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School of Arts and Sciences /
Romance Languages
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Graduate Programs

Balcony view Paris Eiffel Tower.

On This Page:

  • Overview
  • Our Programs
  • Learning Outcomes
  • Admissions Requirements
  • MA Comprehensive Exam
  • Graduate Advisors

Overview

The Department of Romance Languages’ Graduate Division offers MA degrees in French, Italian, and Spanish as a terminal degree or as a preparation for a doctoral program in the respective areas. The Department also offers an MA/TEP (Teacher Education Program) in each language in conjunction with the School of Education. This MA/TEP Program is designed to prepare candidates to teach in elementary and secondary schools. The department enjoys the teaching and scholarship of professors who have acquired high reputation in their respective fields.

The master's degree programs in French, Italian, or Spanish at Hunter College offer a gateway to professional advancement and intellectual enrichment. Whether you aspire to a career in teaching, translation, international business, diplomacy, or any field that values intercultural competence, our MA programs provide the linguistic proficiency, cultural insight, and critical thinking skills necessary for success.

Beyond serving as a practical credential for career advancement, the MA experience is a transformative journey of intellectual exploration and personal growth. Students engage deeply with the literature, history, and cultural heritage of their chosen language, gaining a nuanced understanding of its significance in a global context.

Moreover, the MA serves as a stepping stone for those considering further academic pursuits. Whether pursuing a PhD or seeking advanced knowledge in the humanities, the MA program lays a solid foundation for future scholarly endeavors. Notably, the MA degree also offers a seamless transition to doctoral studies at the CUNY graduate center, with credits earned applicable toward the first year of the PhD program.

By offering a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, the MA program in the Department of Romance Languages empower students to chart their own path to academic and professional success while fostering a deep appreciation for language, culture, and humanistic inquiry.

Our Programs

Picture of France
French MA

The master's degree in French supports career advancement, intellectual growth, and can serve as a final degree or preparation for doctoral studies.

Picture of Italy
Italian MA

The master’s degree in Italian aids professional growth and intellectual development, and can be a final degree or a step toward a PhD.

Picture of Spain
Spanish MA

The master’s degree in Spanish supports professional and intellectual growth, and can be a final degree or a precursor to a PhD.

Teacher teaching a class
Teachers of Adolescent Education MA

The MA Program for Teachers of Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12) is designed for those seeking advanced expertise in teaching.

Admissions & Requirements

Admission to graduate study is contingent upon general requirements of Hunter College and upon approval by a departmental committee. Where general scholarship is superior, but the applicant did not major in the field, or preparation in that field is deemed to be insufficient, an examination and/or enrollment in specified undergraduate courses will be required. Before matriculation, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of specialization. Do not hesitate to reach out to the graduate advisors to learn more.

General Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0
  • At least 18 credits of upper-level undergraduate courses in the field of study
  • Two letters of Recommendation
  • A statement of purpose
  • Proof of proficiency in field of study
Application:

The online application will guide you through a straight forward process including:

  • Completion of the core application form
  • Uploading of your statement of purpose and scanned unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
  • Completion of program-specific supplemental forms
  • Submission of letters of recommendation, by the recommenders, via our Online Recommendation System only
  • Application fee (waivers are available in certain situations)

In addition to these requirements, applicants will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the field of study.

Important Deadlines:

MA IN FRENCH LITERATURE
Fall Start: April 1
Spring Start: November 1
MA IN ADOLESCENT FRENCH
Fall Start: March 15 (Priority Deadline) & April 15 (Extended Deadline)
Spring Start: October 15 (Priority Deadline) & November 1 (Extended Deadline)
For specific admission requirements for the MA in Adolescent French, please click here.

*international students have earlier deadlines (9/15 and 2/1)

  1. Courses. The total 30 credits for the MA must include:
    • Courses in literature of specialization (27-30 cr.)
    • Thesis Seminar: required of all students who elect to write master's essay (3 cr.)
  2. Languages
    • In addition to a high degree of competence in the language of specialization, candidates must demonstrate a reading knowledge of a second Romance language, German, or Latin.
  3. Comprehensive Examination
    • Candidates must pass a written examination on the field of study, in the language of specialization. View the Reading Lists for the French, Italian and Spanish MA Programs.
  4. Master's Essay
    • The master’s essay is optional. Topic is determined in consultation with the principal adviser. Thesis Seminar, to be taken concurrently with preparation of the essay, is completed when the essay is approved be the principal adviser and another faculty member.
Program For Teachers Of Adolescent Education (Grades 7-12) - French, Italian, and Spanish MA

The Teacher Education Program (TEP) is not for individuals who already have initial or provisional certification in the teaching of French, Italian, or Spanish. Provisionally certified teachers should apply to the MA program in French, Italian, or Spanish. However, they may apply to the MA (TEP) program if they plan to be certified in a second Romance language.

