Hispanic Studies

Faculty

The Hispanic Studies Program

Our approach to Hispanic Studies transcends the traditional course of Spanish studies that are limited to only literature and language. Our faculty believe that it is through the study of diverse forms of cultural production (film, art, popular culture, journalism) that students become fluent and learn about significant political and historical events, complex socio-cultural issues, and community engagement. All Hispanic Studies majors complete a mentored field research experience in Hispanic culture that is linked to the curriculum. This practicum may be tied to service-learning, study abroad, an internship, and is always scholarly in nature.

Our program also offers opportunities for students to conduct research abroad through our faculty-led summer program in Cadiz, Spain. Students develop projects supervised by W&M faculty and take courses at a local university.

Additionally, students may participate in faculty-led summer programming, such as the pilgrimage along Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago or enroll in a service-learning course in Teaching English in elementary schools in Nicaragua and design service-learning projects. There are two semester-long William & Mary programs in Seville, Spain, and La Plata, Argentina, that offer internships or service-learning along with courses in literature, art, contemporary culture, and language.

Major in Hispanic Studies

Students may declare a major at W&M after completion of 39 credit hours. To declare a Hispanic Studies concentration (major), you should download a Declaration of Major Form and request a meeting with the Hispanic Studies professor you would like to serve as your advisor. Prior to your advising meeting, complete the first page of the major form. Your professor will assist you in completing the rest of the form and sign off on your academic plan of study. You will then turn in the completed copy to the Office of the Registrar, Blow Hall.

Many Hispanic Studies concentrators declare two majors, often combining their Spanish language skills and their research background in the area of Hispanic literary and cultural studies with a second major in the sciences, social sciences, business, education, or international relations. Such combinations prove to be particularly useful for our students - well-trained in linguistic proficiency and cultural competency - who are interested in careers related to global markets, public service in either government-sponsored or NGO programs, the fine arts, teaching and research, law, and medical and health-related fields.

Programs

Courses

Hispanic Studies