Spanish Major

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures: Spanish

The major in Spanish is based on the concept that language is a social practice. It emphasizes the use of language to explore interdisciplinary content, affirms the intrinsic relationship between language and culture, and stresses the participation of three different tracks: one focuses on literature; the second focuses on the interplay between language and culture; and the third incorporates an additional area of study, for example, environmental or urban studies, health, education, art, gender, and feminist studies, or media.

Major Requirements

General requirements for the three tracks are:

Spanish language proficiency at the intermediate level upon entry to the major (end of the sophomore year) and at the advanced or superior level upon completion (ACTFL standards).
An immersion experience in at least one Spanish-speaking community abroad or within the United States, as determined with the adviser.
Eight of the required courses within each track should be taught in Spanish and be above SPAN 044 PZ . With the adviser’s consent these eight may include cross-listed courses with Spanish or other courses numbered below SPAN 044 PZ , such as SPAN 031 PZ -Community-Based Spanish Practicum
In addition, each student will complete the requirements for one of the following tracks (at least 9 to 10 courses). Courses listed below are sample options. Course selection should be made in consultation with the major faculty adviser.

Track One: Spanish Language and Literature

One theory of language course or equivalent, for example: LGCS 010 PZ
One course on literary analysis or equivalent, for example: SPAN 101 SC
One course that provides a sociocultural or historical background for the student’s area of literary focus.
Six courses with a focus on the literature of either Spain or Latin America, or a comparative transatlantic study.
SPAN 199 PZ , a capstone senior research project.

Track Two: Spanish Language and Cultures

One course as a theoretical foundation for understanding culture, for example ANTH 002 PZ , SOC 001 PZ
One course that connects language and society, for example LGCS 112 PZ , LGCS 115 PZ , LGCS 116 PZ , ANTH 003 PZ , ANTH 117 PZ .
One foundations course that provides a sociocultural or historical background for the student’s area of focus, for example, SPAN 102 CM , HIST 011 PZ , HIST 032 CH , HIST 100I CH
Six courses focused on the study of one or two Spanish speaking cultures.
SPAN 199 PZ , a capstone senior research project.

Track Three: Interdisciplinary Studies in Spanish

This option required a second adviser in the additional area of study who is on either The Claremont Colleges or the Study Abroad site faculty and has the appropriate expertise.

One course as a theoretical foundation for understanding culture, for example ANTH 002 PZ , SOC 001 PZ
One introductory course in the emphasis area.
One course that provides a sociocultural or historical background for the student’s emphasis area.
Four elective upper division courses in Spanish.
Two courses in the emphasis that are taught in Spanish.
SPAN 199 PZ , a capstone senior research project.

Honors

Students whose general academic work and senior research are judged as excellent will be considered for graduation with honors in Spanish.

Sigma Delta Pi

Pitzer College is a member of The Claremont Colleges chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society. Juniors and seniors are elected to membership on the basis of academic standing and regulations for eligibility established by the chapter and the national society. Information may be obtained from Professor Ethel Jorge.