Spanish and Latin American Studies Program
Why pursue Spanish and Latin American Studies?
Explore multiple aspects of Spanish language, civilizations and cultures, while gaining a solid understanding of the contemporary Spanish-speaking world. The Spanish and Latin American Studies program at Saint Mary’s is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada.
While studying Spanish and Latin American culture, you’ll build your ability to communicate in Spanish and also explore history, tradition, arts, literature and music. In doing so, you’ll develop communication and critical thinking skills, cultural understanding and strong research abilities.
Hands-on learning
At Saint Mary’s, there are many opportunities for undergraduate academic awards, as well as many opportunities for academic exchange in Spanish-speaking countries.
Our Spanish students have participated in academic exchanges to Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios de Monterrey, Universidad La Salle and Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, and taken part in our new exchange program with Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM.
Sample courses offered:
- Language courses: Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced Spanish, Spanish for Business, Advanced Spanish Conversation Through Film
- Introduction to Latin American Literature: This course provides an overview of Latin American literature across a range of possible genres: narrative, poetry, theatre, and the essay. In addition to introducing students to the dynamics of these various forms of literary expression, this course uses literary texts as windows into their historical backdrop and the social, political, and cultural issues that they raise.
- Latinx Identities in Canada and the US: Explore how gender, sexuality, power, ethnicity, language, politics and race shape contemporary Latinx identities, particularly in Canada and the US. This course is grounded in cultural and literary studies, psychoanalysis, critical race theory, antiracism, feminism and postcolonial studies.
- Latinx Punk/Rock and the Cultures of Resistance: After decades of dictatorship, imperialism, state repression and narco-wars, punk-rock and hip hop have developed into countercultural movements of resistance. Students in this class will examine the role and history of these cultural movements, their dialogues with other cultural counternarratives and how they have created a narrative of political resistance in Latin America.
Future career opportunities:
- Teacher
- Translator
- Cultural liaison
- Public relations consultant
- Historian
- Language instructor