About This Program
Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States and in the world. In the Spanish Studies major, you will gain proficiency in the language, and you will gain insight into cultures and communities where Spanish is spoken. Take a wide array of courses in Spanish in areas like culture, sustainability, history, art, business Spanish, film, and literature here at UMD and expand your horizons!
Spanish Studies consists of two different sub-plans: Language and Culture Studies or Latin America.
The Language and Culture Studies sub-plan fosters the development of cross-cultural competency and broader world perspectives through the study of history, cultural production, and texts of inherently diverse Spanish-speaking communities and cultures. This major guides you to the acquisition of the Spanish language in order to carry out coursework in the study, analysis, and understanding of literary texts and cultural products from Latin America, Spain, and United States Latino communities. In this sub-plan you gain proficiency in the Spanish language and essential skills, like critical analysis, empathy, and cultural awareness. Because this major requires a second field of study, this sub-plan prepares you for a wide variety of careers, graduate programs, and professional school programs.
If interested in intensifying your study of Latin America, consider the Latin America sub-plan. You will apply your linguistic and interdisciplinary skills to a wide variety of local, regional, national, or international career choices. This sub-plan requires a study abroad or internship requirement, a requirement that gives you credit for an immersion in a Spanish-speaking community abroad or in a United States Latino community. If you choose a study abroad experience, you will cultivate the ability to articulate a keen understanding of the role of race, class, gender, sustainability, and human rights as they pertain to Spanish-speaking North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. If you select an internship, you will put your Spanish language skills to use and acquire direct experience in a local, state, or private entity.
Program Highlights
- Two subplans to choose from: Language and Culture Studies or Latin America
- Instructor-led study abroad program
- Our faculty are nationally and internationally known scholars who publish on the literature, cinema, social realities and diversity of the Spanish-speaking world, holding elected positions in organizations such as the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
Research & Experiential Learning
- Study abroad opportunities
- Internships
Student Internships
- University of Minnesota Duluth
- City of Duluth
- Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
- Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, and Balmer
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Giant Voices
- Hennepin County
Potential Careers
- Engineering
- Teaching
- Non-profit administration
- Human resources
- The creative economy
- Law and government
- Marketing and business administration
- Health and sciences
Scholarships
The World Languages and Cultures Department offers several scholarships for students to study abroad and for students who excel academically.
CAHSS is proud to be able to offer over 90 alumni and donor funded scholarships to our students each year. Each department facilitates the process for their specific scholarships and students are also encouraged to apply for CAHSS-wide scholarships offered to students in any field.
Get Involved
The UMD Club de Español (Spanish Club) is a student-run organization that plans events where students (and faculty) can connect and celebrate their love of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.