Spanish
Students in Madrid
At Boston College, students will find a wide range of opportunities to develop and practice their Spanish and enjoy the diversity of the world's Spanish-speaking cultures. A division of the Hispanic Studies section of Boston College's Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, the Spanish Language Program offers courses and supplementary practica for students at all levels of proficiency. Each semester, between 850 and 1,000 students—including Hispanic Studies majors and minors and students in other disciplines—enroll in our program's language courses.
Composed of seven semesters of language instruction over four years, our curriculum has been carefully designed to foster progressive acquisition of proficiency in Spanish. From the first day of class, students are exposed to the Spanish language and trained to practice the essential skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) while expanding their vocabulary and learning new grammar points and structures in context. All courses incorporate the study of cultures from different Spanish-speaking countries. Students build their language skills while learning to understand relevant sociocultural and historical aspects of the Spanish-speaking world and appreciate and celebrate the differences between its cultures. A number of our courses also satisfy the University’s Literature Core or the University’s Cultural Diversity Core.
Coordinators
Why Study Spanish?
The study of Spanish invites us into a diverse world of people, cultures, and ideas. Spanish is the second most widely spoken language worldwide, with approximately 400 million native speakers. In the United States, Spanish is both the second most widely spoken language and the most popular second language to study in college. On both an international and national scale, Spanish continues to grow as a language of business, medicine and the sciences, and it plays a special role in international politics as one of the official languages of the United Nations and the European Union.
Knowledge of Spanish introduces students to a wealth of literature, arts, history and humanities. It engages our curiosity for travel and exploration, both abroad and at home, and allows us to forge human connections with other members of the large—and growing—international Spanish-speaking population. The study of Spanish lies at the intersection of practicality, opportunity and all the richness of culture that a foreign language offers. We hope that you will join us to claim your place within the Spanish-speaking world.
Program Details
Curriculum
The Spanish language curriculum offers seven semesters of language instruction over four years—a total of approximately 240 contact hours. As our courses have been designed to develop students’ language skills progressively, students are required to take them in sequence:
- Elementary Spanish I (SPAN1015)
- Elementary Spanish II (SPAN1016)
- Intermediate Spanish I (SPAN1115)
- Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN1116)
- Conversation, Composition and Reading I (CCR1) (SPAN2215)
- Conversation, Composition and Reading II (CCR2) (SPAN2216)*
- Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392)*
* Conversation, Composition and Reading II (SPAN2216) and Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) are approved language courses for the major and minor in Hispanic Studies.
Elementary Spanish I (SPAN1015), Elementary Spanish II (SPAN1016), Intermediate Spanish I (SPAN1115) and Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN1116) are offered in both the fall and the spring semesters.
CCR1 (SPAN2215), CCR2 (SPAN2216), and Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) are offered in both the fall and the spring semesters.
In addition to these courses, we offer practica in Elementary (Elementary Spanish Practicum I SPAN1017 and Elementary Spanish Practicum II SPAN1018), Intermediate (Intermediate Spanish Practicum I SPAN1117 and Intermediate Spanish Practicum II SPAN1118), Conversation, Composition and Reading II (CCR II Practicum SPAN2210), and Advanced Spanish (Advanced Spanish Practicum SPAN3390). These intensive, one-hour supplementary courses give students of Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels the extra practice they need to hone their Spanish skills.
Language Courses for the Major and Minor
Students begin the program at the level most appropriate for their linguistic proficiency. Advanced, heritage, and native speakers of Spanish can seek placement advice from any of the Spanish Language Coordinators or Spanish instructors in the department.
Non-native Spanish speakers with advanced Spanish skills, as well as heritage and native Spanish speakers, should seek placement guidance from the department (rll@bc.edu). Most begin the major or minor with Conversation, Composition and Reading II (SPAN2216), while some are able to begin with Span3395: Contextos, Introduction to Textual Analysis.
Note that Contextos: Introduction to Textual Analysis (SPAN3395) is a prerequisite for all upper-level courses (SPAN6000 and above).
