2025-26 Edition

Department of Spanish and Portuguese

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Horacio Legras, Department Chair
322 Humanities Hall
www.humanities.uci.edu/spanishandportuguese

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers programs of study leading to the B.A. in Spanish with special emphasis in the areas of literature and culture, Spanish for future teachers, Socio-linguistics, and Cinema; and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Spanish.

While members of the faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research, creative writing, and contributions to the academic profession, one of the Department's highest priorities is to maintain teaching excellence. The Department’s goal is to provide students with a level-specific, solid education in the diverse fields of study that are offered. Many of the undergraduate and graduate courses reflect the faculty's interest in bringing together historical, critical-theoretical, and interdisciplinary perspectives in the study of literature and other cultural artifacts such as film. At the graduate level, students are encouraged to take courses in other UCI programs such as Gender and Sexuality Studies, the Critical Theory Emphasis, Comparative Literature, and Film and Media Studies.

The Department of Spanish and Portuguese offers a minor in Spanish and a minor in Spanish/English Bilingual Education. The Spanish minor provides the opportunity to develop language proficiency while expanding knowledge of Hispanic cultures, literature, and linguistics. Many Spanish minors combine their studies with fields such as political science (pre-law), pre-med, communications, psychology, and economics. The goal of the minor in Spanish/English Bilingual Education is to create a pathway to better prepare students who wish to become future bilingual teachers. 

Faculty

Ana Maria Amar Sanchez, Ph.D. University of Buenos Aires, Professor Emerita of Spanish and Portuguese
Luis F. Aviles, Ph.D. Brown University, Professor Emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese
Anne J. Cruz, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emerita of Spanish and Portuguese
Lucia G. Cunningham, Ph.D. University of Kansas, Professor Emerita of Spanish and Portuguese
Ivette N. Hernandez-Torres, Ph.D. Brown University, Associate Professor Emerita of Spanish and Portuguese
Lillian Jones, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, Program Director and Assistant Professor of Teaching of Spanish and Portuguese (Spanish linguistics; second language acquisition; technology-enhanced language learning; mobile-assisted language learning (including text messaging for L2 learning))
Horacio Legras, Ph.D. Duke University, Department Chair and Professor of Spanish and Portuguese; Comparative Literature; Culture and Theory; European Languages and Studies (Latin American literature and culture, Latin American film, visual arts in Latin America, psychoanalysis, and photography)
Viviana A. Mahieux, Ph.D. Harvard University, Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese (Latin American avant-gardes, journalism and literature, material cultures, media studies, modern and contemporary Mexico)
Santiago Morales-Rivera, Ph.D. Harvard University, Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese; European Languages and Studies (Modern Peninsular literature and culture, critical theory, literary history, narrative, music)
Gonzalo Navajas, Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese
Dayle S. Nunez, Ph.D. Stanford University, Professor Emerita of Spanish and Portuguese
Rocío Pichon-Rivière, Ph.D. New York University, Assistant Professor of Spanish and Portuguese (Contemporary Latin American literature, trans theory, decolonial feminism, medical humanities, and comics)
Armin Schwegler, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley, Professor Emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese
Jacobo Sefami, Ph.D. University of Texas at Austin, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese (Latin American literature, with emphasis in 20th/21st century poetry; Latin American Jewish writers)
Julio R. Torres, Ph.D. Georgetown University, Associate Professor of Spanish and Portuguese; Education; Language Science (heritage and second language acquisition; multilingualism)
Juan Villegas, Ph.D. University of Chile, Professor Emeritus of Spanish and Portuguese
Zidia O. Webb, M.A. Michigan State University, Associate Professor of Teaching Emerita of Spanish and Portuguese

Portuguese Courses

PORTUG 243.  Studies in Luso-Brazilian Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
Critical analysis of selected literary works from Portugal and/or Brazil. Contextualizes the works within their historical and literary specificity, and discusses pertinent theoretical issues raised by them. Taught in Portuguese.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Portuguese.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  

