Modern Languages Department

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Professor: Ruben Gonzalez
Associate Professors: Sonia Assa, Fernando Guerrero, Chair, Angel Lara, Carolina Bustamante (dual appointment with SOE)
Assistant Professor: Claudia Zamora-Valencia

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 having established close ties with the School of Education, offers a master’s degree in teaching Spanish (MAT) to prepare students for careers as foreign language (Spanish/ Bilingual) teachers. It is also possible to obtain:

• A non-teaching certificate, a minor, or a micro-credential in Spanish

• A minor in Hispanic Cultural Studies, in Italian Cultural Studies, in French Studies, and in Media Creation in Spanish

• Micro-Credentials in the following areas: Foundations of Spanish Translation; Scriptwriting and Media Creation in Spanish; Spanish Language and Culture (Summer Study Abroad in Spain)

• Concentration in Spanish Language, Hispanic Literature and Culture -for Education majors

All 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

• Students who wish to minor in Italian, French, Hispanic Cultural Studies, and Media Creation in Spanish

• 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 or/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 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. The Spanish Concentration and Certificate, as well as the Minors in Spanish, Cultural Studies and other Languages, provide students with the appropiate skills in the areas of education and business in today’s multilingual society.

El Conuco: Latinx and Ibero-American Center

Founded in 2003 by the faculty of the College’s Humanities & Languages Department, El Conuco: Latinx and Ibero-American Center (previously 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, dance performances, conferences, 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.

Study Abroad

To help students explore career possibilities, the Summer Study Abroad program in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, is available every Summer for all students, regardless their level of Spanish. Contact the Department of Modern Languages for more information.

Evening Students

While several upper level courses are offered during the evening, currently 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 and Culture

MAT

• Master of Art in Teaching Spanish

Certificate (20 credits)

• Spanish

Minors (20 credits)

• Italian Cultural Studies

• French Studies

• Spanish

• Hispanic Cultural Studies

• Media Creation in Spanish

Micro-Credential (8-16 credits)

• Foundations of Spanish Translation

• Scriptwriting and Media Creation in Spanish

• Spanish Language and Culture (Summer Study Abroad in Spain)

Programs

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

• Spanish, Certificate

• Foundations of Spanish Translation Micro-Credential
• Scriptwriting and Media Creation in Spanish
• Spanish Language And Culture (Summer Study Abroad in Spain)

• French Studies, Minor
• Hispanic Cultural Studies, Minor
• Italian Cultural Studies, Minor
• Latinx and Spanish-Language media Creation
• Spanish, Minor

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