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
What Our Students Are Saying
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.“
Hannah Rayala
Spanish
Undergraduate Alum
“I started my Spanish for the Medical Professions minor during my sophomore year of undergrad realizing that I needed a break from my many science classes. I found that and so much more with my minor in the ROMS department. I’ve enjoyed every Spanish class I’ve taken, especially SPAN 261 and 321 with Profesora Hélène de Fays. In particular, I enjoyed the opportunity to participate in casual Spanish conversations with my classmates and investigate topics of interest in Latin America. Overall, it has given me a balanced and well-rounded outlook on my chosen career path and made me realize the importance of human connection and communication, a consideration I will carry into my medical career.“
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.