The Major

The department of Spanish offers a curriculum that is tailored to improve students’ knowledge of language and culture and enhance their linguistic and literary analytical skills. The major consists of not fewer than 11 courses, including three Independent Study (I.S.) courses. Minors in Spanish must take at least six courses at the 200 level or above. Courses are organized so that students continuously see the cultural contrasts between Hispanic culture and their own. Language and literature are taught as a reflection of culture, a particular way of thinking, and a special world view. The literature and culture courses are geared toward understanding the traditions of all Hispanic cultures, including those that are increasingly becoming a living part of the United States.

Courses, such as Peninsular Spanish Civilization and Culture, and Latin American Civilizations and Cultures, often lead students to take the challenging upper-level literature courses, including Cervantes: Don Quixote and the Contemporary Latin American Novel. Other courses add to the variety of departmental offerings. The linguistics classes, including Spanish Phonology and The Structure of Modern Spanish, give students a deeper understanding of the workings of the language and of variations in the spoken Spanish between countries.

Students interested in preparing for issues in international business or finance in the Hispanic world may consider the International Business and Commercial Language curriculum. The major may emphasize either business or language skills, and a business internship in a Spanish-speaking country is a recommended part of this program under either option. Students interested in teaching may consider teacher licensure.