Minor in Spanish

Students opting for a minor in Spanish gain a sound cultural, linguistic, and literary background that allows them to take part in the rapidly widening Hispanic sphere of the United States, Latin America, and Europe. They are able to enrich their chosen majors and broaden their horizons with new cultural references.

Requirements

  • Six 4-credit CAS LS courses in language, literature, and linguistics numbered 254 and above.
  • Of those six courses, up to two may be 300-level language courses taken in Boston and/or through Study Abroad programs and chosen (in any order) from the following: CAS LS 306, 307, 308, 310, 311. Heritage speakers may take only one 300-level language course: CAS LS 309.
  • All prospective student minors should seek advice and approval from a minor advisor as they begin to design a six-course program, to ensure that it is consistent with their individual background, interests, and goals.

A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.

Up to four courses taken through Boston University’s Study Abroad programs in Madrid, Burgos, Lima, Quito, or Buenos Aires may count toward the minor. Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non-Boston University study abroad programs and must take a minimum of three courses (or a minimum of two, if they have four courses approved for credit toward the minor from Boston University’s programs in Madrid, Burgos, Lima, Quito, or Buenos Aires) on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward the minor. Up to two related cultural courses taught in Spanish may be taken abroad with the consent of the advisor. A related cultural course is defined as a course taught in Spanish with a cultural focus other than language or literature; examples include Art in the Museums of Madrid, Women in Spain, and Andean Architecture.

Study Abroad

Students may take courses to fulfill their language requirement or courses toward their major or minor in the Boston University Madrid Study Abroad program. Students with a declared minor in Spanish must obtain their minor advisor’s approval for specific study abroad courses prior to their participation in a study abroad program. Students interested in BU’s study abroad programs in Santiago and Mexico should talk with their advisor to see if it might be possible to fulfill requirements of the minor through those programs.

Placement Examination

A placement examination is required of all students whose most recent course in Spanish was taken in high school or at a college other than Boston University and who wish to continue their study of this language here. Information regarding online placement exams is available in the Department of Romance Studies or on the departmental website.