Spanish

Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 8 credits of work in courses taught in Spanish numbered 010 and above. Only one of these may overlap with the student’s major or other minor.
2. All majors must take either SPAN 022 or SPAN 023, except in special cases when the department waives this requirement.
3. Majors must maintain a curricular balance in their overall program. Students are encouraged to choose courses representing each one of the following areas: Caribbean, Mexico/Central America, South America, and Spain.
4. AP/IB credits do not count towards the major. (Students -with AP- 4 or 5 Higher IB- 6 or 7 scores- can receive a maximum of one credit toward their general graduation requirements upon successful completion of a Spanish course in the department.)
5. To ensure the development of Spanish linguistic competence, only courses conducted in Spanish will count toward the major.
6. During the fall of their senior year, all majors must complete the departmental seminar. Students may enroll in a seminar after completing one advanced course (040-089). Only one seminar counts as two credits toward the major. Seminars taken for one credit, with instructor approval, do not fulfill the major requirement but count as an advanced one-credit course.
7. Study Abroad Requirement: Students majoring in Spanish are required to engage in an immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country for at least one semester through an approved program by the Department of Spanish. Only two courses taken abroad that align with the curriculum of the department may count towards fulfilling the major requirements. For full immersion, all courses taken abroad must be conducted in Spanish. Only advanced language courses taken abroad may receive Spanish credit.
   1. Exceptions to the Study Abroad Requirement:
      1. Summer Language Program: In special cases, the study abroad requirement may be fulfilled with a summer-long study abroad program identified and approved by the department, particularly for students with advanced language proficiency. For summer programs, only one relevant course may count towards fulfilling the major or minor.
      2. Bilingual Students: Spanish/English bilingual students who have recently arrived in the U.S. and have received substantial schooling in Spanish, either in Spanish-speaking countries or in the United States, may petition for a waiver of the study abroad requirement. Each case will be evaluated individually by the Spanish faculty.
      3. Exemptions: Students who are unable to fulfill the study abroad requirement due to academic or other constraints should consult with the chair of the Department of Spanish. Exemptions may be granted under exceptional circumstances, such as when other major requirements or compelling reasons prevent participation in a semester or summer abroad program.
      4. Alternative Immersion Activities: Exempted students are required to participate in an internship or another long-term activity (minimum six weeks) that provides Spanish immersion. Upon completion, a detailed report (3-4 pages) must be submitted to the Department of Spanish for formal exemption from the Study Abroad requirement.
8. Upon returning from abroad, majors must enroll in a one-credit advanced course in the department.
9. A minimum of four of the eight courses must be taken at Swarthmore.
10. To graduate with a major in Spanish, a student must maintain a minimum grade of B in the discipline, and a C average in course work outside the department.

Important Notes:

1. SPAN 008 has been renumbered to SPAN 014. However, SPAN 008 will still count for students who took the course under its previous number.
    
2. Course Policy for Class of 2025 and 2026 Majors:
   The course taken in English under the rubric LITR/SPAN, as specified in the previous requirements, will count toward the major only for students graduating in the class of 2025 or 2026.

Culminating Exercise

Majors will participate in a senior research panel during the spring of their senior year. The panel will be based on the research conducted in the fall seminar and will be guided by the professor who taught the seminar.

Acceptance Criteria

For admission to the Course Major, the student needs a minimum of “B” level work in courses taken at Swarthmore taught in Spanish or the required introductory-level literature course (SPAN 022  or SPAN 023 ), demonstrated ability and interest in language and literature, and a minimum “C” average in course work outside the department.

Prerequisite: SPAN 004  or its equivalent is the language prerequisite for entering the Spanish major. It does not count as one of the 8 credits required for the major.

