Spanish
Spanish studies at the University of Toronto are mainly, but by no means exclusively, concerned with the language and literature of the Spanish-speaking peoples. Courses in Hispanic linguistics, in business Spanish, in the history and structure of the Spanish language and literature are complemented by studies of the socio-political, artistic, and intellectual history of both Spain and Spanish America. Spanish and Portuguese form part of the interdisciplinary programs in European Studies and Latin American Studies.
Following an introduction to the methodologies of critical analysis as applied to Hispanic texts, students have a wide selection of courses on the literatures of Spain and Spanish America: medieval Spanish literature; early modern prose, verse and drama; the modern novel, short story, poetry, drama, film and much more. In all years, the works are read and discussed not only in terms of their individual artistic value but also as illustrations of the outlook and the intellectual climate of their age. Students can also select from a variety of courses in Hispanic linguistics, from an introduction to Hispanic linguistics to courses on Spanish varieties, bilingualism, sociolinguistics, phonetics and structure of Spanish.
In conjunction with Woodsworth College, the department makes summer courses available in Santiago de Compostela. With the city of Compostela serving as the classroom, this program offers courses designed to introduce students to Hispanic culture, the Spanish language and allows them to specialize in Health Sciences. Interested students should see the the Summer Abroad website.
Portuguese
In addition to a full range of courses in language, Portuguese studies at the University of Toronto offers courses in culture, literature and linguistics. The courses in the literatures and cultures of the Portuguese-speaking countries include the study of the most significant masterpieces written by Lusophone writers and a survey of the major historical and cultural trends and issues of these countries. The courses in linguistics range from an introduction to Portuguese linguistics to courses on language varieties and dialects in the Portuguese-speaking world, sociolinguistics, phonetics, and second language acquisition. Together with extracurricular activities, the program provides the tools to learn, know and understand the vast and rich Portuguese-speaking world in a dynamic and interactive way. It serves the programs in Latin American Studies, European Studies and in African Studies.
The Department encourages students to consider completing part of their course work at a university in Portugal or Brazil.
The University of Toronto offers a summer course in Lisbon, Portugal where students can take language instruction equivalent to our PRT100Y, PRT220Y or PRT320Y language courses in one of the most vibrant and safest cities in Europe. With the city of Lisbon serving as the classroom, this program offers courses designed for students who want to improve their Portuguese language skills or want to learn a new language altogether. Interested students should see the Summer Abroad website for Portugal.
Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies at the University of Toronto is a program for all undergraduate students who seek a deeper understanding of the Latin American regions, histories, cultures, and societies.
The courses in the program invite reflection on ideas, peoples, and commodities that have crossed paths within far-reaching, trans-Oceanic geopolitical and cultural spheres. The interdisciplinary core of the program begins with its required “gateway” courses, LAS200H1 and LAS201H1, which are structured as a combination of wide-ranging lectures and discussions. Third- and fourth-year courses examine in depth cultural, geographical, historical, political and social topics from across Latin America.
Through these course offerings, the program encompasses studies of Indigenous cultures and civilizations of Abiayala, the history of colonialism, independence and nation building, and issues of development and contemporary politics. Specialty courses focus on the transnational investigation of Latin American migrants and their descendants in Canada and elsewhere, as well as on the relations between Canada and Latin America. Advancing an overarching set of perspectives, LAS encourages its students to branch out into the complementary disciplines of their choice, while committing themselves to understanding the region known as Latin America and its heterogenous peoples.
Courses are important, but most students completing the Latin American Studies Major, Minor or Certificate find much more! The program seeks to reach students across the University’s three-campus community and beyond. One of our primary missions is to provide opportunities for students to engage with new ideas, enter discussions, and meet people with similar interests – in short, to humanize their learning.
As a hub for all things related to Latin America at the University of Toronto, we welcome collaboration with all the student clubs and student organizations interested in the region. The program sponsors numerous academic and cultural activities for our undergraduate students. Among them, notable is El Cafecito, the longest-running podcast in North America about the Latin American diaspora and proudly based in Canada, and El Paradigma Sur, an undergraduate journal of Latin American Studies. At the end of each academic year, the program sponsors the Undergraduate Research Day, an opportunity for students to present their best research related to Latin America and receive constructive feedback. Students can also apply for the LAS Engagement Award to sponsor initiatives that align with their academic and cultural interests. Follow their lead and take advantage of extra-curricular events backed by the program.