Abstract:

This essay addresses key challenges that Spanish and Portuguese programs in higher education institutions will face over the coming years. First, we present options to position Spanish and Portuguese as an integral part of institutional efforts concerning interdisciplinarity, community engagement, and global awareness. Next, we discuss curricular changes for Spanish and Portuguese programs to focus on historical, cultural, linguistic, and social questions linked to Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking communities throughout the world. Finally, we look into programmatic ways for the profile of Hispanics and Lusophone Americans in the United States to be taken into distinct consideration by Spanish and Portuguese programs.