Department of Romance Languages and Literatures

two romance languages and literature students talking with a professor in a classroom.

All romance languages share a common historical origin in the Latin language, evolving into French, Italian, Spanish and several others. In the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, we teach courses that span the fields of language study, literary and textual studies, culture, linguistics, film and media studies, and history.

Students in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures develop the ability to speak another language, one of the most sought-after skills in today's complex, global society.

Experiential Learning

Deepen your understanding of the world beyond the typical classroom setting.

  • Partner with a faculty member on a research project
  • Take your education overseas to study abroad and immerse yourself in other cultures
  • Tutor language in one of Western New York’s many immigrant communities
  • Assist with French, Spanish or Italian instruction in a local bilingual classroom

Career-Focused

Whether it’s at a non-profit or a corporation, foreign language skills will put you ahead of your peers when it comes time to look for a job. Our alumni have pursued successful careers in social work, foreign service, business and finance, journalism, law, health care, library science, translation and interpreting, entertainment, tourism and the arts.

Degrees

  • BA in French
  • BA in Italian
  • BA in Spanish
  • MA in French Language
  • PhD in French Language
  • MA in Spanish Language
  • PhD in Spanish Language 

Minors

  • Minor in French
  • Minor in Italian
  • Minor in Spanish