Please feel free to consult the Course catalogue on line. Our department offers a wide variety of language courses (all levels) and literature courses as well. It is impossible to sum them up in such a short space.

2. I'm thinking of applying to Harvard next year and want to meet with someone in the Department. Is this possible?

Due to limitations in space and availability, we only arrange meetings with current high-school seniors. Juniors are kindly requested to make full use of our on-line information. Please note that the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures functions independently of the Admissions Office. Contacting a member of our department does not under any circumstances influence an admissions decision.

3. I am a high-school senior and plan to come see the Harvard campus. May I visit a class?

Please contact Walter Hryshko, Assistant to the Board of Undergraduate Studies (rllbus@fas.harvard.edu), specifying your language(s) and which specific class you would like to visit. Note that not all requests for class visits can be granted: this depends on scheduling and on the instructor's permission.

4. I have already been admitted to Harvard and would like to know which language class to take.

This information is available upon registration at Harvard University. Feel free to come to our information session during the Pre-Freshmen weekend, normally held at some point during the latter part of the month of April.

Information for First-Years and other interested Undergraduates

1. What level language course should I take?

All questions regarding language placement should be directed to Prof. Kimberlee Campbell.

2. What is a language citation? How do I obtain one?

Click on this link for detailed information.

3. I can't fit a language course into my schedule this semester, but I don't want to forget what I've already learned. How do I keep up with my language skills?

There are two methods. The first is to arrange for a private tutor. Rates vary from tutor to tutor. Please refer to our Tutor and Translator List for further information. The second method is to participate in one of our many language tables held in dining halls across campus. Participation is free for all Harvard undergraduates, but please be aware that certain interhouse dining restrictions may apply. An up-to-date list of language tables will be available on this site by the end of September, so please check back then.

4. What is a concentration in Romance Languages and Literatures?

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures offers the following concentration tracks. (Links can refer to Handbook pages)

French and Francophone Literature
French and Francophone Studies
Hispanic Literature
Hispanic Studies
Italian Literature
Italian Studies
Portuguese and Brazilian Literature
Portuguese and Brazilian Studies
Latin American Studies
Romance Studies

Students who wish to concentrate in two languages and literatures offered by the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures may pursue what is known as a combined concentration. In addition, many students pursue joint concentrations with other departments, such as Anthropology, English, History, History of Art and Architecture, History and Literature, Sociology, among others.

5. How do I become a concentrator in Romance Languages and Literatures?

At any point during the academic year, you are welcome to contact Elvira DiFabio, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies or Mary M. Gaylord , Director of Undergraduate Studies, to obtain general concentration information or if you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your plans in person. For further advice in any of the concentration tracks listed above in item 4, you are welcome to contact the following individuals:

French and Francophone Literature and Studies: Marie-France Bunting

Hispanic Literature and Hispanic Studies: Johanna Liander

Italian Literature and Italian Studies: Elvira DiFabio

Latin American Studies: Mariano Siskind

Portuguese and Brazilian Literature and Studies: Clémence Jouët-Pastré

Romance Studies: Mary Gaylord

Please note that many concentrators who have difficulty narrowing themselves down to one specific track decide to pursue either a joint concentration with Romance Languages and Literatures and another department (such as Anthropology, English, History, History of Art and Architecture, Sociology, etc.) or a combined concentration between two of the language/literature tracks offered within the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (such as French and Italian, French and Spanish, Italian and Spanish, Spanish and Portuguese, etc.) Students who pursue Romance Studies or Latin American Studies may not pursue a joint concentration with another department or a combined concentration within the department.

6. What if I want to pursue Honors?

All students pursuing a full concentration in Romance Languages and Literatures have the option of pursuing Honors or non-Honors.

Students involved in a joint concentration between Romance Languages and Literatures and another department are required to pursue Honors.

Non-honors requirements in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures entail the successful completion of 12 half-courses, distributed as outlined in the Handbook for Concentrators according to the particular track.

Honors requirements in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures entail the successful completion of 14 half-courses, distributed as outlined in the Handbook for Concentrators according to the particular track. In addition, Honors candidates are required to complete a thesis and to take oral and written general exams at the end of their senior year. For further descriptions of the thesis and the oral and written general exams, please refer to our Handbook for Concentrators.

7. How many concentrators are there in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures?

Figures as of September 2007:

40 Concentrators in total (includes only juniors and seniors)

By Year:
Total Juniors: 14
Total Seniors: 26

By Track:

French and Francophone Literature/Studies: 9
Hispanic Literature/Studies: 8
Latin American Studies: 9
Romance Studies: 5
Italian Literature/Studies: 13
Portuguese/Brazilian Literature/Studies: 2
Combined: 4: (French/Spanish: 1; French/Italian: 2; Italian/Spanish: 1)

8. What if I want to study abroad in a country where a Romance language is spoken?

For concentrators in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures: we encourage you to meet with one of our advisers to discuss your options for study abroad and for concentration credit for courses taken abroad. At any given moment, approximately 10-20% of our concentrators are studying abroad.

For all other undergraduates: Please contact or visit the Office of International Programs for a complete list of Study Abroad programs. The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures cannot advise or provide any signature for undergraduates not concentrating in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, as different departments have different requirements.

Last updated on September 18, 2007