Department of Modern Languages and Literatures

The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers the Master of Arts degree in Spanish, a Graduate Certificate in Linguistics, and a Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies.

Master of Arts Degree in Spanish

The Master of Arts degree in Spanish offers the student the opportunity for an in-depth view of Hispanic studies in three specialized areas—literature, culture, and linguistics—underscoring the unity of the Hispanic world rather than its national components. Elective courses in other areas (Linguistics (LNG) and Translation and Interpreting Studies (TIS)) or other disciplines offer opportunities to further the student’s graduate training in Spanish and attain transferable skills.

Program Admission Requirements

In addition to satisfying the University-wide graduate admission requirements, applicants are expected to have 12 or more upper-division hours in Hispanic cultures, literatures, or linguistics and a mastery of oral and written skills in Spanish in an academic register. Upper-division grammar, oral communication, and language skills courses may not be included in this requirement.

Application Materials

In addition to meeting University-wide requirements, all applicants must submit:

An online application
All transcripts
A one- to two-page statement written in Spanish describing the motivation and objectives of the proposed graduate study
At least two academic letters of recommendation that address the candidate's potential for research and suitability for graduate-level work

Admission determinations are based on the grade point average, undergraduate coursework, fluency in Spanish, the personal statement, and the letters of recommendation.

Degree Requirements

The number of semester credit hours required for this degree, exclusive of coursework or other study required to remove admission deficiencies, is 36. A maximum of one grade of “C” shall be applicable toward coursework for the Master of Arts degree.

Degree candidates must complete the following requirements:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. 3 semester credit hours of Transferable Teaching Skills:		3
LNG 5033	How to Teach a Second Language (This course must be taken within the first 18 hours of graduate work.)
B. 18 semester credit hours of Core classes distributed as follows:		18
6 hours in Spanish culture (SPN)
6 hours in Spanish language and linguistics (SPN and LNG)
6 hours in Spanish literature (SPN)
C. 12 semester credit hours of Electives		12
12 semester credit hours of electives in Spanish (SPN), Linguistics (LNG), Translation and Interpreting Studies (TIS), or other courses as approved by the Graduate Advisor of Record. TIS 6013 Practicum in Translation cannot be applied toward the degree.
D. 3 semester credit hours of Independent Research		3
3 credit hours of independent research supervised by the Comprehensive Examination or Thesis advisor.
SPN 6953	Independent Study (Course needs to be completed within the first 18 hours of graduate work and requires approval by Graduate Advisor of Record.)
E. Comprehensive Examination or Thesis Option
Comprehensive Examination Option
The satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination, to be taken toward the end of a student’s 36-hour program. Students are advised to speak with the Graduate Advisor of Record when close to 27 hours.
Master's Thesis Option
SPN 6983	Master’s Thesis
The satisfactory completion of a thesis in accordance with University regulations as stated under “Options for Master’s Degrees” in the Graduate Catalog, Master’s Degree Regulations. If this option is chosen, up to 6 semester credit hours of thesis credit may be used in place of the electives in item C.
Total Credit Hours		36

Graduate Certificate in Linguistics
Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies

Graduate Certificate in Linguistics

The Graduate Certificate in Linguistics is a 12-semester-credit-hour concentration available to degree-seeking students who have been admitted to any UTSA graduate program and who qualify for admission to the certificate program, as well as to special graduate students who meet all the requirements outlined in the UTSA Graduate Catalog.

The Graduate Certificate in Linguistics offers coursework in the advanced, interdisciplinary study of language for students working at the master's or doctoral level. This certificate will also enhance students’ employment credentials as college and university writing instructors, editors, or professional writers in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. Requirements: One foundations course (LNG 5003, SPN 5903, ENG 6033, ESL 5003) and 9 additional semester credit hours of approved graduate linguistics courses. Courses may be repeated when topics vary but not more than six (6) hours of any one course may be applied to the certificate without the approval of an advisor. No course in which a grade lower than “B” is earned may be used to complete a Graduate Certificate in Linguistics. In order to receive this certificate, students must maintain a 3.0 average grade point average in the above courses.

Individuals interested in the Graduate Certificate in Linguistics should contact the Graduate Office of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.

