Designed ideally for students of law, criminology, sociology and other professions,
the minor builds a firm foundation in written and oral Spanish with special attention
paid to the linguistic tools specific to those professional needs. The minor includes SPAN 201, SPAN 250 (Spanish conversation and composition) and
any three additional courses above the 299 level in Spanish. 
ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - A Winthrop University Spanish course took a dramatic turn
this month, as the students tried to find a pair of robbers, read the Miranda rights
to another pair and embarked on a complicated court case featuring psychological issues.
OK — it was actually just a class project for SPAN 205, a course focusing on practical Spanish composition and conversation used to serve
the needs of a diverse population.
Recognizing the growing need for professionals in law enforcement, social work, the
medical field and more, Winthrop's Department of World Languages and Cultures has introduced a new minor: Spanish for Law and the Helping Professions. Designed ideally for students of law, criminology, sociology and other professions,
the minor builds a firm foundation in written and oral Spanish with special attention
paid to the linguistic tools specific to those professional needs.
World languages faculty member Natacha Carrillo, one of the people overseeing the
new minor, spent the semester teaching intermediate-level language students aspects
of those "professional needs," such as:
*Communicating Miranda rights to suspects;
*Embracing criminology language, such as how to report suspects and alleged crimes,
talk to victims, investigate domestic abuse and administer a sobriety test;
*Qualifying psychological aspects of course cases;
*Facilitating requests, i.e., applications at the Department of Social Services, among
others.
"We decided to open this minor because we saw there is a need in the community," Carrillo
said. "Also, we would like to have a minor in Spanish for medical students and business
students in the future."
The minor includes SPAN 201, the aforementioned 205, SPAN 250 (Spanish conversation
and composition) and any three additional courses above the 299 level in Spanish.
For more information, contact the department at 803/323-2231.
