Spanish

The Spanish program at Saint Joseph's University offers a major and minor. Related fields of study are a linguistics minor, Latin American and Latinx Studies minor and a certification to teach Spanish. Students combine their study of Spanish with majors across the University.

Curriculum Focus

The major and minor focus on the study of the cultures and literature of Spain and Latin America, as well as on Spanish linguistics. Other courses on Spanish for business, Spanish for medical professions, advanced aspects of the written and spoken language, current events in the Spanish-language media and translation are also part of the available curriculum. Advanced students have the opportunity to complete an internship in Spanish. As the Spanish curriculum combines well with both the GEP and other areas of study, most of our majors complete a second major and/or multiple minors.

Our Faculty

The Spanish Program has an active chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Honorary Society, initiating students in the spring semester. Claudia Páez Lotero, Ph.D. serves as the Sigma Delta Pi advisor. A Spanish Club organizes diverse cultural and social activities.

All majors are advised by department members Heather Hennes, Ph.D., Claudia Páez Lotero, Ph.D. (Spanish Program Director), Enrique Tellez-Espiga, Ph.D. and Elaine Shenk, Ph.D.. Minors are advised by Enrique Tellez-Espiga, Ph.D.. Ms. Theresa Zmurkewycz (Spanish Language Program Coordinator) also teaches in the Spanish Program. 

Spanish majors and minors at Saint Joseph's University have pursued a variety of professions in fields including law, medicine, business, psychology, education, linguistics and international relations. Some use Spanish in their work in Spanish-speaking countries or in the U.S. among Spanish-speaking communities, including the greater Philadelphia area. They hold a variety of professional roles at businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies and in academic settings. Many graduates have participated in service opportunities abroad immediately following graduation and before pursuing advanced degrees or entering the workforce.

The department has an active chapter, Omicron Phi, of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Spanish Honorary Society. A yearly initiation ceremony is held during the spring semester. Qualified students are encouraged to apply; please contact Dr. Claudia Páez Lotero for additional information.

The Club de Español organizes a variety of activities throughout the year:

• Círculo de conversación: Informal gatherings on campus to speak Spanish with others.
• Film viewings: Contemporary films from Latin America and Spain such as Diarios de motocicleta, El laberinto del fauno and others. 
• Excursions: Events in Philadelphia and beyond, including a shared meal at El Limón or attending a theater performance in Spanish.
• Game night: Fun meetings on campus to play games such as trivia. Through these games, participants practice their language skills and learn more about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

You can follow current events on our Instagram: sju_spanish_club. For more information, please contact the Club de Español at loshispanohablantesdesju@gmail.com.

Mesa directiva (Our Board of Directors):

• Julia Alexandrakis, President
• Claire Conahan, Social Media
• Vanessa Copes, Treasurer
• Sophia Feingold, Secretary

Spanish majors and minors participate in a variety of study abroad programs, primarily in Argentina, Chile and Spain (Granada or Madrid). Some students have spent a semester in Costa Rica or Peru. Many of our students participate in our regularly scheduled study tour course to Spain (with Ms. Theresa Zmurkewycz). Students may count up to three courses taken abroad toward the Spanish minor or four courses toward the Spanish major.

Learn More

Find a Program

If you have any questions about the Spanish program or related courses, please contact Claudia Páez Lotero, Ph.D.