Spanish Major

  • I’m an LAS student and I want to declare Spanish as my second major. How can I do that?
    • Students in LAS may declare their intent to complete multiple majors in LAS any time except the months of April and November by filling out this form. You can find more information on double majors in LAS here.
  • I’m a student with a major outside of LAS and I’d like to declare Spanish as my second major. How can I do that?
    • If your current major is not in LAS, review this page and contact Tenaya Reifsteck to discuss the dual degree process.
  • I ran my degree audit and it says that I need approved supporting coursework.
    • For most students, approved supporting coursework is a minor or a second major. Email the advisor to let him know what your plan is. He’ll fill out a Major Plan of Study form and will send it to the LAS Records Officers so your degree audit can be updated.
  • When should I declare my approved supporting coursework? 
    • There’s no strict deadline, but in general, the Major Plan of Study (see above) should be submitted by the end of the first semester of your senior year (sooner, if you’re planning to graduate early)
  • Which SPAN courses can I take for the major?
    • You can take virtually any UIUC SPAN course at the 200-level or higher and count it towards the major. The main exception to keep in mind: Spanish majors may only take two SPAN courses taught in a language other than Spanish.
  • Can you explain the policy regarding courses taught in a language other than Spanish?
    • Spanish majors can take up to two SPAN courses that are taught in a language other than Spanish (notable examples include SPAN/LLS 240, 242, 246, and 248, as well as SPAN 418). Or up to two 200-level SPAN courses can be substituted with any of the following: BASQ 401 and 402, CATL 401 and 402, PORT 400, 401, or 402, and LAST 445. These courses do not count for advanced hours and do not substitute for SPAN 228. 

Spanish Minor

  • How can I declare my Spanish minor? 
  • Do I need to meet with the Spanish advisor before declaring the minor?
    • You are not required to meet with the advisor before declaring the Spanish minor. When your minor declaration request is reviewed, you will receive an update on your progress towards the minor requirements so far.
  • When should I declare the Spanish minor? 
    • You may declare the minor as soon as you have earned 30 credit hours. The minor must be declared no later than 4:30 p.m. of the last day to add classes in the term of your graduation.
  • Which SPAN courses can I take for the minor?
    • You can take virtually any UIUC SPAN course at the 200-level or higher and count it towards the minor. The main exception to keep in mind: Spanish minors may only take one SPAN course taught in a language other than Spanish.
  • Can you explain the policy regarding courses taught in a language other than Spanish?
    • Spanish minors can take one SPAN course that is taught in a language other than Spanish (notable examples include SPAN/LLS 240, 242, 246, and 248, as well as SPAN 418). As an alternative, one 200-level SPAN course can be substituted with any of the following: BASQ 401 or 402, CATL 401 or 402, PORT 400, 401 or 402, or LAST 445. This course does not count for advanced hours and does not substitute for SPAN 228.

 

Other

  • What's the difference between a placement test and a proficiency exam?
    • A placement test tells you which course would be appropriate for you to take next, whereas a proficiency test gives you academic credit for a course that you may already have knowledge in.
  • I’m not sure which Spanish class I should enroll in. Do I need to take the placement test?
    • If you’re an incoming freshman, you’ll be able to take your Spanish placement test in the MyIllinois portal. If you’re not a freshman, you can take the “Spanish Placement Test for Non-Freshman.” Remember, if you have absolutely no familiarity with Spanish, you don’t need to take its placement test.
  • I want to take a Spanish course at another institution and I’m not sure what will transfer. Can you help me with that?
    • You can find the answer to this using Transferology. You’ll be able to choose the institution where you want to take a course, and then will be able to see if it transfers to UIUC. Transferology will note either a direct course articulation (ex. “SPAN 130 – Intermediate Spanish”) or a general equivalency (“UFL4 1--#*** 4th Semester Non-Primary Lang”). You can read more about the process here.
  • I have a question about the 100-level SPAN courses. Whom should I contact?