Welcome to the Department of Spanish at Swarthmore!

Spanish, the official language of 20 countries, is spoken by nearly 600 million people worldwide, making it the second most spoken language by native speakers. The United States, with over 50 million Spanish speakers, ranks second globally in Spanish-speaking population after Mexico.

The Spanish Department offers a major and minor designed to build linguistic proficiency, foster critical analysis, and deepen understanding of the rich literatures and cultures of Spain, Latin America, the Caribbean, and U.S. Latino/a communities.

Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to guide students toward fluency in Spanish through a comprehensive linguistic and pedagogical progression. It begins with foundational language courses and builds toward advanced studies, culminating in upper-level courses and Honors seminars that explore multifaceted topics and texts.

Students can enhance their learning through study abroad programs by immersing themselves in Spanish-speaking cultures, refining their language skills, engaging in academic study, and gaining firsthand experiences that deepen their understanding of the world.

Swarthmore’s liberal arts education emphasizes a well-rounded approach, where students can combine a major or minor in Spanish with a variety of fields, such as biology, computer science, engineering, economics, and more. This integration fosters both analytical and technical skills while deepening cultural and humanistic understanding. Graduates are well-prepared for advanced studies and careers in fields such as business, finance, education, healthcare, law, public policy, and creative industries.

We invite you to explore the vibrant world of Spanish language, literature, and culture with us!