Spanish
Spanish is an easy language to learn for English speakers. Its pronunciation is straightforward and can be grasped in only a few weeks – just be prepared to roll your Rs! Spanish spelling is based on generally consistent phonetic principles, and reflects better than most languages the way a word is pronounced. As with any language, there are some grammar points that need more effort to master, but if you study hard you will be conversing in Spanish in no time!
Studying Spanish
If you haven’t studied Spanish before, then you should register in the beginner class SPAN 114 and we’ll get you talking!
If you have completed Spanish courses in High School, our higher-level beginner class SPAN 117 is the one for you.
If you have lived in a Spanish-speaking country for some time and know the basics, you may want to register in SPAN 117 or SPAN 214.
You should talk to the Department of Languages and Linguistics regarding your situation so that you can be placed in the right course. The department administers Spanish placement tests free of charge in order to determine what you know and what class is best for you.
Students whose native language is Spanish are not permitted to take SPAN 114, SPAN 117, SPAN 202 and SPAN 204. Students with native-speaking ability can begin their studies in SPAN 214 and take our literature/film courses.
Your Key to the Spanish Speaking World
Castilian Spanish (alongside Catalan, Galician and Basque) is the official language of Spain. Spain is a vibrant, progressive and modern country, with a rich and fascinating history and culture. More than 52 million tourists visit Spain each year, and it is one of the top three most-visited countries in the world. As a visitor, Spain has attractions for all: world-class museums and art, a rich and unique culture of food and drink, cosmopolitan and fast-paced cities, stunningly beautiful medieval towns, and sleepy little villages in an unspoiled countryside. Spain has so much to offer! Learn Spanish, visit Spain and fall in love with its culture and people. No doubt you’ll end up wanting to know more about Spain, to study its history, economy, political life, art and literature.
Do you know another continent where you can visit more than 20 countries, travel thousands of kilometres through deserts, jungles and mountains, using a single language? In Latin America you can go from one unique, incredible country to another using only Spanish! Think of all the beautiful countries of Latin America – Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina and so many more. It’s difficult to have a favourite as each country has its own charm and special characteristics. Many travelers have fallen in love with Cuba and Puerto Rico, others with Guatemala and Paraguay, and others with Nicaragua and Honduras. But why choose? Spend time in as many countries as possible and learn what they have to offer. With Spanish, all these countries are yours to fall in love with. And once you’ve made friends there, you’ll have the perfect excuse to go back again and again.
Your knowledge of Spanish and Latin American culture and civilization will open up many different academic or personal opportunities, whether it’s in business, international studies, history, political science, sociology, arts and literature, you name it. It's up to you, your interests and your imagination! Enroll in our Spanish courses and we will give the language skills and cultural understanding so that you can really go places in your life!
Careers
Knowing Spanish is a big bonus in many careers and jobs:
- education (teaching Spanish in a high school or university)
- translation and interpretation
- journalism and communications
- politics and diplomacy
- travel and tourism
- business and commerce
Spanish is essential if you are interested in Latin America or Spain and can give you an edge by combining it with international studies, history and political studies.
The U of S Advantage
You can study all the Spanish you need, right here in Saskatchewan. We offer Spanish language courses as well as classes in language and civilization, literature, and Spanish cinema. In general, our classes are small, especially after the first semester, giving the instructor more time to concentrate on each student's individual needs. All of our instructors are experienced teachers, and develop a good rapport with their students. You will enjoy engaging and relaxed classes, learning the language and about Hispanic culture, often with videos and songs as well as other cultural examples.
The Department of Languages and Linguistics runs a Spanish Term Abroad program in Guadalajara, Mexico, where students in our Spanish program can spend one term each year taking exciting classes in language, Mexican cinema, business Spanish, Mexican civilization and literature. Spanish Term Abroad is a wonderful experience that is not to be missed!
Choose Your Program
Spanish is one of the languages you can choose as part of our new Modern Languages program. Spanish students can choose from the following degrees:
- B.A. Four Year (Modern Languages)
- B.A. Three year (Modern Languages)
Students can also choose from one of the following options:
- Spanish Minor (24 cu of Spanish)
- Language Recognition in Spanish (18 cu of Spanish)
Spanish is either a primary or secondary language in the Modern Languages Program.
Getting Involved
Each university year begins with a "Meet and Greet the Profs" night where pizza is served and the previous year’s awards and prizes are handed out.
Our students run the USSU Club Hispánico, organizing lots of fun activities including Spanish movie nights, as well as hugely popular Latin dance parties, throughout the year.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
Relevant Links
For more information available online for Spanish:
Check your application status
Finish your application
Report your marks
Get help with your application
