One of the most important global languages historically, year on year, Spanish solidifies its place as a primary language of the United States, spoken by nearly 15% of its population and studied in the U.S. more than any other non-English language. Spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide, and the official language of 21 countries, Spanish provides a gateway to the histories, cultures, and societies of peoples on four continents.
Spanish Studies at all levels highlights the linguistic and cultural diversity presented by Spanish-speaking cultures and communities, as well as the particular Spanish language needs of MIT students. Classes use innovative pedagogical methods, including the most advanced interactive technologies to support students’ acquisition of the competencies necessary for communication in global Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Whereas subjects at the introductory level stress language acquisition and cultural breadth, at advanced levels students may apply their Spanish proficiency in classes examining Spanish, Latin American, and Latinx literatures, their cultures, histories, and film. Language for special purposes subjects, including 21G.705 Spanish for Medicine and Health, prepare students to use their skills after they leave MIT. Spanish classes further prepare students to participate in international experiences such as MIT-Spain, MIT-Mexico, and D-Lab.
Spanish Studies may be applied to the Spanish Concentration, minor, and major programs, and to the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Concentration, minor, and major programs. Learn more about the Spanish Concentration, minor, and major programs at the Academic Programs page. Information on the Latin American and Latino/a Studies programs is available through SHASS. Advisors for these programs are below. Students uncertain what level of Spanish language to take should refer to placement information. Information on transfer credit is available here.
Spanish Concentration: Liana Ewald
Spanish Minor/Major: Margery Resnick
Latin American and Latino/a Studies Concentration/Minor/Major: Eden Medina
Global Languages Spanish Studies group: Javier Barroso | Mariana San Martín | Ana Yáñez Rodríguez | Liana Ewald | David Yague Gonzalez
Fall 2024
| 21G.700 | Introductory Spanish for Heritage Learners |
| 21G.701/751 | Spanish I |
| 21G.702/752 | Spanish II |
| 21G.703 | Spanish III |
| 21G.704 | Spanish IV |
| 21G.707 | Graphic Stories: Spanish and Latin American Comics |
| 21G.710 | Advanced Communication in Spanish: Topics in Language and Culture |
| 21G.715 | Topics in Medicine and Public Health in the Hispanic World |
| 21G.735 | Advanced Topics in Hispanic Literature and Film |
| 21G.739 | Globalization and Its Discontents: Spanish-speaking Nations |
| 21G.084/784 | Introduction to Latin American Studies |
21G.710 Advanced Communication in Spanish: Topics in Language and Culture: Social Justice in The Spanish Speaking World
Embark on an enlightening journey through the landscapes of social justice in the Spanish-speaking world. Delve into a comprehensive exploration of justice in the Americas, offering illuminating examples of the transformative impact of efforts towards equity and fairness. Through a diverse array of mediums including literature, film, podcasts, and digital media, we will dissect themes such as racial identity, migration, environmental stewardship, and LGBTQ+ rights across Spanish-speaking nations, celebrating the triumphs of these movements throughout the Americas.
Designed to elevate your mastery of written Spanish expression, students will examine grammatical nuances while honing both oral and written proficiencies. Through engaging in textual analysis encompassing description, narration, exposition, and argumentation, as well as fostering interpersonal and digital communication, students will partake in a series of diverse writing assignments and projects, facilitating a measurable enhancement
of their writing.
21G.735 Advanced Topics in Hispanic Literature and Film: Apocalyptic Fictions in/and Latin America
How do you recognize the end of the world when you see it? Why are apocalyptic narratives so compelling? What are some of the ways in which apocalyptic thinking might be politically productive? In other words, can one “stop worrying and start loving” it? This class will explore the narrative structure and social functions of apocalyptic thought, with an emphasis on philosophy, literature, film, and popular culture from and about Latin America. Topics of discussion include the encounter of medieval apocalyptic thought with the new continent, the Cuban Missile Crisis and the nuclear threat during the Cold War, femicide and structural violence, and the Latin American responses to, and experiences of extractivism in the context of the present climate emergency. Taught in Spanish.
Spring 2025
| 21G.701/751 | Spanish I |
| 21G.702/752 | Spanish II |
| 21G.703 | Spanish III |
| 21G.704 | Spanish IV |
| 21G.706 | Spanish for Medicine and Health |
| 21G.711 | Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition: Perspectives on Technology and Culture |
| 21G.713 | Spanish through Film: Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and Spain |
| 21G.714 | Spanish for Heritage Learners |
| 21G.716 | Introduction to Contemporary Hispanic Literature and Film |
| 21G.736 | The Short Form: Literature and New Media Cultures in the Hispanic World |
A note regarding the enrollment policy of Global Languages: Enrollment limited to 18 for pedagogical reasons. Preference will be given to pre-registered students, including pre-registered undergraduates who were cut from the same class the previous semester due to the enrollment cap. Please note that you have to attend the first day of class to maintain your preference level. In case of over-enrollment, preference will be given in the following order: declared majors, declared minors, declared concentrators, first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.