College of Liberal Arts
Curriculum in Hispanic Studies
At a time when worldwide globalization includes the demographically and culturally significant Hispanization of Texas, along with other areas of the United States, the study of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture is important to achieving an understanding of the world in which we live. Through teaching, research and service, the faculty of the Department of Hispanic Studies contribute in their work through the undergraduate curriculum to the process of globalization by fostering University and professional levels of bilingualism and biculturalism. With 450 million world-wide speakers, Spanish is not only the second language of Texas and the United States, but also an official language of the United Nations and of the European Union. Furthermore, as a linguistic presence on the internet, Spanish is second only to English. Texas is a bilingual/bicultural state in which Spanish is useful and often necessary in everyday life. In the diverse society in which we live, much personal and professional satisfaction can be gained by being bilingual and bicultural. Texas A&M University’s curriculum in Spanish and courses in Hispanic Studies can help a student work towards achieving such a goal.
The Department of Hispanic Studies offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate courses. The Department recognizes the integral relationship between teaching and research, and all members of the faculty are active scholars and dedicated teachers. With major emphases in literature and language/culture, the Department offers a variety of courses in Spanish language, linguistics and culture. An undergraduate major in Spanish can show future employers and/or graduate schools that a student has achieved a certain level of linguistic ability and understanding of Hispanic cultures. The undergraduate major is designed to help students grow in their oral and written language skills as they learn more about Hispanic cultures through literature and cultural studies. This kind of study is valuable for those who plan to go into international careers or for those who plan to work with Hispanic populations in the United States. A Spanish major is useful in careers such as banking, advertising, marketing, journalism, health services, government, social welfare and public administration, and it is an excellent preparation for professional school.
The Department insists on a high level of language competence as the basis for other intellectual growth in the discipline. In addition to classes at the College Station campus, the Department sponsors summer study abroad programs for credit in Mexico and Spain. Semester and full-years study abroad programs, reciprocal exchanges or internships are available and encouraged. In general, the careful combination of the skills and knowledge from a Spanish major with other curricula can greatly enhance students’ preparation for business, industry, government or the professions. Teaching certification is available to Spanish majors through the College of Education and Human Development.
After meeting the University admission requirement in foreign language, students will be required to complete, by course work or placement test, all 100- and 200-level courses in sequence before taking any upper-division (300- or 400-level) course. Once a student has received credit for a higher level language course in the lower division sequence, the student is no longer eligible to receive credit for prerequisite courses.