The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in the order in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in a semester, you should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below. Some courses have been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” . Should you need (or want) to take classes in the summer and/or winter intersessions, the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed schedule of the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate Degree”. If you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only required to take the courses marked “Program Requirement” .
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer) require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” , be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
The Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T) prepares students to interact with the Spanish-speaking world by providing them with a foundation in the language, history, arts, culture, and literatures of the different countries that comprise it. As students complete this program, they acquire knowledge and skills that are applicable to diverse areas of study in the liberal arts as well as preparation for various professions that provide services or products for Spanish-speakers.
Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Spanish for Transfer (AA-T), students will have a strong academic foundation in the field and be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study. Completion of the degree indicates that the student will have satisfied the lower division requirements for transfer into Spanish or similar majors for many campuses in the California State University system.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the ability to speak, understand, read, and write the Spanish language. As evidenced by written and oral communications students will demonstrate a general understanding of the diverse cultures of Spanish-speaking countries as well as Spanish and Latin American civilizations from ancient times to the modern era. In addition, students will demonstrate critical thinking abilities by examining issues that pertain to the diverse manifestations of Spanish language and culture throughout the world.
Icon Key
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Gateway Course
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Program Requirement
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General Education
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Appropriate for Intersession
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Available Online
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Global Citizenship
NOTE: This transfer and/or degree program may also be completed using CSU General Education (instead of IGETC). You should meet with a counselor to discuss which general education pattern is most appropriate based on your goal(s).
Semester 1
15-16 Units
This course is a continuation of Spanish 1. This course stresses basic vocabulary and fundamental sentence structure in the past and future indicative tenses and the subjunctive mood. The course develops basic aural and reading comprehension. Students hold simple conversations and write short compositions in the past and future. They read simple texts and further study Spanish and Latin American culture.
- Advisory: SPAN 1
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course is designed for students who speak Spanish at home and who need to improve their vocabulary and knowledge of the grammar as well as their spelling, writing skills, and reading comprehension. Formal aspects of the language will be stressed including: spelling, punctuation, and accentuation. In addition, there is a focus on formal writing and the writing process. Reading, reading strategies and comprehension as well as basic literary analysis are stressed. This course is taught in Spanish except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This is a terminal mathematics course for liberal arts and social science majors. Topics include sets and counting, probability, linear systems, linear programming, statistics, and mathematics of finance, with emphasis on applications.
- Prerequisite: MATH 18 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This course covers concepts and procedures of descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory and inferential statistics. Course content includes: summarizing data; computation and interpretation of descriptive statistics;; classical probability theory; probability distributions; binomial, normal, T, Chi-square and F distributions; making inferences; decisions and predictions. This course develops, analyzes, and interprets confidence intervals for population parameters, hypothesis testing for both one and two populations, correlation and regression, ANOVA, and test for independence. This course develops statistical thinking through the study of applications in variety of disciplines. The use of a statistical/graphing calculator and/or statistical analysis software is integrated into the course.
- Prerequisite: MATH 20 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 18 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 49 or
- Prerequisite: MATH 50
- 2A: Mathematic
- B4 - Mathematics/Quantitative Thinking
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
This class is designed for students who are either undecided about their educational or career goals, validating their decisions, or seeking to transition into a new career. Students are guided through a process that focuses on their individual interests, skills, personality and values to aid in the selection of a major, determine a career direction and develop career goals. Students will relate their self-assessment information to possible college major and career choices. Decision-making models and goal setting techniques are examined and will be used to develop short and long term education and career plans.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
required for CSU; elective for UC
See the full list: IGETC Area 1C Course
Semester 2
14 Units
This course is taught through thematic units in Spanish on a variety of current and cultural topics. In addition, this course reviews Spanish grammar, emphasizing idiomatic constructions and expressions. Emphasis is also placed on the use of learned structures in compositions. Reading skills and basic literary analysis are developed using selected readings from Spanish and Spanish-American literature.
