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Modern Languages and Literatures

The study of international languages and cultures has become increasingly essential in today's globally interdependent society, particularly as it helps facilitate cultural understanding and appreciation, and a greater exchange of material and intellectual goods.

Oswego's Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is one of the largest programs in the SUNY system. Our diverse department offers a major in language and international trade, majors and in French, German, Spanish and a minor in Italian. Supplemental language courses are offered in Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, American Sign Language and Portuguese. For students interested in cultural studies we offer French, German and Italian cultural studies minors.

I have mostly interacted with the Modern Language Department and so far the French teachers have been amazing and have not ceased to help me on everything and anything that I may need. Everyone is very caring and willing to help, which is important when working with languages. Support is critical. 

[The faculty] are my mentors - they include me on certain trips, such as German teacher meetings, and I talk to them on a regular basis outside of class. I have learned so much from them. The relationship that someone can make with a professor is sometimes so treasurable, like in my case. It helps you gain experience but also learning more about your field.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, experiencing culture first hand, visiting Lake Titicaca, and interacting with the locals really opened my eyes to how different the world is compared to the United States. I was able to practice speaking Spanish with the locals.

While in Paris for her overseas study on the SUNY at the Sorbonne program, Erin did an 8-week internship with a French real estate business, "Flat Hunter".

Contact Us

245 Marano Campus Center
8 am - 4:30 pm

Phone: 315.312.2196
Fax: 315.312.2596
[email protected]