Spanish and Portuguese Languages and Literatures
Chair: I. Reyes
Professors: J. Aguado, R. E. Biron, J. M. del Pino, I. Lozano-Renieblas, B. Pastor, I. Reyes, S. D. Spitta; Associate Professors: N. S. Cirnigliaro, C. Cortez Minchillo, S. Díaz-Duhalde, R. A. Franconi, A. Gómez, A. Martín, S. Muñoz; Assistant Professors: M. Broner, J. Quintana-Navarrete; Research Assistant Professor R. Rey Agudo; Mellon Faculty Research Fellow-Research Associate Ingrid Brioso-Rieumont and Mauricio Herrera Acuna; Senior Lecturers K. Antigua, P. Asensio, P. Carranza, R. M. Matorras, G. M. Mayo-Prada, N. Monetti, D. J. Moody, I. Saucedo; Lecturers S. Carter; M. C. de Greiff, M. E. González Borgaro
To view Spanish courses, click here
To view Portuguese courses, click here
Major and Minor
Complete information about Major/Minor/Modified Major declaration here: http://www.dartmouth.edu/reg/guides/dartworks/declare_major_or_minor.html
The program in Spanish and Portuguese offers the opportunity to do intellectual work in the Humanities in a foreign language. Students may graduate in one of the following major concentrations: (a) Hispanic Studies, (b) Romance Studies, (c) Modified Major in Hispanic Studies, and (d) Modified Major in Lusophone Studies (Literature and Culture of Brazil and the Portuguese speaking world). The Department offers minors in Hispanic Studies, Lusophone Studies, and Hispanic and Lusophone Studies.
The areas of concentration developed in the Department focus on the languages, literatures, and cultures of Latin America, the Spanish Caribbean, Spain, Brazil, and the Portuguese speaking world. Students are encouraged to explore the cultural, social, political, and economic specificities of these regions as well as the impact of Hispanic and Brazilian communities in the US. To that end, courses cover a variety of historical periods, regional traditions, modes of artistic expression, and forms of cultural critique. The major provides students with interpretive and writing skills that are key for careers in the Arts and Humanities, Education, Government, International Relations, International Business, Law, Medicine, and Social Service. It also directly prepares students to succeed in graduate school in such fields ranging from Hispanic and Brazilian Cultural Studies, History, Comparative Literature, to Medicine, and Law.
In consultation with a faculty advisor, students select their upper-level courses from a wide array of yearly offerings. Students are encouraged to meet with the Major Advisor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese early in their studies to review course selections, discuss foreign study programs, and plan for an Honors Thesis on a topic of interest. Major programs usually include at least one term of study on a Dartmouth Foreign Study Program (FSP) in Spain, Latin America, or Brazil. All major and minor plans must be approved in person by a Major Advisor of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese after the student has submitted their online course of study. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Major/Minor Advisor.
Student majors, minors and modified majors can take one course in English in the Department towards their plan.
NOTE: All major and minor plans must be approved by a Major/Minor Advisor of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese after the student has submitted their online course of study.
A. Major in Hispanic Studies
Prerequisite: SPAN 9 or SPAN 15 (or equivalent)
The major program in Hispanic Studies consists of at least 9 courses numbered 20 or higher. Courses for this major are taught in Spanish and English (one). Approval for this option will be granted and only for a course in English taken after a student has completed SPAN 20. Courses taken outside the Department need to be petitioned for approval.
Courses must be distributed as follows:
1. SPAN 20
SPAN 20 is required for majors and minors and counts towards the major and minor. It can be taken concurrently with other 30-level courses. It is a prerequisite for all upper-level courses (SPAN 40 and higher).
2. Spanish Survey Courses and Foreign Study Programs
a. Survey Courses: SPAN 30, SPAN 31, SPAN 32
These are introductory courses with a historical or survey approach. All students must take at least one of these courses.
Students not participating on a Foreign Study Program (FSP) may count up to two of these courses toward the major. Foreign Study Program students may count only one.
b. Foreign Study Courses: SPAN 33, SPAN 34, SPAN 35, SPAN 36
Prerequisites: Students may participate in a Foreign Study Program after having successfully completed SPAN 9 or SPAN 15 (or equivalent), SPAN 20, and one course from the 30, 31 and 32 survey sequence.
Students may count up to two Foreign Study Program courses (SPAN 33-36) toward the major. The total number of courses that Foreign Study Program students may count towards their major from the 30 sequence (SPAN 30-36) will never exceed three.
