Studying at the Department of Spanish
The principal aim of the studies at the Department of Spanish is enabling the student to work as a teacher or translator of Spanish as well as in a great variety of other positions requiring the training of a language specialist. Therefore MA level studies insert themselves in one of the three degree programmes offered by the School of Languages and Translation Studies: Language Specialist, Language Learning and Teaching and Multilingual Translation.
Basic and intermediate studies leading to a BA are common for all students of Spanish. During these the goal is to acquire excellent oral and written skills of Spanish, theoretical knowledge of the structure of the language and its diversity as well as basic knowledge of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. This knowledge is deepened at the MA level.
Besides lectures and independent work, most courses consist of a practical part, for example, in a network environment. Completing studies successfully requires active participation in contact teaching and lecturers inform the students at the beginning of each course of how many absences are permitted. Teaching is grounded in research, and we aim at involving students from as early a stage as possible.
A crucial role is played by exchange studies, in the first place within the framework of the exchange programmes of the University of Turku, as well as internships, for instance at the Department of Spanish or with partner organizations.
The emphasis of our department lies in the contexts of use of modern Spanish and we train competent language professionals. The training offered at our department and individual study-related choices (see minors) enable our students to graduate to embrace their dream job but also to pursue lifelong learning.