The objective of the Spanish major is to learn about Hispanic cultures directly
through the Spanish language and principally by way of their literature and other
artistic expressions.
We study literature and a variety of cultural manifestations from a modern
critical perspective, without isolating them from their context. Most courses
are taught in Spanish. Courses are categorized according to level of difficulty
and focus:
1. Language Courses
2. Panoramic Introductions
3. Nation-Specific Studies
4. Courses Specialized by Author and Text
5. Thematic Analyses
To give students a better idea of the development of the Hispanic world throughout
the centuries, we expect majors to select courses on the literature and cultures
of Spain, Latin America and Latinos in the United States. Fluent and correct
use of the language is essential to the successful completion of the major.
To this end, continuous training in the use of the language and travel abroad
will be emphasized.
A major in Spanish (both Rite and Honors) will consist of nine courses in the
literatures and cultures of Spanish-speaking peoples. All courses offered by
the Department above Spanish 3 will count toward the major*. Five of those courses
must be taken from the Spanish offerings at Amherst College. Students are required
in their final year to take a Senior Seminar in which they apply the knowledge
accumulated through advanced analytical tools. (Spanish 32 or Spanish 44 will
satisfy this requirement for 2009 graduates. Please see course descriptions).
Courses enrolled abroad or outside the Department will require departmental
approval. Students who take language courses are expected to continue on to
the culture courses.
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