Spanish

Widely used around the world, Spanish has become the second-most-spoken language in the United States, touching all facets of our culture from media to education to business.

The Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers you a hands-on Spanish major and minor that include immersive study abroad programs, our nationally-recognized Service Learning course, and internships both in the U.S. and abroad. You’ll obtain the experiences necessary to improve language fluency while expanding your understanding of cultures different from your own.

Join us and take advantage of:

  • Access to Central Indiana’s rich Latino community, in which students interact in social and service learning capacities
  • Opportunities for students to serve as Spanish-speaking teacher aides in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) classrooms
  • Immersive study abroad, including faculty-led programs to Alcalá de Henares, Spain (one semester, offered every fall) and Costa Rica (three-week summer intensive)
  • Internships both in the U.S. and abroad
  • Our active, on-campus Latinos Unidos student group
  • Classes led by internationally recognized and published faculty hailing from countries around the world, including Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Italy, Panama, El Salvador, Senegal, Serbia, and Spain
  • Use of Butler’s student Modern Language Center (MLC) and its wealth of movies, technology, tutoring, and lounge areas
  • The option to complete the degree in three years

Browse our course offerings.

Financial Support

Please read through these lists of numerous Prestigious Scholarship Opportunities (scroll down to “language study”), as well as study abroad scholarships (CIEE and IFSA-Butler) and travel grants.

Check out the annual Liberal Arts and Sciences $1,000 essay contest (typically due by January), the annual John Weidner Endowed Scholarship for Altruism (typically due by March), and the annual Corrine Welling Scholarship (typically due by April).

For international students, here’s some advice and information on Scholarships and Grants set aside specifically for you.

If you encounter a short-term, unforeseen financial hardship or immediate expense that’s impacting your academic success, please read about the Butler Emergency Assistance Fund.

Spanish Major and Minor (two pager)(PDF)

Overview

The Spanish major consists of a minimum 33 credits.

At least 24 of these credits must be at the 300 level or above.

At least two courses must be at the 400 level.

And for those student entering Fall 2018 onward, at least 18 credits must be from SP 325–499.

Students who major in Spanish normally include study abroad in their programs.

For Core Curriculum requirements, please visit the Core Curriculum website.​

Skills Courses

One of the following:

  • SP 300, Spanish Grammar in Context (3)
  • SP 305, Spanish for Oral Communication (Speaking Across the Curriculum when designated) (3)
  • SP 315, Spanish for Business (3)
  • SP 320S, Service Learning in Spanish (Indianapolis Community Requirement; Writing Across the Curriculum when designated) (3)
  • SP 322, Spanish-English Translation

Culture/Literature Courses

At least two of the following:

  • SP 330, Themes in Hispanic Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 335, Spain: Middle Ages to 1700 (3)
  • SP 340, Spain: 1700 to the Present (3)
  • SP 345, Analysis of Literary Genres (3)
  • SP 350, Spanish American Culture (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean) (3)
  • SP 355, Spanish American Culture (Southern Cone, Andean countries) (3)
  • SP 360, Hispanic Film (3)
  • SP 365, Hispanic Short Story (3)
  • SP 370, Topics: Contemporary Hispanic Societies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 420, Topics: Golden Age of Spain (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 430, Topics: 18th and 19th Century Spain (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 440, Topics: Contemporary Spanish Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 450, Topics: Spanish-American Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 460, Topics: 20th Century Spanish-American Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 470, Hispanic Culture in the United States (3)
  • SP 490, Seminar (may be repeated with different topics) (3)

Linguistics Courses

At least one of the following:

  • SP 325, Intro to Hispanic Linguistics (3)
  • SP 375, Spanish Pronunciation (3)
  • SP 380, Structure of Spanish (3)
  • SP 385, Intro to Varieties of Spanish (3)
  • SP 405, Spanish Sociolinguistics (3)
  • SP 415, Spanish in the USA (3)
  • SP 425, Phonetics of the Spanish Language (3)
  • SP 435, Spanish Dialectology (3)
  • SP 445, Topics in Hispanic Linguistics (3)
  • SP 455, Spanish 2nd Language Acquisition (3)
  • SP 465, Bilingualism in Hispanic World (3)
  • SP 485, History of the Spanish Language (3)