Note: Students studying on two Foreign Study Programs will consult with the Major Advisor and petition the department for individual adjustments.
3. Topics Courses: SPAN 40- 77
In consultation with the Major Advisor, students choose at least four of these upper-level courses from among the offerings of the department. Students who do not participate in a Foreign Study Program must choose at least five.
4. Independent Study: SPAN 83
One Independent Study (SPAN 83) may count as an upper-level course for the major. The Department projects its upper-level offerings up to two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.
5. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (SPAN 80)
The Senior Seminar is required for all seniors. SPAN 80 allows students to explore, debate, and creatively produce written work or other forms of knowledge (plays, short films, photographic essays, etc.) on a topic relevant to Hispanic Studies, a process enhanced by the small group setting of the seminar. SPAN 80 fulfills the Culminating Experience required for the major and will be offered winter and spring of each academic year.
In special cases, the Culminating Experience may be fulfilled by a different upper-level course. In that case, students will be required to complete additional work as established by the course professor. A petition to the Major Advisor and Chair must be made by the last week of the term prior to registering for this alternate course.
B. Major in Romance Studies
Prerequisite: SPAN 9 or SPAN 15 (or equivalent)
The major program in Romance Studies consists of ten courses taken in two of the Romance Languages offered at Dartmouth College (Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Italian), one serving as their primary language, the other as their secondary. Six of these courses will be selected among the course offerings of the primary language and four from the secondary. Students will work closely with the Major Advisor in coordinating their course of study. Courses for the primary language are taught in Spanish and English (one). Approval for this option will be granted and only for a course in English taken after a student has completed SPAN 20.
When Spanish is the primary language, the six courses in this language must be distributed as follows:
1. SPAN 20
SPAN 20 is required for majors and minors and counts towards the major and minor. It can be taken concurrently with other 30-level courses. It is a prerequisite for upper-level courses (SPAN 40 and higher).
2. Survey Courses (SPAN 30-32) and Foreign Study Program Courses (SPAN 33-36).
Students must take at least one of these courses. No more than two may count toward the major (except for students enrolled in a Foreign Study Program, who can count a maximum of three). The prerequisites for Foreign Study Programs also apply to majors in Romance Studies.
3. Upper-Level Courses (SPAN 40 – 77) and Independent Study (SPAN 83).
In consultation with the Major Advisor students choose the remaining courses from the upper-level course list.
One Independent Study (SPAN 83) may count as an upper-level course for the Major in Romance Studies. The Department projects its upper-level offerings up to two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.
4. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (SPAN 80)
Students pursuing a major in Romance Studies whose primary language is Spanish must take the Senior Seminar (SPAN 80) as one of their six upper-level courses. This course also fulfills the Culminating Experience required of all seniors.
The four courses in the secondary language must be selected from among courses that count towards the major or minor in that respective language.
When Portuguese is the primary language, the six courses in this language must be distributed as follows:
Prerequisite: PORT 9 or PORT 8 (or equivalent)
1. Survey Courses PORT 20
2. Upper-level courses (PORT 60 – 63) and/or one Independent Study (PORT 83). Students must take four of the courses on this list.
One Independent Study (PORT 83) may count for the Major in Romance Studies. The Department projects its upper-level offerings two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval by the last week of the term prior to registration for PORT 83.
3. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (PORT 80)
Students pursuing a major in Romance Studies whose primary language is Portuguese must take the Senior Seminar (Portuguese 80) or any other course designated by the major advisor, as one of their six upper-level courses. This course or the designated course fulfills the Culminating Experience required of all seniors.
The four courses in the secondary language must be selected from among courses that count towards the major or minor in that respective language.
C. Modified Major in Hispanic Studies
Prerequisite: SPAN 9 or SPAN 15 (or equivalent)
The modified major in Hispanic Studies consists of 10 courses, at least six of which must be in Spanish and the remaining four from appropriate major-level courses. Students will work closely with the Major Advisor in coordinating their course of study. Courses are taught in Spanish and English (one). Approval for this option will be granted and only for a course in English taken after a student has completed SPAN 20.
The six Spanish courses must be distributed as follows:
1. SPAN 20
SPAN 20 is required for majors and minors and counts towards the major and minor. It can be taken concurrently with other 30-level courses. It is a prerequisite for upper-level courses (SPAN 40 and higher).
2. Survey Courses (SPAN 30-32) and Foreign Study Courses (33-36)
Students must take at least one of these courses. No more than two of these courses may count toward the major (except for students enrolled in a Foreign Study Program, who can count a maximum of three).
