Minor Concentration in Hispanic Studies
Hispanic Studies Minor Concentration (B.A.) (18 credits)
Offered by: Languages,Literatures,Cultures (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Arts and Science
Program credit weight: 18
Program Description
The Minor Concentration in Hispanic Studies provides students with a solid foundation on Spanish language and culture. It can be expanded to the Major Concentration in Hispanic Studies.
Complementary Courses (18 credits)
0-12 credits in language courses.
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 210 | Spanish Language: Beginners. | 6 |
Spanish Language: Beginners. Terms offered: Summer 2025 A comprehensive first-level course focusing on all oral and written skills. An introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax and to Hispanic culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 218 | Spanish Language Intensive - Elementary. | 6 |
Spanish Language Intensive - Elementary. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A comprehensive first-level course focusing upon all oral and written skills. An introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax and to Hispanic culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 219 | Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. | 6 |
Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and civilization of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 220 | Spanish Language: Intermediate. | 6 |
Spanish Language: Intermediate. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and cultural aspects of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
6-18 credits to be chosen from among Hispanic Studies course offerings other than language courses, of which no more than 6 credits may be courses taught in English.
Note: Advanced Placement (AP) credits cannot be counted towards the Minor.
Major Concentration in Hispanic Studies
Hispanic Studies Major Concentration (B.A.) (36 credits)
Offered by: Languages,Literatures,Cultures (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Arts and Science
Program credit weight: 36
Program Description
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures – Hispanic Studies offers courses in the literature, intellectual history, and civilization of Spain and Latin America, as well as in the Spanish language. The Department's undergraduate and graduate programs are committed to expanding the liberal arts background of students by helping to develop the skills of communication and critical reasoning, and by providing insight into the culture of other regional, linguistic, and national groups. Enrichment in these areas reduces provincialism and broadens intellectual horizons, regardless of the professional interests or fields of specialization that may guide students in other facets of their university education.
McGill University has bilateral exchange agreements with the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain), the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and the Universidad de las Américas, Puebla (Mexico), as well as with other leading universities in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world which allow student and faculty exchanges, and other collaborative ventures. Further information about these exchanges may be obtained from the Department or from the International Education website.
Degree Requirements — B.A. students
To be eligible for a B.A. degree, a student must fulfil all Faculty and program requirements as indicated in Degree Requirements for the Faculty of Arts.
We recommend that students consult an Arts OASIS advisor for degree planning.
Complementary Courses
36 credits selected as follows:
Language and Civilization
0-18 credits in Language and Civilization from:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 210D1 | Spanish Language: Beginners. | 3 |
Spanish Language: Beginners. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A comprehensive first-level course focusing on all oral and written skills. An introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax and to Hispanic culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 210D2 | Spanish Language: Beginners. | 3 |
|
| HISP 218 | Spanish Language Intensive - Elementary. | 6 |
Spanish Language Intensive - Elementary. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A comprehensive first-level course focusing upon all oral and written skills. An introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax and to Hispanic culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 219 | Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. | 6 |
Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and civilization of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 220D1 | Spanish Language: Intermediate. | 3 |
Spanish Language: Intermediate. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and civilization of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 220D2 | Spanish Language: Intermediate. | 3 |
Spanish Language: Intermediate. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and cultural aspects of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 225 | Hispanic Civilization 1. | 3 |
Hispanic Civilization 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A survey of historical and cultural elements which constitute the background of the Hispanic world up to the 18th century; a survey of the pre-Columbian indigenous civilizations (Aztec, Maya and Inca) and the conquest of America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 226 | Hispanic Civilization 2. | 3 |
Hispanic Civilization 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A survey of the constitution of the ideological and political structures of the Spanish Empire in both Europe and America until the Wars of Independence; a survey of the culture and history of the Hispanic people from the early 19th Century to the present. See course page for more information |
Introductory Courses