Requirements

1. Students must complete a minimum of 5 credits of work in courses taught in Spanish numbered 010 and above. Only one of these may overlap with the student’s major or other minor.
2. All minors must take either SPAN 022  or  SPAN 023 , except in special cases when the department waives this requirement.
3. Minors must maintain a curricular balance in their overall program. Students are encouraged to choose courses representing the following areas: Caribbean, Mexico/Central America, South America, and Spain.
4. AP/IB credits do not count towards the minor. (Students -with AP- 4 or 5 Higher IB- 6 or 7 scores- can receive a maximum of one credit toward their general graduation requirements upon successful completion of a Spanish course in the department.)
5. To ensure the development of Spanish linguistic competence, only courses conducted in Spanish will count toward the minor.
6. Minors are encouraged to take seminars offered by the department. Students may enroll in a seminar after completing one advanced course (numbered 040 to 089). Seminars count as one credit toward the minor.
7. Study Abroad Requirement: Students minoring in Spanish are required to engage in an immersion experience in a Spanish-speaking country for at least one semester through an approved program by the Department of Spanish. Only two courses taken abroad that align with the curriculum of the department may count towards fulfilling the minor requirements. For full immersion, all courses taken abroad must be conducted in Spanish. Only advanced language courses taken abroad may receive Spanish credit.
   1. Exceptions to the Study Abroad Requirement:
      1. Summer Language Program: In special cases, the study abroad requirement may be fulfilled with a summer-long study abroad program identified and approved by the department, particularly for students with advanced language proficiency. For summer programs, only one relevant course may count towards fulfilling the major or minor.
      2. Bilingual Students: Spanish/English bilingual students who have recently arrived in the U.S. and have received substantial schooling in Spanish, either in Spanish-speaking countries or in the United States, may petition for a waiver of the study abroad requirement. Each case will be evaluated individually by the Spanish faculty.
      3. Exemptions: Students who are unable to fulfill the study abroad requirement due to academic or other constraints should consult with the chair of the Department of Spanish. Exemptions may be granted under exceptional circumstances, such as when other major requirements or compelling reasons prevent participation in a semester or summer abroad program.
      4. Alternative Immersion Activities: Exempted students are required to participate in an internship or another long-term activity (minimum six weeks) that provides Spanish immersion. Upon completion, a detailed report (3-4 pages) must be submitted to the Department of Spanish for formal exemption from the Study Abroad requirement.
8. Upon returning from study abroad, minor must enroll in a one-credit advanced course in the department.
9. To graduate with a minor in Spanish, a student must maintain a minimum grade of B in the discipline, and a C average in course work outside the department.

Important Note: SPAN 008 has been renumbered to SPAN 014. However, SPAN 008 will still count for students who took the course under its previous number.

Acceptance Criteria

For admission to the course minor, the student needs a minimum of B level work in courses taken at Swarthmore taught in Spanish or the required introductory-level literature course (SPAN 022  or SPAN 023 ), demonstrated ability and interest in language and literature, and a minimum C average in course work outside the department.

Prerequisite: SPAN 004  or its equivalent is the language prerequisite for entering the Spanish minor. It does not count as one of the 5 credits required for the minor.

Requirements

Candidates for the major or minor in Spanish must meet these requirements to be accepted into Honors:

1. A “B+” average in Spanish coursework at Swarthmore.
2. Completion at Swarthmore of either SPAN 022 or SPAN 023 (except in cases when the department waives this requirement or approves a similar course taken abroad) and one course numbered 040 to 089.
3. Completion of one semester of study in a Spanish-speaking country in a program approved by the Department of Spanish. (Depending on their linguistic proficiency, as evaluated by the Spanish faculty, honors majors and minors may petition to have the requirement waived or fulfilled with a summer-long off-campus study program.)
4. Demonstrated linguistic ability in Spanish in academic settings.
5. Present fields for external examination based on Honors seminars offered by the department. (In exceptional cases, a two-course combination approved by the department might be used as an Honors preparation. Students must consult with their sophomore plan advisor and/or department chair.)

6. All majors in the Honors Program must do three (3) preparations for  a total of six units of credit while all minors must complete one (1) preparation consisting of two units of credit.

7. Honors majors and minors must submit a Senior Honors Study (SHS) portfolio to be assessed by the examiner(s). 

Senior Honors Study

Senior Honors Study (SHS) portfolio materials are Honors materials sent to the examiner to be used as part of the evaluation.

All honors majors and minors will select one paper from each seminar to be sent to the external examiner for that seminar. The student is free to submit the paper with minor or major revisions or no revisions at all. 4,000 words is the senior honors limit set by the college.  Majors will, therefore, submit three such papers, and minors will submit one.

The Honors Exam for Majors and Minors

Majors will take three (3) three-hour written examinations prepared by the external examiners, as well as three (3) 45 minute oral exams based on the contents of each field of preparation.

Minors will take one (1) three-hour written examination prepared by the external examiner, as well as one (1) half-hour oral exam based on the contents of the written examination, senior honors study portfolio materials, and their overall preparation in the field presented.

All Honors exams will be conducted exclusively in Spanish.

Major in Spanish and Educational Studies

The Department of Spanish and the Department of Educational Studies prepare students for a combined Spanish and Educational Studies major or PreK-12 Spanish certification in Pennsylvania. Students may also pursue certification without majoring or minoring in either department, provided they complete the required courses in both areas.

The following courses of studies are available:

• Course Major in Spanish and Educational Studies 
• Course Major in Spanish and Educational Studies with PA Spanish Teacher Certification
• Course Major in Spanish, and Educational Studies Minor with PA Spanish Teacher Certification

Students can also seek PreK-12 Spanish certification without the need to pursue a major, or major/minor in either department, as long as they take the required Spanish and Educational Studies courses.