Requirements for Admission
  1. Degree. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution acceptable to Hunter College.
  2. Languages. Proficiency in French, Italian, or Spanish.
  3. Major and GPA requirements. The equivalent of the Hunter College major in French, Italian, or Spanish with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better and an index of at least 3.0 in French, Italian, or Spanish. Students who have a 3.0 or better index in French, Italian, or Spanish courses, but whose cumulative GPA is below 2.8 may be considered for admission to nonmatriculated status. To be so admitted, applicants have to demonstrate strong verbal and analytical skills, by means of a proctored essay and a personal interview. Academically relevant data — such as scores obtained on the General Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Exam, or on the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test of the NYS Teacher Certification Examination — may also be submitted in support of admission. See the School of Education section of this catalog for additional information on admission, progress standards, and exit criteria.
  4. English Proficiency Requirement. English proficiency is required, including a satisfactory score on the TOEFL examination for students who have studied abroad.
Requirements to Fulfill the MA (TEP) in French, Italian, or Spanish

A total of 43-45 credits, to be distributed as follows:

  1. Romance Language Courses. Candidates must complete an approved program of study of at least 21 credits in literature courses in one of the following languages:
    • French: 21 credits in French and Francophone literature.
    • Italian: 21 credits in Italian literature.
    • Spanish: 18 credits in Spanish and Spanish-American literature.
  2. Teacher Education Courses. A sequence of 22-24 credits in teacher education courses. See the School of Education section of the Graduate catalog for the required sequence of courses in education.
  3. Certification. MA TEP candidates with initial certification in one field of Romance languages who wish to become certified in a second field will take 10-12 credits in education courses and student teaching/practicum, for a total of 31-33 credits in Romance languages and Education combined.
  4. Students with provisional certification in one area of Romance languages who wish to become certified in another Romance language will take these 10-12 credits but may also be required to take additional courses based on transcript review.
  5. Comprehensive Examination. A comprehensive examination in French, Italian, or Spanish is required. See the School of Education section of this catalog for requirements for graduation.

If you have any questions about this program, please contact Professor Jenny Castillo at jmcastil@hunter.cuny.edu.

Learning Outcomes

The MA serves as a stepping stone for those considering further academic pursuits. Whether pursuing a PhD or seeking advanced knowledge in the humanities, the MA program lays a solid foundation for future scholarly endeavors. Notably, the MA degree also offers a seamless transition to doctoral studies at the CUNY graduate center, with credits earned applicable toward the first year of the PhD program. By offering a flexible and comprehensive curriculum, the MA program in the Department of Romance Languages empower students to chart their own path to academic and professional success while fostering a deep appreciation for language, culture, and humanistic inquiry.

MA Comprehensive Exam

French

MOYEN ÂGE – ŒUVRES

  • Béroul. Le Roman de Tristan. Thomas. Le Roman de Tristan.
  • Chanson de Roland.
  • Chrétien de Troyes. Chevalier à la Charrette; OU Yvain et Perceval OU le Conte du Graal.
  • Charles d’Orléans. Ballades et rondeaux, Anthologie poétique française: Moyen Age 2, André Mary, ed., pp. 207-16, 220-28.
  • Christine de Pisan. La Cité des Dames.
  • Marie de France. Les Lais
  • Aucassin et Nicolette.
  • Le Roman de Tristan: poème du XIIe siècle, publié en Livre de Poche (édition composite des différentes versions à travers le Moyen Age rassemblées en un texte unique.)
  • François Villon. Testament.

XVIème siècle – ŒUVRES

  • Agrippa d’Aubigné. Les Tragiques, I. choix [ou ensemble choisi de plusieurs poètes protestants, dont d’Aubigné. du Bartas]
  • Joachim du Bellay. Les Antiquités de Rome (choix)
  • Louise Labé. Sonnets.
  • Marguerite de Navarre. Heptaméron.
  • Montaigne. Essais. sélections (éd. Pléiade, 1962):
  • Livre Premier. 14 Que le goust des biens et des maux dépend en bonne partie de l’opinion que nous en avons. 20 Que philosopher c’est apprendre à mourir. 23 De la coustume et de ne changer aisément une loy receüe. 31 Des cannibales.
  • Livre second. 1 De l’inconstance de nos actions. 3 De la conscience. 10 Des livres. 37 De la ressemblance des enfants aux pères.
  • Livre troisième. 6 Des coches. 12 De la phisionomie. 13 De l’expérience.
  • François Rabelais. Gargantua; Pantagruel
  • Jean Ronsard. Les Amours (choix)

XVIIème siècle – ŒUVRES

  • Pierre Corneille. Le Cid, Horace
  • René Descartes. Discours de la méthode
  • Jean La Fontaine. Fables (Livre I)
  • La Bruyère. Les Caractères («Du mérite personnel”)
  • Madame de Lafayette. La Princesse de Clèves
  • Molière, Dom Juan
  • Molière, Tartuffe ou L’Ecole des femmes
  • Blaise Pascal. ed. Lafuma (“Homme,” “Honnête homme,” “Imagination”)
    Jean Racine. Andromaque, Phèdre
  • La Rochefoucauld. Maximes (choix)

