Spanish and Portuguese are among the world's most widely spoken languages. They share a Latin origin, and through their histories and current uses they intersect with diverse cultures in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. In addition to instruction in Spanish and Portuguese, our programs explore the literatures and cultures of the Hispanic and Lusophone worlds. The study of Hispanic linguistics offers special focus on the structure and diversity of the Spanish language.

• Department of Spanish and Portuguese

• Calendar Listing for Spanish
• Calendar Listing for Portuguese

Admission Information

• Apply to the Humanities admission category on the St. George campus

• Six Grade 12 U or M courses, including English are required

• Students outside of Ontario should have the equivalent senior high school credits

Honours Bachelor of Arts Programs

• Spanish (specialist, major and minor options)
• Portuguese (specialist, major and minor options)

First-Year Classes

• SPA 100Y1 - Spanish for Beginners
• PRT 100Y1 – Beginners Portuguese
• PRT 110Y1 - Elementary Portuguese (for students who speak Portuguese but have not studied the language formally)

Advice for First Year

Introductory courses in Spanish and Portuguese are available for first year students with no prior knowledge of the languages. Students with Grade 12 Spanish should enrol in SPA 220Y1. Students with other additional experience in Spanish should take the online placement test (contact the department for details). Students with previous experience of Portuguese should consult with the Associate Chair for Portuguese.

Careers

With a practical knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese (or both), you make yourself valuable in a whole spectrum of commercial, diplomatic, or academic career options. Spanish is the third most widely spoken language in the world, and Portuguese is spoken by more than 250 million people on four continents.

Graduates of the department pursue careers in business or finance (for example in importing/ exporting, international trading, working in computers and computer technology), the diplomatic service, or university teaching and research. Alternatively, you might apply interests in Spanish and Portuguese to studies in law or medicine.

Direct career options include:

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