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 the early modern period 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 Hispanic linguistics, in business Spanish, 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, SPA100Y1; those with OAC/Grade 12 standing begin their University studies in SPA220Y1; 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 phonetics, in business Spanish, 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; early modern prose, verse and drama; 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 makes SPA courses available during the summer at the University of Guadalajara. Interested students should contact the Professional and International Programs, Woodsworth College (summer.program@utoronto.ca)

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

Spanish (Arts program)

Consult Professor A.T. Pérez-Leroux, Department of Spanish and Portuguese.

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

First Year:
SPA100Y1/SPA220Y1; SPA319Y1 (for native/bilingual speakers of Spanish)

Second Year:
SPA220Y1/SPA320Y1; SPA420H1 (for speakers who have taken SPA319Y1 in first year)

Third and Fourth Years:
1. SPA320Y1, SPA420H1, SPA454H1
2. SPA450H1 or SPA452H1
3. one 300/400-series half-course in language or linguistics
4. One half-course in Spanish American literature from the 300/400-series
5. Plus additional SPA courses to make the equivalent of 10 courses. Up to two full-course equivalents may be taken from cognate departmental or college offerings: GGR, HIS, LAS, LIN, POL, PRT. A complete list of eligible courses is available from the Undergraduate Coordinator. Students interested in Latin America are encouraged to take an introductory course in Portuguese (PRT100Y1/PRT110Y1).

Major program:
(7 full courses or their equivalent)

First Year:
SPA100Y1/SPA220Y1; SPA319Y1 (for native/bilingual speakers of Spanish)

Second Year:
SPA220Y1/SPA320Y1; SPA420H1 (for speakers who have taken SPA319Y1 in first year)

Third and Fourth Years:
1. SPA320Y1, SPA454H1
2. SPA450H1 or SPA452H1
3. SPA420H1 is recommended for students who start in SPA100Y1
4. SPA420H1 is required for students who start in SPA220Y1 or higher language course; plus a 300/400-series half-course in language or linguistics
5. Plus additional SPA courses, including a 300/400-series half-course in Spanish American literature, to make seven courses. Up to one full-course equivalent may be taken from cognate departmental or college offerings: GGR, HIS, LAS, LIN, POL, PRT. A complete list of eligible courses is available from the Undergraduate Coordinator. Students interested in Latin America are encouraged to take an introductory course in Portuguese (PRT100Y1/PRT110Y1).

Minor program:
(4 full courses or their equivalent)
SPA319Y1/SPA320Y1 plus additional SPA courses to make four courses. Up to one full-course equivalent of cognate credit may be taken in Portuguese.

Instructions to Take the Spanish Placement Test for Registered Students with a Valid UTOR ID Account

1. Log-in to the portal (http://portal.utoronto.ca)
2. Click the 'Community' tab
3. Type "Spanish Placement Test" into the 'Organization Search' box and click 'Go'
4. On the Search Results page, click the 'Enroll' button beside the listing that comes up for "Spanish Placement Test"
5. Click the 'Submit' button on the next page that appears to confirm the enrolment.
6. Take the test
7. Copy and paste your results and send them in an email to spanport.undergraduate@utoronto.ca, and you will receive a recommendation shortly.

The SPA 100Y course outline will not be available until the first week of September.

 

In the department’s view,  the language citation is intended for students who wished to have their coursework recognized, indicating that they have attained a certain degree of knowledge of  the language, but do not have sufficient coursework to obtain a degree  (i.e., a major or a minor program).

Major or minor programs supersede the language citation.

To be considered, please complete the form below and attach a copy of your informal ROSI transcript.

Language Citation Request Form (DOC 37kb)