Independent study with a faculty advisor is available to advanced students who wish to pursue specific areas in depth that are not included in the regular curriculum. All of these courses are taught in Spanish. Students There are currently more than 150 students majoring in Spanish. More than half of these are double majors. The most popular combinations with the Spanish major include Latin American studies or other languages such as French or Italian.
Class sizes vary depending on the level and type of course.
While some Spanish majors become teachers of Spanish, others find the major useful for careers in business, medicine, law, the government, and international agencies. A study abroad program to Valencia, Spain is available through the Spanish department and is strongly encouraged. Students may spend a summer term, a semester, or an entire year with a Spanish family, becoming totally immersed in the language and culture. The Spanish major consists of a wide variety of language, literature, and culture courses designed to provide the student with a thorough background suitable for various employment or graduate opportunities. In order to provide basic skills or knowledge necessary for the two options, certain core courses are common to both.