Would You Like to...

• develop a functional listening, speaking, reading and writing proficiency in Spanish?
• teach Spanish and Hispanic culture?
• become increasingly sensitive to the Hispanic culture that surrounds us?
• acquire an in-depth understanding of the cultures and history of the Hispanic world?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions and if you can meet the required academic standards, consider choosing a major in Hispanic Studies at UNC. Our program will offer you an intellectually challenging, personally rewarding undergraduate education as a Spanish or Hispanic Studies major and as a Mexican American Studies or Spanish minor.

How We Do It

At UNC, to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Hispanic Studies, you must choose one-third of your credit hours from General Education courses that will give you the breadth of background that marks a college graduate. Besides your major, you will also select a minor field of study and meet its requirements to complete your coursework.

• Mexican-American Studies. This program examines the development of Mexican-American history and culture from their origins to the present, including the sociopolitical, artistic, an economic results of direct contact with the United States culture. With this major you can pursue careers in law, urban affairs, business relations, environmental studies, human development and international relations as well as other fields of public service.

• Spanish. (Available emphases: Liberal Arts Emphasis, Secondary Teaching Emphasis.) Although most Spanish majors have studied Spanish in high school, you can major in Spanish at UNC without previous Spanish language experience. In your first year, if you are beginning the language, you will start with the sequence of elementary language courses. If you have prior Spanish experience, you will take the sequence of intermediate language courses to prepare for advanced courses in conversation, grammar, and composition. Subsequently, you will complete your major requirements with courses in literature, civilization, and linguistics. In order to gain permission to apply for graduation, a Spanish major must successfully pass the program’s oral proficiency exam. If you wish to earn a Colorado secondary teaching certificate, you will also complete the Professional Teacher Education (PTE) Program and student teach. A minor also is available.

• Mexican American Studies Minor. You will first take “Introduction to Mexican American Studies,” followed by courses in the history of Mexico and Chicano literature. You will then complete your minor by selecting various courses in areas such as folklore, drama, music, political science and psychology.

• Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement. (Available endorsements: elementary education and middle school education endorsement; secondary education endorsement; graduate endorsements) Courses for bilingual/bicultural endorsements are provided by the Hispanic Studies program to elementary education students, who wish to teach in bilingual/bicultural education.

The Classroom

The Hispanic Studies faculty are highly experienced in teaching undergraduates. This experience, combined with the small size of most Hispanic Studies courses, ensures that you will receive a superior education. The faculty is committed to give you as much personal attention as possible in the classroom and in advising sessions.

The Hispanic Studies faculty also is active in professional research and publication. Their interests include subjects as diverse as Chicano art, creative writing, Spanish theater, Colorado Chicano history, foreign language methodology, and Latin American literature. Several members of the program’s faculty have outstanding publication records.

All are actively involved with professional organizations and regularly make scholarly presentations to local, state, and national associations. Many provide service to national language organizations and to the local community. Faculty members are constantly updating their knowledge of Hispanic culture and civilization. They pursue post-doctoral training and new professional interests through private and government grants. They also frequently travel to Spanish-speaking areas and countries to maintain contact with current social developments in Hispanic cultures.

The Hispanic Studies program provides a fully-equipped, modern language laboratory. You will have the opportunity to study the Spanish language and Hispanic culture for an academic term in either Spain or Mexico. Because these study trips are led by a Hispanic Studies faculty member for small student groups, you will receive personal attention from a professor who already knows you well, plus the full advantages of living and studying within a Hispanic culture.

In recent years, undergraduates in Hispanic Studies have enjoyed participating in cultural field trips to the Southwest, art exhibits, and conferences. You also can become involved in Cinco de Mayo celebrations and UNC’s Foreign Language Day.

After Graduation

There is presently an insufficient number of Spanish teachers in Colorado and the Nation. Therefore, when you complete a Spanish degree, your chances for employment in a Spanish language or an elementary school program are excellent.

As the significance of Hispanic culture grows in the United States, familiarity with the culture is becoming increasingly important for those who would pursue professional careers. An emphasis in Spanish or Hispanic Studies can make you highly marketable in fields as diverse as international business, marketing, publishing, nursing, social work, law enforcement, and advertising.

Many students at UNC have successfully combined a major in various academic areas with a major or a minor in Hispanic Studies, enhancing their employment opportunities while developing their cultural sensitivity.

For More Information...

E-mail the coordinator of the Hispanic Studies program: Joy Landeira.