The Department of Spanish offers Spanish language and Spanish and Spanish-American literature courses in all periods, genres, and major authors as well as seminars in particular topics. The major in Spanish builds upon a close reading and detailed analysis of literary texts, taking into account ideological, cultural, and aesthetic issues. Students have the opportunity to participate in Colby's language semester program in Salamanca, Spain, and to spend their junior year abroad at Colby's program in Salamanca, or at approved programs in other countries. Like most liberal arts majors, the study of foreign languages should be considered as a background leading to a wide variety of careers.
Some students go on to pursue advanced degrees in Spanish.
When languages are combined with course work in areas such as anthropology, history, government, economics, sociology, or the natural sciences, career possibilities in law, medicine, business, and government are enhanced. All seniors must take a literature course at the 300 or 400 level each semester. If taken during the senior year, Spanish 231 does not replace a literature course. Majors are strongly advised to spend one academic year studying abroad at the junior level. A minimum of one semester's study abroad at the junior level is required of majors.