Undergraduate Overview
French Club members engage in some friendly baguette fencing near Lake LaSalle on UB's North Campus
Build global skills that set you apart
In the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL), you will build one of the most valuable skills in today’s world: the ability to communicate across languages and cultures. Whether you begin as a true beginner or continue years of prior study, you will learn in immersive, small classes that build fluency, confidence and cultural insight from your first semester at UB.
Languages you can study within RLL
Majors are available in French, Italian and Spanish. Additional languages such as Portuguese, Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen) and Catalan are offered through courses and electives.
Language study is about more than vocabulary. It develops communication, cultural awareness and analytical thinking that employers value in an increasingly global world.
What makes RLL at UB distinctive:
- Small, interactive classes that emphasize conversation and collaboration
- Immersive learning environments where courses are taught in the target language
- Opportunities to explore literature, film, media and cultural debates
- Flexibility to combine language study with another major or professional interest
- Preparation for graduate study and careers in globally connected fields
Students learn alongside peers with different backgrounds and goals, building the ability to communicate across cultures and communities.
Majors
Minors
Students may also study additional languages offered through the department, including Portuguese, Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen) and Catalan through language courses and electives.
Studying a language works well alongside many other fields. Many students choose to double major, add a minor or combine degrees to build both professional expertise and global communication skills.
Language study strengthens careers that involve international collaboration, diverse communities or global markets.
Students commonly combine Romance Languages and Literatures with majors such as:
Arts, Film and Cultural Studies
Business and international trade
Communication, Media and Journalism
Education and Teaching
Engineering and Technology
Health Sciences and Public Health
Law and Public Policy
Many students discover that pairing language study with another field helps them stand out to employers and graduate programs.
Students develop strong language proficiency while exploring the cultures, histories and ideas connected to Romance languages.
You will learn to:
- Communicate effectively in another language
- Analyze literature, film and cultural texts
- Understand how language reflects culture, identity and history
- Present ideas clearly through writing and discussion
- Connect language study to contemporary global issues
Learning builds gradually, with courses moving from foundational communication skills to deeper cultural and literary analysis.
Language learning at UB emphasizes practice, participation and real-world communication. Courses are taught in the target language to help students develop confidence quickly.
In introductory courses, students:
- Build listening and speaking skills through guided practice
- Develop foundations in grammar and vocabulary
- Practice everyday communication in meaningful contexts
As students advance, they:
- Analyze literature, film and media
- Lead discussions and present research
- Connect language study to current events and global cultures
Students are encouraged to broaden their experience through study abroad programs, internships and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Students learn from faculty whose expertise spans language, literature, linguistics and cultural studies across the Romance-language world. Professors bring their research and global experience into the classroom while mentoring students as they develop their academic and professional goals.
Faculty research areas include:
- Hispanic and Romance linguistics
- Spanish and Latin American literature and culture
- French and francophone studies
- Italian literature and cultural history
- Caribbean and diaspora studies
- Comparative and interdisciplinary cultural studies
Faculty mentorship and advising help students explore interests, develop research skills and plan their academic paths.
Language skills expand your world and strengthen your future. Whether you plan to pursue international careers, graduate study or work in globally connected fields, Romance Languages and Literatures at UB prepares you to communicate across cultures and communities.
For undergraduate-related questions, please email rll-dus@buffalo.edu.
