Spanish at Lafayette

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 @ 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.

Requirements for the Major in Spanish
(as of 2026)Image of Chichen Itza, Hispanic cultural icon

Majors 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:

  • SP 300: Voices of the Spanish-Speaking World. Students must complete this course before moving on to other 300-level courses or must receive permission from the professor.
  • Five courses total at the 300 level (301-380). Students may petition to count one course in Hispanic studies taught in Spanish, English, or another language toward their electives at the 300 level.
  • SP 435: Research Seminar in Hispanic Literature and Civilization
    Note: Spanish also counts toward the minor in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Requirements for the Minor in Spanish

Students are required to complete the language sequence up to and including Advanced Spanish (or Spanish for Heritage Speakers 215) or demonstrate equivalent proficiency that would allow for advanced placement. Thereafter, minors are required to take SP 300 and two additional courses at the 300 or 400 level.

Course Requirements in Spanish

Language Course Placement

When registering for a Spanish class at Lafayette, please consider the following:

  • Students with no experience in the target language should pre-register for 101. No further action is needed.
  • Students with prior knowledge of the language should have a subject test score on file before they register online. Those who have already submitted a subject test score (i.e., AP, IB-HL) to the Registrar, do not need to take another test. Those without a test score are expected to take an online advising test at their earliest convenience (day or night), which is unproctored: https://lls.lafayette.edu/language-placement/placement-test/
  • A language faculty advisor will use the results of this test, along with the student’s high school transcripts and other relevant information, to help determine which course is educationally appropriate in level. Please remember that language level and subsequent course placement will be determined by the Department of Languages & Literary Studies. Please contact professor Sidney Donnell (donnells@lafayette.edu) or Amauri Gutiérrez-Coto (gutierra@lafayette.edu) with any questions or for more information.

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 prerequisites are Spanish 211, Spanish 300, equivalent proficiency, or permission of the instructor.

Seminar (SPAN 435): The general prerequisite is two courses 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.