6 - 12 credits in Introductory courses from:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 245 | Introduction to Hispanic Literature | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Literature Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics in Spanish and Latin American narrative, essay, poetry, theater and art, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 246 | Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World | 3 |
Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World Terms offered: Winter 2026 Topics in current social, political, and cultural issues in Latin America and Spain, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 247 | Introduction to Hispanic Popular Cultures | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Popular Cultures Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics in Spanish and Latin American popular music, art, film, textual, fashion, food and digital cultures, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking,and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 248 | Introduction to Hispanic Cinema | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Cinema Terms offered: Fall 2025 Topics in Spanish and Latin American film, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
Hispanic Literature and Culture
6-30 credits from the following with a minimum of 6 credits at the 400 level or above:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 320 | Contemporary Brazilian Literature and Film. | 3 |
Contemporary Brazilian Literature and Film. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course introduces students to Brazilian literature and film from the early 20th century to the present day. Students will examine literary works and films from a historical perspective, studying the social, political and regional processes in which they are embedded. From the barren Northeast, to an analysis of gender and race, to urban violence and its manifestations to the contemporary cityscape, this course covers a range of visual and textual material. Students will engage works from major Brazilian authors and filmmakers in conjunction with theoretical texts to better understand some of the main developments in contemporary cultural production. See course page for more information |
| HISP 325 | Spanish Novel of the 19th Century. | 3 |
Spanish Novel of the 19th Century. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The Romantic, Realist and Naturalist novel in Spain, with special emphasis on the development of the Spanish novel in relation to contemporary trends in other European countries. See course page for more information |
| HISP 326 | Spanish Romanticism. | 3 |
Spanish Romanticism. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The aesthetic and historical development of Romanticism, with special emphasis on lyric poetry and drama. See course page for more information |
| HISP 328 | Literature of Ideas: Latin America. | 3 |
Literature of Ideas: Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Critical reading and discussion of works of outstanding thinkers as a key to understanding the cultural development of a continent. See course page for more information |
| HISP 332 | Latin American Literature of 19th Century. | 3 |
Latin American Literature of 19th Century. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An intensive study of representative authors from the period of Independence to the advent of Modernism. See course page for more information |
| HISP 333 | Theatre, Performance and Politics in Latin America. | 3 |
Theatre, Performance and Politics in Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of the outstanding works of the theatre from the colonial period to the present, including pre-Columbian works. See course page for more information |
| HISP 335 | Politics and Poetry in Latin America. | 3 |
Politics and Poetry in Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An examination of Latin American poetry as ithas been used for the expression of racialpolitics, government and economic oppression,identity and gender politics, revolution andactivism. See course page for more information |
| HISP 340 | Latin American Cinema. | 3 |
Latin American Cinema. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of representative films, directors and movements of the region. Topic specified by instructor. See course page for more information |
| HISP 341 | Spanish Cinema. | 3 |
Spanish Cinema. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of representative films, directors and movements of the region. Topic specified by instructor. See course page for more information |
| HISP 345 | Contemporary Hispanic Cultural Studies. | 3 |
Contemporary Hispanic Cultural Studies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course examines contemporary Hispanic Cultural Studies looking at both cultural artifacts and diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. In doing so, it will introduce students to the frameworks necessary for approaching contemporary culture in the Hispanic World. The course will be mindful of issues including ideology, class, race, ethnicity and sexuality. Students will come into contact with the major cultural theorists in the Hispanic World and those issues pertinent to the study of culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 352 | Latin American Novel. | 3 |
|
| HISP 356 | Latin American Short Story. | 3 |
Latin American Short Story. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Study of style, tendencies and types as reflected in the evolution of this genre, and seen against the background of a developing continent. See course page for more information |
| HISP 357 | Latin American Digital Literature and Culture. | 3 |
Latin American Digital Literature and Culture. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course will examine digital cultural production in Latin America from 1990 to the present day. This course introduces students to theoretical frameworks necessary for approaching new media and web-based cultural artifacts, both literary and visual. Students will come into contact with the major writers, artists and web-based cultural producers in Latin America and issues pertinent to the study of the Web in the region.