Language Proficiency Requirement & Placement
Language Proficiency Requirement
The Language Proficiency Requirement encourages a holistic educational model for all undergraduate students so that they may graduate with a global, cross-cultural perspective. Language proficiency can be demonstrated in both modern and classical languages, and the requirement applies to students in both the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) and the Carroll School of Management (CSOM). The Lynch School of Education (LSOE) and the Connell School of Nursing do not have a language requirement.
There are different ways to demonstrate proficiency in Spanish:
- By successfully completing of Spanish Intermediate II (SPAN1115) or a course above the intermediate level
- By achieving a score of 3 or higher on the AP Spanish Language Exam.
- By achieving a score of 550 or higher on the SAT Subject Test in Spanish (you can take the test with or withour the listening component; both are acceptable).
Guidelines for Placement
If you are an incoming, first-year, or transfer student, please read and follow these general guidelines:
Students with no previous knowledge in Spanish should take Elementary Spanish I (SPAN1015) and Elementary Spanish Practicum I (SPAN1017) concurrently. Elementary Spanish Practicum I is an intensive, one-credit supplementary course open to all students enrolled in Elementary Spanish I who would like extra practice to fine-tune their Spanish skills. Students with no previous experience in Spanish will be given priority for enrollment.
Students who have taken the AP Spanish Language Exam should determine their placement based on the following recommendations:
If you scored 4 on the AP Spanish Language Exam, we recommend:
Conversation, Composition and Reading 1 (SPAN2215)
If you scored 5 on the AP Spanish Language Exam, we recommend:
Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392)
Students who have taken the SAT Subject Test in Spanish* should follow these instructions:
If you scored between 660-710 on the SAT Subject Test in Spanish, we recommend:
Conversation, Composition, and Reading 1 (SPAN2215)
If you scored above 710 on the SAT Subject Test in Spanish, we recommend:
Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392)
(*both forms of the test -- i.e., with or without the listening component -- are acceptable)
Students who have taken the AP Spanish Literature Exam should follow these instructions:
If you scored 5 on the AP Spanish Literature Exam, we recommend:
Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392)
Spanish Placement Test
If you scored less than 4 on the AP Spanish Language Exam, less than 660 on the SAT Subject Test or if you have not taken either exam, you will need to take the Spanish Placement Test before attending the orientation.
If you score 44.5 or above on the Spanish Placement Exam you should discuss placement with a Spanish faculty member at the Foreign Language Resource Table during the Summer Orientation Sessions before you register for classes.
Instructors and students should confer on the first day of class to confirm accurate placement.
If you are not a freshman but are taking Spanish at BC for the first time, please read the guidelines for freshmen and transfer students.
Instructors and students should consult on the first day of class to confirm accurate placement.
Students who have already taken a Spanish course at BC should follow the sequence and fulfill the course requirements:
Sequence of Spanish language courses:
ELEMENTARY SPANISH I
No prerequisite
ELEMENTARY SPANISH II
Prerequisite: successful completion of Elementary Spanish I
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH I
Prerequisite: successful completion of Elementary Spanish II
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH II
Prerequisite: successful completion of Intermediate Spanish I
CONVERSATION, COMPOSITION AND READING 1 (CCR1)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intermediate Spanish II
CONVERSATION, COMPOSITION AND READING 2 (CCR2)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of CCR1
ADVANCED SPANISH
Prerequisite: Successful completion of CCR2
Requirements for the practica:
ELEMENTARY SPANISH PRACTICUM I
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Elementary Spanish I
Students with no previous experience in Spanish will be given priority for enrollment.
ELEMENTARY SPANISH PRACTICUM II
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Elementary Spanish II
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH PRACTICUM I
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Intermediate Spanish I
INTERMEDIATE SPANISH PRACTICUM II
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Intermediate Spanish II
CONVERSATION, COMPOSITION AND READING PRACTICUM II
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in CCR2
ADVANCED SPANISH PRACTICUM
Prerequisite: concurrent enrollment in Advanced Spanish or with permission of the course coordinator
If you are a native, bilingual or heritage speaker, the Spanish language program also offers several opportunities to develop your language skills and deepen your cultural knowledge. Advanced, heritage, and native speakers can consult any of the Spanish Language Coordinators or Assistant Coordinators or any professor in the Hispanic Studies program for advice regarding the most appropriate placement in the upper-level Spanish courses.
