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Spanish Undergraduate Studies

Overview

Spanish, the world’s third largest language and second in terms of native speakers, is spoken by nearly 500 million people across the globe. The over 50 million Hispanics in the U.S. have become the fastest-growing social and political segment in North America. Because of its prominence, learning to communicate in Spanish can be essential for those entering the global economic market and numerous professions.

Spanish Studies at UNC-CH thrives on innovative literary, linguistic and theoretical approaches to the Spanish-speaking world, and includes the study of indigenous, Afro-descendant, Asian, and other cultures. Our majors and minors obtain well-grounded and comprehensive critical knowledge of the literatures, languages, and cultures of Spain and the Americas, often through collaborative research with faculty. Qualifying Spanish majors have the opportunity to pursue an Honor’s Thesis with one of our faculty members.

Students may choose a major in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures or Hispanic Linguistics, or select a minor in Hispanic Studies, Spanish for the Professions with specialized tracks in business, health and law, or in Spanish Translation and Interpreting. Students have the opportunity to spend a summer, semester or academic year abroad in a Spanish-speaking country to further their work towards these majors or minors, or to simply refine their language skills and enhance cultural competency. While at UNC, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular and service opportunities offered through the department and campus organizations, including the Sigma Delta Pi honor society, film series, conversation tables, the Spanish House living and learning community, community engagement, peer tutoring, and student publications.

All Courses

Click on a class for more information, visit UNC’s catalog page.

Spanish Undergraduate Support

Sheena Melton
 
Undergraduate Student Services Specialist
919-962-2062
Gosia Lee
 
Undergraduate Advisor of Spanish & Italian
Spanish & Italian
Elizabeth Tolman
 
Spanish Advisor (Hispanic Studies Major)
Spanish
Loida Slate
 
Spanish Advisor (Translation & Interpreting Minor)
Spanish
Elizabeth Bruno
 
Spanish Advisor (Spanish for the Professions Minor)
Spanish
Anastacia Kohl
 
Director of Spanish Language Instruction
Spanish
Martha Ruiz-Garcia
 
Spanish Advisor (Hispanic Linguistics Major)
Spanish

What Our Students Are Saying

Oscar Lasserra

Spanish
Current Undergraduate Student

“The Romance Studies Department has been my “home away from home.” Coming from Miami as a transfer student, I never thought of hearing Spanish so frequently at UNC. However, this department, the faculty, and the students made this transition one of ease. The Romance Studies Department is a safe place for me; a place where I feel welcomed, valued, and proud of being a native Spanish speaker. I am grateful for the courses and opportunities that this department has giving me as a Hispanic Literature and Culture major.“

William Thomason

Spanish
Undergrad Alum

“Because of the knowledge and experience I gained from my Spanish classes at UNC, I am able to comfortably work with Spanish-speaking youth in New York City and abroad. With a broad knowledge of the history and culture of Spanish-speaking countries, along with Spanish communication skills I learned throughout my time at UNC, I lead culturally responsive arts workshops with confidence. My work in the international non-profit sector has been enhanced because of the abilities that I sharpened through my experience in the UNC Department of Romance Studies.“

Be sure to explore opportunities for:

Study Abroad

The Department of Romance Studies strongly encourages all of its students, and especially its majors and minors, to participate in a study abroad experience. Study abroad opportunities are available in a variety of locations for a summer term, a semester, or a full year.

Research

The Department of Romance Studies offers a gateway for research in the Humanities, including the various fields that make up Romance Studies. Research activities include the Honors Thesis, summer research fellowships, or engaging in mentoring projects with professors which lead to opportunities to present papers at conferences or for publication in the University’s undergraduate research journal.

Independent Studies

Independent studies courses (FREN 395, ITAL 395, PORT 396, or SPAN 395) allow students to undertake research on topics that are not available through normal course offerings. Independent studies courses may not be offered simply because a student cannot get into a class or due to difficulties a student may have in their scheduling of classes.

Awards & Honors Societies

Romance Studies has multiple awards and maintains three chapters of National Honor Societies for its students.