Dr. Cristina Fuentes
Assistant Professor, Director, Lower Division Spanish Program Instructional Faculty
World Languages and Cultures, Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Office Location: DeMille Hall 110 E
Office Hours: M-W 12-1pm, F 12-2pm and by appointment
Phone: (714) 997-6738
Email: cfuentes@chapman.edu
- Education:
- University of California, Santa Barbara, Bachelor of Arts
University of California, Santa Barbara, Master of Arts
University of California, Irvine, Ph.D.
Biography
Dr. Fuentes holds a Ph.D. in Literature with a specialization in contemporary Latin
American literature and gender studies from UC Irvine, along with a B.A. and M.A.
from UC Santa Barbara. She also earned an Executive Business Certificate from the
University of California, enhancing her interdisciplinary approach with a strong foundation
in business principles and professional applications. Dr. Fuentes joined Chapman University
in 2008 as an adjunct faculty member and transitioned into full-time teaching before
being appointed program director in 2014. In her role as Director of the lower-division
Spanish program, she oversees curriculum development, provides instructional support
for faculty, and leads regular pedagogy workshops to foster inclusive and innovative
teaching across the department.
Her teaching portfolio spans a wide range of courses, including introductory and intermediate Spanish, upper-division courses as well as Spanish for Heritage speakers. She created and taught Chapman’s Portuguese program, expanding the department’s linguistic offerings. In addition, Dr. Fuentes has led interdisciplinary Freshman seminars focused on Ethnic Studies, Media Studies, and the intersectionality of Health and Gender.
Dr. Fuentes’s current research focuses on educational technology and media studies, with particular attention to how digital tools shape language learning and cultural engagement. As an inaugural faculty member in Chapman’s international Spanish summer travel courses, she has led students to Spain for immersive language and cultural experiences. Her commitment to bridging disciplines is reflected in her efforts to connect language instruction with international business and global studies, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
Her teaching portfolio spans a wide range of courses, including introductory and intermediate Spanish, upper-division courses as well as Spanish for Heritage speakers. She created and taught Chapman’s Portuguese program, expanding the department’s linguistic offerings. In addition, Dr. Fuentes has led interdisciplinary Freshman seminars focused on Ethnic Studies, Media Studies, and the intersectionality of Health and Gender.
Dr. Fuentes’s current research focuses on educational technology and media studies, with particular attention to how digital tools shape language learning and cultural engagement. As an inaugural faculty member in Chapman’s international Spanish summer travel courses, she has led students to Spain for immersive language and cultural experiences. Her commitment to bridging disciplines is reflected in her efforts to connect language instruction with international business and global studies, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.