Spanish for Undergraduates

Are you new to Spanish, or have you spoken it all your life? Is your imagination sparked by the bustling cities of Spain and Latin America, or are you drawn to the vast vistas of those continents? Do you find yourself curious to know more about the cinema, poetry, and fiction that centuries of Spanish speakers have bequeathed to us? Do you dream of exploring the streets of Havana, or Sevilla, or Mexico City, or Madrid? Spanish courses at Cornell will give you a wide variety of opportunities to practice your speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills, encouraging you to explore, as far as you’re able, the unparalleled diversity of the Spanish-speaking world.

Inquiries of a general nature can first be directed to the Undergraduate Coordinator, Cal Hile.  Students who wish to major or minor in Spanish are advised to consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Julia Chang, who admits students into the major and assigns a faculty adviser after taking into account a student’s interest, preparation, and career goals.

Julia Chang's office hours are listed on the Department Directory and Office Hours page.

• Click here to download the Spanish Major registration form.
• Click here to download the Spanish Minor registration form.

We expect our undergraduate majors to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the artistic, cultural, political, and social movements within the interdisciplinary field that includes various methodologies (visual and iconographical analysis, semiotics, social history, material science, ecocriticism, etc.) and theoretical models (critical theory, feminism, Marxism, materiality, cultural memory, postcolonialism, etc.) throughout history
• Critical inquiry and analytical writing in English and the target language
• The ability to conduct independent research and collaborate creatively within broader regional and global contexts
• The breadth of knowledge needed to identify, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate cultural theories within specific cultural contexts and theoretical frameworks
• An awareness of the ethical implications of one’s own work within the academic community and society
• Mastery of a Romance language –French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish – at the second year level or higher

Completing the French, Italian, or Spanish major with Honors allows students to do independent study on a topic they choose, to work closely with a faculty adviser, and to write a researched critically analytical paper.  For information about completing your major with Honors, please click on the following links:

Guide to the Honors Program and Honors Program Application

For inquiries about study abroad programs, please visit this page.