Romance Studies

The Romance Studies program at Dartmouth College offers students an immersive and comprehensive exploration of the languages, literatures, cultures, and histories of the Romance-speaking world. This interdisciplinary major is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the diverse and interconnected regions where Romance languages are spoken, including countries in Europe, Latin America, and other parts of the world. The program combines rigorous language instruction with courses in literature, cultural studies, history, and contemporary issues, providing a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking and intercultural competence.

Students in the Romance Studies program have the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in one or more Romance languages—such as French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or others—through intensive language courses and practical immersion experiences. In addition to language proficiency, students engage with a broad spectrum of literary texts—from classical works to modern literature—and explore thematic topics including identity, migration, politics, and social change. The program emphasizes analytical skills, cultural awareness, and historical context, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, education, law, business, publishing, and beyond.

The curriculum at Dartmouth is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. Students can participate in study abroad programs to gain firsthand experience of the cultures they study, as well as internships and research opportunities that deepen their understanding. Faculty members are renowned scholars in their fields, dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Graduates of the Romance Studies program leave equipped with multilingual communication skills, a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity, and the ability to analyze complex texts and social phenomena. Thanks to Dartmouth’s strong alumni network and its emphasis on a globally oriented liberal arts education, students are well-prepared to pursue further academic study or professional paths that demand cross-cultural competence and language mastery. Whether students aim to become translators, diplomats, educators, or cultural analysts, the Romance Studies program provides the foundation for meaningful engagement with the Romance-speaking world and beyond.

Major in Romance Studies

Prerequisite: SPAN 9 (or equivalent)

Students wishing to pursue a major in Romance Studies must take courses in two of the Romance Languages offered at Dartmouth College (Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Italian), one serving as their primary language, the other as their secondary. This major option will consist of a minimum of ten courses. Six of these courses will be selected among the course offerings of the primary language and four from the secondary. Students will work closely with the Major Advisor in coordinating their course of study.

When Spanish is the primary language, the six courses in this language must be distributed as follows:

Prerequisite: SPAN 9 Culture and Conversation: Advanced Spanish Language

1. SPAN 20 Writing and Reading: A Critical and Cultural Approach

SPAN 20 is required for majors and minors and counts towards the major and minor. It can be taken concurrently with other 30-level courses, but it is a prerequisite for upper-level courses (SPAN 40 and higher).

2. Survey Courses (SPAN 30 Introduction to Hispanic Studies I: Middle Ages-17th Century, SPAN 31 Introduction to Hispanic Studies II: 18th and 19th Centuries, SPAN 32 Introduction to Hispanic Studies III: 20th-21st Centuries) and Foreign Study Program Courses (SPAN 33 Argentine Civilization: Society, Culture and Politics in Argentina, SPAN 34 Society, Culture and Politics in Spain, SPAN 35 Studies in Spanish-American Literature and Culture, SPAN 36 Studies in Modern and Contemporary Spanish Literature)

Students must take at least one of these courses. No more than two may count toward the major (except for students doing a Foreign Study Program, who can count a maximum of three). The prerequisites for Foreign Study Programs also apply to majors in Romance Studies.

3. Upper Level Courses (SPAN 40.01 War in 19th Century Latin American Culture, SPAN 43.01 Ballads in Medieval Hispanic Literature, SPAN 45.01 Slaves from the Past, Slaves Next Door, SPAN 50.02 New Sexual and Social identity in Film and Literature in Post-Franco Spain, SPAN 53.02 History of the Spanish Language, SPAN 55.04 Humor and Politics in Latin American Literature, Film and Culture, SPAN 60 Race and Ethnicity in Hispanic Studies, SPAN 63 Hispanic Film Studies, SPAN 65.01 The Freak Onstage, SPAN 70.01 Great Works of Hispanic Literature: Don Quixote and One Hundred Years of Solitude, SPAN 72 Latin American and Latina Women: Gender, Culture, Literature, SPAN 73.02 Under the Influence. Intoxicating Goods and Vicious Texts from Early Modern Spain, SPAN 73.03 Spanish Leviathan: Literature and State Violence from 1812 to 2009, SPAN 75 Creative Writing in Spanish, SPAN 77.02 Manuel Puig: The Evolution of a Narrative Poetics. From La traición de Rita Hayworth (Betrayed by Rita Hayworth), to Cae la noche tropical (Tropical Night Falling)) and Independent Study (SPAN 83)*

In consultation with the Major Advisor, students choose the remaining courses from the upper-level course list.