Certificate Program Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. Foundation Course		3
Select one course from the following:
LNG 5003	Introduction to Linguistics
SPN 5903	Topics in Hispanic Linguistics
ENG 6033	Language and Linguistics
ESL 5003	Linguistics for Second Language and Bilingual Specialists
B. Elective Courses		9
Select three of the following courses:
LNG 5013	Sociolinguistics
LNG 5143	Forensic Linguistics
LNG 5153	Topics in Contemporary Linguistics
SPN 5843	History of the Spanish Language
SPN 5853	Spanish of the United States
SPN 5863	Spanish Phonetics and Phonology
SPN 5883	Spanish Morphology and Syntax
SPN 5893	Spanish Dialects
SPN 5903	Topics in Hispanic Linguistics
ENG 6033	Language and Linguistics
ESL 5003	Linguistics for Second Language and Bilingual Specialists
ESL 5013	Introduction to Second Language Acquisition
ESL 5083	Pedagogical Grammar
ESL 6013	Second Language Acquisition Research
BBL 5123	Sociolinguistics and Education
BBL 7133	Bilingualism and Second Language Acquisition
BBL 7233	Seminar in Second Language Learning and Multilingualism
BBL 7243	Seminar in Applied Linguistics
Total Credit Hours		12

Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies is a 15-hour option in Spanish graduate studies which introduces students to the theory and practice of translation (written) and interpreting (oral) between Spanish and English. Offerings include training in translation and interpreting studies theory, cultural competency, ethics, the practice of language mediation in various settings, and current best practices.

Entrance and Exit Requirements

In addition to meeting University-wide admission requirements either as a special graduate student or a degree-seeking student in a graduate program, all prospective students who are not already admitted to the M.A. in Spanish must pass a written entrance examination in Spanish and English to determine linguistic competence and general cultural preparation.

Entrance- and exit-level skills in both languages will be no lower than Level 3 and Level 4, respectively, according to the U.S. Government’s Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Skill Level Descriptions for Translation Performance.

Application Materials

In addition to filing the regular university application for admission, all applicants must submit to the Spanish Graduate Committee, for evaluation, a one- to two-page statement written in Spanish describing the objectives of proposed graduate study and at least one academic letter of recommendation which addresses the candidate's potential for research and suitability for graduate-level work.

Certificate Program Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies consists of 15 semester credit hours, including theory, practice, and the meta-language of translation and interpreting studies. Courses in Spanish linguistics strengthen the interdisciplinary underpinnings of the certificate. Students may choose to participate in a Practicum that provides training in and reinforcement of translation (written) and/or interpreting (oral) skills by means of a translation case study, a supervised internship, or a service learning project. A maximum of one grade of "C" shall be applicable toward coursework for the Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies.

Students must complete the following requirements:

Course List
Code	Title	Credit Hours
A. 12 semester credit hours from the following:		12
TIS 5013	Interpreting in Legal Settings
TIS 5023	Interpreting in Medical Settings
TIS 5043	Principles of Translation
TIS 5053	Principles of Interpreting
TIS 5123	Theory and Practice of Translation
TIS 5133	Theory and Practice of Interpreting
TIS 5973	Topics in Translation and Interpreting Studies
TIS 6013	Practicum in Translation or Interpreting
B. 3 semester credit hours in linguistics (SPN or LNG)		3
Total Credit Hours		15

Students who take the Practicum will select an area of interest and define a task within that area in consultation with the instructor.

Foreign Languages (FL) Courses

FL 5114. Individual Instruction in Elementary Language I. (0-0) 4 Credit Hours.

Opportunity to develop basic oral and written communication skills in the target language, along with enhanced comprehension skills in listening and reading. Course Fees: GL01 $120; MM01 $7; STLF $24.64.

FL 5124. Individual Instruction in Elementary Language II. (0-0) 4 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FL 5114 or the equivalent in the selected foreign language. Opportunity to develop basic oral and written communication skills in the target language, along with enhanced comprehension skills in listening and reading. Course Fees: GL01 $120; MM01 $7.

FL 5213. Individual Instruction in Intermediate Language I. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FL 5124 or the equivalent in the selected foreign language. Opportunity to develop intermediate-level oral and written communication skills in the target language, along with increased comprehension skills in listening and reading. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

FL 5223. Individual Instruction in Intermediate Language II. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FL 5213 or the equivalent in the selected foreign language. Opportunity to develop intermediate-level oral and written communication skills in the target language, along with increased comprehension skills in listening and reading. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

FL 5313. Individual Instruction in Advanced Language I. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: FL 5223 or the equivalent in the selected foreign language. Opportunity to develop advanced-level oral and written communication skills in the target language, along with enhanced comprehension skills in listening and reading. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

Linguistics (LNG) Courses

LNG 5003. Introduction to Linguistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Basic principles of analysis and description of the structure of language, including phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Also, overview of selected subfields of linguistics, such as historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, language acquisition, and bilingualism. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7; STLF $18.48.

