Welcome to the Department of Spanish and Portuguese
Our department awards the degrees of B.A. in Spanish, Portuguese or both, M.A and Ph.D., with specializations in the areas of Spanish Peninsular and Latin American Literatures and cultures, Brazilian and Portuguese Literatures and Cultures, and Iberian Linguistics, with optional emphases in various fields, such as Applied Linguistics, Feminist Studies, European Medieval Studies, and Translation Studies.
These programs are supported by an outstanding and internationally recognized faculty representing Peninsular and Latin American Studies, Brazilian and Portuguese Studies, Translation, Drama, Media Studies, Applied Linguistics and Language Pedagogy. Our students and faculty work jointly with other departments and programs, including Chicana and Chicano Studies, Comparative Literature, Feminist Studies, Film and Media Studies, Environmental Studies, Global Studies, Latin American and Iberian Studies, Linguistics, and Theater and Dance.
The National Research Council has ranked our Graduate Program among the top ten in the country. Lower division courses offer undergraduates the opportunity to develop proficiency in the four language skills: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing in Spanish and/or Portuguese. To meet the needs of our diverse student population, we have an accelerated track for Spanish heritage speakers. The Department benefits from the resources of the Center for Portuguese Studies. Embracing Spain’s multilingual and multicultural landscape, our Department hosts the Miguel de Barandarián Chair of Basque Studies, and the Center for Catalan Studies.
Undergraduate Program
Our program offers in-depth study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking worlds. Students gain linguistic proficiency and cultural insight while exploring diverse global perspectives—preparing them for careers in education, international work, and beyond.
Graduate
Program
Our graduate program offers advanced study in Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American literatures, cultures, and linguistics.
With interdisciplinary opportunities and close faculty mentorship, students pursue original research while preparing
for careers in academia and related fields.
Education
Abroad
Bring your studies to life abroad! Through UCEAP, you can immerse yourself in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures, earn UC credit, and add a global edge to your degree—all without delaying graduation.
Giving
Gifts from alumni, parents, and friends are vital to our teaching, research, and programs. Whether through annual support or designated funds like the Tim McGovern Fellowship and the Professor Harvey Sharrer Memorial Fund, your generosity helps us thrive
Featured News & Events
The department is pleased to share a recent feature from UCSB’s Division of Humanities and Fine Arts:
“Studying Soccer: A User-Friendly Approach to Cultural Studies”, an interview with Professor Eloi Grasset.
We are thrilled to announce that Professor Silvia Bermúdez has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Reconocimiento Académico (Academic Recognition) by the Asociación de Estudios de Género y Sexualidades (AEGS)—also known in English as the Association for Gender and Sexuality Studies.
We are proud to share that Distinguished Professor Antonio Cortijo Ocaña, our esteemed colleague and renowned scholar in Medieval Studies, Mediterranean Studies, Catalan Studies, and Iberian Studies, has received a prestigious international honor.
The department is delighted to share that Distinguished Professor Antonio Cortijo Ocaña has been recognized with the 2025 International Award Ajuntament de la Nucia/Seu Universitària [City of La Nucia, University of Alicante, Spain] in the International Projection Category.