See course page for more information |
| HISP 358 | Gender and Textualities. | 3 |
Gender and Textualities. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Historical development and literary tendencies regarding gender and sexuality in Hispanic literature, film, and culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 432 | Literature - Discovery and Exploration Spain New World. | 3 |
Literature - Discovery and Exploration Spain New World. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of the primary literary and intellectual developments stemming from Spain's discovery of the Americas. Special attention will be given to the changing perception of the New World's natural resources and indigenous peoples as this is reflected in the literature of the period. See course page for more information |
| HISP 437 | Colonial / Postcolonial Latin America. | 3 |
Colonial / Postcolonial Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of the dialogue between colonial and postcolonial Latin American texts and theories. See course page for more information |
| HISP 438 | Topics: Spanish Literature. | 3 |
|
| HISP 439 | Topics: Latin American Literature. | 3 |
|
| HISP 451 | Don Quixote. | 3 |
Don Quixote. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Course on the canonical work by Cervantes, Don Quixote. The course will focus on the first modern novel as well as on a number of critical readings.
See course page for more information |
| HISP 454 | Major Figures: Spanish Literature and Culture. | 3 |
Major Figures: Spanish Literature and Culture. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Specific figures of interest in Spanish literature. See course page for more information |
| HISP 458 | Golden Age Literature: Renaissance. | 3 |
Golden Age Literature: Renaissance. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A comprehensive examination of the poetry, prose and drama of the Renaissance in Spain through representative authors. See course page for more information |
| HISP 505 | Seminar in Hispanic Studies 01. | 3 |
Seminar in Hispanic Studies 01. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A team-taught seminar examining major issues in Hispanic letters that transcend national literatures and historical periods. Although the specific topics will vary, each will address broad questions of a diachronic nature, thereby permitting an understanding of literary schools and movements, genres or ideologies present throughout the Hispanic world. See course page for more information |
Note: No more than 12 credits in courses taught in English shall count towards the Major.
Joint Honours in Hispanic Studies
Hispanic Studies Joint Honours Component (B.A.) (36 credits)
Offered by: Languages,Literatures,Cultures (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Arts and Science
Program credit weight: 36
Program Description
The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures - Hispanic Studies offers courses in the literature, intellectual history, and civilization of Spain and Latin America, as well as in the Spanish language. The Department's undergraduate and graduate programs are committed to expanding the liberal arts background of students by helping to develop the skills of communication and critical reasoning, and by providing insight into the culture of other regional, linguistic, and national groups. Enrichment in these areas reduces provincialism and broadens intellectual horizons, regardless of the professional interests or fields of specialization that may guide students in other facets of their university education.
McGill University has bilateral exchange agreements with the Universidad de Salamanca (Spain), the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and the Universidad de las Américas, Puebla (Mexico), as well as with other leading universities in the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world which allow student and faculty exchanges, and other collaborative ventures. Further information about these exchanges may be obtained from the Department or from the International Education website.
Students wishing to study at the Honours level in two disciplines can combine Joint Honours program components in any two Arts disciplines. For a list of available Joint Honours programs, see "Overview of Programs Offered" and "Joint Honours Programs".
Joint Honours students should consult an adviser in each department to discuss their course selection and their interdisciplinary research project (if applicable).
Joint Honours students are expected to maintain a program GPA of 3.30 and, according to Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in general.
Degree Requirements — B.A. students
To be eligible for a B.A. degree, a student must fulfil all Faculty and program requirements as indicated in Degree Requirements for the Faculty of Arts.
We recommend that students consult an Arts OASIS advisor for degree planning.