Additional MLLC Courses

  • FL 390, Spanish-focused Seminar (in English; counts toward Spanish major only, not minor; may only be counted once) (3)
  • SP 401, Internship in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (1)
  • SP 402, Internship in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (2)
  • SP 403, Internship in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (3)
  • SP 410, Topics: Communication Skills in Spanish (3)
  • SP 499, Honors in Thesis in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (3)
  • FL 499, Keystone (in English; strongly encouraged for all senior majors and minors) (1)

Medical Spanish Courses

Please see drop-down below.

NOTE: Requirements for incoming students may not reflect the degree requirements of current students.

Current students are encouraged to consult their academic advisement report in my.butler.edu to see their individual requirements and progress toward program completion. However, students are welcome to consult the Modern Languages department chair, who determines program completion confirmation.

Spanish Major and Minor (two pager) (PDF)

Overview

The Spanish minor consists of a minimum 21 hours.

At least 12 of these hours must be at the 300 level or above.

At least one course must be from SP 325–499 (i.e., Culture/Literature or Linguistics).

Students who minor in Spanish normally include study abroad in their programs.

Skills Courses

  • SP 300, Spanish Grammar in Context (3)
  • SP 305, Spanish for Oral Communication (Speaking Across the Curriculum when designated) (3)
  • SP 315, Spanish for Business (3)
  • SP 320S, Service Learning in Spanish (Indianapolis Community Requirement; Writing Across the Curriculum when designated) (3)
  • SP 322, Spanish-English Translation

Culture/Literature Courses

  • SP 330, Themes in Hispanic Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 335, Spain: Middle Ages to 1700 (3)
  • SP 340, Spain: 1700 to the Present (3)
  • SP 345, Analysis of Literary Genres (3)
  • SP 350, Spanish American Culture (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean) (3)
  • SP 355, Spanish American Culture (Southern Cone, Andean countries) (3)
  • SP 360, Hispanic Film (3)
  • SP 365, Hispanic Short Story (3)
  • SP 370, Topics: Contemporary Hispanic Societies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 420, Topics: Golden Age of Spain (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 430, Topics: 18th and 19th Century Spain (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 440, Topics: Contemporary Spanish Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 450, Topics: Spanish-American Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 460, Topics: 20th Century Spanish-American Studies (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 470, Hispanic Culture in the United States (3)
  • SP 490, Seminar (may be repeated with different topics) (3)

Linguistics Courses

  • SP 325, Intro to Hispanic Linguistics (3)
  • SP 375, Spanish Pronunciation (3)
  • SP 380, Structure of Spanish (3)
  • SP 385, Intro to Varieties of Spanish (3)
  • SP 405, Spanish Sociolinguistics (3)
  • SP 410, Topics: Communication Skills in Spanish (may be repeated with different topics)(3)
  • SP 415, Spanish in the USA (3)
  • SP 425, Phonetics of the Spanish Language (3)
  • SP 435, Spanish Dialectology (3)
  • SP 445, Topics in Hispanic Linguistics (may be repeated with different topics) (3)
  • SP 455, Spanish 2nd Language Acquisition (3)
  • SP 465, Bilingualism in Hispanic World (3)
  • SP 485, History of the Spanish Language (3)

Additional MLLC Courses

  • SP 401, Internship in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (1)
  • SP 402, Internship in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (2)
  • SP 403, Internship in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (3)
  • SP 499, Honors in Thesis in Spanish (counts as 300- or 400-level elective) (3)
  • FL 499, Keystone (in English; strongly encouraged for all senior majors and minors) (1)

Medical Spanish Courses

Please see drop-down below.

NOTE: Requirements for incoming students may not reflect the degree requirements of current students.

Current students are encouraged to consult their academic advisement report in my.butler.edu to see their individual requirements and progress toward program completion. However, students are welcome to consult the Modern Languages department chair, who determines program completion confirmation.

