In most programs, students must complete several courses related to three traditional tracks: Peninsular, Latin American, and Linguistics.
These tracks help students to have a panoramic view of the Hispanic world departing from the literature produced in Spain and Latin American countries. They also provide a strong foundation to understand the mechanics of the Spanish language beyond mastering grammar rules or building more vocabulary.
Peninsular Literature Courses
Peninsular courses, often abbreviated as Pen in course offerings websites, deal with culture, history, and literature from Spain. The 4000-level courses are divided by periods, such as Medieval, Golden Age of Early Modern, Nineteenth Century, and Twentieth Century.
Since most of these courses are not necessarily taught every semester, it is possible that students will take a course centered on one of these periods. In some programs, these courses are designed by topics and readings do not follow a chronological order. Students should be able to discuss the history of Spain, its main literary figures, and cultural practices.
Latin American Literature Courses
Latin American courses, often abbreviated as LA in course offerings websites, explore culture, history, and literature in Latin American countries. These courses focus on issues of nation-building, independence from Spain, and contemporary issues. The 4000-level courses are divided by periods, specific countries, or the combination of several countries. Given that more than 20 countries have Spanish as their official language, Latin America has a variety of topics and approaches to offer the student.
Linguistics
Linguistics courses, often abbreviated as Ling in course offerings websites, explore different aspects of the discipline, such as syntax, pragmatics, semantics, or history of the language.
Usually, these courses are more empirical or experimental than literature ones. The 4000-level courses are divided by the different realms of the discipline. With these courses, students have a better understanding of the language and have the tools to analyze it.
The focus of these courses depends on a variety of factors, such as the history of the department, the specialization of faculty members, or the need of finding attractive topics to increase student enrollment. While most programs offer courses on these tracks, not every student will graduate with the same knowledge or readings, even if they graduate from the same program.
Other Considerations
Several programs in the United States offer courses through their Spanish programs that are not directly related to the language. Usually, these courses are not a requirement for graduation. Besides enriching the program with its branding and marketing strategy, they provide students an opportunity to distinguish themselves from students enrolled in other universities and acquire specialized knowledge.
For example, courses on the experience of Latinos in the United States give a broader perspective to the student and students can relate more to the content. Courses like this one are taught in English or Spanish. Other examples are courses on Catalan or Art in the Spanish-speaking World. In the first case, the course expands the student's understanding of the complexity of Spain and its different cultures and regions. In the second, the course uses paintings and other artifacts to reflect on history and culture.
What track is your favorite? Peninsular Literature? Latin American Literature? Linguistics? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Disclaimer: Information shared and advice offered in this post does not substitute academic advising at your institution. As a student, it is your responsibility to carefully read degree requirements, understand the sequence of courses, and communicate effectively with faculty members and administrators.