Certificate Programs in World Languages & Cultures

Beginning in Fall 2022, the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures will begin offering two new exciting certificate programs in World Languages and Cultures.

Certificate of Language Ability in Spanish

The undergraduate Certificate of Language Ability is designed for students to offer tangible proof of their language abilities and makes an ideal complement to other areas of study such as business, international relations, public health, criminal justice, hospitality, and more.

The certificate consists of 12 credit hours at 2000 and 3000-level (minimum of 6 must be at the 3000-level), with a B or higher grade for each course.

At the 2000-level, students must complete SPAN 2001 and  SPAN 2002 (6 credit hours) on campus or off campus, in Costa Rica or other designated study abroad locations
At the 3000-level, students may choose from SPAN 3101, SPAN 3201, SPAN 3202, or SPAN 3204 on campus or in Costa Rica, or other designated study abroad Spanish-speaking locations

Study Abroad in Costa Rica is an option offered by the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures to obtain up to nine (9) credit hours in the above classes. Study Abroad is a four week long experiential learning opportunity typically offered during summer (July) in Grecia, Costa Rica. Other Spanish language study abroad programs offering Spanish equivalent courses will also be considered for the satisfaction of requirements for this certificate.

All students must be admitted to Savannah State University to complete the Certificate of Language Ability in Spanish program. For more information on this certificate program, please contact Dr. Irina Tedrick at tedricki@savannahstate.edu.

Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies

The undergraduate Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies is a 15-credit hour program that will be useful for students completing any major offered by Savannah State University who wish to develop skills and knowledge connected with Latin American or Caribbean cultural heritage and geography. This flexible certificate prepares students for a variety of career-expanding operations and relationships within these locales by providing an interdisciplinary approach to regional issues that will deepen expertise in Latin America and the Caribbean, its cultures, and its people. Earners of this certificate will be increasingly competitive for work and advanced study in these fields.

There are four required components to the Certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies: 1) Language proficiency in Spanish (prerequisite); 2) Courses in Latin American and/or Caribbean history and culture; 3) Study Abroad program with at least one month (four weeks) of residence in Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, or another Central American or Caribbean country; and 4) a special topics course requiring a digital portfolio.

Language Proficiency in Spanish: Students must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish. To do so, students may
1. demonstrate proficiency by completing one year (two semesters) of college-level Spanish;
2. take the language placement test offered by the Department of English, Languages, and Cultures to demonstrate proficiency; or
3. if a native speaker of Spanish, request a waiver from the certificate program coordinator.
Courses in Latin American and/or Caribbean History, Literature, or Culture: Students must complete a minimum of two courses (six credit hours) in courses that focus on Latin American or Caribbean history, literature, or culture. Courses that may count toward this requirement are, but are not limited to, AFRS 2000 - Introduction to Africana Studies, HIST 3601 - Colonial and Early national Latin American History, HIST 4601 - Latin America in the Modern World, or ENGL 4220 - African-Caribbean Literature.
Study Abroad: This study abroad requirement may be fulfilled by participation in the CLASS Undergraduate Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica or another designated Study Abroad destination such as Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica. Suggested courses that students could take during a study abroad experience are those in the SPAN subject with course levels of 3000 or above.
SPAN 4500 - Special Topics (3 credit hours): This course provides a capstone experience for the Latin American and Caribbean Studies Certificate program. In this course students will create a digital portfolio that will reflect students' curricular and co-curricular experiences in the program. The portfolio will have been started as students enter the program and will be used for students to showcase their academic pursuits, co-curricular activities, work/volunteer experiences, and career goals featuring their acquired expertise in Latin American and Caribbean studies. The portfolio will ideally serve as an online resume highlighting students' skills, experiences, and interests. This Special Topics course is designed to, in part, guide students as they finalize these portfolios.