Spanish and Portuguese Studies B.A.

The program develops analytical skills and methodologies needed to explore Hispanic, Hispanic-American, and Luso-Brazilian languages and cultures. The department offers two majors (Spanish studies and combined Spanish-Portuguese studies) and two minors (Spanish studies and Portuguese studies).

It is important to note that department majors and minors are not simply Spanish and Portuguese language programs; rather, they are liberal arts programs concentrating on Spanish, Latin American, and/or Luso-Brazilian literary, cultural, and linguistics studies with language skills as 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/Lusophone literature, culture, and linguistics that prepare students to take advanced coursework in specific areas. The major options culminate in the completion of a capstone through a SPPT 5xxx course, a PORT 5xxx course, or SPAN 3972W.

The department strongly encourages majors and minors to study abroad in a Spanish or Portuguese speaking country or territory. Students who wish to complete department program requirements through study abroad must meet with the department advisor prior to departure. Detailed information regarding undergraduate Spanish and Portuguese studies academic issues is printed in the Undergraduate Advising Handbook (also available at https://cla.umn.edu/spanish-portuguese).