Spanish as a Heritage Language Track
The Spanish as a Heritage Language (SHL) Track is designed for students who grew up in Spanish-speaking environments and bring with them diverse experiences with the language. Whether students’ connection to Spanish comes from growing up speaking the language or from hearing it with their parents, grandparents, or community, our courses build on each student’s existing relationship with Spanish and provide them with the tools to further develop their language skills.
A hallmark of the SHL Track is its emphasis on U.S. Latino/a/e/x communities and cultures. Coursework integrates authentic materials, projects, and service-learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with the lived experiences of heritage speakers.
The program offers courses at the intermediate and advanced levels. Completion of the intermediate-level sequence fulfills Northwestern’s foreign language requirement, while advanced courses allow students to continue exploring Spanish linguistics, literature, and culture through the Department of Spanish and Portuguese’s diverse undergraduate offerings.
SHL Track Courses
SPANISH 121-3: Intermediate Spanish – Special Topics: Spanish for Heritage Speakers ((1 Unit)
Third course in a three-quarter sequence in Intermediate Spanish. Further development of communicative proficiency with an emphasis on the functional use of Spanish and cultural content and reflection. This single special topics course is part of the SPANISH 121-3 sequence, and is offered only in the spring for heritage learners. Prerequisite: Current enrollment in or successful completion of SPANISH 121-2 and confirmation of eligibility.
SPANISH 127-0 Accelerated Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Language Learners: Finding Our Voices (1 Unit)
This course advances students' Spanish proficiency by building on their existing skills across contexts. Students strengthen oral and written communication, develop awareness of formal registers, and deepen pride in their linguistic and cultural heritage to express themselves more effectively and confidently. This course is for heritage learners, equivalent to SPAN 125. Offered in fall only. Prerequisite: Spanish heritage learners with an AP score of 3 or sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
SPANISH 200-0 Advanced Spanish for Heritage Language Learners: Claiming Our Stories (1 Unit)
This course prepares language students for advanced studies by examining contemporary issues in the Spanish-speaking world and how history shapes the present in Latin America, Spain, and U.S. Latine communities. Students develop critical awareness of bilingualism and strengthen reading and writing skills. This course is for heritage learners, equivalent to SPANISH 201-0 and SPANISH 204-0. Offered in fall and winter. Prerequisite: Spanish heritage learners currently enrolled in or who have taken and passed SPANISH 127-0, OR have an AP score of 4, OR sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity