Spanish

Our students learn about Hispanic cultures directly through the Spanish language, primarily through literature, film and other artistic expressions. It is possible to begin Spanish at Amherst as a first-year student and go abroad to a Spanish-speaking country during junior year.

The Amherst Spanish Department offers courses in both the Spanish language and in Hispanic culture and literature. We study literature and culture from a modern critical perspective, without isolating it from its context. We teach most courses in Spanish.

Department Highlights

About the Spanish Major

The Major

Our majors study the Hispanic world throughout the centuries, through courses on Spain, Latin America, the Caribbean and Latinos in the United States.

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About the Spanish Major

Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies Certificate

This certificate enhances our major and is overseen by the Five College Latin American, Caribbean and Latino Studies Council.

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About the Spanish Major

Honors Theses

We encourage majors to write a senior thesis on a topic related to Hispanic culture, literature, language or arts.

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About the Spanish Major

Study Abroad

Majors strengthen their studies with stays in Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Spain.

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About the Spanish Major

Culture and Community

Students speak Spanish at the weekly Spanish Table in Valentine Dining Hall and in the Spanish House, where language assistants and other students live and speak Spanish together.

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About the Spanish Major

Spanish Tutors

Peer tutors help their fellow students learn the language.

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About the Spanish Major

After Amherst

Spanish majors at Amherst go on to careers in public policy, teaching, international relations, translation and nonprofit work, among many other fields.

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Major Explorations: Spanish

Welcome to the Spanish Department

Spanish is spoken in 20 different countries, as well as the United States, by over 450 million Spanish speakers. In all of our classes, you'll be practicing your Spanish and studying Spanish cultures from around the world.

Barrett Hall a grey brick building with a pathway leading up to the front door

Faculty Office Hours

Spanish faculty are located in Barrett Hall and Grosvenor House. For information on the locations of these buildings, please visit the Amherst campus map.

Office Hours

Spanish Courses

Current Courses