Spanish

There are over 400 million Spanish speakers world-wide.
With more than 33 million speakers, Spanish is the second largest language in the United States.

Spanish at Lafayette is a particularly dynamic program with faculty involved in new and exciting research on Hispanophone topics, a film series, invited speakers, and art exhibits. The program also provides a variety of interdisciplinary opportunities for students, immersion experiences, internships, and service possibilities.To see samples of student work and learn more about the programming, visit the Spanish activities website.

The Major in Spanish Chichen Itza Images

Students are required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced Spanish 211 (or Spanish for Heritage Speakers 215) or demonstrate equivalent proficiency that would allow for advanced placement. The major consists of a minimum of seven courses beyond Advanced Spanish.Following completion of the language sequence (Advanced Spanish 211 or Spanish for Heritage Speakers 215), majors are required to take:

  • Five courses total at the 300 level. At least 2 courses must be from Foundations in Hispanophone Studies (SPAN 300-340: 303, 304, 305, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317) to advance to Focused Themes of Inquiry of the Hispanophone world (SPAN 340-380: 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347). At least one must be from Focused Themes of Inquiry (340-380) to advance to writing-intensive seminar/capstone courses (400 level).
  • Two 400-level writing-intensive capstone seminars (Spanish 435, 436, 495-at least one of which must be taken at Lafayette).
    Note: Spanish also counts toward the minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Minors

Students are required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced Spanish 211 (or Spanish for Heritage Speakers 215) or demonstrate equivalent proficiency that would allow for advanced placement.  Thereafter, minors are required to take three courses at the 300- or 400-level, two of which must be from Foundations in Hispanophone Studies (300-340).

Course Requirements in Spanish

Language Courses (SPAN 100s & 200s): Students with two or more years of high school Spanish are required to submit their AP, IB, or SAT II score to the registrar or take the placement test administered by the department. First-year students should take the online placement test prior to registration. Continuing students should make an appointment with the Department of Languages and Literary Studies Head to take the exam prior to registering for their first Spanish course at Lafayette.

Heritage Speakers (SPAN 215): Students with a personal or historical connection to the language, but limited formal study, may take Spanish 215 to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency. They should also work closely with their Spanish adviser to address specific academic needs not met in the classroom. Those who have already had formal schooling in Spanish prior to starting college are encouraged to begin at the 300 or 400 level.

Literature, Culture, and Civilization Courses (SPAN 300s): The general prerequisite is Spanish 211, equivalent proficiency, or permission of the instructor.

Seminars (SPAN 400s): The general prerequisite is one course at the 300 level.

Courses in Spanish

Please see the Lafayette Course Catalog for official descriptions of the Spanish courses and other subjects offered by the Department of Languages and Literary Studies.

Please see the Course and Exam Schedule for a current list of courses and times, including special-topics courses not listed in the permanent Course Catalog.