Spanish Studies
Major Requirements
Spanish majors are required to take eight courses (32 units), including SPAN 202 or SPAN 211, six courses numbered above SPAN 202/SPAN 211, and SPAN 490. Of the group of six courses, a minimum of two must be in literature and one in linguistics. At least one of the six courses must be numbered SPAN 340 or above.
A maximum of three courses may be taken outside the department, including those taken on study abroad programs. Only one course may be taken in English, with approval of the department. All courses taken outside the department for the Spanish major must be approved in advance by the students' departmental adviser. Students are responsible for documenting the work they do abroad, especially regarding independent research, internships, or courses taken directly at a university. A portfolio of their work should be submitted upon their return in order to receive credit towards the Spanish major or minor.
For both the Spanish major and minor, the terms literature and culture refer to the literatures and cultures of Spain, Spanish America, and the Latino United States. The term linguistics includes courses taught both in English and Spanish.
Concentration Options
Students majoring in Spanish Studies have the option to choose a concentration in Literature, Culture, or Linguistics. In addition to the requirements above, students pursuing a concentration must also satisfy the following requirements:
- Literature. Three courses in literature, one course in linguistics, and two additional courses in literature, linguistics, or culture
- Culture. Three courses in culture, two courses in literature, and one course in linguistics
- Linguistics. Three courses in linguistics, two courses in literature, and one additional course in literature, linguistics, or culture
Literature Courses
| SPAN 301 | Introduction to Pre-Columbian and Colonial Latin American Literature and Civilization | 4 units |
| SPAN 302 | Introduction to Medieval and Golden Age Spanish Literature and Culture | 4 units |
| SPAN 304 | Introduction to Modern Spanish Literature and Civilization | 4 units |
| SPAN 309 | Latin American Writers in Spain | 4 units |
| SPAN 314 | Latin American Women's Voices in Fiction and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 316 | Violence in Latin American Fiction and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 320 | Golden Age Spanish Literature and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 351 | Cervantes and the Renaissance | 4 units |
| SPAN 353 | Images of Sacred and Profane Love in Medieval and Golden Age Spain | 4 units |
| SPAN 362 | Modern Spanish Theater and Cinema | 4 units |
| SPAN 363 | Hispanic Autobiography | 4 units |
| SPAN 370 | The Jungle in Modern Latin American Literature | 4 units |
| SPAN 377 | Magical Realism in Latin America | 4 units |
| SPAN 378 | Buenos Aires in Latin American Fiction and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 382 | Contemporary Mexican Novel | 4 units |
| SPAN 383 | Survey of Chicano Literature | 4 units |
Culture Courses
| SPAN 312 | Spanish Film and Culture | 4 units |
| SPAN 313 | Latin American Film and Culture | 4 units |
| SPAN 314 | Latin American Women's Voices in Fiction and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 316 | Violence in Latin American Fiction and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 320 | Golden Age Spanish Literature and Film | 4 units |
| SPAN 342 | Spanish in the United States | 4 units |
| SPAN 362 | Modern Spanish Theater and Cinema | 4 units |
Linguistics Courses
SECOND-STAGE WRITING REQUIREMENT
Students majoring in Spanish will satisfy the second-stage component of Occidental College's writing requirement by receiving a grade of B- or higher in a Spanish course numbered 340 or above. See the department chair for additional information.
COMPREHENSIVE REQUIREMENT
The comprehensive requirement consists of the senior seminar and an oral presentation on a topic related to the senior research paper.
HONORS
Majors in the department with GPA of at least 3.50 in major courses and an overall GPA of 3.25 may qualify for Honors at graduation through a distinguished comprehensive thesis. See the Honors Program and consult the major advisor and chair for details by the end of the fall semester, junior year.