LNG 5013. Sociolinguistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: LNG 3813, an equivalent, or consent of instructor. Theory, research, and methods for the study of linguistic variation and language use in context. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are included. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

LNG 5023. Psycholinguistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The study of the psychological/neuropsychological aspects of human language, including language development, language processing during comprehension and production, and other topics. Course fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

LNG 5033. How to Teach a Second Language. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Fundamentals of second language teaching methodology, including theories, approaches, methods, and techniques of language teaching. Focus on practical application towards planning and delivering instruction. This course must be taken within the first 18 hours of graduate work. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

LNG 5143. Forensic Linguistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines how the analysis and manipulation of language are used to commit, solve, and prevent crimes. Students will explore case studies from law enforcement and counter-terrorism dealing with coerced confessions, the determination of authorship, and the manipulation of suspects under interrogation, among others. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

LNG 5153. Topics in Contemporary Linguistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: LNG 3813, an equivalent, or consent of instructor. Contemporary approaches to language analysis and description. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

Spanish (SPN) Courses

SPN 5023. Writing and Editing in Spanish. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Theory and practice of advanced Spanish stylistics. Development of writing skills and practice in editing Spanish texts. Can be repeated for credit up to 6 hours with approval of the Graduate Advisor of Record. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5123. Hispanic Film. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Hispanic societies, history, culture, and language of film as interpreted by representative directors. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5373. Introduction to Graduate Hispanic Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An introduction to graduate studies in Spanish. Emphasis on critical writing and research skills, including bibliography and electronic media. Incorporates critical and methodological approaches to Hispanic literature, culture, and linguistics. This course must be taken within the first 18 semester credit hours of graduate studies. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7; DL01 $75.

SPN 5413. History of Ideas in the Hispanic World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Selected Spanish, Latin American and/or U.S. Latina/o issues representative of major currents of thought affecting the evolution of Hispanic cultural history. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5463. Spanish Civilization. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A study of the social, political, and cultural history of Spain from prehistory (the Caves of Altamira) to the present. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5473. Latin American Civilization. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A study of the social, political, and cultural history of the Latin American countries from pre-Columbian civilizations through the Conquest, Colonial period, and Independence to the present. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

SPN 5483. Topics in Hispanic Cultures. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Studies of different facets of Hispanic culture not normally available as part of regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, as reflected in their literature and arts. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5493. Hispanic-Latino Digital World. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Overview of public and digital humanities in the Spanish-speaking world, with an emphasis on the digital production of Hispanic and Latino/a communities. Focus on theoretical examination, practical exploration, and engagement with humanities content, digital practices, methods, tools, and platforms. Course Fee: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5633. Spanish Medieval-Golden Age Literature. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Study of Medieval, Renaissance, and/or Golden Age Spanish texts in a variety of contexts that may include historical, cultural, or theoretical approaches. Topics may include poetry, narrative, drama, and Don Quijote. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5703. Modern Spanish Literature. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Selected Spanish literary works from 1700 to the present. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5763. Latin American Literature to Modernism. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

In-depth study of selected literary works by Indian, Spanish, and Creole authors. Topics may include the Conquest, the Colonial period, and the nineteenth century. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

SPN 5773. Latin American Literature from Modernism to the Present. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Studies in contemporary prose, poetry, and/or drama. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5803. Latino/a Cultures and Literatures in Spanish. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The consideration of cultural and literary manifestations in Spanish by Latino/a individuals and groups. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5813. Topics in Hispanic Literatures. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Study in selected areas of Hispanic literature not normally available as part of regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5823. Topics in Heritage Spanish. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Studies different facets of Spanish as a Heritage Language not normally available as part of regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

SPN 5843. History of the Spanish Language. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Chronological development of the Spanish language, focusing on areas such as phonology, morphology, and lexicon. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5853. Spanish of the United States. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An in-depth study of the contact variety of Spanish spoken by Mexican Americans in the U.S. Southwest, including San Antonio. Complementary descriptive and sociolinguistic approaches are incorporated. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5863. Spanish Phonetics and Phonology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

The framework of articulatory phonetics, its application to Spanish and analysis of its phonological system. Additional areas may include theoretical approaches to phonology, applications for teaching, appreciation of regional variation, acoustic phonetics, etc. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5883. Spanish Morphology and Syntax. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

An opportunity for in-depth analysis of the Spanish language, focusing on the levels of word, phrase, and sentence. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 5893. Spanish Dialects. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A study of regional and social variation in Peninsular, Latin American, and U.S. Spanish, including phonology, grammar, and lexicon of vernacular dialects. Perspectives of traditional dialectology and modern sociolinguistics. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

SPN 5903. Topics in Hispanic Linguistics. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Study in selected areas of Hispanic linguistics not normally available as part of regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

SPN 6011. Supervised Teaching in Spanish. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Development and implementation of an undergraduate course in Spanish under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty. May be repeated for credit. Course Fees: GL01 $30; MM01 $7; STLF $6.16.

