Spanish and Latin American Studies, BA

Overview

The Spanish major at Saint Mary's College equips students with valuable skills in communication, critical thinking, research, and cultural analysis-tools essential for success in a wide range of careers and graduate programs. By developing fluency in Spanish and deep cultural competency, students will be prepared to navigate an increasingly globalized workforce. Their bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism will give them a distinct advantage after graduation, whether they pursue careers in education, healthcare, business, law, social justice, international relations, or the arts.

Additionally, students can work toward earning the Certificate of Biliteracy, which provides formal recognition of their multilingual proficiency and offers tangible benefits in academic and professional settings. Earning this certification allows recipients to showcase their multilingual skills in a professional, verifiable way-giving them an edge in job applications, college admissions, and beyond. Those who obtain the Global Seal of Biliteracy are encouraged to activate their profiles so they can:

• Easily share their achievement on resumes, LinkedIn, personal websites, and applications.

• Highlight their language journey and showcase their bilingual or multilingual abilities.

Program Highlights

The program offers a dynamic, flexible, and intellectually engaging curriculum structured around three key areas: Hispanic Literary Studies, Hispanic Linguistic Studies, and Hispanic Cultural Studies.

Hispanic Literary Studies courses enhance students' ability to analyze and interpret literary and cultural texts from Spain, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Through the study of major literary movements, genres, and authors, students explore critical themes such as history, politics, human rights, social activism, and gender roles. They engage with the voices of diverse writers, gaining a broader perspective on the complexities of the Spanish-speaking world.

Hispanic Linguistic Studies deepen students' understanding of how language functions and evolves. These courses prepare students for careers in education, translation, interpretation, and language-related fields, while also serving as excellent preparation for graduate studies in linguistics. They are especially valuable for students interested in combining Spanish with disciplines such as Education, Health Sciences, Psychology, Business, or Justice, Community, and Leadership.

Hispanic Cultural Studies provide a multidisciplinary exploration of Spanish-speaking cultures through literature, film, music, art, and political movements. Students develop analytical skills that allow them to engage critically with contemporary issues in Latin America and the Latino presence in the U.S., preparing them for roles in advocacy, cultural institutions, media, and beyond.

By completing this major, students will graduate with not only linguistic proficiency but also a deep cultural awareness-an invaluable asset in today's diverse and interconnected world.