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, taught in English, 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.
The interdisciplinary nature of the LAS program is compatible with different programs offered at the University of Toronto. Considering the ever-shifting geopolitical and commercial alliances, familiarity with cultural, economic and socio-political issues that characterize Latin America can uniquely qualify future leaders to engage with the region in a global context. For instance, students in Rotman Commerce may complement their preparedness for the job market by adding an Certificate in Global Latin America, a Minor or Major in Latin American Studies to their degree. Students in Anthropology, Geography, History, Political Science, and Sociology, for instance, can complement their disciplinary expertise in the regions with a Major or Minor in Latin American Studies. Courses offered in these academic units can be considered towards a program in LAS. Likewise, students who complete at least 1.0 FCE in the Spanish or Portuguese language sequence can count that credit towards a Certificate or a program (Minor or Major) in LAS.
Students pursuing the Latin American Studies Major, Minor or Certificate find that the LAS program extends beyond rich interdisciplinary learning. As a hub for all things related to Latin America at the University of Toronto, the LAS program is closely associated with the Organization of Latin American Students – OLAS – at the University of Toronto, promoting their many activities. Additionally, the program sponsors numerous academic and cultural activities for our undergraduate students. Notable among them are El Cafecito and Paradigma Sur. El Cafecito, proudly based in Toronto, Canada, is the longest-running podcast in North America about the Latin American diaspora. El Paradigma Sur is a journal of Latin American Studies, entirely run by undergraduate students, that publishes student essays, op-ed pieces and creative work. At the end of each academic year, Latin American Studies organizes the Undergraduate Research Day, an opportunity for students to present their best research related to Latin America and receive constructive feedback from LAS-affiliated faculty. Students can also apply for the LAS Engagement Award to support initiatives that align with their academic and cultural interests. Through these many activities and research funding opportunities, the program encourages students to pursue their research objectives, to engage with other scholars and to explore a range of ideas and perspectives on Latin America.
The Academic Calendar lays out the sequence of the courses that need to be taken towards a program in Latin American Studies. For advice and guidance, contact the Program Director, at las.program@utoronto.ca