Requirements for a Spanish Major:
Spanish 250 or 251; 275, and 276; two 300-level courses taught at St. Olaf, plus three electives above the 250 level. A maximum of two courses above the 250/251 level may be counted from off-campus study.
A Spanish Major at St. Olaf has multiple components:
– Successful completion of a minimum of 8 courses beginning with Spanish 250 or Spanish 251 with a grade above C- in 6 courses.
– Carrying out a program of experiential activities designed to complement in-class learning and expand your ability to use Spanish in a variety of non-academic situations.
All components contribute to a well-rounded major. Although successful completion of course work is the basis for “certification” of the major for graduation, completion of course work is just the start. We encourage students to make a personal commitment to enhance in-class learning with out-of-class experiences and to embrace the Spanish language and the many cultures that make up the Spanish-speaking world as a part of their life, not just a field of study. If you wish to use your Spanish skills and cultural knowledge in a professional field, this prepares you to interact with a wide-range of Spanish-speakers in the U.S. and abroad and to compete successfully in the job market
Your complementary experiential activities are what will make you stand out in comparison to other majors, from St. Olaf and other institutions, when opportunities for awards, scholarships, admission to graduate school, and/or jobs present themselves. Completion of courses with good grades is standard; going beyond that standard is your commitment to excellence.
Recommended for a Spanish Major:
– An extended period of study abroad (one semester) is highly recommended. (Some students opt to spend a whole year abroad.) The linguistic practice and first-hand cultural knowledge you will gain abroad enhances on-campus learning. You may count up to two courses taken abroad for your Spanish Major, depending on your choice of program. Early planning for study abroad programs is recommended. The Spanish faculty are here to help you consider all of the possibilities.
Planning Sheet
Click here for PDF version: Spanish Major Planning Guide
