Languages, Literatures & Cultures

Languages, Literatures & Cultures
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Meet the Faculty

View the department directory for our faculty's contact information, research interests, and more.

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Course Information

Learn about our wide array of majors and minors.

You will learn to

  • communicate across cultures
  • express and understand multiple points of view
  • present information logically
  • write effectively
  • think collaboratively
  • adjust to new environments
  • analyze information, cultures, and complex problems
  • read critically
  • explain complex concepts
  • gather and process information
  • generate creative solutions
  • contextualize cultural products, practices, and perspectives

The Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures at SUNY New Paltz has diverse, dynamic, and highly qualified faculty eager to share our knowledge and expertise with you. You can study Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Hebrew, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish; major in French or Spanish; earn a contract major in Italian Studies, German Studies, Romance Languages, or Translation Studies; or minor in French, German, Italian, or Spanish. Chinese and Japanese language courses count toward the interdisciplinary Asian Studies major and French, Spanish, and Portuguese toward the interdisciplinary Latin American & Caribbean Studies major.

In today’s global economy, understanding another language and the culture(s) in which it is spoken gives you an advantage. Language skills and cultural sensitivity are valuable as an essential part of your Liberal Arts education. We strongly encourage you to study abroad for a full academic year, semester, or summer. Our Living & Learning Communities also provide you with an environment for immersing yourself in a target language and its culture(s). When combined with another discipline, language proficiency makes the difference in obtaining challenging and exciting employment.

An Alum's Perspective: Claudette Aldebot '06 '08g

Program Manager, Latino U College Access

My studies at New Paltz have given me the confidence to go out into the world and know that with hard work, dedication and creativity I can become successful in all I do. My time at New Paltz allowed me to truly get to know myself, what’s important to me and where I want to make a difference.

Read more about Claudette and other Languages, Literatures & Cultures alumni.

Contact Us

The department office is located at Old Main Building 206.

Mailing Address:
800 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY 12561-2442

Phone: 845-257-3480  
Fax: 845-257-3512

Chairperson: Isidoro Janeiro (janeiroi@newpaltz.edu)

Administrative Assistant 1: Meredith VanEtten (vanettem@newpaltz.edu)