Spanish

¡Bienvenidos!

Welcome! The Spanish Program at Hunter College offers majors and minors that explore literature, translation, interpretation, and more.

On This Page:

About the Program
Spanish Undergraduate Program
Translation and Interpretation Studies
Spanish Faculty
Spanish Language Sequence
FAQs

About the Program

As you progress through your academic journey, we encourage you to explore the enriching opportunities available within our Spanish Program at Hunter College, CUNY. Whether you are just beginning to learn Spanish, are passionate about Spanish-speaking cultures, or simply wish to broaden your horizons, our program offers a diverse range of courses designed to inspire and challenge you.

Learning Outcomes

Practice speaking and writing in Spanish that is clear and correct.
Identify authors and works by style and by historical period, and literary movements by their salient characteristics.
Discuss the central social, cultural, and political developments of Spain and Latin America.
Discuss the major cultural and historical tropes pertaining to specific literary (or cinematic) works across centuries and continents
Analyze how literary (or cinematic) works produce meaning and other effects.
Apply critical concepts across genres or periods.
Evaluate competing perspectives or claims in a comprehensive way before formulating an opinion or conclusion.

Spanish Undergraduate Programs

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements (36 credits):

Complete ANY of the following Courses (0-15 credits):
- SPAN 10100 - Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 10200 - Elementary Spanish 2
- SPAN 20100 - Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 20200 - Intermediate Spanish 2
  OR SPAN 10300 - Intensive Elementary Spanish
- SPAN 20300 - Intensive Intermediate Spanish
  OR SPAN 10500 - Basic Reading and Writing for Native Speakers of Spanish
- SPAN 10600 - Oral and Written Skills for Native Speakers of Spanish
- SPAN 20700 - Intermediate Spanish for Native Speakers
- SPAN 20800 - Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers
- SPAN 21100 - Spanish Grammar and Composition
  OR SPAN 27000 - Spanish Composition for Spanish-Speaking Students
Note:
- SPAN 10300 - Intensive Elementary Spanish may be substituted for SPAN 10100 and SPAN 10200
- SPAN 20300 - Intensive Intermediate Spanish may be substituted for SPAN 20100 and SPAN 20200
Earn at least 12 credits from the following Core Courses:
- SPAN 31100 - The Structure of Modern Spanish
- SPAN 31200 - Advanced Spanish Writing
- SPAN 34100 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature I
- SPAN 34200 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature 2
Earn at least 6 credits from the following Literature Before the 19th Century Courses:
- SPAN 34300 - Spanish Literature of the Middle Ages
- SPAN 34500 - Spanish Drama of Golden Age
- SPAN 34600 - Cervantes
- SPAN 34900 - Spanish Prose of the Golden Age
- SPAN 35000 - Spanish Poetry of the Golden Age
- SPAN 35300 - Spanish Neoclassicism and Romanticism
Earn at least 9 credits from the following Latin American Literature Courses:
- SPAN 36000 - Spanish-American Literature of the Colonial Period
- SPAN 36200 - Spanish-American Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism
- SPAN 36400 - Spanish-American Modernism and Postmodernism
- SPAN 36500 - Survey of Spanish-American Theatre
- SPAN 36600 - 20th-Century Latin American Poetry
- SPAN 36700 - Latin American Essay
- SPAN 36800 - Contemporary Latin American Narrative
- SPAN 37100 - Special Topics in Spanish-American Literature
Note: At least 3 credits from this category must be in contemporary literature.
Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- SPAN 33500 - Spanish Civilization
- SPAN 33600 - Latin American Civilization
Earn at least 6 credits from the following Electives:
- SPAN 39900 - Second Language Acquisition
- SPAN 49500 - Independent Study in Hispanic Literature
- SEDC 21200 - Methods 1: Foundations of Literacy, Language and Learning in the Foreign/Heritage Language Classroom
Note: Students may choose the remaining 6 credits in any course in literature from Spain or Latin America numbered above 34200.

For students planning to teach in grades 7-12: 3 credits in Second Language Acquisition, either SPAN 399, 495, SEDC 212, or SEDC 712

Resources for Spanish and Latin American Literature

Advising Worksheet

Spanish Translation and Interpretation

This program prepares students for careers in the expanding field of translation (the written transfer from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English) and interpretation (the oral transfer from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English). It combines courses in Spanish language, literature, and civilization with specialized courses in translation and interpretation theory and practice.

The program is for linguistically-proficient individuals of different backgrounds who are pursuing a BA degree and wish to study the communication of written and spoken meaning across two languages. This program of study is designed to prepare students for careers as translators and interpreters in fields such as publishing, business, law, international affairs, science, mass media, medicine, education, and travel, as well as to provide a solid liberal arts foundation for the Master's and PhD degrees.