Spanish Courses

SPANISH 1A.  Fundamentals of Spanish.  5 Units.  
First quarter of Fundaments of Spanish that helps students develop basic reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: Placement into SPANISH 1A.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 1AB, SPANISH S1AB.  
SPANISH 1AB.  Fundamentals Intensive Spanish.  10 Units.  
An intensive, proficiency-oriented, and task-based approach, designed to develop basic oral communicative abilities in Spanish. Reading and writing skills, along with an an introduction to Hispanic cultures.
Prerequisite: Placement into SPANISH 1A.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 1A, SPANISH 1B, SPANISH S1AB.  
Restrictions: SPANISH 1AB and SPANISH 1A and SPANISH 1B and SPANISH S1AB may not be taken for full credit.  
SPANISH 1B.  Fundamentals of Spanish.  5 Units.  
Second quarter of Fundaments of Spanish that helps students develop basic reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 1A with a minimum grade of C-. Placement into SPANISH 1B is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 1AB, SPANISH S1AB.  
SPANISH 1C.  Fundamentals of Spanish.  5 Units.  
Third quarter of Fundaments of Spanish that helps students develop basic reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 1AB with a minimum grade of C- or SPANISH 1B with a minimum grade of C- or SPANISH S1AB with a minimum grade of B. Placement into SPANISH 1C is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH S1BC.  
(VI)  
SPANISH S1AB.  Fundamentals of Spanish.  7.5 Units.  
First half of first-year Spanish in an intensified form. Communicative approach with emphasis on conversational skills.
Prerequisite: Placement into SPANISH 1A.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 1A, SPANISH 1B, SPANISH 1AB.  
SPANISH S1BC.  Fundamentals of Spanish.  7.5 Units.  
Second half of first-year Spanish in an intensified form. Communicative approach with emphasis on conversational skills.
Prerequisite: SPANISH S1AB with a minimum grade of C or SPANISH 1A with a minimum grade of C or SPANISH 1B with a minimum grade of C. Placement into SPANISH 1B or SPANISH 1C is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 1B, SPANISH 1C, SPANISH 1AB.  
(VI)  
SPANISH 2A.  Intermediate Spanish.  4 Units.  
First quarter of Intermediate Spanish that helps students further develop their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish and a cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 1C with a minimum grade of C- or SPANISH S1BC with a minimum grade of C-. Placement into SPANISH 2A is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 2AB, SPANISH S2AB.  
Restrictions: International Studies majors and School of Humanities students have the first consideration for enrollment.   
(VIII)  
SPANISH 2B.  Intermediate Spanish.  4 Units.  
Second quarter of Intermediate Spanish that helps students further develop their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish and a cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 2A with a minimum grade of C-. Placement into SPANISH 2B is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 2AB, SPANISH S2AB.  
Restrictions: International Studies majors and School of Humanities students have the first consideration for enrollment.   
(VIII)  
SPANISH 2C.  Intermediate Spanish.  4 Units.  
Third quarter of Intermediate Spanish that helps students further develop their reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in Spanish and a cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 2AB with a minimum grade of C- or SPANISH 2B with a minimum grade of C- or SPANISH S2AB with a minimum grade of B. Placement into SPANISH 2C is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH S2BC.  
Restrictions: International Studies majors and School of Humanities students have the first consideration for enrollment.   
(VIII)  
SPANISH S2AB.  Intermediate Spanish.  6 Units.  
First half of second-year Spanish in an intensified form. Conversation, reading, and composition skills are developed using texts of literary and social interest. Emphasis on grammar review.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 1C with a minimum grade of C or SPANISH S1BC with a minimum grade of C. Placement into SPANISH 2A is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 2A, SPANISH 2B.  
(VIII)  
SPANISH S2BC.  Intermediate Spanish.  6 Units.  
Second half of second-year Spanish in an intensified form. Conversation, reading, and composition skills are developed using texts of literary and social interest. Emphasis on grammar review.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 2B with a minimum grade of C or SPANISH S2AB with a minimum grade of C or SPANISH 2A with a minimum grade of B. Placement into SPANISH 2B or SPANISH 2C is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 2B, SPANISH 2C.  
(VIII)  
SPANISH 3.  US Latino Communities.  4 Units.  
Focuses on intermediate to advanced grammar and composition. Emphasis is placed on key elements of grammar, which constitutes about 70 percent of the curriculum, and composition writing, which constitutes the remaining 30 percent.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 2C with a minimum grade of C- or SPANISH S2BC with a minimum grade of C or AP Spanish Language Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 3 is also accepted.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 3H.  
(VIII)  
SPANISH 3H.  Heritage Spanish: Latinidades en California.  4 Units.  
Designed for students who grew up speaking Spanish in their homes and who need additional practice writing in Spanish. Delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 3H.  
Overlaps with SPANISH 3.  
(VII)  
SPANISH 50.  Latin America, U.S. Latino, and Iberian Cultures.  4 Units.  
Introduction (for non-majors) to the culture of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds (Europe, Latin America, U.S., Africa). May focus on any time period. Taught in english.
Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary  
(IV and VIII.)  