Read what our native/bilingual students say about the language courses at BC
“Being in the Hispanic Studies program at Boston College has helped me to value the language of my culture. I arrived at Boston College without any experience in taking Spanish language classes, and I thought that it would never be necessary since it was my parents’ native language. After having taken one class, I realized that my grammar and spelling required improvement to be able to use the language in a professional setting. Furthermore, I have learned a lot from my classmates who, having learned the language in a classroom setting, understand Spanish in a very different way therefore challenging me everyday.”
Evelyn Cortes, Class of 2018
“Once I got to college I realized how not speaking the language with frequency hurt my accent and my ability to speak Spanish. Therefore I decided to begin a minor in Spanish and take CCR2 which helped me sharpen the skills I already have as well as tap into my potential as a truly bilingual speaker.”
Oscar Vila, Class of 2018
“I took CCR2 because I wanted to improve my formal writing so that I could use Spanish in my future career; however, the class also helped me become more comfortable with the language and learn about my heritage.”
Sofia Skok, Class of 2018
Semester Prep
Conversation, Composition and Reading 1 (CCR1) Literature
- El delantal blanco (Sergio Vodanovic, Chile, play)
- La lengua de las mariposas (Manuel Rivas, Spain, short story)
- El efecto de la luz sobre los peces (Cristina Peri Rossi, Uruguay, short story)
Conversation, Composition and Reading 1 (CCR1) Short Films
- Viaje a Marte (Juan Pablo Zaramella, Argentina)
- Nada que perder (Rafa Russo, Spain)
- Diez minutos (Alberto Ruiz Rojo, Spain)
- El número (Marco Besas, Spain)
Conversation, Composition and Reading 1 (CCR1) Film
La lengua de las mariposas (José Luis Cuerda, Spain)
Conversation, Composition and Reading 2 (CCR2) Literature
Las batallas en el desierto (José Emilio Pacheco, Mexico, short novel)
Conversation, Composition and Reading 2 (CCR2) Short Films
- El ojo en la nuca (Rodrigo Plá, Mexico-Uruguay)
- Ella o yo (Bernarda Pagés, Argentina)
Conversation, Composition and Reading 2 (CCR2) Film
La hora de los valientes (Antonio Mercero, Spain)
Advanced Spanish Literature
- La siesta del martes (Gabriel García Márquez, Colombia, short story)
- Las mariposas de Koch (Antonio di Benedetto, Argentina, short story)
Advanced Spanish Literature Short Films
- 15 días de agosto (Edu Glez, Spain)
- Book (Enrique Collado, Spain)
- Ana y Manuel (Manuel Calvo, Spain)
- Medalla al empeño (Flavio González Mello, Mexico)
FAQ
Language Proficiency Requirement
How many Spanish classes do I need to take to fulfill the BC language proficiency requirement?
All students in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences must demonstrate competency in a foreign language before graduation. The required competency is equivalent to four semesters of study of a single foreign language up to and including Intermediate Spanish II (SPAN1116). The Carroll School of Management, Lynch School of Education and the Connell School of Nursing do not have a language requirement.
Does the AP Spanish Language Exam fulfill the BC language proficiency requirement?
Yes. If you scored a 3 or above on the AP Spanish Language Exam, you have already fulfilled the BC language proficiency requirement.
Does the Spanish SAT Test fulfill the BC language proficiency requirement? Yes. If you scored 550 or above on the SAT Test in Spanish, you have already fulfilled the BC language proficiency requirement. (Note that both forms of the test are acceptable: with or without the listening component.)
Does the IB Spanish Language Exam fulfill the BC Language proficiency requirement?
