Hispanic Studies
Hispanic studies offers an exploration of the language, cultures, and histories of the vast regions of the world where Spanish is spoken, through the study of literature, film, and other forms of cultural expressions. You will combine advanced linguistic instruction with cultural and historical perspectives, preparing you for a wide range of professional and academic careers.
Why Choose a Degree in Hispanic Studies?
Spanish is the primary language for around 34 million people in the United States alone. Combine this fact with our proximity to and shared interests with Spanish-speaking Latin America and it’s easy to see why you need a knowledge of Spanish and Hispanic culture to thrive in the modern world. By earning a degree in Hispanic studies, you will also become immersed in one of the oldest and richest of the Romance languages and in a culture with roots deep in antiquity.
What You’ll Study
We offer a major and minor in Hispanic studies through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Our interdisciplinary program offers classes on language, culture, film, and literature on topics like science fiction, theatre, music, poetry, and social activism. Coursework includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Spanish, as well as the study of a broad spectrum of cultural analysis, from pre-Columbian Mesoamerican to contemporary Latinx culture in the U.S.
Many of our students earn course credit on overseas programs. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are nine programs with a Spanish language focus:
- Chile, Santiago and Valparaíso
- Havana, Cuba
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Santiago, Dominican Republic
- Mérida, Mexico, health studies and general
- Spain, Granada and Seville
Outside the classroom, the Keck Interactive Learning Center is a language center and community area that is packed with linguistic and cultural resources. The Global Languages and Cultures Living-Learning Community is a unique on-campus housing option with an immersive language-based focus. Our language assistant is a visiting Fulbright scholar who teaches conversation courses and offers tutoring support.
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our Hispanic studies majors are economics, ethnic studies, and Latin American and Latino studies.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Carolina Ruíz BA ’22More about CarolinaI knew once I stepped foot on campus I wanted to get involved, make an impact, and do something good for this school!
Jenn Sosa Ramírez BA ’23More about JennI love how interdisciplinary my Hispanic studies major is because I’ve gotten to take courses from different departments like history and music, and I got to study abroad in Spain!
Azucena Morales Santos BA ’24More about AzucenaMy favorite spot to study on campus is the third floor of Miller because I can see my Hispanic studies professors and soak up the sunlight that hits from the window.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Spanish?
Our alumni use their BA in Hispanic studies in a variety of endeavors. In addition to receiving Fulbright and other grants to teach English or do research in Spanish-speaking countries, our students pursue careers in teaching, law, academia, public health, cultural exchange, media, and other fields.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
The student-led Spanish Club organizes activities like salsa lessons, movie nights, and attending local performances and events in Spanish. One of the oldest journals at L&C, Polyglot gives the opportunity to students of all levels to publish their work in Spanish.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Noah Foster-Koth BA ’19More about NoahMy work with the Fulbright program required me to draw on a variety of skill sets I developed while I was a student. No single major or department would have taught me all of the skills I ended up using, which is why L&C’s interdisciplinary, liberal arts approach is so valuable.
Etta Moen BA ’21More about EttaI started looking for opportunities in the nonprofit sector and found an internship with Blanchet House of Hospitality, which serves the houseless community in Downtown Portland.
Sophie Vigeant BA ’19More about SophieThe most important thing I learned at L&C was how to collaborate with people. My classes at L&C fostered a community of participation where we worked together and shared ideas in order to understand concepts. I use this ability to collaborate in my life after college and hope to continue using it in grad school.
Hispanic Studies Events
Featured News
Hispanic Studies Major Gives Back to Former High School Through Summer Internship
Hispanic Studies Major Litzy Solis-Martínez recently completed a summer internship at her old high school, Rosemary Anderson High School, where she taught a Spanish class and served as a bilingual coordinator, helping Spanish-speaking families navigate the educational system.
