Officially rolled out in 2023, Quinnipiac University’s Hispanic and Latin American Studies major hasn’t seen widespread interest across the community. But recent efforts are trying to raise awareness about the benefits the program can bring to any student in the university.
“Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world,” Professor of Spanish Aileen Dever said. “So, we really would like to open those doors and windows and minds for students to really see more than they have.”
On Feb. 28, Dever and Professor of Modern Languages Luis Arata held an information session for the relatively new program.
“Some of the main objectives of the major are to bring students up into the advanced level of speaking Spanish, and also to provide them with a really wonderful background in the cultures of the Spanish speaking people,” Dever said.
The BA in Hispanic and Latin American Studies appeals to students with a passion for the Spanish language as well as students with a vested interest in the culture, literature, art and history of Hispanic and Latin American nations, according to Quinnipiac University.
Despite the flexibility to be added on as a double major, the program only had two students enrolled in the fall 2024 semester, according to the university. Dever believes this is due to an overall lack of interest in learning a new language across the country.
“I think it is a trend nationally, where language departments are struggling for various reasons,” Dever said. “There’s this idea that with English you can get along with anyone in the world. However, knowing someone’s language is that bridge to being able to help people, to reach out to people. It’s also very important to know about cultures that are different from your own. It’s a statement about how people view others in the world, when we are willing to take that time and understand the importance and the richness and the value of learning about other peoples and cultures.”
Dever and her department hosted the information session to raise more awareness and shine a light on the program — even if you’re not a native speaker of another language.
“This major is very flexible as a double major,” Dever said. “We would really welcome students who would like to put a star on their resume and really enhance it by adding this 30 credit major.”
A key part of the program is the study abroad opportunities that it offers to let students use what they learn in the classroom in different countries across the globe.
“We really like to encourage study abroad,” Dever said. “We have a wonderful Office of Cultural and Global Engagement with trips all over the world. In fact, we have a trip that (Senior Director of Global Learning) Erin Sabato is leading. It’s Spanish 215 — Spanish for Business. The application deadline is March 15. And this takes students to Chile, for example. It’s just a really beautiful opportunity to see that country. We do have a wonderful immersion program, once again, through the Department of Cultural and Global Engagement in Salamanca, Spain, that includes summer immersion for four to five weeks. Students can earn credits for this in Spanish, and it is a wonderful option, let’s say, for student athletes who might not have the option of going during the semester, so they can go in the summer.”
The program is also in the midst of developing partnerships to offer internships as part of the curriculum.
Dever believes that the program can only help to boost a student’s resume, as becoming fluent in another language, especially Spanish, opens up doors not previously available after graduation.
“There are many (opportunities) from teaching, we have majors who have gone into pursuing law school, law enforcement, government work, FBI, CIA, tourist industry, tour guides, cruise ships, park tours in different national parks, “ Dever said. “So there are really endless possibilities that you can give yourself in a very competitive market, you’re looking for different ways to stand out. Having intercultural knowledge and having linguistic knowledge is one of those very important ways to do that.”
The Hispanic and Latin American Studies major is also easily cross-listed across multiple schools, including History and English courses.
“I would say try it out,” Dever said. “Quinnipiac does offer a lot, and I would truly, in the best sense of this expression, I would take advantage of everything that the university has. One of those things is to add a double major onto your program.”
