For More Information
Contact Undergraduate Advising Head Dian Fox.
Undergraduate Departmental Representatives (UDRs) are: Simona Lang and Karen Lowe.
Looking for a group to study with? Check out B.U.G.S.
Hispanic Studies
Gaudi construction in Barcelona, Spain.
In addition to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and cultural information that are necessary in today’s workplace, the study of Hispanic and Latino languages, literature and cultures helps to develop the critical and analytic skills needed to be an effective participant in local and national discussions. The study of the Spanish language in the context of literature, film, history, politics and popular culture will allow students to follow international events with insight, introducing new perspectives to make them informed and responsible members of the international community.
Curriculum Overview
The major requires nine courses, including three core courses:
- Spanish Composition, Grammar, and Stylistics (HISP 106b)
- An introductory survey of literature and culture (HISP 109b, HISP 110a, or HISP 111b)
- Seminar in Literary and Cultural Studies (HISP 198a), taken in the senior year
- Six electives chosen from a wide range of topics on literature and culture
Additionally, students interested in receiving departmental honors may complete a senior thesis in the spring semester of their senior year.
The minor requires five courses:
- Spanish Composition, Grammar, and Stylistics (HISP 106b)
- An introductory survey of literature and culture (HISP 109b, HISP 110a, or HISP 111b)
- Three electives
Electives for the program include a wide variety of courses on literature, music, and visual and popular culture. Topics span at least five centuries, as well as different regions throughout Spain and Latin America. The curriculum uses a multidisciplinary approach to help students achieve cultural and linguistic literacy in Spanish as well as a deeper understanding of the Hispanic world.
Moreover, because Latinos are the largest minority group in the United States, we offer students the opportunity to study, from an interdisciplinary perspective, the varied Latino communities within it.
The Senior Seminar
Students conclude the major in Hispanic studies by participating in a senior seminar in which they choose and research a particular Hispanic or Latino cultural text—anything from a poem or novel to a play, film, newspaper column or political campaign. They share with each other the process of researching and developing a thesis and presenting their research. The class culminates in an extended written analysis.
Honors
Seniors wishing to graduate with a concentration in Spanish must enroll in Span 198a (Seminar in Literary and Cultural Studies) in the Fall Semester of the senior year. Those seeking departmental honors will also take SPAN 99d in the Spring to complete the Senior Thesis.
Departmental Honors are awarded on the basis of cumulative excellence in all courses taken for the concentration, but with primary emphasis on the excellence of the Thesis. The degree of Honors, if any, is voted at a Departmental meeting at the end of the Spring semester upon review of a student's complete and final record.
Complete guidelines for the Senior Thesis are here.
Hands-on Learning Experience
Most of our students choose to study abroad during all or part of the junior year. Students may count up to four courses taken abroad—two courses per semester—toward the major and two toward the minor. These courses must be taught entirely in Spanish and must correspond to our definition of
upper-level courses.
Areas of Special Interest
Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary and intercultural connections across campus. Faculty in the program are involved in different programs on campus, such as film studies, Latin American studies, women’s and gender studies, and peace, conflict, and coexistence studies. Each faculty member is happy to provide academic advising and help students form personal connections.
Career and Education Opportunities
Career opportunities for students who major in Hispanic studies are diverse and multifaceted. Our majors find jobs in government agencies (the FBI, the United Nations, and various offices in Washington, D.C.); as Foreign Service officers and translators; in social services and public relations in the United States and abroad; and in the Peace Corps, the armed forces, and law enforcement. There are also professional career opportunities for our majors in private business (international relations and marketing in this country and overseas) and in the paramedical and paralegal professions. Majors in Hispanic studies pursue teaching careers at all levels, while others continue on for graduate studies in such fields as law, medicine, business, international relations, education and social services.
The Hiatt Career Center has a page devoted to Hispanic studies, which has a host of information specific to majors.