Overview
The study of foreign languages and literatures has been at the core of Liberal Arts studies for centuries. Following that tradition, the Modern Languages and Literatures Program emphasizes the development of cross-cultural communication, appreciation for literature, multicultural understanding, and analytic and interpretative capacity. The Modern Languages and Literatures Program offers students the opportunity to study more than a dozen different languages and national literatures in American Sign Language, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Tibetan, Uzbek, Polish, and Portuguese.
Why take a Modern Language course?
- Exploit your bilingual skills
If you are already proficient in one of the languages we offer, you may take a higher-level language course and earn Exemption (extra) Credits. You can use those credits as part of your graduation requirements if your major requires Unrestricted Elective in its curriculum. - Get your language requirement out of the way before you transfer to a 4-year college
Many programs at four-year colleges require foreign language for graduation. It takes at least one year or more to complete the language requirement, which may delay your graduation plans. If you plan to transfer to a four-year college but don’t speak a foreign language, you should start your foreign language study now at LaGuardia. - Take advantage of cultural diversity at LaGuardia:
Our students come from over 150 different countries and speak more than 111 languages. Why not take advantage of our cultural diversity and develop skills for your future career? - A wide range of language proficiency levels and literature courses
LaGuardia offers a wide range of proficiency levels and various genre of literature courses. We offer courses in American Sign Language, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, , Spanish, Tibetan, Uzbek, Polish, and Portuguese. In terms of levels, Spanish, for example, we offer: - Elementary Spanish (ELS101/102) for those without prior knowledge of Spanish
- Intermediate Spanish (ELS103/104) for students with intermediate-level proficiency in Spanish
- Spanish for Heritage Speakers (ELS105/ELS106) for heritage speakers of Spanish (those who have acquired Spanish as a home language)
- The Puerto Rican Community (ELN194) as an Urban Study course
- Latin American Literature I & II (ELS200/201) and other 200-level courses for advanced-level or near-native speakers of Spanish
List of Textbooks for Modern Language Courses
Below is the link to the textbook list for modern language courses. Each course may choose a different textbook. Please check the textbook inforamtion for your specific course on CUNYFirst before purchasing your textbooks.
- Modern Language Textbook List
Modern Language Flyers
How to Register for Modern Language Courses
If you are a LaGuardia student (matriculated in a degree program):
- You can register for the Modern Language courses in a regular registration procedure (using CUNYfirst or in person at the Registration lab in room B-218).If you want to take an intermediate or advanced-level course (e.g. 102, 105-level courses) without taking lower-level courses (e.g., 101 level), you should take a placement exam before the registration. Click here for more information.Please contact the Modern Languages Program Coordinator if you need help with registration.
- Tomonori Nagano
Coordinator of the Modern Languages Program
Phone: 718-482-5484
E-Mail: tnagano@lagcc.cuny.edu - Lorna Feldman
Coordinator of the Modern Languages Lab (ML Lab Coordinator)
Phone: 718-482-5466
E-mail: lfeldman@lagcc.cuny.edu - Julio Rosario
Coordinator of the Modern Languages Lab (ML Lab Coordinator)Phone: 718-482-5466
E-mail: jrosario@lagcc.cuny.edu - Caitlin Dean
Coordinator of the Modern Languages Lab (ML Lab Coordinator)
Phone: 718-482-5466
E-mail (work): cdean@lagcc.cuny.edu
If you are not a LaGuardia student:
- You can register for the course through Adult and Continuing Education department (not through the Registrar office).To register, you need to call or e-mail ACE's Enrollment Service Office. See below for their contact information.If you want to take intermediate or advanced-level course (e.g., 102, 105-level courses) without taking lower-level courses (e.g., 101 level) you should take a placement exam before the registration. Click here for more information.Contact the Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) if you need any help with your registration.
- Serena Bowles
Assistant Director of Enrollment Management Services, ACE
Phone: 718-482-5124
E-mail: sbowles@lagcc.cuny.edu - Valerie Seignious
Enrollment Management Services, ACE
Phone: 718-482-5120
E-mail: vseignious@lagcc.cuny.edu - Marisol López
Program for Death Adult (for American Sign Language courses)
Phone: 718-730-7501
E-mail: marlopez@lagcc.cuny.edu