Studies in Spanish
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.”
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 Worlds, and as the second language of the United States, Spanish is indeed a valuable acquisition.
The University of Virginia has long been recognized as a leading national center for the study of languages, literature and culture. In his original plan for the University, founder Thomas Jefferson established a School of Modern Languages offering instruction in Anglo-Saxon, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Jefferson’s commitment to language study has been maintained, and today the Spanish Department is ranked at the top among public universities. With over sixteen faculty members and visiting scholars in Spanish, and more than forty graduate students and instructors, the Department offers a broad variety of language, culture and literature courses, leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Spanish and Spanish American studies.
Spanish Tutoring
If you are interested in tutoring, you may contact one of the many tutors in our department. Click here for the tutors who are currently available.
Casa Bolívar often offers free tutoring for undergraduate students. For more information, contact the Casa Bolivar at casa@virginia.edu .
Student Life
Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese is one of the more active departments within the University, and we encourage students to strengthen their knowledge and love of Hispanic culture by participating in our many activities.
THE SPANISH HOUSE Through its name, La Casa Bolívar honors UVA’s first Latin American student, Fernando Bolívar, nephew of patriot Simon Bolívar. Since 1980, Casa Bolívar has housed about two dozen students, allowing them with an atmosphere to improve their Spanish (the official language of the house), and to earn one credit in the process. The Casa BolÍvar is open to all undergraduates and applications are available in early Spring. For further information, contact Sarah Bogard .
La Casa Bolívar Application 2010
LATINO ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS For information, consult the Office of the Dean of Students .
MADISON HOUSE Though a separate organization, students of Spanish frequently become involved with their voluntary programs, particularly the migrant worker aid program .
TERTULIA Students interested in Spanish are encouraged to form conversation groups, normally hosted by the Casa Bolívar. Contact Sarah Bogard .
THE SPANISH PLAY The Spanish Drama Group draws its actors from undergraduates, graduates and faculty, and performs a play each spring at UVa and at other universities. For information, contact Fernando Operé .
CINE CLUB/FILM CLUB Every Tuesday night at 7:00 pm the Casa Bolívar shows a movie in Spanish with English subtitles. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to attend as well as faculty and employees of the University. The currently listing of movies (and this is subject to change!), check here . For more information please contact Ashley Wellman .
Grants & Awards
Each year, the Department rewards excellence in Undergraduate and Graduate studies by awarding the following fellowships and awards (see Departmental Chair for details):
UNDERGRADUATE
T. Braxton Woody Fellowship:
This fellowship, administered by the Jefferson Society, is given to rising 4th year students in Spanish. The T. Braxton Woody Fellowship honors students who have demonstrated superior academic performance and have contributed to the Department and other Hispanic activities at the University.
Hispanic Studies Program Award: This award is given to an undergraduate student who has contributed to the UVa Hispanic Studies Program in Valencia.
Virginia Louise Garth Scholarship:
This scholarship is offered to an undergraduate student from Virginia who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and who has contributed to the life and well-being of the Spanish Department. This scholarship is offered by the Garth family in honor of their late daughter.
Marie M. Giuliano Award:
This award is given to a fourth-year graduating student on the basis of demonstrated academic excellence in Spanish or Italian language study and a contribution to the growth and nurturing of Spanish or Italian at the University.
GRADUATE
Charles Gordon Reid, Jr. Scholarship:
Each year the Department awards one or more Charles Gordon Reid, Jr. scholarships to graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. This scholarship honors Mr. Charles Gordon Reid, Jr., former professor of Romance Languages in the Department.