Spanish Studies B.A.

The program develops analytical skills and methodologies needed to explore Hispanic and Hispanic-American languages and cultures.

It is important to note that department majors and minors are not simply Spanish and Portuguese language majors or minors; rather, they are liberal arts majors and minors concentrating on Spanish, Latin American, and/or Luso-Brazilian literary, cultural, and linguistic studies with language skills at the foundation. All major and minor options in this department begin with prerequisite language courses, followed by advanced language skills courses (special arrangements may be made for native speakers of Spanish or Portuguese). These are followed by critical analysis skills courses in Hispanic literature, culture, and linguistics that prepare students to take advanced coursework in specific areas. The major options culminate in the completion of a capstone project through a SPAN 5xxx course or SPAN 3972W.

Majors are required to enroll in a minimum 6-week study abroad experience or a semester-long service learning course. The study abroad requirement must be fulfilled in a Spanish-speaking country or territory, involve at least one three-credit course taught in Spanish, and include courses related to Spanish studies. Students must meet with the department advisor prior to departure. The service learning requirement is fulfilled by semester-long SPAN 3401, or SPAN 3404, or other courses with advisor consent.

Detailed information regarding Spanish and Portuguese studies undergraduate academic issues is printed in the Undergraduate Advising Handbook (available at https://cla.umn.edu/spanish-portuguese).