Romance Languages and Literatures

910 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4620

716-645-2191
www.arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/romance-languages-literatures.html

Amy C. Graves Monroe, Ph.D.
Chair
acgraves@buffalo.edu

Henry Berlin, