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Modern Languages Department

The ability to speak another language and understand its culture becomes your passport to greater global awareness. With majors in Spanish, Adolescence Education: Spanish (7-12) and Teaching English as a Second Language (K-12), as well as courses in French, German, Italian and American Sign Language, Cortland provides an international perspective.

Because nothing builds language skills like immersion in another culture, we encourage you to study abroad through our programs in Spain, Mexico, Venezuela, Germany and France. Whatever choices you make, your Cortland degree will provide a solid foundation for foreign language teaching or careers in international business and other professions. Whether it is our international faculty supporting you in achieving your goals, connecting with multilingual students on campus, or studying abroad yourself, there are many ways to explore the world through the Modern Languages department.

Get inspired by Ryan Lerner's 2024 SUNY Cortland TEDx talk!
Ryan is an Adolescence Education: Spanish major.



Department Updates

  • The 2024 Virginia Levine Second Language Educators' Conference will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Click here for details and registration link. The conference is free and a light breakfast will be served, but registration is required. Join us for an enriching day of learning, networking, and inspiration. All interested in language education are welcome!

  • Ryan Lerner, an Adolescence Education: Spanish major, was one of 6 speakers selected to deliver a talk at TEDx SUNY Cortland 2024! Access the video of his talk above.

  • Congratulations to our 2024 recipient of the Virginia Levine, Ph.D. Scholarship, Ryan Lerner!

  • As featured in the March 5, 2024 issue of The Bulletin, Christopher Gascón, Professor: Spanish, wrote and recorded a song inspired by Cortland’s common read, Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. The single, “Hold On,” was released in February, 2024, and can be heard on all major music streaming services under artist name Juniper Salute.

News

TEDx SUNY Cortland 2024 videos available

TEDx SUNY Cortland 2024 videos available

Speakers at the university’s second annual TEDx event shared their ideas about “Reclamation.”


Mexican celebration brings a lighter side to the Other Side

Mexican celebration brings a lighter side to the Other Side

The Modern Languages Department is bringing Day of the Dead traditions to campus.


New grad wins Fulbright Award

New grad wins Fulbright Award

Miranda Kistner ’23 will spend next year in a Madrid, Spain high school classroom.


Clubs/Societies

Our language clubs celebrate languages and culturesjoin us!