2019 cycle

https://calstatela.curriculog.com/proposal:932/form

Fit with the Institutional Mission or Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

The study of languages clearly fits with a key campus strategic goal: “increasing educational opportunities to enhance cultural competencies.” This goal relates to “nurturing a welcoming and inclusive campus.” Unfortunately, our campus does not have a language requirement. The fact that most of our students are heritage-speakers of Spanish does not mean they have academic-level skills in their heritage language, nor that they are capable of understanding the diverse linguistic and socio-cultural registers educated native speakers possess. Since so many people in LA are heritage-speakers, a Master’s program in Spanish does provide students with a significant advantage over other possible job candidates who may have studied some Spanish in H.S. and/or speak the language at home, but have not studied advanced grammar, culture, linguistics and literature in College, regardless of their future career path. In addition, professional near-native fluency requires deep understanding of language structures, nuanced knowledge of cultural and discipline-related contexts, as well as mastering formal and informal language registers. The M.A. in Spanish provides a solid foundation for translation endeavors across disciplines.