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HISP - Hispanic Studies Major

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BA - Bachelor of Arts

Overview

Requirements

Program Requirements

Hispanic Studies Requirements


There are three different majors in the Hispanic Studies program. The Single-Language focus is based exclusively on Spanish language, whereas the Dual-Language Focus allows students to combine Spanish with another language. All languages in the departments of Language and Culture Studies and Classical Studies count towards the Dual-Language tracks.

  1. Hispanic Studies (Single-Language Focus) are required to have a total of 11.5 credits beyond HISP 102.

  2. Hispanic Studies (Dual-Language Focus with Spanish as the primary language) are required to take 7.5 credits beyond HISP 102 and 4 courses in a another language. 

  3. Hispanic Studies (Dual-Language Focus with Spanish as the secondary language) are required to take 5 credits beyond HISP 102 and 6 courses in a another language. 


  1. Hispanic Studies (Single-Language Focus) 11.5 courses beyond HISP 102

8.5 required courses: 

  • 2 HISP 26X (any courses from Latin American Cultures and/or Iberian Cultures) 

  • HISP 270 Introduction to Cultural Analysis

  • HISP 280 Hispanic Hartford

  • HISP 290 (0.5) Studying in the Hispanic World Colloquium

  • 3 HISP 3XX (upper-level seminars in Spanish, special topics)

  • HISP 401 Senior Seminar

3 elective courses:

  • 2 HISP courses beyond 102 (courses such as HISP 215, 221, 224, 226 or those taken in an approved Study Away program in a Spanish-speaking country) 

  • 1 elective can be a “related course” from another department/program in the Humanities or Social Sciences related to the Hispanic world, or LACS 218 or 299.

  1. Hispanic Studies (Dual-Language Focus with Spanish as the primary language) 7.5 credits beyond HISP 102

7.5 required courses 

  • ˆ Two culture courses (HISP 261, 262, 263, or 264) or two advanced culture courses taken in an approved Study Away program. 

  • ˆ HISP 270. Introduction to Cultural Analysis

  • ˆ HISP 280. Hispanic Hartford

  • ˆ HISP 290. Studying in the Hispanic World Colloquium (0.5 credits)

  • ˆ Two HISP 300-level courses (upper-level seminars in Spanish)

  • ˆ HISP 401 (Senior Seminar)



  1. Hispanic Studies (Dual-Language Focus with Spanish as the secondary language) 5 credits beyond HISP 102

5 required courses 

  • ˆ One elective beyond HISP 102

  • ˆ Two culture courses (HISP 261, 262, 263 or 264)

  • ˆ Two HISP 300 level courses (upper level seminars in Spanish)


Coursework completed for single or double language focus in Hispanic Studies, as well as the minor, must receive C- or better, and students must demonstrate oral and written proficiency in the appropriate language(s). 

First-year students planning to take a language course (other than HISP 101) must take the placement test, administered during first-year orientation. Any student wishing to enroll for credit in a lower-level language sequence after having been granted credit for a course in the same language at a higher level must first obtain the written permission of the department chair.

Spanish heritage speakers who wish to strengthen their oral and written skills are encouraged to take “HISP 224: Spanish for Heritage Students”. Native speakers of Spanish will replace elective courses with advanced culture classes in the HISP26X sequence and HISP3XX. Please consult your case with the Head of section at HISP; the major welcomes students at all levels of linguistic proficiency.

Upper-level courses are conducted in the foreign language unless otherwise indicated. Offerings change every semester, check the most updated version of the catalog.

All language skill courses may require extra lab or drill sessions at the discretion of the instructor.

Core courses: Please see listings and descriptions of respective majors. 

Capstone/senior project: Students are also required to complete a project synthesizing coursework taken for the major. Except under exceptional circumstances, this project will be undertaken in HISP 401 Senior Seminar; it must be done at Trinity College. See full descriptions under individual language headings.


ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:

Study Away: All Hispanic Studies majors and all minors majors are encouraged to pursue a study away experience in Spain or Latin America at a program approved by the Hispanic studies section (consult options at the Office of Study Away website). All students wishing to receive credit toward the major for courses taken abroad must have taken at least one thematically appropriate (Iberian or Latin American) civilization and culture course (HISP 26X) before their departure. Careful planning in coordination with the student’s advisor is therefore essential. 

A maximum of 3 courses taken abroad can be counted towards the major.

Students who spend two semesters abroad in a Spanish-speaking country may petition to have more than 3 courses count towards the major.

Students who do not study abroad must take an extra 300-level course to substitute for HISP 290.

Teaching Assistants: Students may earn 1 full credit by 1) working for a professor in a language class as a TA for .5 credit, AND 2) taking LACS 205 Language pedagogy workshop for .5 credit (1 credit total). While this credit does not count towards the major or minor, it is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience Hispanic Studies from the perspective of instruction.


Honors: To qualify for honors in Hispanic studies majors must attain a cumulative average of A- or better in all courses counting toward the major and achieve an A- or better in HISP 401.