The program engages students in the study of the Spanish language, the development of their communicative proficiency, and the analysis of a wide range of literary and cultural production throughout the Spanish-speaking world, from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States, to the Iberian Peninsula. Students develop their proficiency in order to be able to communicate and exchange points of view with Spanish speakers. They also gain a broad understanding of the diversity of Hispanic cultures through a study of these societies? literary and cultural contributions, traditions, perspectives, and histories. Finally, students learn to analyze, critically engage, and interpret the texts (written works, cultural products, artifacts, etc.), and the language that constitute this dynamic, intercultural space.

Why study Spanish?

There are several reasons why our students choose to major and minor in Spanish. In addition to being the world?s second most widely spoken language, Spanish is a language of business and diplomacy, arts and culture. In fact, the Spanish language is one of our hemisphere?s common denominators. The United States alone is home to the world?s second largest Spanish-speaking population! University of San Diego's Major and Minor, with their emphasis in language acquisition, literary and cultural studies, align superbly with other disciplines such as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, psychology, and business. Knowledge of Spanish and Latin American cultures facilitates studies and travels abroad across the Spanish-speaking world and beyond.