Spanish

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 Spanish section is in the process of changing its major and minor requirements. The changes will start with the class of 2024. See below for the new requirements.

The Major in Spanish (for the classes of 2021, 2022, and 2023)

Comprised of eight courses beyond Spanish 111-112 (or fewer, if students demonstrate greater proficiency). Students are required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced Spanish 211 or demonstrate equivalent proficiency that would allow for advanced placement. All majors are also urged to take one or more courses in Comparative Literature.

Following completion of the language sequence, majors are required to take:

• one survey of culture/civilization (SPAN 303, 304, 313, 314, or 315)
• two surveys of literature (SPAN 310, 311, 317, or 318)
• three seminars (SPAN 425, 435, & either 370, 421, 423, 427, or 428)
• one course in Hispanic studies in consultation with a faculty adviser in Spanish

Designed to meet the specific needs of majors interested in studying abroad or teaching, the Hispanic studies requirement may be fulfilled by choosing from FLL 380 or 381 (the teaching internship in Spanish), or by taking any 300- or 400-level course in Spanish. By senior year, all candidates for the major are required to take Spanish 425 and 435.

In lieu of 435 and a course in Hispanic studies (described above), students in their junior year may propose a research topic for an honors thesis (SPAN 495, 496) to be completed during their senior year.

The Minor in Spanish (2021, 2022, 2023)

Comprised of four courses beyond Spanish 111-112 (or fewer, if students demonstrate greater proficiency). Students are required to complete the language sequence (SPAN 101-102 or 103, 111-112, and 211) or demonstrate equivalent proficiency that would allow for advanced placement. Following completion of the language sequence, minors are required to take three courses at the 300 or 400 level with at least one focusing on literature.

Note: Spanish also counts toward the minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

New Course Requirements in Spanish (starting with the class of 2024)

Majors as of 2024:

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).

Minors as of 2024

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.