Spanish at FSU

About Spanish

Welcome to the Spanish Program in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics at Florida State University. We are proud to offer a dynamic and engaging environment for the study of the Spanish language as well as Hispanic literatures, cultures and linguistics. Whether you are just beginning your Spanish studies or preparing for advanced work in teaching, research, international fields, or any career where bilingual skills in Spanish are an asset, the Spanish Program at FSU offers the instruction, mentorship, and opportunities to help you succeed.

The undergraduate Spanish program at FSU opens the door to a world of opportunities—academic, cultural, linguistic and professional. Besides being an academic subject, Spanish is a skill that enhances your ability to thrive in today’s globalized world. From healthcare and international relations to business and education, Spanish provides a competitive edge in countless fields. That’s why we offer a wide variety of courses, designed for learners at all levels. Whether you're pursuing a major in Spanish, considering a minor, or looking for courses that meet the language requirement for the College of Arts and Sciences, we’re here to support your journey.

To learn about the department's M.A. and Ph.D. degree programs in Spanish and Hispanic Linguistics, visit Spanish Graduate Studies.

In addition to developing strong oral and written communication skills, students can take content courses that explore the rich literary, cultural, and linguistic traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.

[EFFECTIVE FALL 2025]:*

(*for students enrolled in the major prior to fall 2025, please consult the Academic Program Guide and for questions contact our undergraduate advising team).

Spanish Major (30 hours total)
Core Requirements (6 hours)
  • LIN 2004 World Languages
  • FOW 2100 Literature and the World
Spanish Major Requirements (24 hours)

Choose one of the following courses (3 hours):

  • SPN3300 Spanish Grammar and Composition
  • SPN3350 Spanish for Heritage Speakers
  • SPN4420 Advanced Spanish Composition and Translation (3 credit hours)

Elective Coursework (21 hours):

  • Students will complete 21 credit hours in electives numbered above SPN 2220
  • A minimum of 9 credit hours (3 SPN/SPW courses) must be at the 4000-level
  • No more than 6 credit hours of translation courses taught in English (SPT prefix courses) will count towards the Spanish major.
Spanish Minor

The minor requires 12 hours in Spanish courses numbered above SPN 2220, with a maximum of three hours from SPT prefix courses (taught in English). The Spanish minor allows students to choose any combination of courses in cultural studies (literature, film, etc.), language and linguistics.

Welcome to the Spanish Basic Language Program! This program is home to the 1000 and 2000 level Spanish language courses at FSU. Whether you are taking Spanish as part of a language requirement, or pursuing a minor or major in Spanish, you will very likely be taking courses in our program.

The three-semester track is designed for students who have had either no formal, academic exposure to Spanish, or who have studied Spanish for less than one year at the high school level. In these cases, students should follow the course sequence below:

  1. SPN 1120 (Elementary Spanish I)
  2. SPN 1121 (Elementary Spanish II)
  3. SPN 2220 (Intermediate Spanish I)

Because many FSU undergraduates have had some academic exposure to Spanish, students who have taken two or more years of Spanish at the high school level must take the Spanish placement test to determine if they should be placed directly into SPN 1121 or SPN 2220. The placement test is free and may be taken Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in University Center C, Suite 1200. Please note that students who place above the SPN 2220 level are exempt from the language requirement.

Additionally, the Spanish Basic Language Program offers the following two courses:

  • SPN 2240 (Intermediate Spanish II), which counts towards the minor in Spanish. This course emphasizes the communicative skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, and provides students with opportunities to expand their knowledge of Hispanic cultures.
  • SPN 2160 (Intermediate Spanish for Business and Finance), which fulfills the FSU foreign language requirement. This course prepares students for successful interaction in today’s Spanish-speaking business world. This course is designed for students with previous knowledge of business and finance but is open to all students interested in Spanish for Business and Finance. Not open to native or heritage speakers of Spanish.

Please note that bilingual, native or heritage speakers of Spanish should take courses in the Spanish Heritage Track (SHT). This track is specifically designed for students who have been in contact with Spanish.

