This course of study concentrates on the Spanish language, literature, and culture in their historical and sociocultural context. It is thus divided into two main areas: linguistics and literary and culture studies. Courses in these areas provide students with the necessary skills for academic study of the Spanish-speaking world as well as general philological skills such as literary interpretation and academic writing (analytical reading, writing one s own texts). In addition, the curriculum also includes language courses designed to help students achieve fluency in oral and written Spanish. Since Spanish studies are part of the larger area of Romance philology, students are also required to acquire basic skills in at least one other Romance language.