Program Overview

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Spanish Proficiency Certificate

Program Overview

The Spanish Proficiency Certificate focuses on improving language communication skills and cultural understanding. Participants will be ready to actively engage in linguistically diverse communities as well as the workforce by attaining language proficiency in another language besides English.

Our courses develop language skills, enhance cultural awareness, and provide hands-on experience in the field using the language selected for the certificate. These classes and experiences challenge students to communicate in the language while at the same time increasing their appreciation for cultural differences. Such skills will allow students to gain a better understanding of their linguistically and culturally diverse community and workplace. In this way, students will broaden their own social and cultural perspectives as well as develop highly sought out skills in a globalized workforce.

Earn Digital Badges

• Basic Language
• Conversational Language
• Practical Language
• Language Certificate (upon certificate requirements completion)

Program Details

Students earning the Spanish Proficiency Certificate can attend full or part-time.

University Transfer classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:

• Madison - Truax
• Madison - Goodman South Campus
• Reedsburg
• Portage
• Fort Atkinson
• Watertown

Your Advantages at Madison College

• Use the Spanish Proficiency Certificate credits to transfer to other colleges and universities. Many universities strongly encourage applicants to finish their language requirements prior to transferring.
• Use the Spanish Proficiency Certificate credits as electives to earn a University Transfer Associate Degree since it incorporates courses from several disciplines.
• Apply for employment in industries that require language competency in other languages in addition to English.

Curriculum and Experience

Language Requirement

Completion of two courses in Spanish (at the Spanish 3 or higher level) is required. At least 3 credits must be enrolled in at Madison College.

• Spanish 3 (4 credits)
• Spanish 4 (4 credits)
• Spanish 5 (3 credits)
• Spanish 6 (3 credits)

Practicum Requirement

Completion of both practicum courses is required.

• Intercultural Experience Practicum 1 (1 credit)
• Intercultural Experience Practicum 2 (1 credit)

Additional Course Requirement

Completion of at least one of the listed courses is required.

• Introduction to Diversity Studies (3 credits)
• World Indigenous Literatures (3 credits)
• Ethnic Literature (3 credits)
• Native American Literature (3 credits)
• U.S. Latino Literature (3 credits)
• World Issues Journalism (3 credits)
• Renaissance, Reformation, and Revolution (3 credits)
• Europe and Modern World (3 credits)
• Immigrants in U.S. History (3 credits)
• World In 20th Century (3 credits)
• Gender and Women's History in Cultural Representations (3 credits)
• Gender and Women's Global History (3 credits)
• US Latino History (3 credits)
• World Music (3 credits)
• International Economics (3 credits)
• International Relations (3 credits)
• Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. (3 credits)
• International Perspectives on Gender and Women (3 credits)
• East/West World View (3 credits)
• Cultural Anthropology & Human Diversity (3 credits)
• Anthropology of Myth, Magic, and Religion (3 credits)
• Cultural Diversity in Contemporary American Theater (3 credits)
• History Of World Cinema (3 credits)
• Art History: Renaissance to Modern (3 credits)

Honors courses may be available. See the certificate advisor for details.

Oral Competency Assessment Requirement

Completion of the World Language Oral Assessment with a minimum score of 6 within the last three years is required.

Admission

Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to a resume.

Admission Requirements

All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

• Successful completion (C or better) of two years high school Spanish
• Successful completion (C or better) of two semesters college Spanish

Additional Notes

• Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
• Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
• Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application

Career Outcomes

After completing the Spanish Proficiency Certificate at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:

• Develop language skills through hands-on experience in your field of interest or through volunteer opportunities using the language selected.
• Develop and demonstrate high-level communicative proficiency (orally and in writing) equivalent to ACTFL Intermediate High and above in the target language
• Interact in the language in an effective and precise manner
• Network in the community and in the workplace with a better understanding of and appreciation for cultural differences
• Interpret, value and promote cultural traditions of the target language speakers
• Demonstrate awareness of regional differences among native language speakers while at the same time acknowledging individual differences
• Recognize own culture, language and social norms as part of a global culture
• Develop Madison College core abilities such as communication, critical thinking, global and cultural perspectives, self-management and social interaction to be ready for the workforce.

Related Programs

• French Language
• University Transfer - Arts and Humanities
• Interdisciplinary Global Studies