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The Spanish major immerses students in the rich literary and intellectual traditions of Latin American and Iberian cultures while developing advanced language proficiency. Learners can specialize in areas like cultural history, Latino studies, Lusophone studies, racial and ethnic studies, film, and more, with opportunities to complete portions of the program through study abroad experiences.
The Department of Spanish and Portuguese structures its major and minor programs to cultivate not just linguistic fluency, but also deep engagement with the field's diverse intellectual discourse. We emphasize literary and cultural analysis with careful attention to linguistic nuances and socio-historical contexts. As the second most spoken language in the U.S. and a global cultural force, Spanish encompasses numerous regional traditions and histories. The discipline encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing students to connect with fields like history, economics, sociology, political science, art, and communications. Many undergraduates pursue double majors, pairing Spanish with another discipline, while minors appreciate the program's flexibility to complement their primary academic focus.
Secondary school record
Northwestern accepts results from both the TOEFL and the IELTS.
There is no minimum score required by Northwestern. Competitive applicants demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and often score in the high range on all four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing) of the TOEFL iBT, or receive IELTS band scores in highest three bands on the overall and individual scores (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).