Overview
Spanish AA degree available fully online!
In today’s growing global economy and in the interconnected world community, language skills are in more demand than ever. A second language can open many doors in both your personal and professional life. Whether you’re seeking employment in a specific field such as government, international business, healthcare, law enforcement, or interpreting, or simply looking to make more personal connections with family and friends, the acquisition of a second language can be a great benefit. The Associate of Arts degree in Spanish at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) will help you accomplish your goals and can set you on the path to a bilingual and bicultural education.
Students in this program will complete the general education requirements of all Idaho public universities and begin specialization in the Spanish language and culture. The program is designed to result in an Associate of Arts degree in Spanish. Students will have a strong foundation in basic language skills and be prepared to transfer to another institution with the goal of achieving a bachelor’s degree.
Mission
Our mission is to provide students with a multi-cultural language learning experience that will broaden their perception of the world and their place in it. We believe the study of Spanish provides skills for communicating and connecting in today’s global community, deepens cultural awareness and empathy, and inspires lifelong learning essential to personal and professional success.
Why This Program
The Spanish program is designed to help students to communicate in a second language in meaningful real world contexts. It offers a chance to develop cultural awareness and to connect with other disciplines through the second language. Students will have the opportunity to apply language skills and to continue developing these skills for personal enrichment.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Develop language skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and be able to communicate effectively at the intermediate level
- Explain their own cultural perspective and make meaningful comparisons between it and other cultural perspectives
- Conduct research in the target language at the intermediate level
- Use critical thinking skills to compare the similarities and differences between the languages and cultures
Additional Opportunities
Semana Cultural
Each year in early October, College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrates Hispanic Heritage with Semana Cultural. As part of the National Hispanic Heritage month, Semana Cultural showcases the diversity of Latin American countries that are represented here in Idaho and recognizes the contributions made by Latinos in America. The activities at CWI highlight and celebrate the history, heritage, and culture through a series of on-campus events.
Activities include debates, speakers, documentaries, and educational opportunities for the community and students at the CWI Nampa Campus Academic Building. CWI kicks off the weeklong celebration with the Fiesta Cultural, which offers the community a chance to experience, engage, learn, and have fun attending a multi-cultural event. Numerous cultures are represented in music, dancing, games, art, food, and demonstrations.
Capstone and Connections Project
Graduates of CWI’s Spanish Program finish their degree with the Capstone Course. In this course, they select and explore an issue relevant for them and the Spanish-speaking community. In the past, students have worked in the community in the areas of education, law, and medicine. By researching, creating a community service project, and writing a paper based on their experience, students gain knowledge and a foundation for advancing their education and professional development. They then share their final work through a presentation at CWI’s Connections Project each spring.
Respectful Community
The College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs
Each year, students in Janel Holt's Elementary Spanish class celebrate the Mexican tradition of Día de los Muertos, or known as Day of the Dead.
Students look at how another country approaches death and the loss of loved ones by participating in Dia de los Muertos activities.
Amy Vassar has been named College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for August 2018.