Below is a listing of classes that may be offered during your studies at Butler.  For the most updated list of topics and other information, please review our course offerings.

SP101 Beginning Spanish I

The first course in Spanish. Focus is on developing the four skills of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading, and writing production. Although learning grammar is an important part of the process, it will be used around everyday situations and cultural topics. Prerequisite: No previous Spanish instruction. Permission granted upon personal interview with the department chair. (U)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

SP102 Beginning Spanish II

This is the second course in the basic Spanish language sequence. The course continues to develop basic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a more complex level. Prerequisite: SP101 or placement test authorization. (U)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

SP201 Spanish Conversation and Pronunciation

Development of oral proficiency. Concentration on pronunciation and practical vocabulary. Review of basic structures. Practice of speaking skills in class discussions. Use of audiovisual materials to increase accuracy and fluency. Prerequisite: One year of college Spanish or placement test authorization. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP203 Intermediate Spanish I

First course in intermediate Spanish. Review of fundamentals; develop intermediate skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening; build communicative competence and enhance social and cultural awareness of Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: One year of college Spanish or SP102, or placement exam results. (U)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

SP204 Intermediate Spanish II

Second course in intermediate Spanish. Further review of fundamentals, continue developing competence, and enhance social and cultural awareness of the Spanish-speaking world. Prerequisite: SP203, or placement exam results. (U)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

SP300 Grammar in Context

Study of grammatical structures to master language at intermediate/advanced level. Students review, reinforce, and practice grammar within contextual framework so as to build vocabulary, read cultural texts, and create written material to see the interaction of language skills. Prerequisite: SP204 or equivalent course or placement test at 300 level. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP305 Spanish for Oral Communication

Practice in oral Spanish to increase fluency through activities and discussion. Intensive controlled conversation and the facilitation of debates and group discussions in relation to audiovisual materials and cultural readings. Prerequisite: SP204 or equivalent course or placement at the 300 level. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP310 Spanish for Written Communication

Writing in Spanish; facilitate expression of ideas; review of grammatical structures. Analysis: writing styles and writing process; guided correction to enhance self-evaluation and improve writing skills; developing a good thesis; adapting content to reader. Prerequisite: SP204 or equivalent course or placement at the 300 level. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP315 Spanish for Business

Introduction to the Hispanic business world and examination of its structures, institutions, procedures, and terminology. Prerequisite: Two years of college Spanish or placement at the 300 level. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP320 Service Learning in Spanish

Increase students’ fluency in Spanish; encourage them to frame their community experience in meaningful ways. Class components: supervised volunteer tutoring (24 hours/semester) and weekly class meetings to discuss Latino immigration. Writing-intensive. Prerequisite: SP204 or equivalent course or placement at 300 level in Spanish. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP322 Spanish-English Translation for Linguistic and Cultural Awareness

Spanish-English translation of news, editorial, review, excerpts of literary works, and other texts to develop language and cultural skills. Vocabulary building and appreciation of cultural differences as reflected in language. Prerequisite: Completion of one course from SP 300-320, or permission of the department chair. (U)(3).Occasionally

SP325 Intro to Hispanic Linguistics

Overview of the history, phonetics, syntax, acquisition, and language variation of the Spanish language (theories, analysis, and application). Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP330 Themes in Hispanic Studies

Selected themes within the literature and culture of one or more Spanish-speaking countries. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP335 Spain: Middle Ages to 1700

Use of selected reading and audiovisual materials to study the history, literature, and arts of Spain from the Middle Ages through the 17th century. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP340 Spain: 1700 to Present

Use of selected reading and audiovisual materials to study the history, literature, and arts of Spain from the 18th century to the present. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP345 Analysis of Literary Genres

Panoramic view of major and minor literary works of various genres across different time periods and geographical areas of the Hispanic world. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP350 Spanish-American Culture: Mexico, Central America, Caribbean

Geographically oriented approach to the study of the historical events, literary and cultural artifacts, and individual figures that have shaped and defined the countries of Spanish Mexico and selected countries from Central America and the Caribbean. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP355 Spanish-American Culture

