The mission of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese is to promote quality teaching and research that integrate the languages, literatures, linguistics and cultures of the Spanish-and-Portuguese-speaking worlds. We share our expertise with the University community, the city of Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico. We are especially committed to revitalizing the Spanish language in New Mexico and to studying the interactions between cultures in the Southwest. Faculty and students work together in the classroom, in the community, and in study abroad to develop understanding, sensitive communication and critical thinking about our diverse and interconnected world. The Department prepares its' students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to lead productive and fulfilling lives as citizens and life-long learners.