Hispanic Studies

Faculty

The Hispanic Studies Program

Our approach to Hispanic Studies transcends the traditional courses 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.

Our program also offers a number of opportunities for students to conduct faculty-mentored field research. Some students choose to do so through study abroad through our faculty-led summer program in Cadiz, Spain. For this program, students develop projects supervised by W&M faculty and take courses at a local university. Additional programming includes walking along Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago as part of Pilgrimage Studies or enrolling in a service-learning course to Teach English in elementary schools in Nicaragua. We also offer two semester-long William & Mary programs, one in Seville, Spain, and another in La Plata, Argentina, that include internships and service-learning opportunities along with courses in literature, art, contemporary culture, and language. These are signature programs developed by William and Mary faculty for our students in collaboration with our international partners.

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 Hispanic literary and cultural studies with a second major in another area. Combining Hispanic Studies with majors in the sciences, social sciences, business, education, or international relations can 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