Modern Languages

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) teachers. Students may earn initial certification in the teaching of Spanish (Grades 5-9 and 7-12).

In collaboration with the School of Education, the department is also responsible for the College's graduate programs in Adolescence Education: SPanish (7-12), through which candidates can earn either a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Science in Education degree.

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
• Modern Languages majors seeking to obtain initial certification to teach Spanish at the middle and senior high school
• 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.

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.

Interrelated objectives of the Modern Languages 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

Did You Know?

Maryann De Leo, a 1977 graduate of the Media & Communications program within the American Studies Department, was honored with an Oscar in the Documentary Short Subject category at the 76th Annual Academy Awards for her work as producer and director of "Chernobyl Heart," a film about the effects of radiation on the children of Belarus, Russia, 16 years after the infamous nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl.

Distinguished Service Professor of Mathematics, Jong Pil Lee, was awarded a 2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring during ceremonies held at The White House.

Among SUNY's comprehensive colleges, Old Westbury ranks among the highest in science and engineering funding to support competitive scientific research. Funding for research is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the New York State Department of Education.