*One Independent Study (SPAN 83) may count as an upper-level course for the Major in Romance Studies. The Department projects its upper-level offerings up to two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic, faculty advisor, and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval no later than the seventh week of the term preceding the term they wish to undertake the Independent Study.

4. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (SPAN 80)

Students pursuing a major in Romance Studies whose primary language is Spanish must take the Senior Seminar (Spanish 80) as one of their six upper-level courses. This course also fulfills the Culminating Experience required of all seniors.

The four courses in the secondary language must be selected from among courses that count towards the major or minor in that respective language.

When Portuguese is the primary language, the six courses in this language must be distributed as follows:

Prerequisite: PORT 9 Writing and Speaking: A Cultural Approach

1. Survey Courses PORT 20 The Portuguese-Speaking World and its Literatures and Cultures: The Definition of an Identity

2. Upper level courses (PORT 60 The Portuguese-Speaking World: Literature and Culture by Period, PORT 61 The Portuguese-Speaking World: Genre, PORT 62.02 The Poetry of Brazilian Popular Music, PORT 63 Special Topics. Literary and Cultural Productions of the Portuguese-Speaking World) Foreign Study Program (PORT 35 and 36, and Independent Study PORT 83). Students must take four of the courses in this list.

*One Independent Study (PORT 83) counts for the Major in Romance Studies. The Department projects its upper-level offerings two years in advance so that students can thoughtfully plan an individualized course of study in consultation with the Major Advisor. Students interested in pursuing an Independent Study must identify their topic, faculty advisor, and present a proposal to their faculty advisor and to the Department for approval by the last week of the term prior to registration for PORT 83.

3. Culminating Experience: Senior Seminar (PORT 80)

Students pursuing a major in Romance Studies whose primary language is Portuguese must take the Senior Seminar (Portuguese 80) as one of their six upper-level courses. This course fulfills the Culminating Experience required of all seniors.

The four courses in the secondary language must be selected from among courses that count towards the major or minor in that respective language.

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores).

9.       Knowledge of two of the Romance Languages

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.

Enroll in the course

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The Department of Romance Studies at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive program focused on the languages, literatures, cultures, and histories of the Romance language-speaking regions, including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the broader Francophone, Italophone, and Hispanophone worlds. The program aims to develop students’ proficiency in the relevant languages—French, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese—while fostering an in-depth understanding of their cultural, historical, and literary contexts. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and cultural immersion, students gain a multidisciplinary perspective on the social, political, and artistic developments within these regions. The curriculum emphasizes language mastery, literary analysis, historical inquiry, and cultural studies, preparing students for diverse careers in areas such as international relations, education, translation, publishing, and more. Students can choose to concentrate in one language or explore interdisciplinary pathways that integrate multiple Romance languages and cultures. The program encourages proficiency in oral and written communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, equipping graduates with valuable skills for global engagement. In addition to classroom instruction, students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs, internships, and research projects to enhance their linguistic and cultural competencies. Dartmouth’s faculty members are dedicated scholars and experienced educators who support students through mentorship and personalized advising. The department also hosts cultural events, guest lectures, and film screenings that enrich the academic experience and foster a vibrant community of learners passionate about the Romance world. Overall, the program prepares students not only to appreciate the linguistic richness of the Romance languages but also to understand their significance in shaping world history and contemporary societal dynamics.