The study of historical events, and the literary and cultural productions of the Southern Cone and Andean countries. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP360 Hispanic Film

Approach to Hispanic cultures through film and visual representations. Themes for analyses, discussions, and papers vary according to films chosen. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP365 Hispanic Short Story

Study of selected stories by Spanish and Latin American authors. Prerequisite: one 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP370 Topics

A study of the contemporary societies of one or more countries of Latin America, of Spain, and/or of the Latino society of the United States. This course may be repeated with each different area studied. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP375 Spanish Pronunciation

This course introduces the sounds of Spanish in order to achieve a near native-like pronunciation. It covers theory and practice. Prerequisite: one 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Annually, term varies

SP380 Structure of Spanish

The study of Spanish words and their internal structure as well as an overview of perspectives gained from the X bar theory to study Spanish word order, semantic roles, constituents, clause structure, grammaticality judgments, etc. Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP385 Intro to Varieties of Spanish

We will study the divergent linguistic features of the largest regions of Spain and Latin America (pronunciation, grammar, idioms, slang, linguistic and cultural stereotypes, etc.). Prerequisite: One 300-level skills course in Spanish. (U)(3) Occasionally

SP401 Internship in Spanish

A faculty-supervised work experience in schools, hospitals, not-for-profits, government, media, business, or other institutions. Primary language must be Spanish. May be completed abroad or in the United States. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the internship program and permission of the department chair. (U)(1) Fall, spring, and summer

SP402 Internship in Spanish

A faculty-supervised work experience in schools, hospitals, not-for-profits, government, media, business, or other institutions. Primary language must be Spanish. May be completed abroad or in the United States. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the internship program and permission of the department chair. (U)(2) Fall, spring, and summer

SP403 Internship in Spanish

A faculty-supervised work experience in schools, hospitals, not-for-profits, government, media, business, or other institutions. Primary language must be Spanish. May be completed abroad or in the United States. Prerequisites: Acceptance into the internship program and permission of the department chair. (U/G)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

SP405 Spanish Sociolinguistics

This course is an introduction to sociolinguistic variation in the Hispanic world. We will study some of the factors of linguistic maintenance and shift in Spanish (the role of gender, age, education, attitudes, etc.). Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP415 Spanish in the USA

We will study the history, development, and current state of Spanish and its speakers in the USA, Including the linguistic characteristics of the Spanish varieties spoken. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP420 Topics: Golden Age of Spain

Exploration of the 16th and 17th centuries through literature, history, and/or artistic expression. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP425 Phonetics of the Spanish Language

Introduction to the sounds of Spanish, native speaker pronunciation, recognition of Spanish main dialects, and Spanish-English phonetic contrasts. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP430 Topics: 18th- and 19th-Century Spain

Study of historical, literary, and/or artistic aspects of the period. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP435 Spanish Dialectology

The geography of Spanish in terms of origin, change, dialects, society, contact with other languages, slang, etc. Prerequisites: Two 300-level Spanish courses; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP440 Topics: Contemporary Spanish Studies

Analysis of aspects of 20th- and 21st-century Spain through study of literary, historical, and artistic works and/or the media, offering such topics as the transition from dictatorship to democracy or the roles of women and men in contemporary society. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP445 Topics in Hispanic Linguistics

Study of a selected topic in the field of linguistics (the study of language) from the perspective of Spanish. Themes may deal with phonetics, syntax, morphology, history, semantics, pragmatics, sociolinguistics, Spanish in context, etc. Prerequisites: Two 300-level Spanish courses; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP450 Topics: Spanish-American Studies

Literary, historical, social, and/or artistic aspects of Spanish-American culture and civilization. Topics will focus on a historical period, literary genre, social theme, or other cultural phenomenon. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisites: Two 300- level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP455 Spanish Second Language Acquisition

Overview of second language acquisition theories with discussion of empirical studies on the acquisition of Spanish. Practice on research design and the analysis of oral and written production of learners of Spanish. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Annually, term varies

