The Spanish/Portuguese department at UMass definitely prioritizes teaching about culture and history just as much, if not more, than teaching about language. This being said, the courses definitely still provide opportunities to improve fluency and pick up vocabulary. 

Throughout my time in the Spanish department, and even more so my time studying abroad in Spain, I have been able to take note of the kind of techniques and situations which inspire a Spanish lesson to stick in my mind. Of course, everyone is different, so my findings may not be universally applicable. However, if there is anything this post leaves with you, it is that there is great benefit in making a conscious effort to understand your own learning style by reflecting on the moments or habits during which you have picked up a new concept or vocabulary word, and strive to discover what connects them.