Complementary Courses (36 credits)
Language and Civilization
0-18 credits in Language and Civilization
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 210D1 | Spanish Language: Beginners. | 3 |
Spanish Language: Beginners. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A comprehensive first-level course focusing on all oral and written skills. An introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax and to Hispanic culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 210D2 | Spanish Language: Beginners. | 3 |
|
| HISP 218 | Spanish Language Intensive - Elementary. | 6 |
Spanish Language Intensive - Elementary. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A comprehensive first-level course focusing upon all oral and written skills. An introduction to the fundamentals of Spanish grammar and syntax and to Hispanic culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 219 | Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. | 6 |
Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. Terms offered: Fall 2025, Winter 2026 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and civilization of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 220D1 | Spanish Language: Intermediate. | 3 |
Spanish Language: Intermediate. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and civilization of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 220D2 | Spanish Language: Intermediate. | 3 |
Spanish Language: Intermediate. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A thorough review of Spanish grammar with emphasis upon current usage. Enrichment of all language skills, with a goal of proficiency in written and oral communication, through readings in the literature and cultural aspects of Spain and Spanish America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 225 | Hispanic Civilization 1. | 3 |
Hispanic Civilization 1. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A survey of historical and cultural elements which constitute the background of the Hispanic world up to the 18th century; a survey of the pre-Columbian indigenous civilizations (Aztec, Maya and Inca) and the conquest of America. See course page for more information |
| HISP 226 | Hispanic Civilization 2. | 3 |
Hispanic Civilization 2. Terms offered: Winter 2026 A survey of the constitution of the ideological and political structures of the Spanish Empire in both Europe and America until the Wars of Independence; a survey of the culture and history of the Hispanic people from the early 19th Century to the present. See course page for more information |
Introductory
6-12 credits in Introductory courses from:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 245 | Introduction to Hispanic Literature | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Literature Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics in Spanish and Latin American narrative, essay, poetry, theater and art, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 246 | Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World | 3 |
Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World Terms offered: Winter 2026 Topics in current social, political, and cultural issues in Latin America and Spain, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 247 | Introduction to Hispanic Popular Cultures | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Popular Cultures Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics in Spanish and Latin American popular music, art, film, textual, fashion, food and digital cultures, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking,and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 248 | Introduction to Hispanic Cinema | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Cinema Terms offered: Fall 2025 Topics in Spanish and Latin American film, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
Hispanic Literature and Culture
6-30 credits from the following with a minimum of 6 credits at the 400 level or above:
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 320 | Contemporary Brazilian Literature and Film. | 3 |
Contemporary Brazilian Literature and Film. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course introduces students to Brazilian literature and film from the early 20th century to the present day. Students will examine literary works and films from a historical perspective, studying the social, political and regional processes in which they are embedded. From the barren Northeast, to an analysis of gender and race, to urban violence and its manifestations to the contemporary cityscape, this course covers a range of visual and textual material. Students will engage works from major Brazilian authors and filmmakers in conjunction with theoretical texts to better understand some of the main developments in contemporary cultural production. See course page for more information |
| HISP 325 | Spanish Novel of the 19th Century. | 3 |
Spanish Novel of the 19th Century. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The Romantic, Realist and Naturalist novel in Spain, with special emphasis on the development of the Spanish novel in relation to contemporary trends in other European countries. See course page for more information |
| HISP 326 | Spanish Romanticism. | 3 |
Spanish Romanticism. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The aesthetic and historical development of Romanticism, with special emphasis on lyric poetry and drama. See course page for more information |
| HISP 328 | Literature of Ideas: Latin America. | 3 |
Literature of Ideas: Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Critical reading and discussion of works of outstanding thinkers as a key to understanding the cultural development of a continent. See course page for more information |
| HISP 332 | Latin American Literature of 19th Century. | 3 |
Latin American Literature of 19th Century. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An intensive study of representative authors from the period of Independence to the advent of Modernism. See course page for more information |
| HISP 333 | Theatre, Performance and Politics in Latin America. | 3 |
Theatre, Performance and Politics in Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of the outstanding works of the theatre from the colonial period to the present, including pre-Columbian works. See course page for more information |
| HISP 335 | Politics and Poetry in Latin America. | 3 |
Politics and Poetry in Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. An examination of Latin American poetry as ithas been used for the expression of racialpolitics, government and economic oppression,identity and gender politics, revolution andactivism. See course page for more information |
| HISP 340 | Latin American Cinema. | 3 |
Latin American Cinema. Terms offered: Fall 2025 A study of representative films, directors and movements of the region. Topic specified by instructor. See course page for more information |
| HISP 341 | Spanish Cinema. | 3 |
Spanish Cinema. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of representative films, directors and movements of the region. Topic specified by instructor. See course page for more information |
| HISP 345 | Contemporary Hispanic Cultural Studies. | 3 |
Contemporary Hispanic Cultural Studies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course examines contemporary Hispanic Cultural Studies looking at both cultural artifacts and diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. In doing so, it will introduce students to the frameworks necessary for approaching contemporary culture in the Hispanic World. The course will be mindful of issues including ideology, class, race, ethnicity and sexuality. Students will come into contact with the major cultural theorists in the Hispanic World and those issues pertinent to the study of culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 352 | Latin American Novel. | 3 |
|
| HISP 356 | Latin American Short Story. | 3 |
Latin American Short Story. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Study of style, tendencies and types as reflected in the evolution of this genre, and seen against the background of a developing continent. See course page for more information |
| HISP 357 | Latin American Digital Literature and Culture. | 3 |
Latin American Digital Literature and Culture. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This course will examine digital cultural production in Latin America from 1990 to the present day. This course introduces students to theoretical frameworks necessary for approaching new media and web-based cultural artifacts, both literary and visual. Students will come into contact with the major writers, artists and web-based cultural producers in Latin America and issues pertinent to the study of the Web in the region.