The prerequisites for Foreign Study Programs also apply to modified majors in Hispanic Studies.
3. Upper-Level Courses (SPAN 40 – 77) and one Independent Study (SPAN 83)
In consultation with the Major Advisor, students choose the remaining courses for their Modified major from the upper-level course list.
One Independent Study (SPAN 83) may count as an upper-level course for the Modified Major in Hispanic Studies. The Department projects its upper-level offerings up to two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.
4. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (SPAN 80)
Students pursuing a Modified Major in Spanish must take the Senior Seminar (SPAN 80) as one of their six required courses. This course also fulfills the Culminating Experience required of all seniors.
D. Modified Major in Lusophone Studies
Prerequisite: PORT 9, or PORT 8 (or equivalent)
The modified major in Lusophone Studies consists of ten courses, at least six of which must be in Portuguese and the remaining four from appropriate major-level courses.
The six Portuguese courses must be distributed as follows:
Survey Courses PORT 20
Upper-level courses (PORT 60 – 63) and/or one or more Independent Studies (PORT 83). Students must take four of the courses in this list.
One Independent Studies (PORT 83) may also count as an upper-level course for the Modified Major. The Department projects its upper-level offerings two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.
3. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (PORT 80)
Students pursuing a Modified Major in Lusophone Studies whose primary language is Portuguese must take the Senior Seminar (PORT 80) or any other course designated by the Major Adivisor as one of their six upper-level courses. This course or its equivalent fulfills the Culminating Experience required of all seniors.
Minor
A. Minor in Hispanic Studies
Prerequisite: SPAN 9 or SPAN 15 (or equivalent)
The minor in Hispanic Studies consists of at least five courses taught in Spanish and English (one). Approval for this option will be granted and only for a course in English offered by the Department and taken after a student has completed SPAN 20. The five Spanish courses must be distributed as follows:
1. SPAN 20
SPAN 20 is required for majors and minors and counts towards the major and minor. It can be taken concurrently with other 30-level courses. It is a prerequisite for upper-level courses (SPAN 40 and higher).
2. Survey Courses (SPAN 30-32) and FSP Courses (SPAN 33-36)
Students must take at least one of these courses. No more than two may count toward the minor, except for students doing a Foreign Study Program who can count a maximum of three.
3. Upper-Level Courses (SPAN 40 - 77) and Independent Study (SPAN 83)
In consultation with the Major/Minor Advisor, students choose the remaining courses from the upper-level offerings. The Department projects its course offerings up to two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor.
One Independent Study (SPAN 83) may also count as an upper-level course for the Minor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.
B. Minor in Lusophone Studies
Prerequisite: PORT 9, or PORT 8 (or equivalent)
The minor in Lusophone Studies consists of at least five courses, which must be distributed as follows:
1. Survey Courses PORT 20
2. Upper-level courses (PORT 60 – 63) and/or an Independent Study (PORT 83). Students must take four of the courses on this list.
One Independent Study (PORT 83) counts for the Minor in Lusophone Studies. The Department projects its upper-level offerings two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic and faculty advisor and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.
C. Minor in Hispanic and Lusophone Studies
Prerequisites: PORT 9 (PORT 8 or equivalent) and SPAN 9 (or SPAN 15 or equivalent)
The Minor in Hispanic and Lusophone Studies consists of at least five courses, which must be distributed as follows:
1. PORT 20 and SPAN 20 - required for the Minor
2. Upper-level courses: two in Portuguese and one in Spanish, or two in Spanish and one in Portuguese. These courses can be taken in any combination, either on campus or abroad.
Portuguese courses on campus: PORT 60-63, 83
Spanish courses on campus: SPAN 30-32, 40-77
Spanish courses abroad: SPAN 33, 35 (FSP Buenos Aires), SPAN 34, 36 (FSP Madrid)
Transfer Credit
Only upon its approval will the Department of Spanish and Portuguese allow for a maximum of two transfer credits from comparable institutions. The Department does not give transfer credit for SPAN 1, SPAN 2, SPAN 3, PORT 11 or PORT 3.
Honors Program
Students who qualify for the Honors Program (described in the Regulations section of this catalog) and wish to pursue this Program in any of the major options offered by the Department must identify a topic of interest and a faculty advisor who will serve as the director of the Honors Project. Students will prepare a written proposal and submit it to their advisor and to the department for approval. The proposal must be submitted by the end of the term prior to registering for SPAN 90 or PORT 90. All students pursuing an Honors Program must take the Honors Course (SPAN 90 or PORT 90) and complete an Honors Thesis.
