Department of Global Languages and Cultures

Global Languages and Cultures Homepage

Study Abroad options

Global Languages and Cultures offers a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Students who have demonstrated interest, aptitude, and performance in languages may also elect to pursue a minor in French or Spanish. Additionally, all students are encouraged to use the services of the Language Learning and Multimedia Center, which not only offers global-language tutoring, conversation groups, and a variety of media; but also offers space for research, study and group meetings.

In order to meet the language requirement for the B.A. degree, the Department offers language course sequences in French and Spanish, and other languages depending on demand. The department also offers more advanced courses in Spanish, language pedagogy, linguistics, translation, business, and health-related topics.

The department recommends that all students specializing in global literature and languages, especially those planning to teach or pursue a higher degree, take at least 18 hours in a second global language.

The Department of Global Languages and Cultures strongly supports study abroad in the major language, as well as service learning and internship opportunities.

In conjunction with the Charlton College of Business, the department participates in the Certificate in International Business.

Teacher Preparation Program Option:

Enrollment in the 4+1 (BA/BS-MAT) Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to explore teaching as a profession through completion of graduate-level education coursework and field experiences within local public school settings. Students pursing teacher preparation at UMass Dartmouth graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen major, a Master’s degree in Teaching, and a Sheltered English Immersion endorsement. In order to develop a plan towards a license to teach, students should indicate their interest to both their French or Spanish major advisor and the Coordinator of Teacher Preparation Programs. Students may enroll in the 4+1 program once they have earned 30 credits with a 3.0 GPA or above.

Learning Outcomes

Global Languages and Cultures and the BA and MA in Spanish provide an opportunity for students to prepare for life after the university through growth of knowledge and personal development. The aims and objectives of the program enable students to:

Develop communicative ability in Global Languages and Cultures for the students to be able to use the language where it is spoken and in a professional setting. 
Understand the relationship between cultural practices and the values and perspectives of Global Languages and Cultures.
Develop an awareness of political, historical, business, artistic, religious and ecological environments in Global Languages and Cultures.
Explore higher levels of intellectual interest related to Global Languages and Cultures. 
Meet local, regional and/or national needs and participate in community service programs.

Faculty and Fields of Interest

Carlos Benavides (Chairperson) Spanish language and literature, linguistics

Michelle Cheyne Nineteenth-century French literature and culture, translation, colonial studies

Marta Del Pozo Contemporary Spanish literature and cultural studies, visual studies, ecocriticism

Stephanie O’Hara French language and literature

Tania Pérez Cano Latin American and Peninsular literature

Sandra Rivera Spanish language, educational leadership