See course page for more information |
| HISP 358 | Gender and Textualities. | 3 |
Gender and Textualities. Terms offered: Winter 2026 Historical development and literary tendencies regarding gender and sexuality in Hispanic literature, film, and culture. See course page for more information |
| HISP 432 | Literature - Discovery and Exploration Spain New World. | 3 |
Literature - Discovery and Exploration Spain New World. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of the primary literary and intellectual developments stemming from Spain's discovery of the Americas. Special attention will be given to the changing perception of the New World's natural resources and indigenous peoples as this is reflected in the literature of the period. See course page for more information |
| HISP 437 | Colonial / Postcolonial Latin America. | 3 |
Colonial / Postcolonial Latin America. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A study of the dialogue between colonial and postcolonial Latin American texts and theories. See course page for more information |
| HISP 438 | Topics: Spanish Literature. | 3 |
|
| HISP 439 | Topics: Latin American Literature. | 3 |
|
| HISP 451 | Don Quixote. | 3 |
Don Quixote. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Course on the canonical work by Cervantes, Don Quixote. The course will focus on the first modern novel as well as on a number of critical readings.
See course page for more information |
| HISP 454 | Major Figures: Spanish Literature and Culture. | 3 |
Major Figures: Spanish Literature and Culture. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Specific figures of interest in Spanish literature. See course page for more information |
| HISP 455 | Major Figures: Latin American Literature and Culture. | 3 |
|
| HISP 458 | Golden Age Literature: Renaissance. | 3 |
Golden Age Literature: Renaissance. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A comprehensive examination of the poetry, prose and drama of the Renaissance in Spain through representative authors. See course page for more information |
| HISP 505 | Seminar in Hispanic Studies 01. | 3 |
Seminar in Hispanic Studies 01. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A team-taught seminar examining major issues in Hispanic letters that transcend national literatures and historical periods. Although the specific topics will vary, each will address broad questions of a diachronic nature, thereby permitting an understanding of literary schools and movements, genres or ideologies present throughout the Hispanic world. See course page for more information |
Note: No more than 12 credits in courses taught in English shall count towards the major
Honors Program in Hispanic Studies
Hispanic Studies Honours (B.A.) (60 credits)
Offered by: Languages,Literatures,Cultures (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Program credit weight: 60
Program Description
The Honours program in Hispanic Studies offers an in-depth study of the language and culture of Spain and Latin America in the areas of literature, film, digital humanities and intellectual history. The program focuses on skills of communication and critical reasoning through the analysis of Spanish and Latin American languages and cultural production.
Prerequisite for admission into Honours Hispanic Studies: a first-year Spanish course with a final grade of B+. Honours students are expected to maintain a program GPA of 3.30 and, according to Faculty regulations, a minimum CGPA of 3.00 in general.
Students must take an 18-credit Minor concentration in another area.
Degree Requirements — B.A. students
To be eligible for a B.A. degree, a student must fulfil all Faculty and program requirements as indicated in Degree Requirements for the Faculty of Arts.
We recommend that students consult an Arts OASIS advisor for degree planning.
