Spanish

Bachelor of Arts

(Faculty of Arts)

When you study Spanish, you are not just learning to speak one of the most common languages in the world. You are discovering new cultures and ways of life that are excitingly different from ours.

People learn best by doing. You will learn to speak by speaking, to write by writing and to think critically by testing your arguments and ideas in discussions. In the process you will compare cultures in places as varied as Mexico, Chile, Cuba or Spain with your own. While you are acquiring communication skills in Spanish, you will be developing your awareness and understanding of Hispanic cultures. As you progress in the program, you’ll examine newspapers, magazines, literature, films, and of course the Web. You’ll learn to probe and analyze these documents so you can better understand them and what they represent. A background in Spanish will prepare you for tomorrow’s world, where these analytical and communication skills are all important, and intercultural understanding a must.

Co-op is available for students in Spanish.  Find out more. 

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission applicants are required to present appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.

Application/Document Deadlines

Why take this program

Having a high level of confidence with your abilities in a second language is becoming increasingly important in our multicultural world. With a BA in Spanish your skills will help set you apart when you embark on your chosen career path.

Enhance your language acquisition by practicing your language skills outside the classroom. Visit the Centro de Tertulia language centre on campus and put into practice the concepts you are studying!

Would you like to pursue graduate studies in Spanish? An Honours degree in Spanish prepares students for the rigors of graduate studies. Discover your passions in the field of Spanish as you complete an Honours thesis/research project in your final year, which is supervised by a department member.

What will I study in my first year?

According to your previous knowledge of the Spanish language, you will start your studies at a level which is best suited to your skills. Students with no prior education in Spanish can begin at an introductory level, while those who have studied Spanish before can work with the department to ensure they are placed in the appropriate level of classes.

You are encouraged to explore a variety of option courses in your first year that will compliment your studies in Spanish. You are also encouraged to take courses from the faculties of Communication and Culture, Fine Arts, Science or Social Sciences. For example, you may wish to take a Latin American Studies course or you might wish to explore an interest in politics or archeology. You could also take a Computer Science course to gain computer skills that employers love seeing on student’s résumés.

What will I study in later years?

As a senior student in the Spanish program you will continually improve on your language skills while exploring a variety of topics such as Hispanic culture, poetry, art and literature from numerous genres. You may choose to study in a Hispanic university abroad, or participate in an exchange program (for this, several awards are available to students).

What can I do with this degree?

The great thing about studying a field in Humanities is that you’ll graduate with a number of marketable skills including:

• Social needs knowledge
• Critical and constructive thinking
• Interact with diverse groups
• Conceptual analysis
• Reasoned and detailed writing
• Knowledge of religious beliefs, doctrines and practices

Graduates from the Spanish program have a number of career options available to them in a variety of industries. Here is what some U of C grads have done with their Spanish degree:

• Paralegal - mediation
• Students Services Officer
• Guidance counsellor
• Consultant
• Author
• Administrator
• Marketing Research Analyst
• Youth Worker
• Parole Officer
• Technical Writer

To see a full list of potential skills, careers and industries available to you, visit the Career Services Career Profiles website (look under French, Italian and Spanish).

Additional Information

Department of French, Italian and Spanish