SPANISH 60E.  Mexico and Central America: A Survey .  4 Units.  
Panoramic view of Mexico and Central America examining key texts throughout history. Shows the richness of the culture, and an appraisal of various forms of representation, including images, chronicles, novels, essays, poems, and a film. Taught in English.
Overlaps with SPANISH 60S.  
(IV and VIII)  
SPANISH 61.  The Culture of the Visual Image in Latin America .  4 Units.  
A survey of visual forms of expression which have endured through more than five centuries of pre-colonial, colonial, and independent Latin America. Forms to be treated in the class include painting, monuments, sculpture, urban planning, graffiti, comics, and photography.
(IV and VIII)  
SPANISH 62.  Latinx, Multilingualism, and Social Justice .  4 Units.  
Explores the role of multilingualism (Spanish, indigenous languages, Latino English) in Latinx social justice movements in the United States with an emphasis on California. Course is taught in English.
(VII)  
SPANISH 97.  Fundamentals of Spanish (with Emphasis on Reading).  4 Units.  
Designed for students interested in acquiring a solid reading knowledge of Spanish, and to facilitate the understanding and translating of Spanish texts covering a variety of disciplines. Does not fulfill any undergraduate foreign language requirement. Taught in English.
Prerequisite: Does not serve as prerequisite for any higher-level Spanish courses.  
Restrictions: No Spanish majors.  
SPANISH 101A.  Introduction to Iberian Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
Introduction to the major authors and movements of Iberian literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 101B.  Introductory Studies to Latin American Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
A historical overview of Latin American literature and culture mainly focused on canonical texts. Topics include colonialism and postcolonialism, the nation, indigenismo, gender, and literary movements. Also introduces literary analysis, research methods, and cultural critique.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 105.  Spanish Communication.  4 Units.  
Designed to help students develop Spanish oral skills by exposing them to different verbal Spanish language registers. Special emphasis placed on abilities essential to professional or academic careers. Intended for Spanish majors as an important component of their overall education.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 107.  Advanced Spanish Grammar.  4 Units.  
Designed for students who have demonstrated a substantial level of proficiency in their studies of the Spanish language. Takes thorough approach to advanced grammatical problems, in order to assist students in their mastery of the elements of the Spanish language.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 108.  Topics in Spanish for the Professions.  4 Units.  
Taught in Spanish to promote linguistic competencies, intercultural awareness, and understanding of local Latino communities’ needs. Provides resources to carry out professional tasks and build meaningful community-based relationships in the health, legal, and business fields.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 110A.  Topics in Peninsular Literature and Cultures.  4 Units.  
Topics in Peninsular literature and cultures.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 110B.  Topics in Latin American Literature and Cultures.  4 Units.  
Topics in Latin American literature and cultures.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 110C.  U.S. Latino Literature and Cultures.  4 Units.  
Focuses on aspects of literature, art, cultural production, and history of the multifaceted Latino cultures that have developed within the United States. Focuses on one group, such as Caribbean Americans, Chicanos, Central Americans, or a comparative perspective of several groups.
Same as CHC/LAT 134  
SPANISH 113A.  Spanish Phonetics.  4 Units.  
Introduction to fundamental notions of Spanish phonetics. Particular attention paid to problems of pronunciation that arise in native and non-native speakers of Spanish due to interference between Spanish and English. Phonology (the system that underlies phonetics) and Spanish dialectology included.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 113B.  Introduction to Spanish Linguistics.  4 Units.  
Introduces students to the scientific study of the Spanish language with a focus on its sound system, word components, word order as well as second language acquisition and language variation. Class is delivered in a hybrid format.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 119.  Textual Analysis and Interpretation.  4 Units.  
Focus on analysis and interpretation of literary texts. Emphasis on narrative, poetry, theater/performance, and visual media. Introduces students to major currents in theoretical thought, such as cultural studies, postmodernism, and others. Oral presentations and short essays required. Taught in Spanish.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
SPANISH 121.  Topics in Golden Age Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
Golden Age Literature in Spain, including the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Works of poetry, narrative, and theater. Historical and cultural background.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary  
SPANISH 122.  Topics in 18th and 19th Century Spanish Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
The main literary and ideological trends in 18th and 19th century Spain, including the enlightenment, romanticism, realism, and naturalism.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary  
SPANISH 123.  Topics in 20th and 21st Century Spanish Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
20th century Spanish authors. Works of poetry, narrative, or theater. Historical context of the period and principles of literary theory.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken 3 times as topics vary  
SPANISH 130C.  Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture of the 20th Century.  4 Units.  
