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• Spanish Studies

Spanish Studies

We provide the student with an analytical grasp of the traditions and complexities of the Spanish-speaking world. The rich cultural and literary expressions of Spain and Latin America provide for a classroom environment where students are immersed in intensive language use to build strong conversational skills. Students benefit from a state-of-the-art language laboratory featuring computerized instruction, video programs, and daily newscasts from the Spanish-speaking world. Our location in Los Angeles provides numerous opportunities for students to use Spanish interactively.

MAJOR: Spanish majors are required to take Spanish 202 or 211, 6 courses numbered above 202/211, and Spanish 490. Of the group of 6 courses, a minimum of 3 must be in literature and 1 in linguistics. A maximum of 3 courses may be taken outside the department, including those taken on study abroad programs. Only 1 course may be taken in English. All courses taken outside the department for the Spanish major must be approved in advance by the student’s departmental adviser. For both the Spanish major and minor, the terms literature and culture refer to the literatures and cultures of Spain, Spanish America, and the Latino United States. The term linguistics includes both general linguistics (Linguistics 301 and 350) and all linguistics courses related to the Spanish language.

Spanish Majors choose 1 of 3 tracks of study:

Spanish Literary Studies: 4 courses in literature, 1 course in linguistics, and 1 other course in literature, linguistics, or culture.

Spanish Linguistics: 3 courses in literature, and either 3 courses in linguistics or 2 courses in linguistics and 1 course in culture.

Spanish Cultural Studies: 3 courses in literature, 2 courses in culture, and 1 course in linguistics.

WRITING REQUIREMENT: Students majoring in Spanish will satisfy the final component of Occidental College’s writing requirement by submitting a four-page abstract in English of their senior seminar research paper. See the Writing Program and the department chair for additional information.

COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT: The comprehensive requirement consists of the senior seminar and an oral presentation on a topic related to the senior research paper.

HONORS: Majors in the department with GPA of at least 3.50 in major courses and an overall GPA of 3.25 may qualify for Honors at graduation through a distinguished comprehensive thesis. See the Honors Program and consult the major advisor and chair for details by the end of the fall semester, junior year.

MINOR: Spanish minors are required to take Spanish 202 or 211 plus 4 courses numbered 300 and above in literature, linguistics, and culture. At least one course must be numbered 340 or above. A maximum of 2 courses may be taken outside the department, including those taken on study abroad programs. Only 1 course may be taken in English. All courses taken outside the department for the Spanish minor must be approved in advance by the department.