Fulfill ALL of the following requirements: (36 credits):

Earn at least 15 credits from the following (0-15 credits):
- SPAN 10100 - Elementary Spanish I
  AND SPAN 10200 - Elementary Spanish 2
- SPAN 20100 - Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 20200 - Intermediate Spanish 2
  OR SPAN 10300 - Intensive Elementary Spanish
- SPAN 20300 - Intensive Intermediate Spanish
  OR SPAN 10500 - Basic Reading and Writing for Native Speakers of Spanish
- SPAN 10600 - Oral and Written Skills for Native Speakers of Spanish
- SPAN 20700 - Intermediate Spanish for Native Speakers
- SPAN 20800 - Advanced Spanish for Native Speakers
- SPAN 21100 - Spanish Grammar and Composition
  OR SPAN 27000 - Spanish Composition for Spanish-Speaking Students
Note:
- Students who demonstrate proficiency in Spanish through a placement exam may be exempted from some courses.
- SPAN 10300 - Intensive Elementary Spanish may be substituted for SPAN 10100 and SPAN 10200
- SPAN 20300 - Intensive Intermediate Spanish may be substituted for SPAN 20100 and SPAN 20200
Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
- SPAN 31100 - The Structure of Modern Spanish
- SPAN 31200 - Advanced Spanish Writing
- SPAN 31300 - Spanish Stylistics
Earn at least 12 credits from the following:
- SPAN 34100 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature I
- SPAN 34200 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature 2
- SPAN 35300 - Spanish Neoclassicism and Romanticism
- SPAN 35500 - Spanish Literature from Realism to World War I
- SPAN 35700 - Early 20th-Century Spanish Literature
- SPAN 35800 - Post-Civil War Spanish Literature
- SPAN 36200 - Spanish-American Romanticism, Realism, and Naturalism
- SPAN 36400 - Spanish-American Modernism and Postmodernism
- SPAN 36500 - Survey of Spanish-American Theatre
- SPAN 36600 - 20th-Century Latin American Poetry
- SPAN 36700 - Latin American Essay
- SPAN 36800 - Contemporary Latin American Narrative
- SPAN 37000 - Special Topics in Spanish Literature
- SPAN 37100 - Special Topics in Spanish-American Literature
- SPAN 37400 - Contemporary Literature and Spanish Film
- SPAN 33500 - Spanish Civilization
- SPAN 33600 - Latin American Civilization
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- SPAN 38000 - Introduction to Translation and Interpretation
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:
- SPAN 38100 - Translation from Spanish into English
- SPAN 38200 - Consecutive Interpretation, Spanish-English and English-Spanish
- SPAN 38300 - Translation from English into Spanish
- SPAN 38400 - Simultaneous Interpretation, Spanish-English and English-Spanish
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
- SPAN 39000 - Translation and Interpretation for the Professions
  OR one or more courses from SPAN 39000: (topics vary. See Schedule of classes for offerings)
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- SPAN 39100 - Internship in Translation
- SPAN 39200 - Internship in Interpretation
Complete at least 2 of the following Courses:
- ENGL 20100 - Intermediate Expository Writing using Small-Group Methods
- ENGL 21800 - Advanced Expository Writing
- ENGL 30100 - Composition Theory and Practice
- ENGL 30800 - Workshop in Non-Fiction 1
- ENGL 30900 - Workshop in Non-Fiction 2
- ENGL 28000 - The Structure of Modern English
Complete at least 1 of the following:
- Option A: At least two courses in contemporary US literature written in English from the following courses:
  - ENGL 32000 - Multi-Ethnic American Literature
  - ENGL 32100 - Studies in African-American Literature
  - ENGL 37700 - 20th and 21st Century American Fiction
  - ENGL 37900 - 20th and 21st Century American Drama
  - AFPRL 35600 - Latinx Literatures
- Option B: At least one course from Option A above and one of the following courses:
  - ANTHC 15100 - Introduction to Linguistics
  - ANTHC 35100 - Language in Culture ind Society
  - ANTHC 35300 - Phonological Analysis and Theory
  - ANTHC 35400 - Grammatical Analysis and Theory
  - AFPRL 18100 - Language and Ethnic Identity
  - ENGL 33200 - History of the English Language
  - MEDPL 20100 - Reporting and Writing 1
  - MEDPL 20200 - Reporting and Writing 2
  - THEA 16100 - Acting I:Basic Acting Techniques
  - THEA 26100 - Acting 2: American Realism
  - THEA 26200 - Acting III: World Realism

Resources for Translation and Interpretation Concentration:

Contact the Program Director

Translation and Interpretation Studies

This program is designed to prepare students in two professional fields:

Translation, the written transfer from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English
Interpretation, the oral transfer from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English

The program is for linguistically-proficient individuals of different backgrounds who are pursuing a B.A. degree and wish to study the communication of written and spoken meaning across two languages.

This program of study is designed to prepare students for careers as translators and interpreters in fields such as publishing, business, law, international affairs, science, mass media, medicine, education, and travel, as well as to provide a solid liberal arts foundation for the Master’s and Ph.D. degrees.

