Students interested in the LLAS major should consider taking LLAS 101 (Introduction to Latina/o and Latin American Studies) and/or HIST 150/LLAS 150 (Colonial Latin America) during their first year. The LLAS major also requires students to complete SPAN 202 (Advanced Spanish) or SPAN 211 (Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers). LLAS majors are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad and summer research programs in Latin America or Spain. Our program also encourages students to engage in community-based learning through the different activities available in the Latino and Latin American communities that are integral to the city of Los Angeles.
Placement Information
Students interested in the LLAS major who have previous experience with the Spanish should take the online Spanish Placement Exam prior to Orientation. Students who grew up speaking Spanish at home should enroll in SPAN 211. Students studying Spanish for the first time can enroll in SPAN 101 without taking the exam.
Exceptions: You do not need to take Occidental’s Spanish Placement exam if any of the following are true:
- Students who received a 4 on the AP Spanish exam are placed into SPAN 201.
- Students who received a 5 on the AP Spanish exam are placed into SPAN 202.
- Students who received a score of 560-689 on the Spanish SAT Subject Test are placed into SPAN 101.
- Students who received a score of 690 or above on the Spanish SAT Subject Test are placed into SPAN 102.
Note: To use a standardized test score for placement you must have the official score report sent to the Registrar’s Office.
Sample 4-Year Plan
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The plan above assumes no previous study or experience with Spanish. Students should start with the language course in which they are placed.
Transfer Credit Policies
The Latino/a and Latin American Studies program policy on transfer credit conforms to College Policy. Courses that address topics central to Latino/a and Latin American Studies approved for transfer by the appropriate department or program will be considered to apply toward the Latino/a and Latin American Studies major and minor. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for more details.