Language-Oriented Instruction

SPAN 2010 – Intermediate Spanish

This course pushed me past “classroom Spanish” and into actually thinking in the language. We focused on everyday communication, but always through a cultural context, how people really speak, react, and express ideas in Spanish-speaking countries. It helped me gain confidence in forming opinions, telling stories, and engaging in conversations that felt natural rather than rehearsed. This class is where Spanish started feeling usable instead of theoretical.

 

SPAN 3020 – Intermediate Spanish Grammar & Composition

This class strengthened my foundation in Spanish grammar, but more importantly, it showed me how grammar supports meaning. Writing short essays and reflections helped me express complex thoughts more clearly and accurately. I learned how subtle grammar choices change tone, formality, and intent, which is huge when communicating across cultures.

 

SPAN 3050 – Intermediate Spanish Conversation & Composition I

A very discussion-based course that emphasized speaking without fear of being imperfect. We debated cultural topics, current events, and social issues while continuously improving fluency. This class taught me how to listen closely, respond thoughtfully, and stay engaged in real-time conversation, skills that directly translate to intercultural and professional settings.

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Culture and Literature Courses

SPAN 3170 – The Hispanic World: Spain

This course gave me a deeper understanding of Spain beyond stereotypes. We explored regional identities, history, traditions, and social values, and how they shape modern Spanish culture. I especially enjoyed connecting historical events to present-day attitudes and behaviors. It helped me understand why cultural norms exist, not just what they are.

 

SPAN 3180 – Spanish Through Culture

This was one of the most engaging courses I’ve taken. Language learning was fully integrated with cultural exploration, food, traditions, media, social norms, and everyday life. Instead of memorizing vocabulary, we learned how language reflects values and identity. It made Spanish feel human, expressive, and deeply tied to culture.

 

SPAN 3130 – Spanish Literature Survey I

This course introduced me to major works of Spanish literature and the historical moments behind them. Reading plays, poetry, and prose helped me understand how literature reflects power, social change, and cultural values. I learned how to analyze texts critically while appreciating storytelling as a cultural artifact, not just an academic exercise.

 

APHG3 – Advanced Placement Human Geography

Human Geography shaped how I think about the world. We studied how culture, migration, economics, and politics influence how societies develop and interact. This course helped me connect geography to global inequality, urbanization, and cultural diffusion, a perspective I still use when analyzing international markets and cultural behavior.

 

Business Courses (LAIB Major)​

ECON 2110 – Principles of Microeconomics

This class introduced me to how individuals and firms qmake decisions under constraints. What stood out most was understanding incentives and human behavior, concepts that overlap heavily with culture and consumer decision-making. It gave me tools to analyze why people choose certain products, services, or strategies.

 

ECON 2120 – Principles of Macroeconomics

Macroeconomics helped me see the bigger picture: national economies, global trade, inflation, and economic policy. I gained a stronger understanding of how global forces impact businesses and consumers across countries, which is essential when working in international or cross-cultural environments.

 

MGT 2010 – Principles of Management

This course focused on leadership, organizational structure, and teamwork. I was especially interested in how management styles vary across cultures and how communication affects employee motivation. It reinforced the idea that good leadership is not one-size-fits-all, culture matters.

 

MKT 3010 – Principles of Marketing

This class introduced marketing as both a strategic and cultural process. We studied how brands communicate value and how consumer perception is shaped by culture, identity, and social norms. It helped me see marketing as storytelling, not just selling.

 

MKT 3020 – Consumer Behavior

One of my favorite business courses. We explored why consumers think, feel, and behave the way they do. Cultural values, social influence, and psychology were central themes. This course strengthened my ability to analyze markets from a human perspective rather than just data.

 

MKT 4270 – International Marketing

This course brought everything together, culture, language, and business. We analyzed how companies adapt products and messaging for different countries and cultures. I learned how cultural misunderstanding can make or break a global brand, and how localization is essential for international success.

 

MGT 3030 – Global Business

Global Business examined how companies operate across borders, dealing with cultural differences, political systems, and economic environments. The course reinforced how cultural awareness is just as important as financial strategy in international operations.

 

ECON 3140 – Intermediate Microeconomics

This course took economic theory deeper and required more analytical thinking. It sharpened my problem-solving skills and helped me understand strategic decision-making at a more advanced level, especially within competitive markets.

 

PCID 3040 – Business Communication & Information Design

This course focused on professional communication, writing, presenting, and designing information clearly and effectively. I learned how structure, visuals, and tone affect understanding, especially in professional and cross-cultural contexts.

 

INT 3500 – Global Challenges Internship (Part-Time)

This internship course allowed me to apply global and cultural concepts in a real-world setting. It emphasized problem-solving, adaptability, and cultural awareness while working with international or globally focused organizations.

 

Other Major Required Courses

LAIB 1270 – Introduction to Language & International Business

This course introduced the intersection of language, culture, and global commerce. It set the foundation for understanding how cultural competence and language skills are strategic assets in international business environments.

 

SPAN 3160 – Spanish for International Business I

This course focused on professional Spanish used in business settings, negotiations, emails, presentations, and formal interactions. It showed how tone, formality, and cultural expectations shape business communication.

 

SPAN 4160 – Spanish for International Business II

A more advanced continuation that emphasized real-world application. We worked with case studies and complex business scenarios, improving fluency and confidence in professional Spanish environments.

 

LAIB 4000 – Language & International Business Internship

This capstone internship connected classroom learning with professional experience. It reinforced the idea that language skills and cultural awareness directly translate into workplace effectiveness.

 

LANG 4990 – Language Portfolio

This course allowed me to reflect on my growth as a language learner. Compiling my portfolio helped me see how far I had come, not just linguistically, but culturally and professionally. It was a meaningful way to showcase my academic and intercultural development.