Course descriptions:
  • SPN 1120. Elementary Spanish I (4). This course is the first of a three-semester sequence of courses for students with no prior knowledge of the Spanish language, either at the high-school or native-speaker level. The course emphasizes oral communication and grammatical expertise, as well as listening comprehension. Students will read short texts and write paragraphs and short compositions in Spanish. May not be taken concurrently with SPN 1121, and/or 2220. May not be taken by native speakers. Some sections may be computer-assisted.
  • SPN 1121. Elementary Spanish II (4). Prerequisite: SPN 1120 or equivalent. The course emphasizes oral communication and grammatical expertise, as well as listening comprehension. Students will read short texts and poems and write compositions in Spanish. May not be taken by native speakers. May not be taken concurrently with SPN 1120, and/or 2220.
  • SPN 2220. Intermediate Spanish (4). Prerequisite: SPN 1121 or equivalent. The course emphasizes oral communication and grammatical expertise, as well as listening comprehension. Students will read short stories, poems, and articles, and will write extended compositions and papers in Spanish. May not be taken concurrently with SPN 1120 and 1121. May not be taken by native speakers.
  • SPN 2240. Intermediate Spanish II (3). Prerequisite: SPN 2220 or equivalent. This course completes the intermediate Spanish skills sequence and finishes the review of the grammar sequence begun in SPN 2220. Students deepen their functional skills in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing Spanish and gain an overview of Hispanic culture in various countries. Not open to native or heritage speakers of Spanish.

Course Syllabi - are posted on the Canvas site for the respective course.

Bilingualism for Professional and Global Success

Welcome to the Spanish Heritage Program! This program allows you to complete FSU’s foreign language requirement in one semester, which normally takes three semesters.

The Spanish Heritage Program at Florida State University is designed to support heritage speakers of Spanish, helping them develop their linguistic skills to enhance their career opportunities. Our courses are designed for students who have grown up in Spanish-speaking environments and seek to strengthen their Spanish proficiency for professional and personal growth.

Why Study Spanish as a Heritage Speaker?

Bilingualism is a competitive advantage in today’s job market. Spanish heritage speakers have unique linguistic and cultural skills that are in high demand across industries, including business, healthcare, law, education, government, and global markets. Our program helps students refine their Spanish to excel in professional environments, develop cross-cultural expertise, and engage confidently in bilingual communication.

Are you a heritage language learner or bilingual speaker?

If one or more of the following statements apply to you, then you probably are a heritage learner or a bilingual speaker.

  • My first language was Spanish (or both Spanish and English)
  • I grew up speaking and/or listening Spanish at home
  • I speak Spanish (or both Spanish and English) with my family
  • I lived in a Spanish-speaking country for three years or longer

The linguistic abilities of Spanish heritage speakers and learners vary significantly depending on their language dominance, usage, and proficiency level in Spanish. Some heritage bilingual speakers are highly proficient, using Spanish fluently and confidently in diverse formal contexts, such as academic and professional settings. Others, however, may have basic speaking and listening skills and feel less confident using Spanish, even in familiar situations.

Still unsure? Consider the following:

  • Some Spanish heritage bilingual speakers have received formal education in Spanish and can speak and write proficiently in both languages.
  • Others speak Spanish fluently but may struggle with reading and writing.
  • Heritage language learners may understand Spanish well but find it challenging to express themselves verbally.

If you have questions about our classes, we’d love to help! Visit us in DIF 302A or email Dr. Brandl at abrandl@fsu.edu.

The two courses in the Spanish heritage program are:

  • SPN 2340 – Basic Spanish for Bilinguals/Heritage Learners. This course fulfils the FSU Arts and Sciences Foreign Language Requirement, normally completed in three semesters. SPN 2340 counts towards the Spanish minor and it is a pre-requisite for the Spanish major.
  • SPN 3350 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers. This course is equivalent to SPN 3300 and SPN 3400. It counts for minor or major credit.

Placement:
To be placed correctly into one of our two courses, you need to make an appointment with one of the heritage program professors listed below:

Anel Brandl, Ph.D.

Delia Poey, Ph.D.

If you’re interested in studying Spanish and fulfilling program requirements abroad you can do so through FSU’s International Programs in Costa Rica, Panama or Spain. Summer scholarships are available for outstanding undergraduate students to study abroad in these three locations, thanks to the generosity of Mrs. Ada Belle Winthrop-King.

To view current undergraduate Spanish courses and descriptions, visit the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin and scroll down to courses beginning with prefixes SPN, SPT and SPW.

Sigma Delta Pi

Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica

Founded at the University of California, Berkeley in 1919, Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor those who excel in the study of the Spanish language and in the study of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The purpose of our society is to foster an understanding, appreciation and respect for the peoples, cultures, and societies of the Spanish-speaking world.

Our FSU Chapter, Alpha Delta, was founded in 1936 and has been an active chapter since then.

For more information about membership requirements visit our webpage. Also follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Contact Information

Dr. Anel Brandl

Faculty Advisor