The HTC Spanish program of study provides students with a deep knowledge of the Spanish language, culture and literature through one-on-one tutorials. Spanish tutorial students learn to think analytically and critically in tutorials on Hispanic literature, culture, linguistics, film, and art; and they improve their language skills through intensive and extensive writing assignments, speaking activities and in-depth research.
The Spanish director of studies and the Spanish faculty are committed to student advising, and to guiding students successfully through their tutorials. In addition, the faculty works closely with students to choose appropriate courses from the entire university curriclum that complement their tutorial studies. Most tutorial students also consider adding a double major or a certificate program in order to make their language degree more marketable. The director of studies meets regularly with tutors and with honors students to ensure that tutorials are suiting their needs. In addition, all Spanish honors tutorial students must complete at least one study abroad program, and succcessully pass the ACTFL Oral Proficiency exam at an advanced level. All Spanish honors tutorial students must also take regular Spanish courses to complement their tutorials. This allows them interaction with Spanish majors and minors and to create a camaraderie not available solely through tutorials.
The final outcome of the honors tutorial degree is the production of a thesis or creative project. Students choose a thesis/creative topic during their second year and carry out research during their third year of tutorials. Past thesis topics have included: The Evolution of Dominican Identity in the Diaspora; Heritage Speakers and the Columbus School System; Peruvian Mythology and the Politics in the Works of Scorza; History through Cervantes' Play La Numancia; etc. A creative writing project consisted of gathering Guaranà myths from Paraguay and incorporating them into an extensive creative piece of fiction. Although the final chapters of each thesis/project are polished during the senior year, various drafts are written during the junior year of the program. HTC students also present their research at research fairs and conferences such as OLAC, OFLA. To complement tutorial work, the Spanish Club and the Spanish National Honors Society sponsor events such as conversation meetings, foreign film series and the Annual Spanish Colloquium. The Spanish honors tutorial program challenges undergraduate students in a supportive environment where they can thrive and prepare themselves for a successful future.