SP460 Topics: 20th-Century Spanish-American Studies

Emphasis on the contemporary cultures of the nations of Spanish America. Through the use of literary texts, historical and social documents, movies, and other audiovisual media, topics will focus on the dynamics of this rapidly developing cultural region. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP465 Bilingualism in Hispanic World

This course is an introduction to Spanish in contact with other languages (i.e., English, Catalan, Quechua, etc.). We will cover fundamental issues in the study of bilingualism and the social, political, and cultural contexts of Spanish in the US, Spain, and Spanish America. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish, one must be upper-level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP470 Topics: Hispanic Culture in the United States

Study of a major facet of Hispanic culture, such as the family, the church, bilingual education, migrant experience, or poetry and theater of protest. Materials vary with the topic but may include literary and social documents, videocassettes, movies and television. Course may be repeated with each different topic. Prerequisite: three years of college Spanish or equivalent. (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP485 History of the Spanish Language

In this course we will study the development of Spanish from its Latin roots to the present, including historical, social, cultural, and linguistic events. Prerequisites: Two 300-level Spanish courses; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U)(3) Occasionally

SP490 Seminar

Study of a selected topic in the cultures of Spain and/or Latin America. Themes may deal with literary, social, political, and/or aesthetic concerns of these countries, one nation, or a region. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Occasionally

SP491 Independent Study

An opportunity for qualified students to pursue a topic of special interest. Open to majors and minors in Spanish, by permission of the instructor and department chair. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(1) Annually, term varies

SP492 Independent Study

An opportunity for qualified students to pursue a topic of special interest. Open to majors and minors in Spanish, by permission of the instructor and department chair. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(2) Fall, spring, and summer

SP493 Independent Study

An opportunity for qualified students to pursue a topic of special interest. Open to majors and minors in Spanish, by permission of the instructor and department chair. Prerequisites: Two 300-level courses in Spanish; one must be upper level (SP325 or above). (U/G)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

SP499 Honors Thesis

As needed. (U/G)(3) Fall, spring, and summer

Overview

To increase medical fluency in Spanish and facilitate interaction with and cultural awareness of the local Hispanic/Latino community, Butler’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (COPHS) offers Medical Spanish Courses.

Spanish Medical Track through these courses was developed for COPHS students. The COPHS track is different from our Spanish major and minor, housed in Butler’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Many students pursue both the COPHS track and our LAS major/minor. The COPHS Spanish Medical Track has its own, unique requirements. If you have questions about the medical track, please contact Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Kim Beck.

Counting RX Courses Toward Spanish Major, Minor

We will accept up to six credit hours of 300-level equivalent, COPHS medical Spanish coursework toward completion of a Spanish major, or three toward a Spanish minor.

Those 300-level equivalent hours—from RX 482 Advanced Medical Spanish (3), RX 483 Medical Spanish Service Learning (3), and RX 484 Medical Spanish Language Immersion Trip (when you’re placed at the highest level after arrival in the host country)(3)—are recognized as Skills elective credits.

Special Notes

  1. RX 481 Introductory Medical Spanish (3) counts as 200-level equivalent elective credits and will be accepted toward completion of a Spanish major or minor in addition to the credits mentioned above. Mathematically, though—because of the course progression and/or Butler Language Placement Credits (BLPC)—these 200-level credits don’t actually advance you toward the major or minor. RX 481 cannot be taken in place of SP 203 or SP 204.
  2. RX APPE rotation with Spanish language emphasis is not accepted toward completion of a Spanish major or minor.
  3. Students pursuing the COPHS Spanish Medical Track will be given enrollment preference in these courses.
  4. You cannot use RX Medical Spanish courses to help fulfill a CCOM, International Business, or LAS language requirement.

NOTE: Requirements for incoming students may not reflect the degree requirements of current students.

Current students are encouraged to consult their academic advisement report in my.butler.edu to see their individual requirements and progress toward program completion. However, students are welcome to consult the Modern Languages department chair, who determines program completion confirmation.

To declare a Spanish major or minor, simply complete a “Major/Minor/Program Change Form” in the Dean’s office of your primary major.  The LAS Dean’s office is located in Jordan Hall 237.

