH TO SPANISH (GLSP 400) (2 credits) may be substituted for native speakers and second language learners with advanced proficiency. - Additional GLSP courses as needed to complete 16 credits.
- A final project connecting an aspect of the Spanish language or Spanish-speaking communities to a career.
- Language proficiency assessment—must achieve Intermediate Mid or higher on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
For advanced students, SPANISH COMPOSITION AND CONVERSATION II (GLSP 302), SPANISH FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS (GLSP 305) and TRANSLATION WORKSHOP: ENGLISH TO SPANISH (GLSP 400) can apply under the language category. If so, a different class must be taken for the Culture requirement.
Courses must be completed with a grade or B or higher to count toward the certificate.
Final Project
To complete the requirements for the certificate, develop an independent project connecting an aspect of the Spanish language or Spanish speaking communities to a career of choice. This can be met in several ways: through a specialized project in any GLSP class at 302 or above to be determined in conjunction with faculty; through GLSP 400-translation workshop for those with more advanced proficiency; through a Medical Spanish practicum; or, through a pre-approved internship experience or other appropriate professional activity. In some circumstances this project can be completed in an advanced culture class with prior approval. All students will have opportunity to present their final project in a poster session, a fair or student symposium.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an intermediate-mid level or higher language proficiency as defined by ACTFL.
- Demonstrate unbiased engagement with cultural groups of the target language.
- Use specialized vocabulary pertaining to a chosen profession.
- Apply language learning to a professional project.