Spanish is one of the world's great languages of commerce and diplomacy, and has rich literary and cultural traditions. Graduates who receive a B.A. in Spanish have a diverse array of opportunities in many different fields, especially those with an international focus, including further specialized studies in literature, language, and culture, or careers in other fields such as education, public service, business, law, environmental policies, social services, medicine, or the arts. The undergraduate major in Spanish consists of 36 credits of coursework beyond the prerequisite courses, with an additional 9 credits in a supporting area. Students can choose from 3 major tracks, including: 1) Spanish and Latin American Literature, Culture, and Media, 2) Spanish Linguistics, Culture, and Education, and 3) Spanish Language, Culture, and Professional Contexts.
All students majoring in Spanish are encouraged to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking environment. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers exciting opportunities for Spanish majors and minors to fulfill requirements abroad. The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers several courses specifically designed for heritage learners of Spanish, that is, students from homes where Spanish is spoken or students who have had strong exposure to Spanish in informal contexts. These courses accommodate students from a wide range of backgrounds, from those who are minimally functional (can comprehend Spanish but are not able to speak fluently, read or write) to those who are more proficient and/or literate in Spanish. The courses focus on the development of communicative competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening and viewing, as well as on understanding Hispanic cultures and issues of identity of heritage speakers of Spanish in the United States. Students will also develop an awareness and understanding of Hispanic cultures, including language variation, customs, geography, history, and current events. The Department also offers a minor in Heritage Language and Latina Culture.
For students excited about careers in education or with special interests in going beyond the basics of Spanish conversation to understand how a language works This track offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of today's interrelated world through actively studying language use in unique, authentic, and real-life contexts.
