Description

The English Department provides service to all students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree from different academic programs. Our courses include Basic English, Business English, Reading and Writing, and Conversational English, among others. Why should we study English in Puerto Rico? This is a question that many of us ask when starting the formal study of this language. English has become a universal language that is used to establish commercial relations and communication liaison between most of the nations of the modern world.

To be at the vanguard in any discipline, it is essential to understand texts, guides, manuals, and other documents that are written in English. Modern business communication tends to require complete mastery of English to establish effective worldwide communication with coworkers who use other languages as their form of expression. In Puerto Rico, where Spanish is the prevalent language, a strong knowledge of English can be a determining factor when looking for a better paid job.

Another important factor that indicates the importance of a good mastery of English is the intellectual growth that is acquired through the study of a second language. A person who learns a second language can deal better with different situations, both personal and professional. Knowledge of other linguistic cultures expands our horizons and guides us to understand us, as well as others, in a more objective way.

The English Department at UPRCA is a service department that provides the university’s associate, baccalaureate, and transfer programs with English language instruction. It uses all its human and physical resources to provide practical learning activities leading to a mastery of all facets (listening, speaking, reading and writing) of English as a second language; to develop a respect of the cultural heritage of English-speaking people; and to create an awareness of the importance of bilingual communication in today’s ever-changing workforce. Along with acquiring effective communication skills in English, students will develop a greater confidence in themselves as professionals in the labor market, and they will learn to think critically about the world around them.
The English Department is committed to providing the academic programs with English language instruction that is top-quality, challenging, international in scope, practical, and program-centered. We want all students to leave UPRCA with a satisfactory to excellent command of all facets of the English language and an ability to think critically and act independently. We will develop in them a greater understanding of the diversity of English-speaking people around the world and an awareness of the importance of bilingual communication today. We will also work with other departments to further tailor the students’ instruction in English to the needs of their specific programs. In this way they will learn practical skills that will enable them to work successfully in their career.

Objectives

Upon completion of the required English courses, the students will:

  • Use the English language correctly as a means of communication in all of its four basic skills – listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Obtain information about oral and written communications and demonstrate competence in the production skills of the language.
  • Develop proficiency in the aspects of English related to their program of study in order to carry out their work more efficiently.
  • Use technological and informational resources in English efficiently and responsibly.
  • Recognize the diversity of English-speaking people in order to develop a sense of social responsibility and be more effective in using the English language.
  • Acquire knowledge about English-language writings, including literature, and of the corresponding analysis which will familiarize students with the cultural, ethnic, and aesthetic values of English-language cultures.
  • Understand the importance of bilingual communication in forming an interdisciplinary vision of global connections.

Faculty

Professor Extension Email
Dr. Craig Graham, Director 3304 craig.graham@upr.edu
Prof. Helvia Guzmán, Education Department Coordinator 3304 helvia.guzman@upr.edu
Dr. Wanda Rodríguez 3265 wanda.rodriguez6@upr.edu
Prof. Maritza Mateo 3242 maritza.mateo@upr.edu
Prof. Luz Lizarríbar 3242 luz.lizarribar@upr.edu
Dr. Luz Ospina 3245 luz.ospina@upr.edu
Prof. Ibzan Pérez 3245 ibzan.perez1@upr.edu
Prof. Pedro Moreu 3266 pedro.moreu@upr.edu
Prof. Jafet López 3266 jafet.lopez1@upr.edu
Dra. Johanna Vivoni 3249 johanna.vivoni@upr.edu

Current Offering

Academic offering, English Dept. 2nd. Quarter 2025-2026 – rev December 2, 2025

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