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, one of the largest in the SUNY system, offers major and minor programs of study in French, German, and Spanish. In addition, it offers a major Language and International Trade, certification programs for teachers of French, German, and Spanish, and it offers a minor in Italian. The Department also provides students with the opportunity to study other languages, among them: American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese.