Twentieth International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities

Abstract

In this research, we explore the planning and implementation of an interdisciplinary Spanish media minor that relies on leveraging existing resources to create new student opportunities at a small, private liberal arts university. In light of the institution’s Hispanic-serving identity, the creation of this new program is intended to build upon recent student demand. This program yields new opportunities for experiential learning in the humanities through online media content creation and recognizes the growth of multilingual audiences in the United States. This new minor combines the social science field of communication and the humanities fields of Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. Through a case study approach, the authors discuss the creation and institutionalization of an interdisciplinary Spanish media minor as a framework for the development of other collaborative programs. The current program came to fruition through a process including developing curriculum, exploring financial feasibility, and situating the program in the university’s mission and identity. Following a piloting of relevant courses in spring 2021, the faculty approved and the university ratified the new program for formal launch in fall 2021. The authors share outcomes such as enrollment and completion rates as well as internship and job placement rates; further, we discuss how other institutions can develop similar interdisciplinary programs.

Presenters

Kirstie Hettinga
Associate Professor, Communication, California Lutheran University, California, United States

Sheridan Wigginton
Professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies, Languages and Cultures, California Lutheran University, California, United States

La Verne Seales
Associate Professor, Languages and Cultures, California Lutheran University, California, United States