Hispanic & Latino Studies Department

Hispanic & Latino Studies explores the languages, cultures, histories, and societies of the Spanish-speaking world as well as that of the many diverse Latino communities found within the United States.

Derek Bamford ’25 studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
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Department Overview 

Our program combines language study with the critical analysis of cultural production—literature, cinema, music, visual arts, and media—thereby allowing students to explore how cultural expression reflects and shapes historical and social change. Through courses taught in both Spanish and English, students engage with a wide range of topics including migration, colonialism and decolonization, race and identity, gender and sexuality, social justice movements, and the cultural creativity of Hispanic and Latino communities.

The Department emphasizes communication, culture, connection, community and comparison. That focus can be seen in our international internships and study abroad programs, which require community engagement, whether it be joining a local soccer club or volunteering in a local nursing home. 

Programs of Study

The Hispanic & Latino Studies Department offers students a major in Spanish. Students can also minor in Spanish or Chinese.

The Hispanic & Latino Studies Department offers majors in:

The Department offers minors in:

The Department also offers courses in Latin

Why Study Hispanic & Latino Studies?

Studying Hispanic & Latino Studies allows students to develop both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding in an ever-growing interconnected world where cross-cultural communication is essential. Our program fosters critical thinking and interpretive skills through the analysis of diverse cultural texts and historical contexts. Students explore how language, culture, and power intersect across societies and historical periods, thereby gaining the ability to understand issues from multiple cultural perspectives and to articulate ideas across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Our courses also examine the experiences and contributions of Latino communities in the United States, and explore questions of migration, identity, politics, and cultural production. By studying both global Hispanic cultures and Latino experiences in the United States, students foster a deeper understanding of interconnected histories and global realities affecting people today. Ultimately, Hispanic and Latino Studies cultivate intellectual curiosity, cultural empathy, and analytical insight—skills essential for navigating an increasingly multilingual and multicultural world.

Why Study Spanish?

Spanish is a global language spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide and is one of the most widely spoken languages in the United States. As a transnational language that connects Europe, the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia and the Pacific, it offers a powerful lens through which one may understand global cultural exchange and contemporary international realities.

In addition to its core academic curriculum, our program offers pre-professional pathways that connect language study and essential cultural competencies with specific career interests. These include tracks such as Spanish for Business Professionals, which prepares students to operate effectively in international and multicultural professional environments, and Spanish for Educators, which supports students interested in teaching and working in multilingual educational settings.

Skills You Will Develop

Through the study of Spanish along with the cultural manifestations of many different societies, students in Hispanic & Latino Studies develop a wide range of transferable skills valued across many professions. These include advanced communication in Spanish and English, intercultural competence, critical analysis of complex texts and media, and the ability to interpret historical and social contexts across cultures. Moreover, students also strengthen skills in research, writing, and public presentation while honing their ability to analyze how language, culture, and power interact in different societies. These skills prepare graduates to work effectively in multilingual and multicultural environments and to engage thoughtfully with global challenges.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Stonehill is ranked among the best in the nation for sending students on semester-long study abroad programs. Our programs focus on developing global citizens and helping students meet both academic and personal goals. A student’s international experience is attractive to potential employers who seek applicants with global perspective and an understanding other cultures.

Sample countries where students have studied abroad include:

  • University of Salzburg
  • IES in Vienna
  • Champlain Abroad Montreal
  • Beijing Center
  • Fudan University
  • API in Caen
  • API in Paris
  • Campus International De Cannes
  • CIEE in Paris
  • Grenoble École de Management
  • Institut Catholique de Toulouse
  • Université Rennes II
  • Université Grenoble Alpes (CUEF)
  • University of Paris, Sorbonne
  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • IES in Berlin
  • IES in Freiburg
  • Universität Heidelberg (American Junior Year)
  • University of Berlin
  • Florence University of the Arts
  • John Cabot University
  • Umbra Institute in Perugia
  • CIEE Study Center (Rabat)
  • School for International Training

Argentina

  • School for International Training
  • Universidad de Belgrano
  • Universidad de Congresso
  • Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

Brazil

  • CIEE in Rio de Janeiro
  • CIEE in São Paulo
  • Universidade Católica do Salvador

Chile

  • Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso
  • School for International Training
  • Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Viña del Mar
  • Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María

Costa Rica

  • Universidad Veritas

Cuba

  • Universidad Central Marta Abreu de Las Villas
  • Universidad de la Habana

Dominican Republic

  • CIEE in Santiago de los Caballeros (service learning option available)
  • CIEE in Santo Domingo

Ecuador

  • IES Galapagos Islands
  • School for International Training

Panama

  • School for International Training

Peru

  • Pontifícia Universidad Católica del Perú
  • School for International Training
  • CIEE Study Center (Dakar)
  • School for International Training
  • API in Barcelona
  • API in Madrid 
  • API in Seville
  • Granada Institute of International Studies
  • University of Alicante
  • University of Barcelona
  • Universidad de Deusto
  • University of Granada
  • University of Madrid
  • Universidad de Salamanca

Research Opportunities

Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an opportunity for students who have completed their first year at Stonehill to perform significant, publishable, full-time research under the guidance of and in collaboration with an experienced faculty researcher.

EXAMPLES OF LANGUAGES, LITERATURES & CULTURES RESEARCH

  • Bridget Ryan ’23 worked with Teresa Villa-Ignacio, Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies, on Sounding Translation, an Internet-accessible podcast that archives translators’ reflections on the experience of translating contemporary poetry.
  • Alina Shklyarenko ’17 worked with John Golden, associate professor of foreign languages, on “Translating Alexander Blok’s ‘Vozmezdie.’” They have submitted for publication their work on previously untranslated sections of this important poem by the Russian symbolist.
  • Michael Travers ’15 worked with Juan Carlos Martin, associate professor of Foreign Languages, on “Virtual Learning: Beyond the Classroom.” 
  • Spanish major Angela Moskawa ’14 workedwith Juan Carlos Martin, associate professor of Foreign Languages, on “Identity Crisis: Portrayals of the Posthuman in Spanish Narrative and Film.” This project strives to study the concept of post-humanity in Spanish narrative and film, focusing primarily on literary pieces and cinematic works written and produced during the past two decades.
  • Laura Dzgoeva ’14 worked with John Golden, associate professor of foreign languages, on “Translating Alexander Blok.” Blok was a major Russian Symbolist poet; they translated several of his poems into English and have submitted some of their work for publication.

Career Paths  

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate across languages and cultures is an essential asset. Hispanic & Latino Studies equips students with the knowledge, perspective, and adaptability needed to thrive in diverse professional and global environments. Graduates are well prepared to pursue careers in fields such as:

  • Education and academia
  • International relations and diplomacy
  • Public service and government
  • Law and public policy
  • Business and international trade
  • Journalism, media, and communications
  • Healthcare and public health
  • Social services and nonprofit organizations

Many students also complement their studies through study abroad programs, internships, and community-engaged learning with Spanish-speaking communities. These invaluable experiences deepen cultural understanding and provide valuable professional skills.

 

Where Our Graduates Work

Stonehill’s Hispanic & Latino Studies Department graduates go on to work at a range of notable organizations. Continue exploring where Stonehill graduates work.

  • Boston Children's Hospital
  • Catholic Charities
  • French Embassy
  • Fulbright
  • Teach for America
  • World Teach

National Honor Society Affiliations

Pi Delta Phi

CAMPUS CHAPTER: NU GAMMA

Pi Delta Phi is the National French Honor Society for undergraduate and graduate students at accredited public and private colleges and universities in the United States.

Sigma Delta Pi

CAMPUS CHAPTER: LAMBDA RHO

Sigma Delta Pi is the National Honor Society for Spanish. It honors those who seek and attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and the literature and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples.

Lambda Epsilon Sigma

Stonehill’s campus-wide honor society, Lambda Epsilon Sigma, recognizes students from all areas of study. Students who have demonstrated a well-rounded thirst for knowledge are invited to apply.

Contact us with any questions.

Peter J. Mahoney

Peter J. Mahoney

Associate Professor of Spanish, Hispanic & Latino Studies Department Chair
pmahoney@stonehill.edu
May Hall
Languages Lit. & Cultures

Related Links

Arabic Minor Italian Studies Minor Spanish Major & Minor

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