The Department of Spanish and French Studies is a community of scholars that gathers faculty and students working across a wide range of interests in the fields of literature, culture, and linguistics. Our programs provide students with the necessary tools for the analysis and appreciation of the rich and diverse traditions of the Spanish-speaking and French-speaking worlds.

Explore and learn more about Spanish and French at Oxy!

Our courses at Occidental are designed to impart an analytical grasp of the traditions and complexities of the Spanish- and/or French-speaking world. The rich cultural and literary expressions of Spain and Latin America present the context for a classroom environment that builds strong conversational skills and immerses the student in intensive language use. Similarly, the department introduces students to the rich intellectual, literary, cultural, and political traditions of the Francophone world through the study of works from Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe. Classroom instruction and discussions take place entirely in Spanish or French, and students benefit from a state-of-the-art language laboratory (featuring computerized instruction, video programs, and daily newscasts from around the world). Occidental College’s strategic position in Southern California also offers students numerous opportunities to use the Spanish language interactively.