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Latin American and Latino/a Studies (LALS)

Holy Names University, located amidst the Bay Area's vital Spanishspeakingcommunities, is the ideal place to learn Spanish. Our Spanish Studies program offers a relaxed, yet lively environment, with instructors of diverse backgrounds who have experience with various learning styles and who are sensitive to the cultural diversity of students.

In all levels of our Spanish courses, you will use the language to communicate with others, both in the classroom and through specific activities in the dynamic Spanish-speaking communities of the Bay Area. All of our courses use computer activities to improve writing skills, to communicate with other students in Spanishspeaking countries, and as reference tools.

Through campus interdisciplinary activities, field trips, service-learning projects and internships, you will experience first-hand how Spanish is used in the profession of your choice. To become more proficient and to enhance your career opportunities, you may also spend time abroad. HNU has a cooperative program with Central College's campuses in Spain and Mexico.

By completing this major, you will meet national standards of understanding, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish, and of cultural awareness.

  • Curriculum
  • Careers & Outcomes
  • Faculty

Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Latino/a Studies (LALS)

Preparation for the Major

  • SPST 4 Intermediate Spanish or SPST 5 Spanish for Native Speakers (or equivalent)

Students who come in with previous preparation may be tested and placed in the appropriate level.

Requirements for the Major (24 upper-division units)

(All upper-division Spanish courses are taught in Spanish.)

  • SPST 101(W)* Advanced Spanish: Reading and Writing
  • SPST 102 Advanced Spanish: Listening and Speaking

*The requirement for the culminating “W” course will be satisfied by writing a Senior Essay in one of the Spanish courses taken during the senior year.

  • SPST 115 Cultures of Spain
  • SPST 116 Cultures of Latin America
  • HIST 160 History of Latin America or HIST 162 History of Central America
  • HIST 177 Latino/Hispanic Communities and Experiences
Two additional courses in Spanish and/or Latin-American literature
  • SPST 96/196 Internship

The Minor

A minimum of 21 units in Spanish Studies, 12 of which must be in upper-division courses.

  • SPST 101(W) Advanced Spanish: Reading and Writing
    and SPST 102 Advanced Spanish: Listening and Speaking
  • SPST 115 Cultures of Spain or SPST 116 Cultures of Latin America
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With Spanish as the second most commonly used language in the United States, you will increase your career opportunities in today's competitive job market with a major or minor in Spanish Studies. A degree of Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies at HNU will prepare you to be a member of today's diverse world, in keeping with the mission of the University. People who speak other languages and have experienced other cultures are highly sought after in business, government, education, and human services.

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Martivón Galindo, Ph. D.
University of California, Berkeley
Associate Professor of Spanish
510-436-1318
galindo@hnu.edu
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