Required Courses (18 credits)
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| HISP 245 | Introduction to Hispanic Literature | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Literature Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics in Spanish and Latin American narrative, essay, poetry, theater and art, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 246 | Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World | 3 |
Contemporary Issues in the Hispanic World Terms offered: Winter 2026 Topics in current social, political, and cultural issues in Latin America and Spain, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 247 | Introduction to Hispanic Popular Cultures | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Popular Cultures Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Topics in Spanish and Latin American popular music, art, film, textual, fashion, food and digital cultures, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking,and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 248 | Introduction to Hispanic Cinema | 3 |
Introduction to Hispanic Cinema Terms offered: Fall 2025 Topics in Spanish and Latin American film, including advanced skills in Spanish reading, listening, speaking, and writing. See course page for more information |
| HISP 490D1 | Honours Thesis. | 3 |
Honours Thesis. Terms offered: Fall 2025 Under the direction of a staff member, students prepare the honours thesis on a theme in Hispanic Studies. See course page for more information |
| HISP 490D2 | Honours Thesis. | 3 |
|
Complementary Courses (42 credits)
At least 9 credits of undergraduate courses at the 400-level or above
All remaining credits may be selected from courses given in Spanish in the Department at or above the intermediate Spanish language level (HISP 219 Spanish Language Intensive - Intermediate. OR HISP 220D1 Spanish Language: Intermediate./HISP 220D2 Spanish Language: Intermediate.).
No more than 18 credits in courses taught in English will count towards the Honours program.
Spanish Language Courses
Hispanic Studies offers two Spanish language courses: Spanish Beginners and Spanish Intermediate. Spanish Beginners covers both Beginners and Low Intermediate Spanish while Spanish Intermediate covers High Intermediate and Advanced Spanish.
A. Registration
Please note that there is no waitlist for HISP-210 and HISP-220; they are only available for HISP 218 and HISP 219. If the classes are full, advisors in Hispanic Studies will not be able to help you get into the course. You should continue checking Minerva to see whether a spot becomes available. If that is not the case and you need the course as part of your degree requirements, you should discuss your academic situation with the advisor of your program of study. He/she will help you find a solution. Advisors in Hispanic Studies have no authority over the degree requirements of the programs of study of other departments.
B. Placement Tests
Placement Tests will be administered during the first week of class in the language class the student is registered in. If you miss the placement test, you will not be able to remain in the course.
Students with no prior or little knowledge of Spanish should register in Spanish Beginners [HISP-210 or HISP-218]. Students with prior knowledge of Spanish at the intermediate level should register in Spanish Intermediate [HISP-220 or HISP-219]. Should you be unsure as to your level, please contact the lucia.chamanadjian [at] mcgill.ca (Language Program Director).
According to the results of the placement test, instructors might recommend a change in level. We do not guarantee, however, that places will be available in the suggested course/level.
Policy Concerning Registration in Spanish Language Courses
Please note that there is no waitlist for HISP-210 and HISP-220; they are only available for HISP 218 and HISP 219. If the classes are full, advisors in Hispanic Studies will not be able to help you get into the course. You should continue checking Minerva to see whether a spot becomes available. If that is not the case and you need the course as part of your degree requirements, you should discuss your academic situation with the advisor of your program of study. He/she will help you find a solution. Advisors in Hispanic Studies have no authority over the degree requirements of the programs of study of other departments.
C. Frequency
Spanish Beginners and Spanish Intermediate can be taken as a regular, two-semester year long course or as an intensive, one-semester course. Both are worth 6 credits. The codes used to identify these courses are:
HISP210: Spanish Beginners (year-long course which begins in September and ends in April, 6 credits)
HISP218: Spanish Beginners Intensive (only one semester, Fall or Winter, 6 credits)
HISP220: Spanish Intermediate (year-long course which begins in September and ends in April, 6 credits)
HISP220: Spanish Intermediate Intensive (only one semester, Fall or Winter, 6 credits)
HISP210 and HISP220: Multiple sections of these courses are offered every academic year. Classes are given three times a week, namely on Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays. Classes are of a 50 minute duration. Students are not allowed to take either class for only one semester. Nor are they allowed to change course sections in the Winter term. When registering for these courses in September, students must make sure that in the Winter semester they can continue in the section they started in the Fall semester.
