B.A. in Spanish

The Spanish major consists of 30 units of upper division coursework. Up to 16 units of prerequisite coursework or demonstrated language proficiency is required to begin the major. All upper division courses are conducted in Spanish, and students are expected to use Spanish in their speaking, reading, and writing.

Preparation for Majors and Non-majors

First-year courses in Spanish are designed for students who have had no previous formal training in Spanish and are not native speakers. Those students who have spoken Spanish at home but have not had any formal training should, in general, choose courses no lower than SPAN 205.
 
SPAN 101 and SPAN 102 (five units each) emphasize the four basic language skills, understanding, speaking, reading, and writing.
 
The second-year sequence (SPAN 205 / SPAN206) reviews and expands upon the principles learned in SPAN 101 / SPAN 102. Second-year courses are 3 units each.

Admission to the Program

Four years of high school Spanish are required, or four semesters of lower division college Spanish or the equivalent. Proficiency can be demonstrated by completing the necessary lower-division courses, testing out of them, or by taking the placement test. It is also recommended that students complete SPAN 301 (Advanced Grammar and Composition) prior to taking upper division courses in language and literature.

Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Spanish

Required Core Courses (12 units):

  • MLL 325 Linguistics and Foreign Language (3) or SPAN 326 Applied Spanish Linguistics: Morphology and Syntax (3)
  • SPAN 341 Introduction to the Reading of Literary Texts (3)
  • SPAN 401 Culture and Civilization of Spain (3) or SPAN 405 Culture and Civilization of Spanish America (3)
  • SPAN 595 Senior Survey in Spanish Literature (3) or SPAN 595 Senior Survey in Spanish American Literature (3)
 

Electives in the Major (18 units):

Students choose six courses in Spanish numbering from 300 to 699. At least three of these courses must be at the 400 level or above.
 

Minimum total: 30 units

 

Visit the current University Bulletin for complete course descriptions and class schedule.

 

Writing in the Major

Students must complete the University’s GWAR requirement by taking SPAN 401GW, MLL 400, or CWL 400GW.