XVIIIème siècle – ŒUVRES

  • Beaumarchais. Le Mariage de Figaro
  • Charière. Lettres de Mrs Henley ou Lettres trouvées dans des portefeuilles d’émigrés
  • Denis Diderot. Le Neveu de Rameau
  • Denis Diderot. Le Rêve de d’Alembert
  • Graffigny. Lettres d’une péruvienne
  • Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Les Liaisons dangereuses
  • Pierre Marivaux. Le Jeu de l’amour et du hasard
  • Montesquieu. Les Lettres persanes
  • L’abbé Prévost. Manon Lescaut
  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Les Rêveries d’un promeneur solitaire
  • Voltaire. Candide ou Zadig

XIXème siècle – ŒUVRES

  • Honoré de Balzac. Le Père Goriot
  • Charles Baudelaire. Les Fleurs du mal (choix de poèmes comprenant « Correspondances », « A une passante », « Enivrez-vous », Le Rêve parisien », « Le Vampire »)
  • René de Chateaubriand. René
  • Benjamin Constant. Adolphe
  • Marceline Desbordes-Valmore (choix de poèmes)
  • Gustave Flaubert. Madame Bovary
  • Victor Hugo. Contemplations (choix de poèmes)
  • Victor Hugo. Hernani
  • Joris-Karl Huysmans. A Rebours
  • Stéphane Mallarmé (choix de poèmes)
  • Guy de Maupassant. Une Vie
  • Gérard de Nerval. « Aurélia » ou « Sylvie »
  • Arthur Rimbaud (choix de poèmes)
  • George Sand. Indiana
  • Stendhal. Le Rouge et le noir
  • Paul Verlaine (choix de poèmes)
  • Emile Zola. L’Assommoir ou Germinal

XXème siècle – ŒUVRES

  • Guillaume Apollinaire: “Zone,” “Le pont Mirabeau,” “Il pleut,” “La jolie
    rousse”
    Simone de Beauvoir. La femme indépendante, Gallimard, Edition femmes de lettres
  • Beckett. En attendant Godot
  • André Breton. Nadja
  • Albert Camus. L’Etranger
  • Marguerite Duras. L’Amant
  • Annie Ernaux. Journal du dehors
  • André Gide. Les Faux-Monnayeurs
  • André Malraux. La Condition humaine
  • Georges Perec. W ou le souvenir d’enfance
    Marcel Proust. Du côté de chez Swann
  • Francis Ponge. (“L’huitre,” “La cigarette,” “Le pain,” “Raisons de vivre
    heureux”)
  • Alain Robbe-Grillet. La Jalousie
  • Nathalie Sarraute. Enfance
  • Jean-Paul Sartre. La Nausée

Littérature francophone – ŒUVRES

  • Maryse Condé. Traversée de la mangrove
  • Assia Djebar. L’Amour. La fantasia
  • Cheik Hamidou Kane. L’Aventure ambiguë
  • Tahar ben Jelloun. L’Enfant de sable
  • Emile Ollivier. Passages
  • Gabrielle Roy. La Détresse et l’enchantement

Spanish

View the Spanish MA Program Reading List

Spanish

Comprehensive Exam in Spanish for MA Students

The reading list contains 150 titles. Upon registering for the examination, a student will declare a major and a minor area (Spanish/Latin American literature). The exam consists of 16 questions of which a student will have to answer seven (7): 5 questions in the major and 2 questions in the minor, as follows:

  1. Major: 8 questions in two categories. Choose no more than 3 questions from each category.
  2. Minor: 8 questions in two categories. Choose one (1) question from each category.

Note: An average of at least 80% is needed to pass the exam.

Comprehensive Exam in Spanish for TOP/TEP Students

The reading list contains 42 titles. The exam consists of 13 questions from which a student will have to answer eight (8): 4 in Spanish literature and 4 in Latin American literature. The exam will be divided into 5 parts:

  • Spanish Literature:
    1. Medieval Literature: 2 questions to choose 1
    2. Siglo de Oro: 3 questions to choose 2
    3. XIX and XX centuries: 2 questions to choose 1
  • Latin American Literature:
    1. Colonial Literature through Naturalism: 3 questions to choose 2
    2. Modernism through XX century: 3 questions to choose 2

Note: An average of at least 80% is needed to pass the exam.

Graduate Advisors

Michael Taormina
French Graduate Advisor
Office
68th Street West 1320
Phone
(212) 772-4760
Email
mtaormin@hunter.cuny.edu
Monica Calabritto
Italian Graduate Advisor
Office
68th Street West 1308
Phone
(212) 772-5098
Email
mcalabri@hunter.cuny.edu
Magdalena Perkowska
Spanish Graduate Advisor
Office
68th Street West 1319
Phone
(212) 772-5132
Email
mperkows@hunter.cuny.edu

HUNTER

Hunter College
695 Park Ave NY, NY 10065
(212) 772-4000

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