Study nonrealist narratives that come out of the Spanish-speaking Americas, and discover how authors and filmmakers used them to critique the world around them, including political regimes and ecological catastrophe. emporal boundaries.
What You’ll Study in the Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish
Converse fluently in Spanish and read Spanish-language literature with the Spanish major at Reed College. Learn about Spanish and Latin American culture and history, and engage in cultural immersion by studying abroad or participating in Portland’s Latinx culture. Discover the power of language and cultural connection with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
Roadmap to the BA in Spanish at Reed
As a student in the Spanish department, refine your Spanish language skills and study abroad. In your upper-division courses, explore cultural texts and historical contexts with a critical lens. Culminate your studies with a senior thesis that makes a meaningful contribution to the field of Spanish studies.
Year One
Begin Your Reed Journey
Dive into an introductory Spanish course or take the language placement examination to determine if you should join more advanced classes. Our first and second-year Spanish offerings emphasize speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and cultural context.
In addition, take Humanities 110, our renowned interdisciplinary course that sets the foundation for all Reed students. Gain the tools necessary to engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives, and enhance your ability to express your ideas effectively.
Year Two
Expand Your Boundaries
Continue exploring the Spanish language through courses at Reed or by studying abroad. We offer semester or yearlong programs in countries such as Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, and Spain.
Make sure you visit La Casa Hispánica, the Spanish House, which hosts Hispanic cultural activities for all students. As a sophomore, you can even live in La Casa with fellow Spanish majors and practice your language skills.
Year Three
Deepen Your Knowledge
Equipped with a firm command of the Spanish language, take upper-division courses focused on Spanish and Latin American cultural texts, sociopolitical questions, and philosophical debates. Choose from classes such as Art after Franco and Latin America’s Revolutionary Century.
Prepare for and take the junior qualifying exam, which determines whether you’re ready to undertake your senior thesis. Complete the written and oral components of the Qual in Spanish, which include a research paper and an oral defense.
Year Four
Take on the Senior Thesis
Embark on the senior thesis project. This yearlong endeavor is the culmination of your Spanish major, showcasing your skills and knowledge. Delve into a topic of your choosing, and apply the analytical and research skills honed through your coursework and the Qual. Create original scholarly work that reflects your intellectual growth and passion for the Spanish language and culture.
Why Study Spanish at Reed College?
Live in La Casa Hispánica
La Casa Hispánica, or Spanish House, is a residence hall for sophomores and a Hispanic cultural center for the campus. It hosts activities like potluck dinners with department faculty, dance performances, and concerts.
Two language scholars—native Spanish speakers and Spanish department members—live in La Casa. They provide cultural expertise and academic support and host weekly informal “cafecitos” to help you practice Spanish in a relaxed setting.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Seize the opportunity to study in a Spanish-speaking country, and experience the language and culture firsthand. Take a semester of courses in Cuba through the Sarah Lawrence College in Cuba program, or enroll in the Universitat de Barcelona, one of the oldest universities in Spain. As a Reed Spanish major, you can apply for many internal and external grants and fellowships to help defray the cost of studying abroad.
Explore study abroad opportunities
My Favorite Courses
Spanish 312 - Advanced Language and Culture: Speculative Fiction
Spanish 343 - Don Quixote and Narrative Theory
Consider the legacy of Don Quixote through closely reading Miguel de Cervantes’s masterpiece and literary critiques of the work. Learn about the Spanish Golden Age during which Don Quixote was written, and trace the novel’s impact on the narrative form today.
Spanish 372 - Documentary Resistance in Latin America and Spain
Explore how documentary filmmakers in Latin America and Spain have used this powerful form to address and participate in social change. Watch films and discuss them in their historical and political contexts.
Careers for BA in Spanish Graduates
With their Spanish-language fluency and cultural awareness, Reed’s Spanish majors find careers in various fields, from education to media.
- Associate professor, Bowdoin College
- Director of development and current production, Left/Right
- Freelance journalist and translator
- In-house producer, Match Factory Productions
- Publicity and social media coordinator, Desperate Literature
- Spanish language librarian, Arapahoe Libraries
- Teacher, David Douglas School District
- Visiting assistant professor, Colby College
Achievements of Spanish Alumni
Reed graduates with a major in Spanish have also gone on to attend graduate and doctorate programs at universities across the country:
- Emory University
- Princeton University
- University of Denver
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Virginia
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
Meet the Spanish Department Faculty
From literary theory and translation to political theory and religious studies, the areas of study of our dedicated professors reflect a deep understanding and appreciation for the Spanish-speaking world. Learn more about their expertise and how you can collaborate with them on future projects.