Yes. If you score 6 or 7 higher level on the IB Language Exam in Spanish you have already fulfilled the BC language proficiency requirement.
Can the Placement Test be used to fulfill the BC language proficiency requirement?
No. The Placement Test helps students who have already studied Spanish with placement but it cannot be used to fulfill the language proficiency requirement. After they take the Placement Test, students receive a course recommendation in order to enroll during the registration period. During the first week of class, instructors will confirm students’ placement. If needed, a change will be made.
Am I allowed to take a course on a pass/fail basis to fulfill the University's language proficiency requirement?
No. Students may not take foreign language courses on a pass/fail basis until they have completed the University’s language proficiency requirement.
Do I have to take a language course at BC if I have already fulfilled the language proficiency requirement?
No, but you are welcome to continue studying Spanish if you would like to improve your language skills. We also offer upper level courses for students who want to become highly proficient in Spanish.
Questions about Placement
Who has to take the BC Spanish Placement Test?
- If you have studied Spanish but have not taken the SAT Subject Test or the Spanish Language AP Exam, take the Placement Test.
- If you have taken the AP Exam and have not yet received the score, you should take the Spanish Placement Test and register for the course suggested upon finishing the test. When you receive the score, you should do the necessary placement adjustment according to the information provided in the table below:
| IB Language Exam in Spanish | SAT Test Scores in Spanish | AP Exam Scores in Spanish | Course or test to be taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/7 higher level | 550 or above | 3 or above | Language requirement fulfilled |
| 659 or less | 3 | Take the Placement Test if you wish to continue further studies in Spanish and register for the course suggest upon finishing the test. | |
| 6/7 higher level | 660-710 | 4 | SPAN2215 Conversation, Composition and Reading I |
| 710 or above | 5 | SPAN3392 Advanced Spanish |
Who does not have to take the BC Spanish Placement Test?
- If you scored 550 or above on the SAT Subject Test* or a 3 or above on the Spanish Language AP Exam, or 6/7 on the IB Language Exam (higher level), you have fulfilled the language requirement and do not need to take the Spanish Placement Test unless you would like to pursue further studies in Spanish.
- If you have never studied Spanish, you do not need to take the Spanish Placement Test. You should register for SPAN1015 Elementary Spanish I and SPAN1017 Elementary Spanish Practicum I. SPAN1017 is an intensive one-credit supplementary course open to all students concurrently enrolled in SPAN1015 who feel they need extra practice to fine-tune their Spanish skills. Students with no previous experience in Spanish will be given priority for enrollment.
- If you transfer Spanish courses from another institution, are a student in Education and/or Nursing or have never studied Spanish, you do not need to take the Placement Test. Make sure you have contacted the Admissions Office to transfer your courses.
*Note that either form of the SAT Subject Test is acceptable: with or without the listening component.
Do I earn credits by taking the BC Spanish Placement test?
No. Credits are not earned by taking the BC Language Placement Test.
How do I know what Spanish language class I should register for?
- Freshmen who studied Spanish in high school but did not take the AP Spanish Language Exam or the SAT Subject Test in Spanish are required to take the BC Spanish Language Placement Test to determine what course they should register for.
- Freshmen who score a 3 on the AP Spanish Language Exam or 659 or less on the SAT Subject Test in Spanish and wish to continue further studies in Spanish, register for the course suggested upon finishing the Spanish Placement Test.
- Freshmen who score above 4 on the AP Spanish Language Exam or above 660 on the SAT Subject Test in Spanish will be placed in the upper level courses (please consult the General Guidelines for Placement on our web page to determine the appropriate course).
What courses do I need to take if I have never studied Spanish?
If you have never studied Spanish, you do not need to take the Placement Test. Enroll in Elementary Spanish I (SPAN1015) and Elementary Spanish Practicum I (SPAN1017). SPAN1017 is an intensive, one-credit supplementary course open to all students concurrently enrolled in SPAN1015 who feel they need extra practice to fine-tune their Spanish skills. Students with no previous experience in Spanish will be given priority for enrollment.
