Majoring in Hispanic Studies
The Hispanic Studies department offers and administers the Hispanic Studies major and minor. These courses of study look comprehensively at the Hispanic world, including Spain, Latin America, and Latino communities in the US. Spanish is the means of communication that guides your experience in the major (9 courses) or minor (6 courses) because it is the fourth most spoken language in the world of native and non-native speakers. Major in Hispanic Studies and you will frame questions through a global, interdisciplinary lens. Our selection of courses explores a variety of fields for diverse interests and linguistic abilities from beginning, intermediate and advanced second-language learners to heritage and native speakers. You will understand how Hispanic Studies partners impactfully with the sciences, economics, history, international relations, the arts, sociology, anthropology, human development and psychology. An FYS or one course related to Spain, Latin America or Latinos in the US taken in English may be substituted for one of the Hispanic Studies courses when enrolled in the accompanying FLAC section in Spanish. The Hispanic Studies major prepares you for a global environment where educated individuals speak at least two languages and can meet society’s needs (85% of employers who interview bilingual candidates hire those accomplished in Spanish, ACTFL “Making Languages our Business”).
The Hispanic Studies major encourages you to reach your potential with the critical skills needed to acquire proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All majors are required to take one course in each of the following areas: 1) linguistics or professional development, 2) cultural studies, and 3) literature and literary analysis. Whether it is the language of your grandparents, favorite novelist, singer or high school teacher, there is a place for you in Hispanic Studies and the Spanish-speaking world. Study, volunteer, and complete research projects or internships abroad in Spanish (the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain and the US) through approved programs and CC centers. The department intentionally supports these investigative opportunities and encourages the integration of global, community-based or domestically focused research projects into the senior essay 400-level course. Two comparable courses taken abroad may count toward the major in consultation with department advisors. All courses taken in Spanish, regardless of level, count toward Connecticut College’s World Languages and Cultures requirement and many count toward the Writing, Conncourse and SDP requirements.