- Advisory: SPAN 2
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This is the second semester of an accelerated sequence of two designed for students whose native language is Spanish but have had little academic training in the language. In addition to a review of tenses from Spanish 11 and continued study of accent rules and orthography, the second semester will focus on advanced grammar concepts including subjunctive tenses (simple and compound) and the sequence of tenses. Composition skills taught in Spanish 11 will be strengthened in Spanish 12. There will also be a focus on reading strategies and vocabulary building. This course is taught in Spanish except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Advisory: SPAN 11
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
IGETC Area 4 Course 3 units
IGETC Area 3A Course 3 units
Semester 3
16 Units
This course is taught through thematic units in Spanish on a variety of current and cultural topics. This course provides an in-depth review of Spanish grammar, idioms, and vocabulary. Developing a more sophisticated and structurally advanced writing style is also emphasized. Reading comprehension and literary analysis are developed using selected readings from Spanish and Spanish-American literature. This course is taught in Spanish except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: SPAN 3
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
CSULB requires two levels of 2nd language
IGETC Area 7 Course 3 units
Semester 4
15-17 Units
SPAN 20 recommended
See the full list: Required Elective Course from "Program Electives" list below
This course provides an opportunity to acquire intermediate fluency in spoken Spanish with emphasis on natural, colloquial usage. This course is taught in Spanish except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Prerequisite: SPAN 2
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
Transferable Elective Course 3 units
2nd Language Level 2 Course 5 units
IGETC Area 5C Course 4 units
IGETC Area 4 Course 3 units
Program Electives
3 Units
Spanish Literature and Culture Advanced Placement (AP) Exam score of 3 or higher. 5 units
Techniques for effective interpersonal communication are studied with emphasis on developing awareness of one's own actions and their impact on relationships. Verbal and nonverbal communication styles are analyzed and practiced in one-to-one and small group situations. Lecture, discussion, and class participation are utilized to demonstrate a variety of skills including listening conflict resolution, and the effective use of language in personal and professional interactions. In addition, exercises in body language, role playing, and self-disclosure and positive/negative thinking help students understand the power of the communication process.
- 4G: Interdisciplinary, Social & Behavioral Sciences
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
This advanced writing course is intended especially for English majors and other students desiring to develop rhetorical skills beyond those practiced in English 1. It stresses critical analysis and argument, and focuses on style in effectively communicating with various audiences.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
- Area III: Humanities
This course explores works by Latino-American writers living in the United States. Through critical engagement with works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and film, students will develop close reading and analytical writing skills that promote appreciation and critical understanding of the cultural, historical, and aesthetic qualities of this portion of the American literary tradition.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- F - Ethnic Studies
- Area III: Humanities
This course surveys 20th Century Latin-American literature. The poetry section begins with Dario and modernismo (1888-1910), postmodernismo (1910-1918) and vanguardismo (1918-1938): Neruda, Vallejo, Huidobro, Mistral, and Paz, among others, and concludes with postvanguardismo: Afro-Caribbean and other post-war poetic currents. Prose fiction will begin with realiismo or criollismo (1880s-1930s), but will focus on the post-1940s, when Latin-American prose begins to enjoy international renown: Borges, Carpentier and Asturias, precursors to the "boom," then Fuentes, Sabato, Vargas Llosa, Donoso, Cortazar, and Garcia Marquez, whose works popularized "magic realism." The course will conclude with contemporary writers, such as Cabrera Infante, Allende, and Puig.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
This course surveys Mexican literature. It deals with pre-Columbian Aztec and Mayan writing, poetry from the colonial and independence periods, and nineteenth century romanticism, but will emphasize twentieth century literature as it evolves through Modernismo (1888-1912), Poshnodemismo (1912-1918), and Postvanguardismo (1940s and 1970s): Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz, Nervo, Velarde, Reyes, Pellicer, Paz, Castellanos, Sabines, and Pacheco among other poets. The prose fiction section will begin with Azuela's 1915 novel of the revolution, but will focus on post-1940s writers: Rulfo, Arreola, Fuentes, and Paz. Contemporary poets and writers (1970's-present) will complete the course.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
This course introduces the students to basic vocabulary and fundamental sentence structures in the present and past. Pronunciation, grammar and everyday vocabulary are stressed as indispensable tools for comprehension and expression. French customs, culture and everyday life are also highlighted. The course is taught in French except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course completes the basics of the language further stressing pronunciation, grammar and everyday vocabulary as indispensable tools for comprehension. It also includes simplified readings highlighting French customs, culture, and everyday life. This course is taught in French except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: FRENCH 1
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course reviews French grammar emphasizing idiomatic construction and expressions. Discussions are based on selected readings from contemporary French literature.The course is taught in French except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: FRENCH 2
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course continues the review of functional French grammar with emphasis upon idiomatic constructions and expressions. Discussions are based on selected readings from contemporary French literature. This course is taught in French except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: FRENCH 3
