Spanish Minors
Minor in Spanish
Globalization and the Internet Revolution have intensified contact among cultures, and hence an education in multiple languages and technology is an absolute imperative in the new Millennium. Pursuing a minor in Spanish not only insures bilingual and bicultural competencies, but also fosters critical and creative thinking skills through the study of literature, linguistics, creative writing, Culture, and/or cultures. Our program promotes these skills by introducing students to philosophical issues examined in literature and art; to writing and analytical skills; and the rich cultural complexities of languages, peoples, and nations across the globe.
Minor in Spanish for Healthcare
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers the nation’s only full program in Medical Spanish for Heritage Learners. Language barriers significantly compromise the quality of healthcare for limited English proficient patients. Recent studies have shown that Spanish-speaking patients have disease, mortality, and pain burdens at least twice as high as English-speaking patients. These facts make language a crucial concern for the improvement of health among Latinos in the U.S. The Medical Spanish program aims to develop critical skill sets that future healthcare providers can use to improve communication with Spanish-speaking patients.
Additionally, the curriculum is designed to raise awareness about language issues that intersect with access to healthcare among Spanish-speaking patients in the U.S. Students in the program participate in a service-learning internship at a local community health center that serves primarily uninsured and limited English proficient patients. These activities are intended to prepare students for the National Board Certification Examination for Medical Interpreters. The program meets the Training Program Standards issued by the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care in 2011.
For current and past course descriptions, please visit the online course catalog.
Degree plans are for the current academic year. For previous degree plans, please view the former Catalogs.