We are pleased that you are interested in graduate studies in Romance Languages and Literatures. I hope our web site and its links provide you with a good basic introduction to our department. If, after reviewing the information here, you decide to apply to the Ph.D. program, please note that the Admissions Office prefers that you do so on-line if possible. The 2008 application for admission will be available on-line at https://apply.embark.com/grad/harvard/gsas/22/ by the end of the summer. If necessary, you may request a paper application at that URL. The deadline for application in 2008-09 is January 2, 2008. It is important that you submit all of the required documents by that date.

While you are visiting our site, please examine carefully Higher Degrees in Romance Languages and Literatures as well as the pages relating specifically to the program that you are considering. The Registrar lists the current year's course course offerings in detail. These pages will probably answer many of your questions about our graduate program.

A few things to note: ordinarily, although our Ph.D. program incorporates a Master's degree, new applicants will be considered for the full doctoral program only. The Graduate School has become increasingly more able to provide its students with the resources necessary to complete advanced degree programs. Currently, the standard financial aid package includes five years of tuition and fees; three years of living stipend; two years of teaching fellow salary; and a summer stipend following the first and second year of studies. Sources of additional funding include summer awards for language study, travel, or research; loans; exchange programs and competitive fellowships within and outside the University. All students in good standing are afforded the opportunity to teach beginning in the third year of graduate studies. And, at some point after completing residence requirements and general exams, they are given the chance to travel abroad for the purpose of study, teaching, or conducting research. In addition, Ph.D. candidates can generally expect to receive at least one summer travel grant during their years at Harvard.

If you have questions about a specific literature, you may write to the appropriate Director of Graduate Studies: Professor Janet Beizer in French; Professor Francesco Erspamer in Italian; Professor Joaquim-Francisco Coelho in Portuguese; and Professor Doris Sommer in Spanish. You are welcome to call or email me with general or policy-related questions.

I very much look forward to being in touch with you.

Sincerely,

Frannie Lindsay
Coordinator of Graduate Studies
Phone: 617-495-2525

Last updated on September 18, 2007