• For further information about the relevant requirements, please refer to the academic requirements chart that appears below, and read the section PA Teacher Certification on the Educational Studies Department website (which also discusses how students can explore whether PA certification will transfer to other states).

Review department specific requirements for Spanish & Educational Studies [pdf].

Major in Linguistics and Languages

Spanish requirements for the major: 

1. 3 credits numbered above 022.
2. One of the 3 credits must be SPAN 022  or SPAN 023   but not both.
3. To ensure the development of Spanish linguistic competence, only courses conducted in Spanish will count toward the fulfillment of the 3-credit requirement.
4. In special circumstances, by permission of the Department of Spanish, SPAN 014 could count toward the 3-credit requirement.
5. If the student is pursuing off-campus study in a Spanish speaking country, only one literature course taken abroad that pertains to the curriculum of the Department of Spanish may count toward fulfillment of the three-credit requirement. For full immersion, all courses taken abroad must be taken in Spanish. (Advanced language courses taken abroad may receive Spanish credit but will not count toward the special major’s three-credit requirement.)

See Department of Linguistics for department specific requirements. 

Requirements for the Major in Spanish and Educational Studies

In addition to the requirements of the Department of Educational Studies, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Students must complete 6 credits of work in courses numbered 014 and above. None of these courses may be taught in English.
2. Only one of the following courses may count toward the 6-credits requirement: SPAN 012  or SPAN 014. One of the 6 credits must be SPAN 022  or SPAN 023 .
3. One credit special major thesis in Educational Studies and Spanish.
4. One semester/summer abroad in a Spanish speaking country in a program approved by the Department of Spanish. Only two courses taken abroad may count toward the 6 credit requirement. (For summer programs, only one relevant course taken abroad may count towards fulfillment of the major.) This requirement may be waived; consult the catalogue/department for study abroad waiver information.
5. Students must complete 5 credits in Educational Studies.

Note: The special major itself does not constitute preparation toward certification. The required Educational Studies courses are described elsewhere. 


See Educational Studies for department specific requirements.

Requirements for the Major in Spanish and Educational Studies with PA Spanish Teacher Certification

In addition to the requirements of the Department of Educational Studies, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Students must complete 6 credits of work in courses numbered SPAN 008  and above.
2. Only one of the following courses may count toward the 6-credits requirement: SPAN 008  or SPAN 012 . One of the 6 credits must be SPAN 022  or SPAN 023 .
3. One of the 6 credits may be taken in English from the courses listed under “Spanish Courses Taught in English” (LITR.S) that appear below.
4. One credit special major thesis in Educational Studies and Spanish.
5. One semester/summer abroad in a Spanish speaking country in a program approved by the Department of Spanish. Only two courses taken abroad may count toward the 8 credit requirement. (For summer programs, only one relevant course taken abroad may count towards fulfillment of the major.) This requirement may be waived; consult the catalogue/department for study abroad waiver information.

See Educational Studies for department specific requirements. 

Academic Benefits of Off-Campus Study

Studying abroad provides a rich intellectual experience when fully integrated into a student’s academic journey at Swarthmore. The key benefits-deep cross-cultural exposure and language acquisition-are best achieved through full immersion programs that immerse students in the host country’s language, culture, and society. These goals align with the academic mission of the Department of Spanish. Pursuing coursework in English in a Spanish-speaking country does not meet these objectives.

Spanish majors and minors are required to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. In exceptional cases where a semester or summer abroad is not feasible, students may be exempt or fulfill the requirement through a summer internship. For detailed procedures and requirements, please refer to the study abroad section in the major and minor academic requirements.

Upon returning, Spanish majors and minors are required to enroll in an advanced course within the Spanish department.

Advising

Majors, minors, and non-specialists are encouraged to meet with Spanish faculty to explore study abroad options that complement their academic goals. Students on financial aid may apply it to designated study abroad programs.

To enhance language study and prepare for academic work in Spanish, we recommend that students take a literature writing course in Spanish (SPAN 014, or preferably SPAN 022, or SPAN 023) at Swarthmore before studying abroad.

For pre-approval of credit, consult the department’s transfer credit advisor and the Global Engagement office. Pre-approved courses must be evaluated post-completion by the department to determine Swarthmore credit.

Pre-Estimation and Final Credit Review

To receive credit for college-level work done elsewhere-domestic or abroad-it must be pre-approved and evaluated by the appropriate Swarthmore academic department. Swarthmore does not transfer credit; instead, credit is awarded for work done elsewhere, often referred to as transfer credit.