What do I do if I feel like the course in which I was placed is not the right fit?
If you feel that the course in which you were placed is not appropriate for you, talk to your instructor or the course Coordinator. Remember that in order to be admitted to a course for which you do not have the corresponding test scores, you need permission from the Coordinator. Please stop by during the special placement office hours offered during the first week of classes to see the Coordinator of Elementary and Intermediate Spanish, Prof. Silvana Falconi, or the Coordinator of CCR and Advanced Spanish, Prof. Adela Penagos.
Which course should I take if I am a native speaker of Spanish or I have learned Spanish at home?
Your placement may require special consideration depending on factors such as whether Spanish is your first or second language, whether you attended school in a Spanish speaking country, and whether you studied Spanish in high school. For accurate placement, please contact the Coordinator of CCR and Advanced Spanish, Prof. Adela Penagos.
Doubts About Course Selection
What can I do if I still have doubts about my course selection?
At the beginning of each semester, the coordinators of the Spanish Language Program offer special placement office hours to help students who still have doubts about their placement. Your instructor will inform you about the dates and time.
Major & Minor in Hispanic Studies
Which language courses count towards the major or minor in Hispanic Studies?
Conversation, Composition and Reading II (SPAN2216) and Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) may be credited toward the major or minor in Hispanic Studies.
Does the Advanced Spanish Practicum (SPAN3390) count toward the major or minor in Hispanic Studies?
The Advanced Spanish Practicum (SPAN3390) is an intensive, one-credit supplementary course open to all students enrolled in Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) who would like extra practice to fine-tune their Spanish skills, but it does not count as an elective credit for the major or minor in Hispanic Studies. However, students pursuing a major or minor in Hispanic Studies are strongly encouraged to take this course.
Can I take the Advanced Spanish Practicum (SPAN3390) without taking Advanced Spanish (SPAN3390)?
This is rarely allowed. The Advanced Spanish Practicum (SPAN3390) is an intensive, one-credit supplementary course designed for Advanced Spanish students who would like extra practice to fine-tune their Spanish skills. Concurrent enrollment in Advanced Spanish is a prerequisite for the practicum. Other students can be accepted only in exceptional cases with prior permission of the course coordinator.
Can I take Spanish literature courses without having taken any Spanish language courses at BC?
In order to prepare for Spanish literature courses, you need to take at least Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) or other language courses depending on your level of proficiency. Mastering the language is essential to understanding complex literary texts in Spanish and to be able to write academic papers in the target language. If you scored a 5 on the AP Spanish Literature Exam you need to take Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392).
Can I take Contextos (SPAN3395) first and then Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392)?
No. Although both are 300-level courses, you must take Advanced Spanish (SPAN3395) before taking Contextos (SPAN3392).
Can I take Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) and Contextos (SPAN3395) simultaneously?
This is strongly discouraged. Because Contextos (SPAN3395) requires a high-level command of the written language and excellent reading and speaking skills, it is not recommended that students take both courses at the same time. You will perform better in Contextos (SPAN3395) after you successfully complete Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392), which is a language course with a special focus on writing, oral interaction and grammar review at an advanced level.
Can I take Contextos (SPAN3395) after CCR2 (SPAN2216)?
No. CCR2 (SPAN2216) does not qualify you to take Contextos. You must take Advanced Spanish (SPAN3392) before Contextos (SPAN3395).
Course Procedures
What if the language course I need to take is full?
You need to try to register in another section. After the add/drop period ends, you will not be able to add a language course.
What if I want to take an incomplete in my current Spanish language class and finish it later?
A final course grade of I (Incomplete) is rarely assigned in Spanish language courses and may only be considered an option in cases where an unexpected, extreme situation –such as a personal or medical emergency– prevents a student from completing the final major assignment(s) of the course. A student must be passing in order to be considered for an incomplete and the request must be made after the automatic “W” deadline has passed. A petition for an incomplete must be accompanied by appropriate and verifiable documentation. Incompletes are not issued due to chronic missed work or absences over the course of the semester; a withdrawal is more appropriate for such students.
