Inquire
Monica Good
Spanish Student Advisor
250.807.8503
monica.good@ubc.ca
Spanish
Degree
Bachelor
Length
4 years
Faculty/School
Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
Learning another language gives you a broader look of the world. Courses offered in Spanish cover language, literature and culture. Complement your studies with courses in Spanish to fulfill the language requirement, take a minor in Spanish alongside your degree, or as electives to complement your degree.
The language-learning aspect of the Spanish courses covers practical skills and daily application of Spanish, as well as skills that are transferable to a work environment and an academic setting.
Our classes are thoughtfully designed around a communicative approach to learning, prioritizing active participation and real-world interaction. Instead of simply focusing on grammar and vocabulary drills, we encourage students to engage in meaningful, context-driven activities like role-playing, group discussions, and problem-solving tasks. This immersive, hands-on approach helps learners develop a deeper, more practical understanding of the language, as they apply their knowledge in authentic situations, reflect on their experiences, and build confidence in using the language in diverse contexts.
In an era where AI plays an increasingly prominent role, students in Spanish courses come to appreciate the critical, nuanced work of translators and interpreters in fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Degree Options
Undergraduate students can take classes in Spanish as electives to compliment any undergraduate degree, or complete a minor, which is is open to students in any major in the Bachelor of Arts. To complete a minor in Spanish, students must accumulate no fewer than 30 credits and no more than 42 credits in Spanish out of the 120 credits required for the B.A. degree. At least 18 of these credits must be numbered 300 or above.
We have provided information to help you choose the language courses that are right for you.
Sample Courses
Our upper level courses specifically designed to enhance students’ vocabulary and communication skills in social scenarios. By taking conversation-based classes, students will gain the confidence to speak fluently and spontaneously in a variety of settings. Our translation courses, bridge linguistic and cultural gaps, offering students valuable experience in the fields of translation and interpretation.
Below are some examples of our courses. To view the list of courses you can enrol in during your studies, visit the Academic Calendar.
The course builds student Spanish language proficiency at the beginner Basic User level, defined as A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Students will develop language skills that will enable them to introduce themselves to others, to exchange personal information, to introduce and describe people and family members, to talk about hobbies, likes and dislikes, and to describe their neighborhood. Students with an A1 level or higher will not be allowed to take this course for credits.
In this course students will Develop speaking and listening skills through active learning activities and discussions about a variety of topics that may include social media, streaming programs, movies, and current events. Corresponds to level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The course continues to build student Spanish language proficiency at the intermediate Independent User level, defined as B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), by emphasizing oral communication and interaction skills that will enable them to verbally communicate and understand the main points of conversation on familiar matters and be able to express more abstract ideas and opinions.
This course is an introduction to the foundational principles of translation and interpretation theory, followed by practical application through the analysis and translation of texts spanning various genres and subjects, such as advertisements, healthcare materials, literary works, and educational content. This course offers opportunities to engage in critical discussions and reflections on the specific tasks undertaken by professional translators. It also involves examining and comparing rhetorical styles and grammatical structures between Spanish and English.
In this course you will learn how to improve your pronunciation to sound more like a native Spanish speaker. You will also learn how to write the sounds of Spanish using the International Phonetic Alphabet. We will watch videos, listen to audio examples, and spend time doing practice activities in class. Assessments will include quizzes, phonetic transcription exercises, pronunciation exercises, and a final presentation.
ADMISSION, FEES, APPLYING
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Admission Requirements
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.
Students have the option of spending a semester abroad studying and experiencing life in a Spanish-speaking environment. Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education
Spanish faculty and students work with the Global Engagement office each fall to set up an Ofrenda for the Day of the Dead, and collaborate with Picnic to offer Mexican food workshops.
DISCOVER THE OKANAGAN
A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.
UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.
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