Topics in Latin American literature and culture of the 20th century.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 140.  Topics in Chicano Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
Studies in selected areas of Chicano/Latino Studies. Topics addressed vary each quarter. Taught in English.
Same as CHC/LAT 110  
Repeatability: May be taken 4 times as topics vary  
SPANISH 150.  Topics in Literature in Translation.  4 Units.  
Study of texts by modern and contemporary Peninsular, Latin American, and/or U.S. Latino writers in translation. Taught in English. Not applicable toward Spanish major or minor requirements.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 160.  Topics in Luso-Hispanic Film Studies.  4 Units.  
Study of Peninsular, Latin-American, and/or U.S. Latino film. Taught in English or Spanish.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 185.  Topics in Peninsular Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
Selection of representative topics in Spanish and/or Portuguese literature and culture.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 186.  Topics in Latin American Literature and Culture.  4 Units.  
Selection of representative topics in the history of Latin American literature and culture.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 187.  Selected Topics in Spanish Linguistics.  4 Units.  
Major topics in Spanish linguistics.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H or AP Spanish Literature Exam with a minimum score of 4. Placement into SPANISH 101A is also accepted.  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 190.  Colloquium.  4 Units.  
Specialized, discussion-based course dealing primarily with a research topic that reflects the instructor's current intellectual interests. Required oral presentation(s) and final research paper. Limited to 15 students.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 101A and SPANISH 101B and SPANISH 119.   
Restrictions: Spanish majors only.   
SPANISH 199.  Independent Study.  1-4 Units.  
Research paper required.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times  
SPANISH 220.  Topics in Twentieth Century.  4 Units.  
Topics in twentieth-century Spanish literature and culture.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 233.  Topics in Twentieth-Century Latin America.  4 Units.  
Topics in twentieth-century Latin America.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 239A.  Topics in Literary Theory I.  4 Units.  
Traces the development of Western literary critical principles from Aristotle to the twentieth century through selected readings of key figures in intellectual history (Aristotle, St. Augustine, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche, William James, Freud).
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 239C.  Special Topics in Theory.  4 Units.  
Focus on issues related to critical theory, theory of literature, cultural criticism and visual arts as they pertain specifically to Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. Topics vary. Examples: Latin American cultural studies; theory, film, and media in post-war Spain.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 260.  Seminar in Spanish .  4 Units.  
Topics in Spanish.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 260A.  Professionalization Seminar.  0 Units.  
Addresses the transition from graduate student to professional with a Ph.D. in Spanish. Covers formative stages in the progress of graduate students towards their degrees, as well as help with the preparation for a successful professional career.
SPANISH 260B.  Professionalization Seminar.  0 Units.  
Addresses the transition from graduate student to professional with a Ph.D. in Spanish. Covers formative stages in the progress of graduate students towards their degrees, as well as helps with the preparation for a successful professional career.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 260A.   
SPANISH 260C.  Professionalization Seminar.  4 Units.  
Addresses the transition from graduate student to professional with a Ph.D. in Spanish. Covers formative stages in the progress of graduate students towards their degrees, as well as helps with the preparation for a successful professional career.
Prerequisite: SPANISH 260B.   
SPANISH 265A.  Spanish Teaching Methodology I.  2 Units.  
Required for graduate students in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese who will teach in the Spanish Language Program. Prepares graduate students to develop effective teaching practices that promote learning Spanish as a second language.
SPANISH 265B.  Spanish Teaching Methodology II.  2 Units.  
Required for graduate students in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese who will teach in the Spanish Language Program. Prepares graduate students to develop effective teaching practices that promote learning Spanish as a second language.
SPANISH 270.  Creative Writing Workshop in Spanish/English.  4 Units.  
Discussion of theory and practice of creative writing. Focus on critical analysis of participant's work in progress. Texts may be written in Spanish and/or English and may be written in poetry or prose format.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times  
SPANISH 290.  Individual Study.  4 Units.  
Individual Study.
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 291.  Directed Reading.  4 Units.  
Directed Reading in Spanish.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times as topics vary  
SPANISH 292.  Teaching Practicum.  4 Units.  
Teaching Practicum.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only  
SPANISH 299.  Dissertation Research.  4-12 Units.  
Dissertation Research.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times  
Restrictions: School of Humanities students only.   
SPANISH 399.  University Teaching.  4 Units.  
Limited to Teaching Assistants.
Grading Option: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only  
Repeatability: May be taken unlimited times  

