Spanish, BA—Translation and Interpretation Specialization


Become fluent in Spanish and gain the skills needed for translating and interpreting with the Translation and Interpretation Specialization of our Spanish BA program.

Develop the skills needed to bridge language barriers and strengthen cultural understanding with a specialization that focuses on both translation and interpretation, helping you improve your language proficiency and cultural awareness. Through four dedicated courses, you will learn the theory behind translation and interpretation while gaining hands-on experience through real-world activities in the Ellensburg community and on the CWU campus. You will build a strong vocabulary and prepare to make a meaningful impact as a skilled translator or interpreter in your community.  

Communication Critical Thinking Cultural Competence

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World Languages and Cultures

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What You'll Study

Academic Catalog | World Languages and Cultures Website

 

Core Courses


Second-year Spanish

  • SPAN 251 - Second-year Spanish
  • SPAN 252 - Second-year Spanish
  • SPAN 253 - Second-year Spanish 

OR 

Spanish for Heritage Speakers 

  • SPAN 261 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers
  • SPAN 262 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers
  • SPAN 263 - Spanish for Heritage Speakers III 

Literature and Cultures

  • SPAN 301 - Introduction to Spanish and Latin American Literature
  • SPAN 310 - Hispanic Civilizations and Cultures

Composition and Conversation Credits: 5 

  • SPAN 341 - Spanish Composition and Conversation 
  • OR  SPAN 345 - Composition and Conversation for Heritage Speakers I 

Culminating Experience Credits: 2 

  • WLC 487 - Culminating Experience

 

Translation and Interpretation Specialization 


Required Courses

  • SPAN 442 - Spanish Translation and Interpretation
  • SPAN 443 - Advanced Spanish Translation 
  • SPAN 454 - Medical and Legal Spanish for Translators and Interpreters 
  • SPAN 492 - Practicum in Spanish Translation and Interpretation
  • OR  WL 490 - Cooperative Education

Cultural Competency 

  • LLAS 301 - Urban Society in Latin America 
  • LLAS 302 - Chicana/Latina Feminist Voices in the U.S.
  • LLAS 388 - Mexican Cultural Studies 
  • SPAN 347 - Exploring the Land of Magic Realism: A Virtual Voyage Through Colombian History and Culture
  • AND  WLC 347 - Study Abroad 
  • WLC 427 - Cross-Cultural Competence in a Globalized World

 

Engaging Classes

The Spanish program at CWU offers a comprehensive curriculum that explores Spanish literature, history, and societal nuances. Dive into these subjects through engaging classes, guided by experienced faculty who make learning both challenging and exciting.

Commitment to Language Proficiency

We place a strong emphasis on developing fluency in Spanish. You'll enhance your communication skills to ensure you can speak, read, write, and understand Spanish effectively.

Urban Society in Latin America

Explore the exciting world of Latin American cities in this course and see how they have changed from colonial times to today. See how different social classes influenced attitudes and how global trends shape life as we know it.

Community Events

Get to know your peers in other language programs through events like International Karaoke Night, Lunar New Year celebrations, and Global Halloween movie nights.

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Financial Aid

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Student Life

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Visit

The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself. 

500+

Visitors

Every year, visitors join us at CWU for World Languages Day, our department's premier event.

Flexible

Options

All programs include online class options and study abroad opportunities in many countries.

Financial

Aid

The department of World Languages and Cultures has scholarships available to help students with their language studies and cultural exploration.

Why Study Spanish at Central?


Explore Spanish literature, culture, and history, enhancing your understanding of the language's nuances and providing a rich context for your translation and interpretation work. 

Develop your language skills to professional levels, enabling you to navigate the complexities of cross-cultural communication and bridge cultural gaps effectively. 

Prepare for a career in Translation and Interpretation with comprehensive training for the Washington State Translation and Interpretation Certification exam, equipping you with the credentials needed to excel in the field. 

Successful Fields


Translation and Interpretation

International Relations

Localization and Language Services

Government and Diplomatic Services

Legal and Medical Translation