Resources for Spanish Majors

Spanish Special Programs

Center for Latino Studies

The Center for Latino Studies, located in Carlson 46, was established in 1994 to foster the study of Latino/Hispanic cultural traditions in the United States through education programs and to organize basic research to enhance the campus community's understanding and appreciation of Latino heritage and culture. The Center brings to campus performers, artists, and exhibitions that demonstrate the richness and variety of U.S. Latinos and also serves students through the development of new courses and the sponsoring of special lectures, colloquia, discussions, and occasional conferences on special topics in Latino Studies. The Center participates in the university-wide effort to increase Latino enrollment at North Park. The executive director of the Center serves as the advisor to the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). 

Latino American Student Organization (LASO)

LASO is a student organization that evolved out of North Park's Spanish Club and is comprised of those interested in Latin American culture. Students involved promote forums and other social events for the purpose of introducing the North Park community to the issues affecting that sector of the world's population and the rich heritage of Latin America. The executive director of the Center for Latino Studies advises the association. Past activities include the celebration of Hispanic holidays, craft sales, and participation in the International Festival.

Honors  

For departmental honors in Spanish, the prospective student's proposal must be submitted by May 1 of the student's third year, with the work commencing in the fall semester of the fourth year. Students shall enroll in SPAN 4000 for 4 sh during their fourth year of study.  For general departmental honors requirements and a description of SPAN 4000, see appropriate sections of the catalog. Also required are a 3.5 G.P.A. in Spanish and completion of a research paper on a selected topic in Spanish (25 pages).

Sigma Delta Pi

The Pi Mu Chapter of this national honor society in Spanish was initiated on campus in 1986. In addition to recognizing outstanding achievement in Spanish language and literature, the group sponsors activities to expose the university community to Hispanic issues and culture. Membership entitles students to apply for scholarships to study in Spain and Mexico. To become a member, one must be of second year standing and near the completion of three advanced courses in Spanish. A "B" average must be maintained in Spanish with a minimum University grade point of 2.75.  The induction ceremony is in the spring.

Latin American Studies Program (LASP)

 Students of CCCU colleges have the opportunity to live and learn in Latin America through the Latin American Studies Program, based in San Jose, Costa Rica. The program introduces students to a wide a range of experiences through the study of the language, literature, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology, and religion of the region. Living with a Costa Rican family, students experience and become a part of their day-to-day lives. Students also take part in a service opportunity and travel for three weeks to nearby Central American nations. In Costa Rica students participate in one of four concentrations: Latin American Studies (offered both fall and spring terms); Advanced Language and Literature (limited to Spanish majors and offered both fall and spring terms); International Business and Management (offered only in fall terms); and Tropical Sciences (offered only during spring terms). Students in all concentrations earn 16 semester credits.