Modern Languages, Literature and Culture
Spanish

The major in Spanish is based on the concept that language is a social practice. It emphasizes the use of language to explore interdisciplinary content, affirms the intrinsic relationship between language and culture, and stresses the participation of three different tracks: one focuses on literature; the second focuses on the interplay between language and culture; and the third incorporates an additional area of study, for example, environmental or urban studies, health, education, art, gender, and feminist studies, or media.

Requirements for the Major

General requirements for the three tracks are:

  • 1. Spanish language proficiency at the intermediate level upon entry to the major (end of the sophomore year) and at the advanced or superior level upon completion (ACTFL standards).
  • 2. An immersion experience in at least one Spanish-speaking community abroad or within the United States, as determined with the adviser.
  • 3. Eight of the required courses within each track should be taught in Spanish and be above Spanish 44. With the adviser's consent these eight may include cross-listed courses with Spanish or other courses numbered below Spanish 44, such as the Community-based Spanish Practicum, or Chicano Studies 65.
  • 4. In addition, each student will complete the requirements for one of the following tracks (at least 9 to 10 courses):

Courses listed below are sample options. Course selection should be made in consultation with the major faculty adviser.

Track One: Spanish Language and Literature

  • 1. One theory of language course or equivalent, for example: Spanish 165, Linguistics 10 or 100.
  • 2. One course on literary analysis or equivalent, for example: Spanish 101.
  • 3. One course that provides a sociocultural or historical background for the student's area of literary focus.
  • 4. Six courses with a focus on the literature of either Spain or Latin America, or a comparative transatlantic study.
  • 5. Spanish 199, a capstone senior research project.

Track Two: Spanish Language and Cultures

  • 1. One course as a theoretical foundation for understanding culture, for example Anthro 2, Soc 1.
  • 2. One course that connects language and society, for example Linguistics 112, 115, 116, Anthropology 3, 117.
  • 3. One foundations course that provides a sociocultural or historical background for the student's area of focus, for example, Spanish 102, History 21, Chicano Studies 32CH, 100iCH, Anthropology 33.
  • 4. Six courses focused on the study of one or two Spanish speaking cultures.
  • 5. Spanish 199, a capstone senior research project.

Track Three: Interdisciplinary Studies in Spanish

This option required a second adviser in the additional area of study who is on either The Claremont Colleges or the Study Abroad site faculty and has the appropriate expertise.

  • 1. One course as a theoretical foundation for understanding culture, for example Anthropology 2, Sociology 1.
  • 2. One introductory course in the emphasis area.
  • 3. One course that provides a sociocultural or historical background for the student's emphasis area.
  • 4. Four elective upper division courses in Spanish.
  • 5. Two courses in the emphasis that are taught in Spanish.
  • 6. Spanish 199, a capstone senior research project.

Honors: Students whose general academic work and senior research are judged as excellent will be considered for graduation with honors in Spanish.

Sigma Delta Pi. Pitzer College is a member of The Claremont Colleges chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the national Spanish honor society. Juniors and seniors are elected to membership on the basis of academic standing and regulations for eligibility established by the chapter and the national society. Information may be obtained from Professor Machuca.

Students who are native speakers are strongly recommended to take at least one of the Spanish for bilingual courses offered (Span 50, 65CH or 86CH), which counts toward the major requirements.

The Minor in Spanish requires successful completion of 6 graded courses in Spanish, five of them above Spanish 33. The sixth course will be in a language immersion setting (community-based Spanish, internship, study abroad, or other). The student will tailor the minor with the adviser and develop a brief written rationale of goals. Two of the courses should be taken in the Northern Colleges (Pitzer, CMC, Scripps); exceptions require written approval.

Students may consider a combined major with Spanish; it requires a minimum of six courses in Spanish.

AP Credit: One-half course will be given for a score of 4 on the AP exam and a course credit will be given for a score of 5. AP courses cannot be counted toward major requirements.

In the interest of providing more sections in lower-division courses in Spanish, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna and Scripps Colleges have agreed to a combined foreign language program. Although Pitzer students normally enroll in courses at their own college, they may register at one of the other four Colleges, including Pomona College, if scheduling requires or when the specific course needed is not offered at Pitzer.

Pitzer Advisers: Ethel Jorge and Milton Machuca

Spanish in the Pitzer College course catalog