COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA in Spanish program at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with a well-rounded and flexible academic experience through a combination of core courses, electives, specialization options, and a capstone requirement. Students begin by building a strong foundation in language proficiency through core courses such as Intermediate Spanish II, conversation and composition classes tailored for both heritage and non-heritage speakers, along with introductory courses in Spanish linguistics and literary methods. These courses help develop essential communication, analytical, and cultural interpretation skills. In addition to the core, students choose elective courses at the advanced level to further strengthen their knowledge and explore specific interests within the Spanish language and its cultural contexts. A key feature of the program is the opportunity to specialize in one of two focused areas: Spanish language, linguistics and teaching, or Hispanic literature and culture. Each specialization requires the completion of five advanced courses, allowing students to gain in-depth expertise aligned with their academic and career goals. The program also strongly encourages study abroad experiences in Spanish-speaking countries, giving students the chance to immerse themselves in the language and culture while earning academic credit. Past participants have studied in locations such as Cusco, Havana, San José, Madrid, and Valencia. The program concludes with a capstone course, which allows students to integrate their learning and demonstrate their proficiency, critical thinking, and cultural understanding, preparing them for diverse global career opportunities.