SPN 6813. Seminar in Hispanic Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: 24 semester credit hours of graduate-level Spanish. In-depth study and major research project in areas such as Hispanic cultures, literatures, and/or languages. May be repeated once for credit as an elective. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

SPN 6951. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor and the Graduate Advisor of Record. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master of Arts degree in Spanish. Course Fees: GL01 $30; MM01 $7; STLF $6.16.

SPN 6952. Independent Study. (0-0) 2 Credit Hours.

SPN 6953. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

SPN 6961. Comprehensive Examination. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisite: Approval of the appropriate Graduate Program Committee to take the Comprehensive Examination. Independent study course for the purpose of taking the Comprehensive Examination. May be repeated as many times as approved by the Graduate Program Committee. Enrollment is required each term in which the Comprehensive Examination is taken if no other courses are being taken that term. The grade report for the course is either “CR” (satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination) or “NC” (unsatisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination). Credit earned in SPN 6961 cannot be counted in the 36 semester credit hours required for the Master of Arts degree in Spanish. Course Fees: GL01 $30; MM01 $7.

SPN 6976. Special Problems. (6-0) 6 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit when topics vary, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to the Master of Arts degree in Spanish. Course Fees: GL01 $180; MM01 $7.

SPN 6981. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.

Prerequisites: Permission from the Graduate Advisor of Record and thesis director. Thesis research and preparation. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours will apply to the Master of Arts degree in Spanish. Credit will be awarded upon completion of the thesis. Enrollment in SPN 6981 or SPN 6983 is required each term in which the thesis is in progress. Course Fees: GL01 $30; STLF $6.16.

SPN 6983. Master's Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Translation and Interpreting Studies (TIS) Courses

TIS 5013. Interpreting in Legal Settings. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Designed to prepare students to interpret in legal settings between Spanish and English by exploring interpreter training in the US, ethics in court interpreting, professional certification, language access legislation and civil rights, terminology building, current research trends in legal interpreting, and by developing interpreting skills and strategies. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

TIS 5023. Interpreting in Medical Settings. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

This course aims to prepare students to interpret in medical settings between Spanish and English by providing a panoramic overview of biomedical culture in the US, body systems and anatomy, medical terminology, and by developing interpreting skills and strategies. Course Fees: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

TIS 5043. Principles of Translation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to current and fundamental research in translation studies. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly FL 5043.) Course Fee: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

TIS 5053. Principles of Interpreting. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Introduction to current and fundamental research in interpreting studies. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly FL 5043.) Course Fee: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

TIS 5123. Theory and Practice of Translation. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of approaches to the practice and theory of translation with hands-on practice in a variety of genres (for example, literary prose, poetry, essay, narration) and domains (e.g., legal, medical, business). May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly SPN 6083.) Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

TIS 5133. Theory and Practice of Interpreting. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A survey of approaches to the practice and theory of interpreting with practice in a variety of modalities (simultaneous, consecutive, sight translation) and domains (e.g., legal, medical, conferences). May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly SPN 6083.) Course Fee: GL01 $90; STLF $18.48.

TIS 5973. Topics in Translation and Interpreting Studies. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

A seminar in advanced and specialized topics in translation and interpreting studies. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

TIS 5983. Independent Study in Translation or Interpreting. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission in writing (form available) from the instructor or the Graduate Advisor of Record of the Graduate Certificate in Translation and Interpreting Studies. Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. For students needing specialized work not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 hours, regardless of discipline, will apply. Course Fee: GL01 $90; MM01 $7; STLF $18.48.

TIS 6013. Practicum in Translation or Interpreting. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: TIS 5043 or TIS 5123 or faculty approval. Students will take this course during their last semester of enrollment in the Certificate Program. In consultation with the instructor, they will select an area of interest and define a task within that area. Project translation work will normally be exclusively into the student’s dominant language. (Formerly FL 6013.) Course Fees: GL01 $90; MM01 $7.

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