Friends University is re-focusing its Bachelor of Arts in Spanish degree program to prepare students for translation and interpretation starting in fall 2016. This new direction makes it the first Spanish major to be focused so strongly on translation in the state of Kansas and helps the program meet the demands of the 21st century, said Dr. Jerry Smartt, professor of Spanish.
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interpreters and translators are one of the fastest-growing, highest-demand occupations along with psychologists and health care workers,” Dr. Smartt said. “Increasing globalization and an increasing number of non-English speakers are driving this demand. We need Spanish graduates who, once they graduate, are able to help businesses and organizations communicate in the marketplace.”
Students in the re-focused Spanish degree will take four conversation courses that are assessed by an outside evaluator using national criteria. They will then complete a capstone course focusing on translation either through an internship or through a special project. Students will still take foundation courses in grammar, linguistics, literature and culture.
“By the time they graduate, we will ensure our graduates are performing at a very high level,” Dr. Smartt said. “They will be prepared to help their companies and organizations navigate a diverse and changing world. Being fluent in another language will also make our graduates more marketable to potential employers.”
Dr. Smartt said prospective students could also receive retroactive credit for prior Spanish credits they earned during high school if they can complete a higher-level course at Friends with a “B” or better. For students who are already highly proficient in Spanish before they attend Friends, this may mean they could complete the program in fewer years and could spend that additional time studying abroad and gaining experience in a Spanish culture.
A recent survey of Friends University Spanish major and minor graduates found many of them are already using their degree to serve as interpreters in their workplaces, school systems, health care settings and volunteer settings.
“This decision to realign our program takes what is happening naturally with our graduates and brings it to the next level so they will now be prepared to serve in a more official capacity as needed,” Dr. Smartt said.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.