Romance Languages Major

The Romance Language major offers oral and written study of two languages as well as knowledge and understanding of two Romance literatures and civilizations. Through a combination of oral and written coursework, students develop proficiency in both languages, enabling them to engage fluently in conversation, read literature, and produce written works.

About the Major

The program emphasizes the study of two specific Romance languages, chosen from a selection that may include French, Spanish and Italian. In addition to linguistic proficiency, students gain insight into the rich literary and cultural heritage of the chosen languages. They explore significant works of literature, poetry, drama, and other forms of artistic expression, tracing the development of each language’s literary tradition across different historical periods and cultural contexts.

If you decide to major in Romance Languages, you will need to speak with an adviser for each discipline. Please click here for office hours.

Romance Languages Undergrad Program

Through interdisciplinary approaches and interactive learning experiences, students majoring in Romance Languages acquire critical thinking skills, cross-cultural competence, and communication abilities that are valuable in various professional fields. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in education, translation and interpretation, international business, diplomacy, tourism, publishing, and more. Furthermore, the program provides a solid foundation for advanced studies in linguistics, literature, cultural studies, or related disciplines at the graduate level.

Required Courses (36 credits):
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:

Complete at least 2 of the following (Literature Survey Sequence):
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
  - FREN 34100 - Survey of French Literature from the Middle Ages to the End of the 17th Century
  - FREN 34200 - Survey of French Literature from the 18th Century to the Modern Period
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
  - ITAL 34100 - Introduction to Italian Literature from the Middle Ages to the 16th Century
  - ITAL 34200 - Introduction to Italian Literature from the 16th Century to the Present
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
  - SPAN 34100 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature I
  - SPAN 34200 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature 2
Complete at least 2 of the following: (Advanced Literature)
Note: A maximum of 3 credits from FREN 491, ITAL 491 or SPAN 491 may be applied toward the major.
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
  - French - Advance Literature
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
  - Italian - Advance Literature
- Earn at least 9 credits from the following:
  - Spanish - Advance Literature
Complete at least 2 of the following: (Culture and Translation)
- Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
  - FREN 32100 - French Translation
  - FREN 33500 - French Culture I
  - FREN 33600 - French Culture 2
  - FREN 33700 - Contemporary French Culture
- Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
  - ITAL 32100 - Italian Translation
  - ITAL 33500 - Italian Culture 1
  - ITAL 33600 - Italian Culture 2
  - ITAL 33800 - 19th and 20th-Century Italian Women Writers, in Translation
- Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
  - SPAN 32100 - Spanish Translation
  - SPAN 33500 - Spanish Civilization
  - SPAN 33600 - Latin American Civilization