Spanish Language Course Placement

Lower-Division Spanish Language Courses

The goal of SPANISH 1A, SPANISH 1AB, SPANISH 1B, SPANISH 1C, SPANISH 2A, SPANISH 2B, and SPANISH 2C is to help students achieve beginning to intermediate proficiency in Spanish as well as an awareness of cultural perspectives and practices of Spanish-speaking communities in Spain, Latin America, and the United States. SPANISH 3 focuses on the development of academic writing skills in Spanish. SPANISH 3H is designed for students who grew up speaking Spanish at home. 

At the same time, these beginning Spanish classes are an excellent portal for study abroad, be that in Spain or in Latin America. For an overview of relevant study sites, visit the Study Abroad Center website.

NOTE: SPANISH 1A,SPANISH S1AB, and SPANISH 1AB are open only to students who have no prior knowledge of Spanish.

Enrollment Authorization

Students must take a copy of their high school transcript to their academic counseling office to activate their eligibility to enroll in SPANISH 1A, SPANISH S1AB, or SPANISH 1AB. Equivalent sequences/courses may not be repeated for credit. Other counseling offices are encouraged to call the Humanities Office of Undergraduate Study if they have questions about a particular student's eligibility to enroll at a given level.

Students with prior coursework or knowledge in Spanish may need to take the Spanish placement test and adhere to the department’s placement policies. Students who score above the range of scores required for SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H on the Spanish placement test may proceed to enroll in upper-division Spanish courses.

Students who earn a C or better in Spanish language courses at UCI will be allowed to enroll in the next course in the language sequence without taking a placement exam. Equivalent sequences/courses may not be repeated for credit. 

Enrollment in introductory level Spanish courses is determined based on the following categories of Spanish language experience:

No previous experience in Spanish: Students with no previous background in Spanish must submit their high school transcript to their academic counseling office to activate their eligibility to enroll in SPANISH 1A or SPANISH 1AB.

High school courses in Spanish: Students with a previous high school background in Spanish must take UCI’s placement test. Eligibility to enroll will be based on the result of that placement test (see the UCI Academic Testing Center's website for more information).

College or University courses in Spanish: Students with a previous course (or courses) in Spanish from another college or university must take UCI’s placement test. Eligibility to enroll will be based on the result of that placement test (see the UCI Academic Testing Center's website for more information).

Graduation from a high school in a Spanish-speaking country or Spanish Academy: Students who graduated from a high school or academy where the primary language of instruction was Spanish must take a copy of their transcripts to the Language Curriculum Director, Humanities Hall 322, to determine where they should be placed.

Students with GE VI-satisfying SAT Subject Test scores, International Baccalaureate (IB) scores, or Advanced Placement (AP) examination scores: Students who have completed one of the previously listed exams who plan to enroll in a Spanish course at UCI may be required to complete a placement exam. Students should speak with an advisor in the School of their major to determine if an exam is necessary. Students cannot earn units or grade points at UCI in courses from which they have been exempted on the basis of IB or AP credit, even if the placement test result recommends enrollment in such a level. (see the UCI Academic Testing Center's website for more information).

Progression in Spanish at UCI

Students who earn a C or better in Spanish language courses at UCI will be allowed to enroll in the next course in the language sequence without taking a placement exam.

To enroll in SPANISH 3, a student must have passed SPANISH 2C or must have earned a placement exam score qualifying for enrollment into SPANISH 3. 

SPANISH 3H is designed for students who grew up speaking Spanish at home, and need to work on their writing skills. To enroll in this course, a student must have earned a placement exam score qualifying for enrollment into SPANISH 3H. 

Students who score above the range of scores required for SPANISH 3 or SPANISH 3H on the Spanish placement test may proceed to enroll in upper-division Spanish courses. 

Placement testing is offered throughout the academic year (summer included). For details about registering for a placement test, contact the Academic Testing Center:
3040 Anteater Instruction and Research Building
949-824-6207
Email: testcenter@uci.edu
http://www.testingcenter.uci.edu

Placement test results are valid for one calendar year.