Students may receive transfer credit for Spanish courses taken at comparable universities during the summer or semester abroad, at the department’s discretion. Students will not receive credit for a college class taken prior to enrolling at Swarthmore. Typically, study-abroad courses in Spanish do not fulfill the College’s Language Requirement.

Visit the Global Engagement office for details on how to apply to study abroad programs. Once admitted, you must get credit pre-approval for your intended courses using the Credit Evaluation System. All pre-approved courses for the Spanish major/minor will count for 1 credit and be evaluated upon return. Keep all courses materials for submission to the Credit Evaluation System.

Students are encouraged to take courses that do not duplicate those offered in the Spanish department. Vocational-technical courses and orientation sessions cannot receive academic credit.

Before departure, consult the department’s transfer credit advisor for pre-approval of your proposed Spanish courses. 

Language Courses

Our language courses give students ample opportunity for practice, encouraging the development of of communicative proficiency and cultural competency. 

• SPAN 001. Elementary Spanish 001
• SPAN 002. Elementary Spanish 002
• SPAN 002B. Spanish for Advanced Beginners
• SPAN 003. Intermediate Spanish
• SPAN 004. Advanced Spanish
• SPAN 008. Spanish Conversation and Composition
• SPAN 014. Spanish Composition and Conversation

Introductory Courses

Our writing courses enable students to move toward writing proficiency in Spanish and provide a panoramic view of the literary and cultural histories of the Hispanic world. 

• SPAN 015. First Year Seminar: Introduction to Latinx Literature and Culture
• SPAN 017. Spanish for Health Professionals
• SPAN 022. Introducción a la literatura española
• SPAN 023. Introducción a la literatura latinoamericana

Advanced Courses and Seminars

Advanced courses and seminars explore specific trends and topics pertaining to the literatures and cultures of Spain, Mexico and Central America, South America, and the Hispanic Caribbean as well as those of Latino/a communities in the United States. 

• SPAN 044. Marginalidad y justicia en la época de Cervantes
• SPAN 045. Plagas, epidemias y pandemias en el mundo global hispano
• SPAN 050. Afrocaribe: literatura y cultura visual
• SPAN 055. Puerto Rico y su discurso literario
• SPAN 060. Memoria e identidad
• SPAN 064. Literatura femenina en el Caribe
• SPAN 066. La voz de la mujer
• SPAN 067. Legado artístico y cultural de la Guerra Civil
• SPAN 069. Cartografías urbanas
• SPAN 070. El cuento latinoamericano: relatos de un continente
• SPAN 080. Los hijos de la Malinche: Representaciones culturales de la Revolución Mexicana
• SPAN 087. Cruzando fronteras: el cine mexicano de ayer y hoy
• SPAN 088. Pasados desgarradores: revolución y trauma en la literatura centroamericana
• SPAN 105. Federico García Lorca
• SPAN 106. Tomás Gutiérrez Alea y el nuevo cine latinoamericano

Courses Taught in English

To ensure the development of Spanish linguistic competence, only courses conducted in Spanish will count toward the major.

• LITR 015S. First Year Seminar: Introduction to Latinx Literature and Culture
• LITR 025S. Reading Borges: Labyrinths and Forking Paths
• LITR 049S. Latino Cityscapes in Literature and Film
• LITR 052S. Afro-Caribbean Literature and Visual Culture
• LITR 063S. Latinx Images: Film and Visual Culture
• SPAN 015. First Year Seminar: Introduction to Latinx Literature and Culture
• SPAN 025. Reading Borges: Labyrinths and Forking Paths
• SPAN 049. Latino Cityscapes in Literature and Film
• SPAN 052. Afro-Caribbean Literature and Visual Culture
• SPAN 063. Latinx Images: Film and Visual Culture

Spanish Courses Not Currently Offered

• SPAN 020. The Latin American Short Story
• SPAN 051. Cuba contemporánea: utopía, revolución y reforma
• SPAN 052. Afro-Caribbean Literature and Visual Culture
• SPAN 053. Memorias a la deriva. El Caribe y sus diásporas
• SPAN 056. Don Quijote
• SPAN 057. Performing Latinidad: Latinx Theater, Film, and Performance Art
• SPAN 061. El “otro”: voces y miradas múltiples
• SPAN 062. The Politics of Latinx Art and Activism
• SPAN 075. Debates in Latinx Culture: Today and Tomorrow
• SPAN 078. Laberintos borgeanos
• SPAN 079. García Márquez y su huella
• SPAN 084. México 1968: La violencia del Estado de ayer y hoy
• SPAN 101. Alejo Carpentier
• SPAN 103. Trauma y derechos humanos en la literatura centroamericana
• SPAN 108. Borges y sus laberintos