COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Arts in Spanish at California State University, San Bernardino is a 30-unit program designed for students seeking in-depth study of Spanish, Spanish American, and Latino literatures, as well as Spanish linguistics. The program prepares students for further advanced study or professional opportunities that require a high level of Spanish proficiency. The curriculum begins with a core research methods course, providing foundational skills for graduate-level inquiry in Hispanic studies. Students then complete nine units of linguistics electives, choosing from courses such as Seminar in Hispanic Linguistics, History of the Spanish Language, Second Language Acquisition in Spanish, General Spanish Linguistics, Spanish Applied Linguistics, and Spanish Semantics and Pragmatics. These courses allow students to gain expertise in the structure, development, and acquisition of the Spanish language. In addition, students take eighteen units of literature electives, which include seminars and courses in Peninsular and Spanish American literature, culture, theater, and film. Students must take at least one course in Peninsular literature and one in Spanish American literature, ensuring a balanced understanding of the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. The literature electives also cover specialized topics such as Contemporary Chicanx/Latinx Literature in Spanish, modern and contemporary Spanish Peninsular literature, and Spanish American literary movements. Students may count a maximum of four 5000-level courses toward the degree, with at least six courses at the 6000 level, maintaining the rigor of the graduate program. The program does not require a separate culminating experience, but the coursework itself is designed to provide comprehensive preparation for advanced research, professional application, or continued study at the doctoral level. Overall, this M.A. in Spanish combines linguistic analysis with literary and cultural exploration, offering students a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, advanced research skills, and mastery of Spanish language and literature.