Learn More About This Program

Spanish Language Sequence

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Spanish Faculty

Rafael Fernandez

Lecturer

Office: 68th Street West 1333
Phone: (212) 772-5009
Email: rfe0007@hunter.cuny.edu

Maria Luisa Fischer

Associate Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1314
Phone: (212) 772-5146
Email: maria.fischer@hunter.cuny.edu

María Hernández Ojeda

Associate Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1313
Phone: (212) 772-4696
Email: mhern@hunter.cuny.edu

Magdalena Perkowska

Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1319
Phone: (212) 772-5132
Email: mperkows@hunter.cuny.edu

Mónica Schinaider

Lecturer

Office: 68th Street West 1342
Phone: (212) 772-5092
Email: mschinai@hunter.cuny.edu

Ana Lucía Tello

Assistant Professor

Office: 68th Street West 1318
Phone: (212) 772-4760
Email: at7008@hunter.cuny.edu

Tania Varela

Program Director and Doctoral Lecturer

Office: 68th Street West 1333
Phone: (212) 772-4760
Email: tv639@hunter.cuny.edu

FAQs

Q: What are the rules governing the language requirement?

A: Hunter College's official policy is stated here.

Q: I graduated from a high school in a Spanish-speaking country. Am I exempt from SPAN 202?

A: Yes! Contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor. You will need an official high school transcript or diploma.

Q: Can I take SPAN 101-202 or SPAN 105-208 if I speak Spanish fluently?

A: You might be a fluent speaker, but your writing skills may be at an elementary or intermediate level if you have not studied the language formally. .' If you are a heritage-speaker of Spanish, there are courses designed especially for you. However, if you studied secondary school in a Spanish-speaking country, you should probably not be taking these language courses. Take the online language placement test to discover your level of proficiency and which Spanish course is right for you.

Q: I studied Spanish in high school. Can I be exempted?

A: Students who have successfully completed 4 years of Spanish in high school can apply for exemption with a Hunter College Academic Advisor. Such courses must have been taken in high school. Spanish courses taken in middle school do not count. An official high school transcript must be presented. If you have taken between 1 and 3 years of Spanish in high school, you must take the online language placement test.

Q: I passed the New York State Regents Exam in Spanish. Does that exempt me?

A: No. If you scored a 3 or higher on the Spanish AP Exam, you may be exempted from SPAN 202. No other exam is valid.

Q: I'm a transfer student. Do I need to fulfill the language requirement?

A: Please consult this page and select the link that describes your situation to find out.

Q: I successfully completed an advanced college Spanish course that has a fourth-semester prerequisite. Am I exempt from SPAN 202?

A: Yes! Contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor.

Q: What should I do if I took a Spanish language at a different college and it did not transfer correctly?

A: If you took a Spanish language at a different college and it did not transfer correctly, please contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor.

Q: What should I do If I had exposure to Spanish but have not studied at college level?

A: If you had exposure to Spanish but have not studied at college level, please register for upcoming placement tests.

Q: What should I do if my foreign language exemption (AP tests or four years of high school Spanish) is not reflected on my DegreeWorks?

A: If your foreign language exemption (AP tests or four years of high school Spanish) is not reflected on your DegreeWorks, please contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor.

Q: Who should I contact if I am majoring or minoring in Spanish?

A: If you are a Spanish major or minor student, please contact a Spanish advisor.

Q: This is my last semester and I just found out that I need to fulfill my language requirement. What should I do?

A: Uh oh! You should not have waited so long to address this issue. Contact a Hunter College Academic Advisor immediately. Unfortunately, it is very likely that you will need to stay one or more semesters to fulfill the requirement.

Q: My current Spanish class is too easy. How do I get placed into the right level?

A: Take the online language placement test. Then speak to a Spanish advisor.

Q: Who should take the placement test?

A: You are encouraged to take the placement test if you need to fulfill the language requirement, and if:

you have had between 1 and 3 years of language in high school;
more than 2 years has passed since your last foreign language course;
you have some knowledge of language but never studied it formally;
you have had additional exposure to the language through family, school, travel or work connections.

If you fall under any of the above, sign up for the online language placement test.

Q: What should I expect on the placement exam?

A: The first part consists of multiple choice questions, testing reading comprehension and correct grammar usage; the second part is a brief writing exercise, based on a visual prompt. Students normally take about an hour and fifteen minutes to finish.

Q: Can I take the placement test more than once?

A: No, the test cannot be repeated.

Q: How do I find out the result of the placement exam?

A: Your result will be posted on this website under Recommendations and you will receive permission to register in that level (the permission lasts in the system for one year). In most cases, it will list the level you've been placed into, but you might be asked to speak to a Spanish advisor. If you are exempted from the language requirement, the Department of Romance Languages will request the exemption for you. If you've been placed in a level above SPAN 10100, please note that you still need permission from a Spanish advisor to register for a course. Please note that you will only be able to enroll into the class if there are still open seats in the section you selected. If you have not received permission to register after the placement test, you should contact a Spanish advisor and have the following information ready: your Empl ID and the date you took the placement exam.