The Spanish language program at Occidental College is designed to develop the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while introducing students to the rich cultural and literary traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. Courses are taught entirely in Spanish. Primary emphasis is placed on oral skills, and grammar is presented through a communicative approach. Beginning Spanish 101 and 102 cover the essentials of the grammar. In these courses students learn to communicate in real-life situations while simultaneously studying the cultures of Latin America, the Latino United States, and Spain.
Students read poetry, plays, and prose fiction from Mexico, South America, and Spain.
Spanish 201 and 202 are designed for non-native speakers and Spanish 210 and 211 for native speakers of the language. These courses are intended to prepare students for upper division courses in literature and culture. Students are encouraged to use their Spanish whenever possible, with Spanish-speaking friends, faculty, and staff members, both on campus and in the community as a whole. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the numerous cultural resources of the Los Angeles area in order to broaden their knowledge of the diverse culture of the Spanish-speaking world. The Department urges students to consider participating in one of the Occidental study-abroad programs, either in Mexico City, Madrid, Salamanca or Costa Rica.