Welcome to the Spanish Heritage Program
Who is a Heritage Language Learner?
A heritage language learner is an individual who has grown up speaking, listening, reading and/or writing Spanish with family or in their community. Heritage language learners possess different abilities and levels of proficiency, so we offer three levels to meet the needs of each student: SPAN 1113 (beginner), SPAN 2213 (intermediate), and SPAN 3413 (advanced). Each level builds upon the skills that learners bring with them and continues to expand their knowledge of Spanish in different contexts, genres and with different audiences to further develop students’ communicative skills.
Heritage Language Courses
- Develop academic, professional and creative writing skills
- Practice formal and informal speaking skills
- Increase knowledge and use of grammatical structures and achieve communicative competence of Spanish in various contexts
- Build a close-knit community with other Latine/Hispanic students and learn about the Spanish-speaking community in Ohio
- Gain a greater understanding of the conditions and contributions of the Latinx/Hispanic population in the U.S.
- Reinforce and validate the home language and culture of the heritage learner
What are the advantages of taking these courses?
If you successfully complete SPAN 1113, you meet all the (foreign) language requirements. However, by taking SPAN 2213 and 3413 you can achieve a higher level of proficiency in all areas (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). Although you do not have to declare a minor or major in Spanish to take these courses, taking them can lead you in this direction. For example, SPAN 3413 counts towards your minor or major. Additionally, SPAN 2213 and 3413 count towards a minor in Latina/o studies.
Read more: See what other students are saying. Read more: About the program
Please contact Ricardo Sosa for more information.
SPAN 1113
Intensive Spanish III for Heritage Learners
This course builds on Heritage learners' prior knowledge and skills of spoken and written Spanish, expanding on their ability to communicate in a variety of contexts. It employs a multifaceted approach that foments the development of the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). This course requires consistent attendance, pre-class preparation, and active in-class participation.
Course is not open to second language learners of Spanish (SLL).
Prereq: 1102 or 1155. Not open to students with credit for 1103. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Credit Hours: 4
SPAN 2213
Spanish IV for Heritage Speakers
This course identifies and expands on Spanish heritage students' diverse identities and bilingual range through grammar review, vocabulary building, spelling and punctuation, and the development of composition skills. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are emphasized through readings, written essays, and oral presentations. A grade of C- or above is required to move on to the Spanish 3000 level. Not open to native, non-native, or non-heritage speakers of this language through regular course enrollment or EM credit.
Prereq: 1103 or 1113 or equiv., or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 2202.
This course is available for EM credit.
Credit Hours: 3
SPAN 3413
Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Covers, reviews and practices grammatical structure through language, literature, and culture of the Hispanic world, as well as incorporate the experiences of heritage speakers in the United States. Students will produce writing in various forms & genres, including literary responses, expository essays, & short stories (narrative).
Prereq: A grade of C- or above in 2202 or 2213. Prereq or concur: 3401, 3401H, or 3404.
Not open to students with credit for 3403 or 3403H.
Credit Hours: 3
SPAN 1113
Intensive Spanish III for Heritage Learners
This course builds on Heritage learners' prior knowledge and skills of spoken and written Spanish, expanding on their ability to communicate in a variety of contexts. It employs a multifaceted approach that foments the development of the four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). This course requires consistent attendance, pre-class preparation, and active in-class participation.
Course is not open to second language learners of Spanish (SLL).
Prereq: 1102 or 1155. Not open to students with credit for 1103. GE for lang course. GE world languages course.
Credit Hours: 4
SPAN 2213
Spanish IV for Heritage Speakers
This course identifies and expands on Spanish heritage students' diverse identities and bilingual range through grammar review, vocabulary building, spelling and punctuation, and the development of composition skills. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing are emphasized through readings, written essays, and oral presentations. A grade of C- or above is required to move on to the Spanish 3000 level. Not open to native, non-native, or non-heritage speakers of this language through regular course enrollment or EM credit.
Prereq: 1103 or 1113 or equiv., or permission of instructor. Not open to students with credit for 2202.
This course is available for EM credit.
Credit Hours: 3
SPAN 3413
Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Covers, reviews and practices grammatical structure through language, literature, and culture of the Hispanic world, as well as incorporate the experiences of heritage speakers in the United States. Students will produce writing in various forms & genres, including literary responses, expository essays, & short stories (narrative).
Prereq: A grade of C- or above in 2202 or 2213. Prereq or concur: 3401, 3401H, or 3404.
Not open to students with credit for 3403 or 3403H.
Credit Hours: 3
Hear From Our Heritage Students
Student Spotlight
“Being Hispanic, especially from a small town in Ohio, I never felt like I was able to embrace my culture and my roots. Being surrounded by people in the heritage class who have gone through similar experiences has helped me branch out and embrace who I am. Being a heritage speaker is a gift; it Is a blessing that should never be taken for granted.”
-Alexa Dominguez. Class of 2028