Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Spanish and Hispanic Studies is available as a major and a minor on the BA degree.
Placement
Students have several options for finding the appropriate level to start their language studies at TCU. Various means of determining proper placement, as well as obtaining credit for previous language study, are outlined below.
- To determine proper placement level, students should consult the level descriptions on the department's website and take the CAPE examination. Details concerning the CAPE placement exam are provided to incoming students prior to orientation and registration. To access, click on the CAPE (link) which will lead you to a page where you will register and create an account to gain access to the exam.
- Students with academic or life experience in a foreign language are urged to enroll at a level appropriate to their skills. As an incentive for students to enroll at their actual level of ability, TCU offers the opportunity to earn advanced placement credits through one of two ways:
- By means of exams administered by the College Board (AP or CLEP).
Suggested placement for students with AP credit is as follows:
| AP |
TCU Equivalent |
Credit |
Placement |
| 3 |
10103, 10203 |
6 hr |
20103 |
| 4 |
10103, 10203, 20103, 20203 |
12 hr |
30503, 30603, 31703
|
| 5 |
10103, 10203, 20103, 20203 |
12 hr |
30503, 30603, 31703
|
- By entering at an appropriate level in accordance with the guidelines provided below. (For details, please consult the department web site at www.Span.tcu.edu . Whenever uncertain, students should consult with an adviser in the Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies.)
SPAN 10103: for students who have never studied Spanish.
SPAN 10203: for students who have minimal formal study and very limited knowledge of Spanish grammar and culture.
SPAN 20103: for students who know basic Spanish grammar and need to learn more complex structures and practice writing.
This is also the entry point into the Spanish major.
SPAN 20203: for students who have a good grasp of Spanish grammar but are not quite ready for advanced language courses.
SPAN 30503, SPAN 30603, or SPAN 31703 (for Heritage Speakers): for students who are ready to begin at an advanced level. This is also the entry point into the Spanish major.
Earning Advanced Placement Credits According to Entrance Level
Students whose first foreign language class at TCU is beyond the first-semester level may earn additional language credit (if credit has not already been awarded for transfer, CLEP or AP work) as follows:
- If the first foreign language class is at the second-semester level (SPAN 10203) and a grade of "B-" or higher is earned, 3 semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first-semester course. That is, the student will earn 6 hours of credits for taking a 3-credit course.
- If the first foreign language class is at the third-semester level (SPAN 20103) and a grade of "B-" or higher is earned, 6 semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first- and second-semester courses. That is, the student will earn 9 hours of credits for taking a 3-credit course.
- If the first foreign language class is at the fourth-semester level (SPAN 20203) and a grade of "B-" or higher is earned, 9 semester hours credit will also be awarded for the first-, second- and third-semester courses. That is, the student will earn 12 hours of credits for taking a 3-credit course.
- If the first foreign language class is above SPAN 20203 and a grade of "B-" or higher is earned, 9 semester hours credit will also be awarded for the second-, third- and fourth-semester courses. That is, the student will earn 12 hours of credits for taking a 3-credit course.
Notes: Spanish for Beginners 1 is designed and reserved for students with no previous study of the language.
Students entering the program at a certain level may not receive credit for coursework taken below that level.
Sigma Delta Pi Honor Society
The department annually recognizes its outstanding students by inviting them to join Sigma Delta Pi, the national honor society for Spanish scholars.