HISP218: Usually, two sections of HISP218 are offered in the Fall term and one section in the Winter term. Classes last 50 minutes, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they last 1 hour and 20 minutes. Please notice that the afternoon section of HISP218 is offered every day for an 1 hour and 20 minutes, except for Fridays when there is no class.
HISP219: One section of HISP219 is offered every term. These courses usually meet every day of the week. Classes last 50 minutes, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when they last 1 hour and 20 minutes.
D. Content
HISP210 and HISP218 are beginner courses (6 credits) designed for students who have never studied Spanish or do not have the prerequisite knowledge for the intermediate level course. The course is designed to enable students to learn the basic grammatical structures of written and oral Spanish (morphology and syntax), and to acquire basic vocabulary for use in daily life, travel purposes and discussions about Hispanic cultures and countries. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
HISP220 and HISP219 are intermediate courses (6 credits) that provide students who already possess a knowledge of basic grammatical structures with more advanced training in the uses of the Spanish language. The primary emphasis is on effective oral and written expression, so as to allow students who have completed this course to communicate their ideas and opinions with clarity in a variety of academic and social settings. The readings, which range from literature to newspaper articles on varied topics, are designed to familiarize the students with the language and to provide examples of authentic contemporary usage. Classes are conducted in Spanish.
Note: Prerequisites HISP210 or HISP218, otherwise Departmental consent is required (for more information see section called Placement Test).
Students who complete Spanish Intermediate and wish to continue studying Spanish must register in literature classes since no further language courses are allowed after completing HISP220 or HISP219. These courses partly cover what is taught in Advanced Spanish courses and upon completion of HISP220 or HISP219 students have the necessary language knowledge to take a literature class.
For more information about language courses offered by Hispanic Studies please contact our lucia.chamanadjian [at] mcgill.ca (Language Advisor).
Program Advisors
Undergraduate Program Advisor
Professor José R. Jouve-Martin
680 Sherbrooke West, Room 379
Montréal, QC H3A 2M7
jose.jouve [at] mcgill.ca
Office hours: by appointment
Director of Language Programs/Language Advisor
Ms. Lucia Chamanadjian
680 Sherbrooke West, Room 373
Montréal, QC H3A 2M7
lucia.chamanadjian [at] mcgill.ca
Office hours: by appointment
Languages Study Away
Ms. Alejandra Barriales Bouche
680 Sherbrooke West, Room 375
Montréal, QC H3A 2M7
alejandra.barrialesbouche [at] mcgill.ca
Liaison librarian
lonnie.weatherby [at] mcgill.ca (Lonnie Weatherby)
Liaison Librarian for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Humanities and Social Sciences Library
McLennan-Redpath Library Complex
Student associations
There are two student associations related to the Program of Latin American Studies at McGill:
SLASA is a student-driven organization based in Montreal, Canada. They serve as a social and professional network for the Spanish and Latin American students at McGill University where they have been active since 1989. Throughout the year, they organize many events and activities to celebrate and share our culture as well as to promote the academic success of Spanish-speaking McGill students and integrate our members into the greater Montreal community. They also do social work throughout the academic year and summer to help the Latino community in Montreal and in other Latin American countries like Mexico.
You can learn more about SLASA and their activities in
SLASA
SLASA Facebook
CLASHSA, the Caribbean and Latin American Studies & Hispanic Studies Association represents the students enrolled in major, minor, honours, and joint-honours undergraduate degrees in the Latin American and Caribbean Studies & Hispanic Studies Programs at McGill University. Throughout the year, they organize different events and activities to promote exchanges among students of the Programs, opportunities related to Latin America and the Caribbean, and networking among students and professors.
You can learn more about CLASHSA and their activities in
CLASHSA Facebook
CLASHSA is also responsible for the edition of VOCES an interdisciplinary undergraduate journal showcasing undergraduate work related to Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Hispanic Studies at McGill University.
You can read the latest editions of VOCES at VOCES
