Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Heritage Spanish Program (SPA 31, 32, 33)
Who is a Heritage Speaker of Spanish?
Heritage students comprise a broad range of experiences and levels of competency in Spanish. Some were born in a Spanish-speaking country (i.e., Mexico, El Salvador, etc.) but then moved to an English-speaking community (i.e., USA). Some others were raised in a Spanish-speaking household but received their formal education in English. You are considered a Spanish Heritage Speaker if you have a personal, familial, or community connection to the Spanish language although the majority of your formal education has been in English.
Why are Heritage Spanish courses beneficial?
SPA 31, 32, and 33 offer heritage students benefits such as:
- Practice both oral and written language skills in an academic setting
- Connect with peer tutors who are also heritage speakers
- Meet students with similar interests and experiences
- Gain awareness and understanding of the Spanish-speaking communities in the US, their language practices, history, current events, etc.
- Fulfil GE credit: AH, OL, WC, WE
- Increase internship opportunities
- Increase career opportunities
Who are the Program instructors?
The instructors in the series are a team of dedicated graduate students in the Spanish department with a commitment to serve the growing Chicanx/Latinx population at the university. In addition to their ample teaching experience, they participate in a quarter-long seminar and yearly workshops that specifically address the needs of native speakers.
The instructors’ work is supported outside the class by the tutors, students that recently completed the series who lead the Heritage Spanish Writing Center serving as peer mentors. Tutors offer writing tutoring during weekly one-on-one meetings as well as encouragement to the students in the Program.
Who is the Program Director?
The director of the program is Dr. Agustina Carando, a professor of Spanish linguistics whose expertise is the Spanish of the United States and is dedicated to serving bilingual students and teachers.
Is there a placement test?
There is no formal placement test. If you are heritage speaker, you are welcome to register for SPA 31, 32, 33. If you would like to determine whether you are eligible to test out, please contact the Davis Language Center for an assessment.
Who do I contact if I want to major or minor in Spanish?
After completion of SPA 31, 32, and 33 you might want to major or minor in Spanish. If so, do not hesitate to contact our undergraduate advisor/coordinator, Zitlalic Zarate (zmmariscalzarate@ucdavis.edu).