Under “old plan”, list all majors and minors that you currently have.
Under “new plan”, list all of the majors and minors that you want to appear on your transcripts.  If there is more than one major, document which will be your primary major and which will be your secondary major.  List all minors.

Example:

Old:  English – primary major

No minors

New: English – primary major

Spanish – secondary major

Psychology – minor

The sooner you declare a major or minor, the sooner you can ensure that you are on track to complete all the requirements.

Once the form has completed the approval process, Registration and Records will update your My.Butler portal.  The Administrative Specialist in Modern Languages (MLLC) will email you with an acknowledgment of the added major or minor, and assign an advisor if necessary.  The advisor can help you find a selection of language courses that complement your other work being done at the University, as well as help you prepare for study abroad programs.

As other universities do, we offer courses to develop your communication skills and improve proficiencies.

However we take it much further, offering you intensive studies in Culture, Literature, and Linguistics—both stateside and abroad, utilizing media of all kinds on both our end and yours.

View our YouTube series on Linguistics—dozens of videos providing you deep insight into the underpinnings of the Spanish language and its usage around the world.

Not only will your pronunciation improve, but your confidence will grow in speaking and writing about your Cultural and Literary areas of inquiry.

And Spanish coursework complements your studies from across the University.

Watch a College of Communication student movie on the subjunctive tense that incorporates computer generated dinosaurs roaming Butler’s campus.

Enjoy a Jordan College of the Arts student stop animation movie documenting a faculty member’s secret life as a spy.

For questions about our Spanish program, contact our faculty members anytime.

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)

Spanish major teaching at IPS schoolsOur SP 320S Service Learning in Spanish course has been continuously taught for roughly two decades now by its founder, Professor of Spanish Dr. Terri Carney, and Instructor of Spanish Liliana Goens. The course received one of five, national Global Engagement Initiative Recognition Awards from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), and has been profiled in various regional publications.

In this course, you’ll immerse yourself in Indianapolis Public School classrooms every week, aiding underserved, Spanish-speaking students.

Your supervised, on-site hours are supported by weekly, Butler class meetings for discussion and reflection, in Spanish, on topics including language acquisition and immigration. An individualized schedule is constructed by you, your course instructor, and the partner school.

This course not only fulfills the Skills requirement for the Spanish major, but it also fulfills your University Indianapolis Community Requirement (ICR), your Core Writing Across the Curriculum requirement (WAC, if completed once you’ve obtained junior status at 59 credit hours), and as a course toward the Peace and Conflict Studies program.

I’ve had such good experiences learning languages at Butler, and it’s something I’m so passionate about. I think getting to teach that to other people will be such a great opportunity. —Léa Levy ’15

“I studied abroad in Spain and absolutely loved it. I love traveling, so I want to keep doing that. [With my Fulbright to Mexico], going to a Spanish-speaking country helps me. I’ll obviously be speaking Spanish and improving my skills in that area, but I’ll also be teaching English to non-native speakers. So it combines my passions.” —Amber Zimay ’15

Michael Hole ’08

Michael HoleA Boston Medical Center pediatrician, Spanish and Biology double major Michael Hole was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list of America’s most important young entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and brightest stars.

While at Butler, he founded Ambassadors for Children and Timmy Global Health, and was active in Student Government Association and Delta Tau Delta.

After graduation, Hole went on to Stanford University, where he earned his MBA and Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Hole is the cofounder of StreetCred, an organization that works to reduce child poverty in America by improving access to money and services available to low-income families and individuals raising children.

The organization provides free tax preparation and financial literacy services in pediatric hospitals and clinics targeting families eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. StreetCredt plans to expand services into one-stop shops that help families apply for community resources and public benefits like health insurance, food assistance, public housing, electricity, FAFSA, and savings plans—all before they leave the doctor’s office.

“We look at thousands of candidates from 20 different categories and consider their game-changing quotient along various dimensions, such as impact, use of cutting edge technology or creativity, scalability or adaptability, number of people reached and dollars raised/generated.” —Forbes Magazine