Department of Hispanic & Italian Studies

The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies considers the study of Spanish and Italian to be essential components in the acquisition of a liberal arts education. The mission of the Department is to lay a linguistic foundation and promote the knowledge of the literature and cultures of Spanish, Latin American and Italian societies, to which many North Americans have strong historic ties.

Students wishing to obtain a B.A. in Hispanic Studies or Latin American Studies pursue, in addition to language courses, a track of studies in Spanish and Latin American literature and culture. These courses are varied in content and provide the opportunity for intensive study. They range from medieval Spanish literature to the contemporary literatures of Spain and Latin America.

To obtain a B.A. in Italian Studies, students pursue courses in Italian literature, cinema and culture. In addition, students can take courses on Italy offered by other departments.

Students may also combine Spanish and Italian courses through the Combined Major in Hispanic and Italian Studies.

The Mediterranean studies program leading to a B.A. offers insight into Mediterranean culture from the perspective of the cultures of Spain and Italy.

The Department of Hispanic and Italian Studies also offers a Master of Arts program with two streams ("Hispanic Studies" and "Hispanic and Italian Studies.").