Basic Spanish Program

About the Basic Spanish Program

The primary mission of the Basic Spanish Program is to foster acquisition of Spanish from zero knowledge to intermediate language proficiency. Through a project- and task-based approach, students are guided in this program to gradually acquire proficiency in comprehending and communicating in Spanish. Whether a learner is starting from zero proficiency of Spanish, can already speak conversationally, or speaks Spanish at home, every learner is supported through a second language acquisition research-driven pedagogical approach. While learning a language entails knowing how to acquire the skills needed to communicate and understand in diverse social and cultural contexts, the program strives as well to reflect Mason’s commitment to creating a more just, free, and prosperous world. We encourage students to engage critically with social and political aspects of language use and variation, and we strive to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices from local, regional, and global Spanish-speaking populations. Students completing the Basic Spanish Program should be able to comprehend and communicate in Spanish with a variety of speakers, connect their language study to their future professional contexts, and analyze historical and contemporary local, regional, and global issues in Spanish-speaking populations. Our goal is to foster a community of knowledgeable and compassionate learners with a solid base in Spanish to continue with advanced study. 

Methodology

Learning a second, or additional, language as an adult is a rewarding and challenging experience. The Basic Spanish Program is designed to draw from research on second language learning and acquisition. In particular, research shows that successful language learning stems from experiencing a variety of exposure to the language in spoken and written form, producing the language in a variety of contents autonomously and in real-time interaction with other speakers, and receiving feedback on whether your language is being understood from your interlocutor(s). These components are incorporated in a variety of activities and assignments throughout the Basic Spanish Program. Along with focusing on the continual development of your language learning competency, the program encourages awareness of autonomous language learning strategies for continual learning beyond the classroom. Alongside the language learning process, the program highlights awareness and exploration of cultural topics in Spanish-speaking communities. 

Recommended Course Placement

Please consult the placement webpage for the Basic Spanish Program for information regarding taking the language questionnaire and placement test. Consult with your major advisor about foreign language requirements for your degree. Consider the following general guidelines regarding course placement:
If you have learned Spanish outside of the classroom (e.g., by speaking Spanish at home, by living in a Spanish-speaking country), you should consider enrolling in SPAN 215: Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers or SPAN 315: Spanish in Context for Heritage Speakers. 
If you have not studied Spanish in middle or high school and are not submitting exam results to GMU, you should enroll in SPAN 101, SPAN 110, or SPAN 115.  
If you have studied Spanish in middle or high school (2+ years), and are not submitting AP, CLEP or IB exam results in Spanish to GMU, you should take the Spanish Language Questionnaire and Placement Test to determine in which Spanish class you should begin. 
 
For more information or general questions, please contact the coordinator of the Basic Spanish Program, Dr. Carrie Bonilla.