The program develops analytical skills and methodologies needed to explore Hispanic and Hispanic-American languages and cultures. It is important to note that department majors and minors are not simply Spanish and Portuguese language majors or minors; rather, they are liberal arts majors and minors concentrating on Spanish, Latin American, and/or Luso-Brazilian literary, cultural, and linguistic studies with language skills at the foundation. All major and minor options in this department begin with prerequisite language courses, followed by advanced language skills courses (special arrangements may be made for native speakers of Spanish or Portuguese). These are followed by critical analysis skills courses in Hispanic literature, culture, and linguistics that prepare students to take advanced coursework in specific areas. The major options culminate in the completion of a capstone project through a SPAN 5xxx course or SPAN 3972W. Majors are required to enroll in a minimum 6-week study abroad experience, or a semester-long service learning course. The study abroad requirement must be fulfilled in a Spanish-speaking country or territory, involve at least one three-credit course taught in Spanish, and include courses related to Spanish studies. Students must meet with the department advisor prior to departure. The service learning requirement is fulfilled by semester-long SPAN 3401, or SPAN 3404, or other courses with advisor consent. Detailed information regarding Spanish and Portuguese studies undergraduate academic issues is printed in the Undergraduate Advising Handbook (available at https://cla.umn.edu/spanish-portuguese).

Students are required to complete 4 semester(s) of Spanish with a grade of C-, or better, or demonstrate proficiency in the language(s) as defined by the department or college. The Spanish Studies BA requires at least 5-6 semesters of language above and beyond the CLA second language requirement. CLA BA degrees require 18 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits outside the major designator. These credits must be taken in designators different from the major designator and cannot include courses that are cross-listed with the major designator. The major designator for the Spanish Studies BA is SPAN. The Spanish Studies B.A. is completed with a minimum of 34-54 credits and 11-15 courses: -0-20 credits (0-4 courses) of preparatory coursework (SPAN 1001-1004 or equivalent) -34 credits (11 courses) beyond the preparatory courses Majors are required to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country or territory for at least 6 weeks or take a semester-long service learning course. At least 6 upper-division courses in the major must be taken in residence. As many as three of these courses can be study abroad courses taken for resident credit, through a department-sponsored or affiliated study abroad program. The other three courses must be taken on campus and must have a Critical Analysis course as a prerequisite. The Spanish Studies BA may be combined with the Portuguese Studies minor, and/or the Spanish Language Advanced Level Proficiency Certificate. All incoming CLA freshmen must complete the First-Year Experience course sequence. All students must complete a capstone in at least one CLA major. The requirements for double majors completing the capstone in a different CLA major will be clearly stated. Students must also complete all major requirements in both majors to allow the additional capstone to be waived. Student completing an addition degree must complete the capstone in each degree area.