INFORMATION For Concentrators
Welcome to the Academic Year 2008-2009!
Concentrations in RLL focus on language, literature, and culture. The concentration tracks share the following important features:
Individualized programs
Small classes
Direct contact with Faculty
Study abroad
Comparative and interdisciplinary work
Many activities beyond the classroom: films, language tables, visiting lecturers.
There are two general types of concentration in RLL:
Full concentration, focusing exclusively on the literary and cultural traditions of one, two, or three languages.
Joint concentration, an honors track that finds common ground between an RLL field and another discipline (English, Music, Art and Architecture, etc.)
We offer the following concentrations:
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
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
Undergraduate Program Coordinator 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 October 27, 2009
