Spanish and Latin American studies - Faculty of Arts

Offered by the School of Languages Cultures and Linguistics

Campus availability: Clayton

Relevant courses

2376 Diploma in Languages (Spanish)
0002 Bachelor of Arts (and associated double degrees)
3910 Bachelor of Arts (Global)
1366 Bachelor of Arts (Languages)
0202 Bachelor of Letters

Programs in Spanish and Latin American studies are suitable for students wishing to specialise in the discipline, and for those requiring a broad education in the humanities. Language study is a compulsory part of Spanish and Latin American studies and is designed to enable students to develop a high level of communicative competence (including specialised registers and translation skills). The study of Spanish and Latin American history and culture is conducted from first year in English. Optional units, covering Spain and Latin America are introduced from the second year in Spanish and aim to develop a critical awareness of fundamental areas of Spanish and Latin American studies including linguistics, literature, cultural theory and film. All programs develop writing and research skills appropriate to advanced independent study.

Non-Arts students

In some non-Arts courses students are able to take Arts electives and count them towards their course. Students who want to study a language as part of their non-Arts course should discuss with the managing faculty of their course:

whether they are allowed to include language units as part of their course
how many units/credit points they may or must study and at what year-level/s
select the appropriate language units to enrol in.

NOTE: Because some students will be unable to study language as first-year level units, the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics have created second-year level codes to enable non-Arts students to complete the equivalent of a first-year sequence in their chosen language. Students wishing to enrol in these units, must discuss any future enrolment with the relevant language program before going any further.

Right of school to determine entry level and approve accelerated enrolment

The Spanish and Latin American studies program convenor retains the right to determine the proper proficiency level for any particular student. Students are not permitted to accelerate their enrolment without first consulting the program convenor.

Language Study Abroad program

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the Language Study Abroad Program in Spain or Latin America. The Spanish and Latin American studies program has exchange agreements with three universities (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, and Tec de Monterrey, Mexico). Students should contact the program coordinators as early as possible for further details on the units they may take abroad.

Students can choose to study an intensive language-culture course at an overseas institution in a Spanish and Latin American nation in Semesters one or two, or over summer. For detailed information see the Spanish and Latin American studies program.

NOTE: Depending on the teaching institution, Spanish and Latin American study abroad units may be CSP-liable or only available on a fee-paying basis. Students may be eligible to apply for Monash Abroad Study grants.

Students must obtain written approval from the Spanish and Latin American studies program before enrolling. For further details contact Marisa Cordella.

Teaching language requirements

Students who exit at level 10 (or equivalent elective) or above will be awarded an 'Advanced Spanish and Latin American major', students who exit below level 10 (or equivalent elective) will be awarded a 'Basic Spanish and Latin American major'. Students who intend to teach language will need to complete an advanced major with a proficiency level exit point of at least 10 (eg SPN3100).

Sequences

First-year sequence

A sequence is normally a first semester first-year level unit which is followed by a second semester first-year level unit in the same discipline.

Minor sequence

Students complete a standard minor chosen from one of the following options:

24 points of core language units
18 points of core language units plus one second-year level elective chosen from units below.

Major sequence

Students complete a standard major consisting of six core language units as listed below and also including two electives chosen from units below.

Major sequences - choosing the right entry point for you

Students wishing to undertake Spanish and Latin American studies have the option of starting in one of three entry points. The following sequences are provided as guides only. There are several ways to structure a Spanish and Latin American studies major, however students wishing to accelerate through the proficiency levels either by taking study abroad units or because language acquisition results allow, must consult with the language program before enrolling.

Basic major sequences

Basic Spanish and Latin American major, entry point 1

For students with little or no knowledge of Spanish.

SPN1010 Spanish studies 1
SPN1020 Spanish studies 2
SPN2030 Spanish studies 3
SPN2040 Spanish studies 4
SPN3050 Spanish studies 5
SPN3060 Spanish studies 6
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
one third year level elective from the list of electives below

Basic Spanish and Latin American major, entry point 2

For students who have completed VCE/HSC Spanish or who can demonstrate an equivalent level of competence.

SPN1030 Spanish studies 3
SPN1040 Spanish studies 4
SPN2050 Spanish studies 5
SPN2060 Spanish studies 6
SPN3070 Spanish studies 7
SPN3080 Spanish studies 8
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
one third year level elective from the list of electives below

Advanced major sequences

Advanced Spanish and Latin American major, entry point 3

For students who have completed VCE/HSC Spanish or who can demonstrate an equivalent level of competence.

SPN1050 Spanish studies 5
SPN1060 Spanish studies 6
SPN2070 Spanish studies 7
SPN2080 Spanish studies 8
one second or third year level elective from the list of electives below
three third year level electives from the list of electives below

Units

Language Study Abroad units

SPN2310 Study abroad program (cannot be counted as part of a minor in Spanish)
SPN3310 Study abroad program 3*
SPN3311 Study abroad program 3A
SPN3312 Study abroad program 3B

Elective units

LLC3950 Literary theory and critical practice
SPN2190 Individual option**
SPN2280/SPN3280 Hispanic film
SPN2290/SPN3290 Spanish linguistics in trading and communication
SPN2950 History of the Spanish language
SPN3250 Revolutions and literature in Spanish America***
SPN3560 Culture and identity in Latin America
SPN3630 Romanticism and realism in nineteenth-century Spanish literature***
SPN3730 Dictatorship and democracy in contemporary Spanish fiction
SPN3750 Civilisation and barbarism in Spanish American literature***
SPN3770 Contesting cultures and identities in modern Spain
SPN3850 The Spanish American 'Boom' of literature***
SPN3910 Discourse and power in the media and politics of the Hispanic world
SPN3930 Individual option

* Not offered from 2008.

** Cannot be counted as part of a minor sequence in Spanish if completed overseas.

*** Not offered from 2007.

Contact details

Enquiries (Clayton): Room S423, fourth floor, South Wing, Menzies building

Telephone +61 3 9905 2281 or +61 3 9905 2223

Email lcl.enquiries@arts.monash.edu.au

Visit http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/lcl