SPAN 3500 - Introduction to Spanish for the Health Professional

Goals: To become familiar with the specific Spanish vocabulary used in the healthcare field; to review Spanish grammar structures that provide the foundation for knowing how to use that vocabulary to create complete thoughts that accurately express information to or ask questions of a Spanish speaking patient; to learn about volunteer and job opportunities and requirements for employment as a translator or interpreter in hospitals and clinics that serve the Latino population in the Twin Cities.

Content: This course is designed around a specialized and intensive amount of vocabulary study using various resources. Various readings and internet searching will be done to explore different medical practices in the United States and in Latin America, and to research the different job opportunities. This course requires a service learning experience in which students are involved in the community where they are exposed to Spanish speaking patients.

Taught: Periodically in fall or summer

Language placement: The department recommends that students complete SPAN 3220 before taking this course. Otherwise, students should do the online placement assessment for Spanish and contact the course instructor for placement advice.

Credits: 4