The Spanish Major in Romance Languages: Two Concentrations
Proficiency in Spanish and knowledge of the cultures where Spanish is used can enhance study and career opportunities in a number of fields—in particular, education, business and social services. Students with a second major in another discipline (e.g., art history, business administration, economics, family and human services, history, international studies, journalism, music, political science, human physiology, etc.) find positions in communications media, government or foreign service, local and international business and law, libraries, social service organizations, medical fields, as well as travel and tourist-related agencies, among others.
As of fall 2015, students have two options for organizing their study of the Spanish language and its associated cultures: concentrations in Literature and Culture or Language and Society.
| Spanish Major: Literature and Culture | Spanish Major: Language and Society |
The concentration in Literature and Culture offers humanities-focused classes that expose students to the depth and breadth of the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world. This course of study engages students through the study of literature, film, visual arts, and other media from a variety of historical periods, and allows them to develop high-level skills in critical thinking and written and oral expression in Spanish. | The Language and Society concentration exposes students to the historical and social contexts of cultures in which Spanish is an important vehicle of communication. Classes teach students to look at language through an interdisciplinary lens, using methodologies from both the social sciences and humanities. Knowledge of the linguistic structure of the language and its historical and social varieties will give students insights into the social characteristics of communities where Spanish is used. |
The graphic below provides a summary of the two concentrations side by side. Note that some courses are required in both concentrations. (Click on the links above for more specialized info about each concentration.)
In general, the courses in one concentration can serve as electives in the other. In either case, the major requires 48 credits of upper-division, graded course work, passed with a C- or higher. Internship credits, normally taken Pass/No Pass, do not satisfy major requirements.
| Literature and Culture Concentration | Language and Society Concentration | |
Lengua y cultura (8 credits) | Any 2 from 301, 303, 305, 308 | 308 required, plus any one from 301, 303, 305 |
Advanced writing (4 credits) | 311 Advanced Writing (for L2 students) or 312 Spanish in the Media (for heritage students); Students cannot receive credit for both 311 and 312. | |
Surveys (12 credits) | Any three from 341, 342, 343, 344, 350, 351, 353 | 320, 322, 324 |
Expertise (12 credits) Taught by RL faculty; 8 credits must be at the 400 level | Courses in literature, film, or translation in Spanish: 348, 407, 410 Escritura creativa, 425, 436-490 RL 407 or LAS 407 may be used for this requirement if coursework is done in Spanish, with advisor approval. | Courses in Spanish linguistics or translation from: 348, 420, 424, 425, 428, 448 RL 407 or LAS 407 may be used for this requirement if coursework is done in Spanish, with advisor approval. |
Electives (12 credits) | Upper-division courses (literature, film, linguistics), taught in Spanish, that address the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world As of fall 2018, one lower-division course from SPAN 150, 238, 248 may count towards this requirement. | |
| Experiential learning | Academic, internship, or officially documented volunteer experience that involves active use of the Spanish language outside the classroom, with at least 30 hours of work. Examples: The experiential learning requirement will be waived for students graduating through summer 2023.
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Study abroad can be an important part of either concentration. Visit the RL website for information on study abroad, and consult with your advisor on how to apply credits from abroad to your program.
If you would like to declare a major or minor in French, Italian, Spanish, or Romance Languages (including Portuguese) please make an appointment with a Global Connections Flight Path advisor (Tykeson): Courtney Garcia, Kenlei Cowell, Adam Hinkley or Bethany Runsten, who are all very knowledgeable about Romance Language programs. Please see the RL Academic Advising page with information on how to Declare a major or minor through Global Connections, as well as major and minor self-advising 'Checklists': https://rl.uoregon.edu/romance-languages-tykeson-college-and-career-advising.