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Spanish Undergraduate

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.

Majors

Hispanic Studies

  • Worksheet for Major in Hispanic Studies

Hispanic Literatures & Cultures (Old Program)

Hispanic Linguistics

Minors

All Courses

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

Spanish Undergraduate Support

Elizabeth Bruno
 
Elizabeth Bruno
Spanish Advisor (Spanish for the Professions Minor)
Spanish
ebruno@email.unc.edu
Anastacia Kohl
 
Anastacia Kohl
Director of Spanish Language Instruction
Spanish
kohl@email.unc.edu
Gosia Lee
 
Gosia Lee
Undergraduate Advisor of Spanish
Spanish & Italian
gosialee@email.unc.edu
Sheena Melton
 
Sheena Melton
Undergraduate Student Services Specialist
smelton@email.unc.edu
919-962-2062
Martha Ruiz-Garcia
 
Martha Ruiz-Garcia
Spanish
ruizgar@email.unc.edu
Loida Slate
 
Loida Slate
Spanish Advisor (Translation & Interpreting Minor)
Spanish
lpereira@unc.edu
Elizabeth Tolman
 
Elizabeth Tolman
Spanish Advisor (Hispanic Studies Major)
Spanish
eely@email.unc.edu

What Our Students Are Saying

Brenna Kuder

Spanish
Undergrad Alum

“ROMS helped me to unlock some amazing opportunities in my undergraduate career. One of the professors helped me study abroad in Ecuador, where I gained a deeper understanding of the language. I want to go into agriculture, and with the skills that I was taught in my many Spanish classes, I was able to tour large flower farms while abroad and understand the intricacies of their day-to-day operations. That knowledge has already helped me in my farming jobs at home, as well as given me the chance to work beyond the U.S. I am excited to see where my Spanish minor takes me, and I am grateful to the grammar, vocabulary, and culture that I studied during my time with ROMS.“

Regan Curtis

Spanish
Current Undergraduate Student

“As a senior Hispanic Literatures and Cultures major, I have spent the last four years taking ROMS classes in Dey Hall. My favorite aspect of this department is the faculty; each professor is clearly passionate about their work and students. The past three years I have been working with Dr. Hélène de Fays, my research adviser, to study reproductive health in Guatemala. I even got to work in Antigua, Guatemala this summer! I also did a smaller research project that involved a close reading of “La Bastarda” by Trifonia Melibea Obono. From research to taking classes in Spanish, Galician, and Portuguese, I love the rich variety of opportunities that this department offers.“

Learn more about Language Placement and UNC’s Language Requirements.

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.