In 1787 Thomas Jefferson wrote: "Spanish. Bestow great attention on this and endeavor to acquire an accurate knowledge of it. Our future connection with Spain and Spanish America will render that language a valuable acquisition. The ancient history of that part of America, too, is written in that language. I send you a dictionary." Jefferson's words have never rung more true than they do in today's shrinking world. As the language of one of the most influential and complex cultures of the Old and New World, and as the second language of the United States, Spanish is indeed a valuable acquisition.

Important notice for undergraduate students:

Electronic waiting lists are available through http://web.virginia.edu/ArtsSci/waitlist/student_login.asp

Please do not attempt to contact individual instructors to get access to classes that are restricted to an online waiting list. Instructors for these courses can only admit you from the online waiting list.

For updates or a complete description of courses offered by the Department click on the link above and also please consult the Course Offering Directory and the Undergraduate Record.

Spanish 101-202

The SPAN 101-202 courses are reserved for students who present no entrance credits in the language. Please find here information for a) students and b) instructors on policies such as add/drop procedures, grading, absences, placement, etc.

Spanish Major

The Spanish Major is designed to develop a student's proficiency in the Spanish language while assuring that he or she receives a strong background in linguistics, literature, culture or a combination of these areas.

Students interested in declaring a major in Spanish should visit the department office in Wilson Hall Rm 115. You will be assigned to an advisor who is suited for your desired course of study.

Please note: this department will not assign major advisors when courses are not in session, during the first three weeks of each regular semester, during the first week of pre-registration or during the Summer Session.

Distinguished Major

Spanish Majors of exceptional ability and dedication are encouraged to enroll in the Distinguished Major Program. This program enables qualified students to explore at a higher level their interests in Hispanic literature, language and culture.

Spanish Minor

With 18 credits beyond the 202 level, the Spanish minor allows students to further develop their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while introducing them to more advanced literary, linguistic, and cultural studies.

Foreign Study Advising

Students may see any professor of Spanish to discuss the transfer of foreign study credits, but must first see Ms. Gloria Gates in Garrett Hall. The Department does not advise on specific study abroad programs other than the accredited programs sponsored by UVA in Valencia, Spain, and Lima, Peru.

Advising

Any questions about the undergraduate program in Spanish should be referred to one of the advisors in this list or to the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Ricardo Padrón (Wilson 119).

Summer Language Institute - Spanish and Italian

The Summer Language Institute at the University of Virginia offers a unique intensive program in which students can complete beginning and intermediate levels of Spanish or Italian in nine weeks and earn 12 credits toward their foreign language requirement.