The University of North Carolina (UNC) offers a specialized Spanish Minor for the Professions through its Department of Romance Studies. This 15-credit minor allows students to focus on Spanish in specific career fields: Business, Medical Professions, or Legal Professions. The program emphasizes cultural and professional applications rather than traditional language study.
Carson Pusser, a student focusing on medical applications, highlighted the program’s relevance to healthcare, noting that many institutions require translators due to legal obligations. He described how his Spanish 321 course examines medical vocabulary and cultural nuances, especially concerning prenatal and postnatal care in Hispanic families.
Hosun Kim, director of the Language Resource Center, stressed the interdisciplinary nature of the program. Cerniglia, a student focusing on legal professions, expressed that the classes are more career-oriented and immersive compared to traditional Spanish courses.
In addition to required courses, students must complete a capstone project, often involving community service, and the curriculum aims to encompass diverse perspectives, including Indigenous and Afro-descendant viewpoints. Some students, like Greta Reinhardt, noted that their studies have deepened their understanding of the historical context of business in Spanish-speaking countries.
Overall, the program prepares students not only to know Spanish but to apply it meaningfully in various professional contexts, enhancing their understanding of the significant role Spanish plays in American society.
