Spanish and Hispanic Studies (ID), B.A.

Requirements for the Interdepartmental Major in Spanish and Hispanic Studies:

A minimum of 7 courses, including  two classes in the 250-299 sequence; two classes in the 300 sequence; two classes in the 400-level sequence (one of which is either a WS or 489 (Honors); and one elective course at the discretion of the student. This elective class may consist of any additional Spanish course, a LACS-designated course, a Spanish program MLT-designated course (taught in English), or a mini-term to a Spanish speaking country. We highly encourage students to go on a mini or full term to a Spanish speaking country (all coursework on terms abroad counts toward the major). Students may consult their Spanish faculty advisors for additional options.

Students who seek and qualify for departmental honors must take at least one 400-level class and SPN 489 (Honors Senior Project), which will count as one 400-level course with WS designation. ID majors seeking honors must fulfill honors requirements in both departments/programs.

These requirements apply starting in Fall 2023. Previous requirements for the major, ID major, and minor in SPN will be applicable until Spring 2026. Students can opt out and fulfill the new requirements if desired. Similarly, SPN 202 and SPN 203 will be counted as SPN 250-299 courses until Spring 2026.

Honors in Spanish and Hispanic Studies

At Union College, students majoring in Spanish & Hispanic Studies are eligible for two highly selective Honors opportunities for outstanding academic work and community contributions: A degree with Honors and/or Sigma Delta Pi Honors Society. Below you will find information about requirements and the selection process for each.

Take SPN 489, to gain a degree with Honors

Students can receive Spanish Honors by taking SPN 489 in the spring term of their senior year. This notable opportunity allows academically excellent students to pursue an in-depth research project on a topic determined in coordination with the supervising faculty member in Spanish. To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

Requirements for Honors:

• A candidate for honors shall have an index in Departmental courses of not less than 3.5 and an overall cumulative index of not less than 3.3.
• The candidate shall have achieved a grade of “A” in at least three courses in the department, with at least one at the 300-level or higher.
• Students shall have achieved a grade of at least “A-” in two 400-level courses (not including SPN 489 ).
• The honors project is expected to be written in Spanish.
• The honors project shall have been awarded a grade no lower than “A-.”
• Additional stipulations for interdepartmental majors are stipulated here.
  • In lieu of taking SPN 489, ID majors who fulfill the Honors requirements in the other department/program via a senior thesis or project may fulfill Spanish honors simultaneously by choosing a topic that connects to Spanish, Hispanic and US Latino Studies. Students may request to consolidate the two projects in this way by consulting with their SHL academic advisor no later than Winter term of the senior year.