Academic Support
What can I do if I am experiencing academic challenges in my current course?
Your instructor is required to hold office hours each week. Make a list of your questions and/or concerns before attending your instructor’s office hours. If these hours conflict with your class schedule, speak with him/her about arranging an alternate time to meet. Most instructors are flexible and will be willing to meet with you to discuss ways to improve your performance in the class and how to strengthen your skills.
Another resource is the Connors Family Learning Center (CFLC), which offers free tutoring services in Spanish for students who wish to improve their understanding or further challenge themselves. Please contact the Center to get more information about language tutoring services.
What should I do if I have a disability and would like to request accommodations for my course?
Students should contact either the Associate Director, Academic Support Services, of the Connors Family Learning Center (learning disabilities and ADHD) or the Disability Services Office in the Office of the Deand of Students to make accommodations at least 7 days prior for coursework, tests, assessments, support, etc. Students should submit documentation to them at the beginning of the term.
Study Abroad
Do I have to take Spanish courses at BC in order to study abroad in a Spanish speaking country?
Regardless of their level of proficiency, students are recommended to take at least one language course at BC before studying abroad. Each study abroad program has different language requirements. Please contact the Office of Global Education to learn more about specific language requirements for study abroad and make your academic plans accordingly.
Can I take language and literature courses after my study abroad?
Yes. The Hispanic Section (Department of Romance Languages and Literatures) offers a variety of language courses that can be chosen as electives. We strongly encourage students to continue studying Spanish after studying abroad in order to maintain and improve their proficiency, and to take literature courses in our Department as well. After studying abroad you may also want to consider the possibility of declaring a major or minor in Hispanic Studies.
Other Opportunities to Practice Spanish on Campus
Where can I practice my Spanish outside the classroom?
During the semester we offer an opportunity for Spanish conversation through our Café en español, which meets on a weekly basis. This is a unique opportunity for all students, whether or not they are enrolled in Spanish language courses, to practice and improve oral skills in a relaxed and informal environment with faculty, native speakers, and other students. The Café meets on Wednesdays from 1-1:50 pm in Welch Dining Room (aka “the Rat”) in the basement of Lyons.
Opportunities on Campus
Café en Español
During the semester we organize a Spanish round-table (“Café en español”), which meets on a weekly basis. This informal meeting offers a unique opportunity for students to practice and improve their speaking skills with faculty and other students in a relaxed environment. All BC students who speak Spanish, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in a Spanish Language Program course, are welcome!
Language Lab
The Language Lab serves as a center that provides for the learning and teaching needs of the many different language departments at Boston College. It boasts an extensive collection of textbooks, films, teaching materials, technological equipment, and multimedia language learning tools. The Laboratory, located in Lyons 313, is run by accommodating staff and is accessible throughout the week.
BC Spanish students can individually also take advantage of the many opportunities facilitated by the Language Laboratory which includes a variety of resources for Spanish learners:
- Spanish language learning titles (including textbooks/workbook-lab manuals/audio and/or video programs) = over 100 titles
- Documentary or Feature-length Films on DVD or VHS video = approx. 165 titles
- Spanish music recordings = approx. 150 titles
- Spanish language reference books (dictionaries, grammar texts) = 17 titles
Virtual Dual Immersion Exchange
Each academic year approximately 250-300 Spanish students participate in the Virtual Dual Immersion Exchange between Boston College and several Latin American universities, conversing with native speakers from across the Spanish-speaking world. Following the dual-immersion methodology, BC students and their partners—students from a Latin American university—split a normal class period in two, conversing in Spanish for 25-30 minutes and in English for another 25-30 minutes. Students have had the opportunity to speak with students from universities such as Pontificia Universidad Javierana Cali (Colombia), Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (Caracas, Venezuela), Universidad Iberoamericana de León (Mexico), Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla (Mexico), Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón (Mexico) and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO) (Guadalajara, Mexico), among others.