Spanish Studies Major

Chairperson: Veronika Ryjik, Ph.D.
Office Location: 303D Saint Augustine Center
Telephone: (610) 519-7794
Website

About

Spanish is the language that the majority of students in the United States (and in Villanova) chooses to study at the present time for very good reasons:  It is the second major language spoken in the world (after Mandarin) and it is the second language spoken in the United States. Therefore it will be very useful and advantageous to know Spanish in any career path that students may choose. Approximately 800 students take Spanish undergraduate courses every semester at Villanova. Students are encouraged to spend summers and semesters abroad in Spain and Central and South America, to obtain a greater proficiency in the language.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (30 credits)

The influence of Spanish crosses centuries as well as geographic boundaries. It is a dynamic and exciting language used in diverse parts of the world, such as: Central, South, North America, the Caribbean and Spain. Spanish and its different cultures are taught at Villanova in interdisciplinary courses, in the Liberal Arts Program, Cultural Studies program, and in courses that were designed in response to these developments. The classes provide students with a thorough grounding in the history, politics, cultural production (literatures, film, theater), linguistics, post-colonial experiences, and development of the Hispanic world.

Program Notes:

  • Students are required to take ten Spanish courses (30 credits) above the Intermediate level (1122), including the mandatory courses listed below.
    • SPA 1131 and 1132 (Conversation and Composition I & II) are prerequisites for many of the courses required for the major (for those students who do not place above them) and, if taken, would could towards the required courses for the Major.
  • One RLL course taught in English with SPA attribute may be accepted for the major.
  • Students may obtain up to 6 credits through the Villanova summer program in Cádiz (Spain) or the Spanish Language and Indigenous Sustainability program in Merida (Yucatan, Mexico).
Course
Title
Credits
Spanish Electives for B.A.  +
21
Sub-Total Credits
30

Core Curriculum Requirements (44 credits)

Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Social Sciences (2 courses)  +
6
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
44

Free Elective Requirement (48 credits)

Students with a Spanish Studies primary major have forty-eight (48) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 30 credits
  • Core Credits: 44 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 48 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Spanish Studies as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
30

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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