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See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions  | Prospective Student Guide to Academic Programs | More on Department

Introduction

Hispanic culture offers a variety probably unrivalled by any other modern Western culture. In the Middle Ages, Spain was the vital point of contact of the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic civilizations. In its Golden Age it led the way in the exploration and settlement of the New World, contributing significantly to the evolution of a flourishing Ibero-American culture. Today it is estimated that Spanish is one of three most widely-spoken languages in the world.

Spanish Studies at the University of Toronto are mainly, but by no means exclusively, concerned with the language and literature of the Spanish-speaking peoples. Courses in translation, in business Spanish, in Catalan, in the history and structure of the Spanish language and literature are complemented by studies of the social, artistic, and intellectual history of both Spain and Spanish-America. Spanish and Portuguese form part of the interdisciplinary programs in European Studies and Ibero-American Studies.

The progression of courses in the language sequence is designed to accommodate a wide range of previous preparation in the spoken and written language. In their first year, beginners receive an intensive course, SPA 100Y; those with OAC standing begin their University studies in SPA 220Y; students who on entry are already well qualified in Spanish and demonstrate both oral and written fluency are expected to proceed directly to more advanced levels of study. Throughout the language stream, stress is laid both on the cultural component of language acquisition and on the range of practical applications to which both the spoken and the written language may be put. Courses in translation, in phonetics, in business Spanish, in Catalan, and in the history and structure of the Spanish language provide an array of possible options for students in the upper years.

Following an introduction to the methodologies of critical analysis as applied to Hispanic texts, students have a wide selection of courses on the literatures of Spain and Spanish America: medieval Spanish literature; the prose, verse and drama of the Golden Age; the modern novel, short story, poetry, drama and film. In all years, the works are read and discussed not only in terms of their individual artistic value but also as illustrations of the outlook and the intellectual climate of their age.

In conjunction with Woodsworth College, the department is currently planning to make SPA courses available during the summer at the University of Guadalajara. Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Coordinator.

For the Portuguese component, see under Portuguese Program in this Calendar.

Undergraduate Coordinator: ProfessorA.M. Gordon (978-6412)

Enquiries: 21 Sussex Avenue, Room 224 (978-3357)

SPANISH PROGRAMS

Enrolment in the Spanish programs requires the completion of four degree courses; no minimum GPA required.

SPANISH (B.A.) Consult Professor A.M. Gordon, Department of Spanish and Portuguese.

Specialist program (Hon.B.A.): (10 full courses or their equivalent, including at least one 400-series course)

First Year: SPA 100Y/220Y

Second Year:
1. SPA 220Y/320Y
2. Plus one or two SPA courses from the 200-series if not taken in First Year

Third and Fourth Years:
1. SPA 320Y, 350Y, 420H
2. One 300/400-series half-course in language or linguistics
3. One course in Spanish American literature from the 300/400-series
4. Plus additional SPA courses to make the equivalent of 10 courses

Major program (B.A.): (7 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year: SPA 100Y/220Y

Second Year:
1. SPA 220Y/320Y
2. Plus one or two SPA courses from the 200-series if not taken in First Year

Third and Fourth Years:
1. SPA 320Y, 350Y
2. SPA 420H is recommended for students who start in SPA 100Y
3. SPA 420H is required for students who start in SPA 220Y or higher language course; plus a 300/400-series half-course in language or linguistics
4. Plus additional SPA courses from the 300/400-series, including a half-course in Spanish American literature, to make seven courses

Minor program (B.A.): (4 full courses or their equivalent)
SPA 320Y plus additional SPA courses to make four courses

SPANISH - See also EUROPEAN STUDIES, IBERO-AMERICAN STUDIES, MODERN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES, LINGUISTICS AND LANGUAGES