MAJOR AND MINOR - INTRODUCTION
Majors and minors in this department will provide students with a solid literacy in the cultures of the Hispanic world. Literacy at the level of language instruction entails the students´ ability to express themselves fluently in Spanish, both orally and in writing. Literacy at the cultural level entails an intellectual grasp of Spanish and Spanish-American cultural and artistic products and the knowledge of the historical and methodological contexts in which to situate them. Students must consult with their major advisor to carefully plan their program upon major declaration. With advisor approval, courses taken abroad or at another institution can apply toward the major/minor. The Department of Spanish and Latin American Cultures addresses the Barnard senior research requirement through the writing of a substantial paper in a topic-based senior seminar; there is the possibility of further research development for some students. The Spanish and Latin American Cultures majors have been designed in conjunction with the Columbia Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Hence, Barnard students may, with the approval of their advisor, move freely between the departments of both institutions in search of the courses that best fit their interests and schedules.