University of Pittsburgh
  UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002 [ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ]


SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMS


HISPANIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE

The study of foreign languages and cultures provides the basis of a humanistic education while helping to prepare students for a professional career in a variety of fields. Three fundamental tracks are available for majors: a language and culture track, a language and literature track, and a track individually designed by the student with the approval of a departmental advisor. A variety of courses for nonmajors interested in Hispanic culture are also available. Attention is given to the complexity of the various Hispanic cultures, including those of Spanish-speaking peoples within national life. Importance is also given to Brazilian studies and Portuguese language studies in recognition of the ever-increasing role of Brazil as Latin America's largest and most populous country with a distinctive culture of its own.

Students majoring in Spanish should consider the various options open to them, including the possibility of combining their CAS degree with a second degree in another school of the University or with an additional major within CAS such as anthropology, economics, political science, etc. Students following any track prepare for careers in government, industry, education, or international affairs, as well as for graduate programs in Hispanic studies. For additional information on the major or the Department of Hispanic Languages and Literatures, see http://www.pitt.edu/~hispan/.

  • Major Requirements

    The following rules and requirements apply to Spanish majors in all three tracks:

    • Students must earn a total of 38 credits with a QPA of at least 2.00 in all departmental courses.
    • Students in any of the three tracks may take one required course with the S/N grade option.
    • Students should check with the major advisor in regards to the required W-course.
    • Students may receive credit by examination for the Spanish language courses up to and including SPAN 1025 (Advanced Grammar); credit by examination for higher-level courses may be sought by special request. Normally, credit earned in this fashion is limited to three courses beyond SPAN 0004 (Intermediate Spanish 4). Similar credits may be earned in Portuguese.
    • PORT 0001(Elementary Portuguese 1) is also required of all majors.
    • Students must complete a 12-credit related area in order to fulfill CAS graduation requirements. Students interested in Latin America should consider the Latin American Studies Certificate Program for a related area (see University Center for International Studies section of this bulletin for detailed information about this certificate). Courses counting toward the Professional Translation Certificate, offered in conjunction with the Department of Linguistics, may be incorporated into the major with the approval of the major advisor (see CAS Certificate Programs).
    • Although freshman students are given special placement exams to determine their level of competence, the department recognizes the limitations of these exams and accordingly maintains a flexible and practical policy in helping each student find the class level that is most appropriate. The Spanish major requires competency in Spanish, and students must complete SPAN 0004 or the equivalent to enter the program.
    • Spanish majors are strongly urged to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.

  • Requirements for the Hispanic Languages and Culture Track

    For students in the Hispanic languages and culture track, the following courses must be taken toward satisfying the 36-credit requirement for the major:

    • SPAN 0020 (Conversation)
    • SPAN 0025 (Grammar and Composition)
      or 1025 (Advanced Grammar)
    • SPAN 0050 (Spanish Civilization)
    • SPAN 0051 (Latin American Civilization )
    • SPAN 0055 (Introduction to Hispanic Literature 1)
    • SPAN 1400 (Survey of Latin American Literature) or 1600 (Survey of Spanish Literature)
    • SPAN 1300 (Spanish Phonetics and Phonemics)
    • SPAN 1301 (Structure of Modern Spanish)
    • SPAN 1302 (Advanced Composition and Stylistics)
    • SPAN 1303 (Seminar in Language and Culture)
    • One 1000-level elective
    • PORT 0001 (Elementary Portuguese 1).

    Students who wish to include PORT 0002 in the major may substitute it for any 1000-level SPAN course except 1400 or 1600. Students in this track who plan to teach Spanish are urged to take SPAN 1304 (Methods of Teaching Spanish) and 1305 (Spanish for Teachers).

  • Requirements for the Hispanic Languages and Literature Track

    Students in this track may concentrate on peninsular literature or Latin American literature, or may combine the two. Required courses are as follows:

    • SPAN 0020
    • SPAN 0025 or 1025
    • SPAN 0050, 0051 and 0055
    • SPAN 1400 or 1600
    • Any four courses from the 1400 series (advanced Spanish-American literature) or the 1600 series (advanced Peninsular- Spanish literature), selected with help from the major advisor
    • One additional 1000-level elective, selected in consultation with the major advisor
    • PORT 0001

    Students who wish to include PORT 0002 in the major may substitute it for any 1000-level SPAN course except 1400 or 1600.

  • Requirements for Individually Designed Track

    Students interested in designing their own track for the Spanish major should consult with a departmental advisor to construct an approved course of study.






  UNDERGRADUATE BULLETIN 1999 - 2002 [ Previous Page | Table of Contents | Next Page ]