INFORMATION For Concentrators

We offer the following concentrations:
French & Francophone Studies
Hispanic Studies
Italian Studies
Latin American Studies
Portuguese & Brazilian Studies
Romance Studies

What can you do with a concentration in RLL?  Answer....  Anything!!!

Our concentrators go on to careers in Investment Banking, Consulting, Teaching, Translation, Publishing, Performing Arts, Law, Business, Public Policy, Ministry, and Medicine.

Consider what some recent graduates have to say about their decision to concentrate in RLL:

I work on Wall Street, next to rows of people who studied Economics. Italian Studies has actually given me a leg up rather than hindered my career development - the “practical” finance skills I've picked up on the job, but I can also speak to Italian clients in their native tongue.

– Li Ran (Italian Studies, '01)

I am now working on my Masters in Law and Diplomacy, [in] a wonderful program, filled with interesting … people from all over the world. As you can imagine, I have been using my language skills to the fullest. – Erika López (Romance Studies, ’99)

I spent the summer in France working on EU health policy. I am currently back at [Harvard] for my second year of medical school, exploring the fields of literature & medicine and visual arts & medicine. – Michael Mirbaba (French & Francophone literatures, ’02)

Here's some general advice for all concentrators:

Remember that you are not alone in this department. Our entire advising team is highly accessible and we encourage you to keep us constantly aware of your concerns, plans, and interests. In addition, this web page will be continuously updated with important announcements.

Essential information for all concentrators can be found in our department's Handbook for Concentrators. The Handbook is an important resource for all, and you are encouraged to refer to it often.

In addition to reading the Handbook, you should take a few moments to explore the general information below.

Sophomores: You must take the Sophomore Tutorial in your section during your Spring term. Try to get as many basic survey courses out of the way as well. Towards the end of the year, start thinking about whether or not you may want to spend a semester abroad during your Junior Year.

Juniors: If you are even toying with the idea of pursuing honors, you must complete one semester of Junior Tutorial (98-level) in your section. For further information on these tutorials, please consult our Handbook. Based on the outcome of this tutorial, you will receive a recommendation as to whether or not to continue Honors. Should you pursue Honors, though, you must come up with a thesis topic towards the end of your junior year, and start your research during the summer between your junior and senior years. In addition, by this point, you should also be taking several 100-level or above courses in your field.

Seniors: First of all, take a few moments at the beginning of the year to consult with the Assistant to the Board of Undergraduate Studies or the Undergraduate Adviser in your section at the BEGINNING of the academic year to check how you're doing with regards to requirements. You don't want to have to pack in all of your requirements during your very last semester. Those pursuing Honors: get cracking on those theses! Meet regularly with your advisers, and keep all of us updated with regards to your progress. Those not pursuing Honors: this is your last year at Harvard. Meet with us to find out how you can explore your options to continue your interest in Romance Languages and Literatures after graduation.

Best luck to all for the upcoming academic year!

RESOURCES

• Handbook for Concentrators
• Fields of Concentration
• Current concentrators in RLL
• Study Abroad
• Prizes
• Undergraduate Foreign Language Requirement
• Foreign Languages at Harvard (brochure)
• Citations in Foreign Languages
• Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated on August 5, 2008