Romance Languages

The Romance Languages program at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Romance-speaking world. This program is designed to develop fluency in one or more Romance languages, such as French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or Romanian, while also providing a solid foundation in literary analysis, cultural studies, and historical contexts. Students engage with a diverse array of texts, from classical and medieval works to contemporary literature, films, and media, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural understanding. The curriculum emphasizes both language proficiency and cultural competency, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, education, translation, diplomacy, business, and more. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, vibrant language practice, and interdisciplinary approaches, students gain deep insights into the societal and historical forces that shape the Romance-speaking world. The program encourages study abroad experiences, enabling students to immerse themselves fully in the language and culture, thereby enhancing their linguistic skills and global perspective. Faculty members are dedicated to providing personalized mentorship and fostering a collaborative academic environment. With a focus on both language mastery and cultural literacy, the Dartmouth Romance Languages program equips students with the skills necessary to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world. Whether pursuing advanced study or preparing for professional careers, students graduate with a nuanced understanding of the Romance world and the ability to communicate effectively across cultures.

The Romance Languages program at Dartmouth College offers students an in-depth exploration of the rich linguistic, literary, and cultural traditions of the Romance language-speaking world. The curriculum is designed to foster advanced proficiency in one or more Romance languages, including French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and their regional dialects, while also providing a comprehensive understanding of their historical development and cultural contexts. Students begin their studies with foundational courses that emphasize language skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing, alongside grammar and vocabulary development. As they progress, they engage with more advanced literature, film, and cultural studies, enabling them to analyze and interpret texts and cultural phenomena critically.

The program encourages students to explore the diverse histories, philosophies, and artistic achievements that have shaped the Latin-based languages and their societies. Courses often include topics such as medieval and modern literature, linguistic variation, translation, and intercultural communication, providing a well-rounded academic experience. Students are also offered opportunities for immersive learning through study-abroad programs, which allow them to experience the language and culture firsthand in countries where these languages are spoken.

In addition to language proficiency and cultural knowledge, the program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and oral and written communication. Students are challenged to analyze literary texts, historical documents, and contemporary media, preparing them for careers in education, international relations, translation, publishing, and beyond. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, integrating insights from history, politics, art, and sociology to deepen understanding of the Romance-speaking world. The program culminates in senior projects that often involve original research and analyses, demonstrating mastery of the language and cultural studies.

Faculty members are distinguished scholars dedicated to fostering an engaging learning environment. They employ innovative teaching methods, including seminars, workshops, and interactive language labs, to enhance student engagement. Overall, the Romance Languages program at Dartmouth College prepares students not only to achieve high-level proficiency but also to become culturally informed global citizens capable of thoughtful engagement with diverse societies.

The Romance Languages program at Dartmouth College offers students an in-depth study of the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Romance-speaking world. The program typically requires completion of core coursework in two or more Romance languages, with students choosing from French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and sometimes other Romance languages. Students are expected to attain proficiency in their selected languages through language courses ranging from introductory to advanced levels. In addition, they engage in literature, history, and cultural courses that provide contextual understanding of the societies where these languages are spoken. The program encourages participation in study abroad opportunities to enhance language acquisition and cultural immersion.

Students are generally required to complete a capstone project, senior thesis, or comprehensive exam demonstrating their mastery of the language and cultural studies. Electives may include courses in linguistics, film, art history, and regional studies related to Romance-speaking countries. The program may also emphasize interdisciplinary approaches and cross-cultural comparisons to deepen students’ analytical skills.

To graduate with a major in Romance Languages, students typically must earn a specified number of credits in language courses at various levels, including advanced seminars and literature courses, along with the completion of related coursework in cultural and historical contexts. Language proficiency assessments or testing may be part of the evaluation process. The program prepares students for careers in education, international relations, translation, or further graduate study in linguistics, literature, or area studies. Overall, the Romance Languages program aims to foster linguistic fluency, cultural literacy, and critical thinking skills aligned with global academic and professional standards.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Financing studies for the Romance Languages program at Dartmouth College are designed to make undergraduate education accessible and affordable for all students. Dartmouth offers a robust financial aid program that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without requiring students to take out loans. The college's need-based grants and scholarships are provided to both domestic and international students based on an individual assessment of financial circumstances, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds can pursue their academic goals.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to be considered for financial aid packages. Dartmouth's financial aid office reviews each application holistically, considering family income, assets, and special circumstances. Merit-based scholarships are also available to outstanding applicants, emphasizing academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement.

The college's commitment to affordability is reflected in its policy of replacing loans with grants, thereby reducing students' debt burden upon graduation. Additionally, Dartmouth offers work-study opportunities that allow students to earn money during the academic year to contribute towards their educational expenses. These employment positions are usually on campus and are structured to accommodate students' academic schedules.

For international students, funding options are primarily need-based, and the college strives to meet full demonstrated financial need for admitted international students as well. Applicants are advised to submit all required financial documentation early to ensure full consideration.

Furthermore, Dartmouth provides family contribution calculators, financial planning resources, and counseling services to help students understand and manage the costs associated with their studies. External sources of funding, such as private scholarships and external grants, are also encouraged, and students can seek advice from the financial aid office regarding external funding opportunities.

Overall, Dartmouth College is dedicated to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from enrolling in the Romance Languages program, fostering an inclusive academic community focused on language mastery and cultural understanding.

The Romance Languages major at Dartmouth College offers students an in-depth exploration of the languages, literatures, cultures, and civilizations of the Romance-speaking world. This program typically encompasses the study of French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and possibly other Romance languages, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both linguistic structures and cultural contexts. Students have the opportunity to develop advanced language skills through rigorous coursework, including language proficiency courses, cultural studies, literature, linguistics, and media analysis. The curriculum often emphasizes both historical and contemporary perspectives, enabling students to appreciate the evolution of Romance languages and their cultural manifestations across different regions and time periods.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to engage in immersive experiences such as study abroad programs, internships, and intercultural projects, which enhance language proficiency and cultural awareness. Faculty members specializing in various aspects of Romance languages and their literature guide students in research, creative projects, and independent studies, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Graduates of the program typically pursue careers in international relations, translation, teaching, journalism, or further graduate studies. The major also aims to cultivate intercultural competence, linguistic dexterity, and a global perspective, preparing students to participate effectively in multicultural environments. Dartmouth’s strong emphasis on liberal arts education ensures that students gain not only linguistic proficiency but also a nuanced understanding of the historical, political, and social contexts of the regions where these languages are spoken. Overall, the Romance Languages program at Dartmouth aims to produce well-rounded, culturally aware, and linguistically capable graduates ready for diverse professional and academic paths.