Linguistics Program
Linguistics Program

Graduate Certificate in Hispanic Linguistics

Graduate Certificate in Hispanic Linguistics

Description of Certificate

The purpose of the proposed Graduate Certificate in Hispanic Linguistics is to equip students with specific background, education, and tools in the study and teaching of the Spanish language. Spanish is the most widely studied world language in the United States. Students will learn the historical development of the Spanish language, along with linguistic theory and analysis. The program will educate students in teaching methodologies and practices for Spanish language instruction. Graduates will be able to conduct Spanish language analysis.

Target Audience

The target audience is degree-seeking master’s and doctoral students in the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia.

Time to Complete

The proposed certificate program will only be available to degree-seeking master’s and doctoral students in the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students enrolled in the certificate program will complete it in tandem with their graduate or doctoral degree. The length of time to complete will be based on scheduling within their degree program. Students may complete the certificate in one year (two semesters) or five years (ten semesters). All certificate course requirements must be completed within the time it takes to complete the graduate or doctoral degree in which the student is enrolled.

Admission

All students must apply to the certificate program. The following admission requirements will apply to all applicants:

• Enrollment in a graduate or doctoral degree program in the UVA College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences;

• Spanish competency (listening, reading, speaking and writing) is required.

• Preliminary consultation with the Director of the Linguistics program or the student’s advisor in the graduate Spanish program, who are responsible for meeting with the student to discuss their interest in the program, to determine the student’s Spanish language competency, and to discuss how the certificate would complement their plan of study.

• UVA graduate-level transcript showing the student is in good standing; and

• Intention form illustrating their time plan for completing the required certificate coursework in tandem with their degree program.2

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge in linguistics education and analysis. Core coursework will provide specific background and training in the historical development of the Spanish language. Students will learn to analyze language as a system. Coursework will educate students in practical principles and skills for teaching a second language.

The experiential requirement will allow students to further develop the skills learned in the coursework. Students will gain experience in creating and assessing lesson plans for undergraduate Spanish language courses.

Program Requirements

Core Courses: 9 credit hours

Students will complete each of the following courses.

Restricted Electives: 3 credit hours

Students will complete one course from the following list of courses.