Complete information is available here: https://spanport.dartmouth.edu/undergraduate/honors-thesis-program
Language Study Abroad
For 2023-24:
Spanish L.S.A. Summer 2023: Santander, Spain
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B– in SPAN 2, or equivalent preparation; acceptance into the program. Students live with families for one term in Santander, Spain.
A student may choose to satisfy the language requirement through a combination of two preparatory courses at Dartmouth and one term off campus on the L.S.A. The preparatory courses must be taken within six months of departure. Students who have not studied Spanish at Dartmouth or who have taken SPAN 2 more than six months before departure must attend a Special Drill (non-credit) designed to prepare them for the program. Students who have fulfilled the language requirement are not eligible for the L.S.A.
Upon successful completion of the program, credit will be awarded for SPAN 3, SPAN 5 and SPAN 6. The three courses complete the language requirement. Students who have completed an LSA may skip SPAN 9 and enroll in SPAN 20.
Students will be accepted on the basis of their application dossier; actual participation in the program is contingent upon the maintenance of satisfactory academic standing, satisfactory participation in the Special Drill (for those who must take it), and compliance with orientation procedures.
Complete and deadline information is available for the Santander LSA:
https://guarini.dartmouth.edu/programs/spanish-lsa-santander-0
Language Study Abroad Plus
For 2023-24:
Spanish L.S.A.+ Winter 2024: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Barcelona, Spain
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of B- in SPAN 9, or SPAN 15 or equivalent preparation; acceptance into the program.
The L.S.A. Plus is a program designed for students who have satisfied the language requirement and are prepared for a more advanced language study abroad experience. Students who have taken SPAN 9, or SPAN 15 or its equivalent more than six months before departure must attend Special Drill (non-credit) during the term prior to the program. Students live with families for one term in Barcelona, Spain, or Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Upon successful completion of the program, credit will be awarded for three courses, SPAN 20, 21, and 32 (Buenos Aires) or SPAN 20, 22, and 32 (Barcelona). SPAN 20 and 32 offer credit for all majors and minors in Spanish. SPAN 32 may also serve as the 30-level prerequisite course for the F.S.P. in Madrid, Spain or Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Students will be accepted based on their application dossier. Actual participation in the program is contingent upon the maintenance of satisfactory academic standing, satisfactory participation in drill (for those who must take it), and compliance with orientation procedures.
Complete and deadline information for the L.S.A.+ Buenos Aires is available here:
https://guarini.dartmouth.edu/programs/spanish-lsa-buenos-aires-0
Program and deadline information for the L.S.A.+ Barcelona is available here:
https://spanport.dartmouth.edu/foreign-study/campus-programs-spanish/new-spanish-lsa-plus-barcelona
Foreign Study Program
For 2023-24:
Spanish F.S.P. Fall 2023: Madrid, Spain
Spring 2024: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the program and one course from SPAN 30, SPAN 31, or SPAN 32.
Students live with families for one term in Argentina or Spain. Courses are taught by local faculty and by the accompanying Dartmouth faculty member. Courses are designed to offer students experiences that are unique to on-site learning. Topics vary according to the specificity of each country, but they include the study of art in its many manifestations, sociological and cultural movements, urban cultures, etc. Importance is also placed on advanced grammar, oral, and writing skills. Demonstration of the importance of the program to the student’s overall academic program at Dartmouth is a factor considered for acceptance.
Upon successful completion of the program, credit will be awarded for three courses (Argentina - SPAN 23, SPAN 33, SPAN 35; or Spain - SPAN 24, SPAN 34, SPAN 36). Two courses only at the level 30 may be counted towards the major or minor in Spanish.
Foreign Study may not be taken during a student’s last term at Dartmouth.
Complete and deadline information for the Madrid FSP is available here: https://guarini.dartmouth.edu/programs/spanish-fsp-madrid
Complete and deadline information for the Buenos Aires FSP is available here: https://guarini.dartmouth.edu/programs/spanish-fsp-buenos-aires
The CASA Cuba Program:
The CASA Cuba Program offers students a unique opportunity to have direct access to Cuba’s leading institution of higher learning, the University of Havana, and to Casa de las Américas, the Cuban government’s premier research institution since its founding in 1959. Students who have taken course(s) at La Casa de Las Americas can receive two credits for Spanish Majors and up to one credit for Spanish Minors.
Complete information is available here: https://guarini.dartmouth.edu/programs/consortium-advanced-studies-abroad-cuba