Spanish
A global language of culture, creativity and connection
Un idioma global de cultura, creatividad y conexión
Spanish connects communities across Spain, Mexico, Central America, much of the Caribbean and most of South America. It is also widely spoken in the United States, one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world. At the University at Buffalo, Spanish studies explore language, literature and culture across this global network of communities and traditions while helping students understand how language reflects history, identity, creativity and social change.
All UB students may also use Spanish courses to complete the UB Curriculum Global Pathway: Language and Culture Track.
Spanish connects you to some of the most influential artistic and literary traditions in the world. Writers such as Miguel de Cervantes, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and Gabriel García Márquez, along with artists including Diego Velázquez, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, have shaped global culture.
Spanish-speaking countries represent extraordinary cultural diversity. Their influence appears in literature, art and film as well as music, dance, cuisine and global athletics.
Studying Spanish helps you engage with these traditions while building language skills that strengthen careers in many fields.
Did you know?
Spanish is spoken in more than 20 countries, connecting cultures across Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and the United States.
Spanish studies at UB combine language learning with cultural exploration. Students develop fluency in speaking, reading and writing Spanish while examining literature, film, art and history from across the Hispanic world.
Courses explore cultural traditions, linguistic diversity and the historical experiences that shape Spanish-speaking societies today. Students begin at their current level of proficiency and progress through coursework that strengthens both language ability and cultural understanding.
Explore our programs
Undergraduate
Graduate
Spanish studies often explore topics such as:
- Hispanic literature from the Middle Ages to the present
- Spanish American literature and culture
- Linguistics and language variation across regions
- Film, media and visual culture
- Cultural history and social movements in the Spanish-speaking world
These perspectives help students understand how language connects communities and shapes cultural expression.
Faculty in Spanish language, literature and linguistics guide students through research, teaching and mentorship. Their work explores topics such as sociolinguistics, cultural studies, literary history, language pedagogy and media theory.
Hispanic and Romance Linguistics Faculty
Spanish American Literature and Culture Faculty
Spanish Peninsular Literature and Culture Faculty
Spanish connects people across continents and communities. Studying the language and its cultures helps students understand global perspectives while building strong communication skills.
At UB, Spanish studies bring together language learning, cultural insight and academic exploration in a supportive and intellectually active environment.
Did you know?
The United States is one of the largest Spanish-speaking countries in the world, with more than 40 million native Spanish speakers.
Spanish opens the door to vibrant cultures, influential artistic traditions and meaningful global connections. At UB, you will build fluency, cultural knowledge and analytical skills that prepare you for many paths.