Modern Languages Department

Professor: Ruben Gonzalez, Chair
Associate Professors: Sonia Assa, Fernando Guerrero, Kathleen O’Connor-Bater
Assistant Professors: Carolina Bustamante, Angel Lara

The Modern Languages Department offers a course of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature and Culture. In addition, Modern Languages has established close ties with the School of Education to prepare students for careers as foreign language (Spanish/ Bilingual) teachers. It is also possible to obtain a non-teaching certificate and a minor in Spanish. Both of these options offer effective marketable skills that are in high demand in teaching and business careers, particularly in today’s multilingual and global economies. The Modern Languages Department is designed to serve the following groups:

Students who are interested in acquiring communication skills in Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Arabic and American Sign Language
Students who wish to major in Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature and Culture
Childhood and Exceptional Education School of Education majors who want to complete a disciplinary concentration in Spanish
Transfer students with an associate degree who wish to achieve a higher level of proficiency in Spanish and gain communication skills in the other languages offered by the Department.

Departmental Objectives

Interrelated objectives of the department are to:

Assist students in mastering communication skills in all the aforementioned foreign languages and, concurrently, in developing an understanding of the cultural roots of those languages.
Help students interested in pursuing graduate studies develop a sound knowledge of the language, literature and culture of Spain, Latin America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

Careers and Graduate Education

The major equips students to pursue graduate programs in Spanish Language and Literature, and Latin American and Caribbean Studies, while the Spanish Certificate serves as evidence of language skills that are in high demand in teaching and business in today’s multilingual society.

The Café Latino

The Café Latino serves as a common ground for students in the major as well as other students interested in Hispanic and Latino cultures. These informal gatherings are organized by the students themselves with a faculty member as advisor.

The Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center

Founded in 2003 by the faculty of the College’s Humanities & Languages Department, the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center at SUNY Old Westbury celebrates the entire Spanish-speaking world including its Hispanic, Amerindian and African heritages. The Center serves the metropolitan New York area by presenting theatrical events, art exhibits, concerts, and educational forums geared towards improving the overall understanding, among people from all walks of life, of the contributions to world culture made by the men and women of Hispanic/Latino heritage.

Internships and Study Abroad

To help students explore career possibilities, the department has made arrangements for its students to assume internships for academic credit. Recent examples of internship sponsors include the Hispanic/Latino Cultural Center, community service agencies, the Nassau County Department of Assessment, and the Women’s Sport Foundation. Contact the Chairperson well before the semester begins to apply for a Modern Languages Department internship. Study Abroad programs in Spain, Italy, Cuba and Puerto Rico are available, along with scholarship assistance.

Evening Students

While several upper level courses are offered during the evening, at this time it is not possible to earn the B.A. degree in Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature and Culture by attending classes exclusively in the evening.

Transfer Students

Transfer students may be able to substitute courses taken elsewhere for the Department’s required courses. Up to three course substitutions may be possible for the degree in Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature and Culture. Consult the “Transfer of Credit Matrix” or “Articulation Agreement” for specific course equivalents for local community colleges.

Transfer students who wish to obtain a B.A. degree in Spanish language, Hispanic Literature and Culture must complete the 24-28 credits of upper-division coursework at SUNY Old Westbury.

Upon acceptance, students should present their transcripts to the Transfer Services Office for evaluation.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature & Culture, B.A.

Certificate

Minor