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course surveys the history of Latin America, from its pre-Columbian origins to the end of the colonial period in the early nineteenth century. Using a thematic and chronological approach, it addresses the initial encounters between pre-Columbians, Iberians, and West Africans; the subsequent development of Iberian political, economic, social, and cultural colonialism; and the movements for political change.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- D6 - History
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
This course surveys modern Latin American history from independence to the present. Using a thematic and chronological approach, it addresses post-colonial developments in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, including such topics as the social and cultural challenges of nation-building and economic growth through periods of political conflict to contemporary globalization.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- D6 - History
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course surveys Mexican history from pre-Columbian civilizations to the present. It addresses such major political, economic, social, and cultural developments as the Spanish conquest and colonial era; nineteenth-century struggles for independence; and political and economic transitions of the twentieth- and twenty-first centuries.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- D6 - History
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
This course provides a comparative historical survey of the political, cultural, social, and economic experiences of Latinos/as in the United States, concentrating on major demographic groups. Topics include migration and immigrant settlement, economic integration, and the formation of group identities among and politicization of Chicanos, Central Americans, and Cuban, Puerto Rican, and other Caribbean Americans.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 4C: Ethnic Studies
- 4F: History
- D3 - Ethnic Studies
- D6 - History
- F - Ethnic Studies
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
This course surveys the history of the US Southwest from Native-American settlement through the periods of foreign colonization and conquest to contemporary times. Focusing primarily on Mexican Americans in this border region and, more currently, throughout the nation, the course pays particular attention to the development of internal and external definitions of freedom and equality and to the influence of Mexican Americans on the social, economic, political, and cultural development of America.
- Skills Advisory: Eligibility for English 1
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- D6 - History
- F - Ethnic Studies
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
This course presents an overview of historians’ methods of research, critical analysis, and written argumentation and introduces historiography and historical theory. Students will apply these methods through a variety of written assignments, including a properly-documented academic research paper. This course’s research component will further students’ information competency skills.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 4F: History
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- D6 - History
- Area II-B: Social Science (Group B)
- Area III: Humanities
- Area IV-B: Language and Rationality (Group B) Option 1
Using the communicative approach, this course stresses the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, practical vocabulary, useful phrases, and the ability to understand, speak, read, and write simple Italian. Using fundamental sentence structures in the present and past tenses, students practice speaking and holding simple conversations in class and writing compositions. Lectures and discussions are included covering geography, customs and culture in Italy. The course is conducted in Italian except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course is a continuation of Italian 1 and completes the elementary grammar. The course stresses the fundamentals of pronunciation, grammar, practical vocabulary, useful phrases, and the ability to understand, speak, read, and write simple Italian. Using fundamental sentence structures in the present and past tenses, students practice speaking and holding simple conversations in class and writing compositions. The course includes the reading of simplified texts with emphasis on oral expression and further study of Italian history and culture. The course is conducted in Italian, except in the case of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: ITAL 1
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course is a review of Italian grammar with special emphasis on idiomatic constructions and expressions. It includes the study and reading, in and out of class, of selected passages from Italian literature. Basic literary analysis and vocabulary building are developed using the selected readings. Emphasis is also placed on the use of learned structures in compositions. This course is conducted in Italian except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: ITAL 2
- 3B: Humanities
- 6A: Languages other than English (UC Requirement Only)
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course provides basic training in the use of television equipment and facilities; camera operations; audio and video control; lighting; graphics; editing; portable video, and audio production techniques.
This course provides an opportunity to acquire intermediate fluency in spoken Spanish with emphasis on natural, colloquial usage. This course is taught in Spanish except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Prerequisite: SPAN 2
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
This course traces the development of Spanish culture from prehistoric times to the present. It explores the geography, history, literature, music, art, and the customs of the major cultural and linguistic regions of Spain. The course will be taught in Spanish except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
- Skills Advisory: SPAN 3
- 3B: Humanities
- C2 - Humanities
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This course introduces students to the development of Latin American culture from pre-Columbian times to the present. It will explore history, literature, art music, geography, archeology, culture, customs and traditions of Spanish America. This course will be taught in Spanish.
- Prerequisite: SPAN 3
- 3B: Humanities
- 4C: Ethnic Studies
- C2 - Humanities
- D7 - Interdisciplinary Social and Behavioral Science
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship