One of the most important global languages historically, year on year, Spanish solidifies its place as a primary language of the United States, spoken by nearly 15% of its population and studied in the U.S. more than any other non-English language. Spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide, and the official language of 21 countries, Spanish provides a gateway to the histories, cultures, and societies of peoples on four continents.
Spanish Studies at all levels highlights the linguistic and cultural diversity presented by Spanish-speaking cultures and communities, as well as the particular Spanish language needs of MIT students. Classes use innovative pedagogical methods, including the most advanced interactive technologies to support students’ acquisition of the competencies necessary for communication in global Spanish-speaking communities around the world. Whereas subjects at the introductory level stress language acquisition and cultural breadth, at advanced levels students may apply their Spanish proficiency in classes examining Spanish, Latin American, and Latinx literatures, their cultures, histories, and film. Language for special purposes subjects, including 21G.705 Spanish for Medicine and Health, prepare students to use their skills after they leave MIT. Spanish classes further prepare students to participate in international experiences such as MIT-Spain, MIT-Mexico, and D-Lab.
Spanish Studies may be applied to the Spanish Concentration, minor, and major programs, and to the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Concentration, minor, and major programs. Learn more about the Spanish Concentration, minor, and major programs at the Academic Programs page. Information on the Latin American and Latino/a Studies programs is available through SHASS. Advisors for these programs are below. Students uncertain what level of Spanish language to take should refer to placement information. Information on transfer credit is available here.
Spanish Concentration: Liana Ewald
Spanish Minor/Major: Margery Resnick
Latin American and Latino/a Studies Concentration/Minor/Major: Tanalis Padilla
Global Languages Spanish Studies group: Javier Barroso | Mariana San Martín | Ana Yáñez Rodríguez | Liana Ewald | David Yague Gonzalez
Fall 2026
| 21G.700/770 | Introductory Spanish for Heritage Learners |
| 21G.701/751 | Spanish I |
| 21G.702/752 | Spanish II |
| 21G.703/753 | Spanish III |
| 21G.704/754 | Spanish IV |
| 21G.707 | Graphic Stories: Spanish and Latin American Comics |
| 21G.715 | Topics in Medicine and Public Health in the Hispanic World |
| 21G.719 | Spanish in Context: Social Movements and Cultural Change |
| 21G.731 | The Creation of a Continent: Representations of Hispanic America, 1492-1898, in Literature and Film |
| 21G.734 | Introduction to Contemporary Hispanic Literature and Film |