Hispanic Studies

The Hispanic Studies minor provides students with an in-depth comprehension of the various existing cultures and languages (Spanish, Quechua, Guaraní, Aymara, Nahuatl, etc.) in the 21 Hispanic countries, as well as of the different dialects of Spanish. Aside from mastering an intermediate or advanced level in Spanish, students use their cognitive, communicative, and cultural skills in language learning and analysis. Students delve deeper into social practices and traditions, such as history, music, arts, and literature. This is an ideal academic minor for those students who, regardless of their proficiency level, would like to learn more about the Hispanic language, literature, and culture.

Graduates of the program develop their literacy language skills in Spanish (considering the formal variation of the language) and acquire a comprehensive knowledge of cultures and literatures of the Spanish-speaking countries around the world. These skills will further enhance their career prospects, especially in the multicultural and diverse urban area of New York City, where opportunities for bilingual individuals who speak Spanish and English are growing in the specialized fields of technology, health care, social services, paralegal, etc.

The Humanities department offers Spanish in two different tracks: Spanish for heritage speakers (SPA 2401, SPA 2402) and Spanish as an additional language (SPA 2201, SPA 2202). Students are placed in the best-fit track and cannot switch tracks without permission from a full-time Spanish language instructor.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program should be able to

• Demonstrate written and conversational mastery of the Spanish language.

• Demonstrate critical and analytical abilities through discussion and analysis of texts, films, music, and linguistic data.

• Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity and cultural differences.

• Demonstrate an understanding of Hispanic cultures and perspectives based on cultural practices and products.

• Understand and examine the nature of literary/cultural creations and phenomena within their specific context.

Graduation Requirements

• All courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher

Advisement Information

If you’re interested in declaring and earning an academic minor in Hispanic Studies, please consult the Academic Minors page for more information about minors and to download the appropriate forms. The coordinator for this academic minor is Dr. David Sánchez Jiménez, DSanchezJimenez@citytech.cuny.edu

Students are placed in the first of the two required courses according to their proficiency level in Spanish. Students have the option to start the degree at an Elementary (SPA 1101, SPA 1102), Intermediate (SPA 2201, SPA 2401, SPA 2202, SPA 2402), or Advanced (SPA 3301 or SPA 3401) level. The elective courses covering these cultural areas are taught in English.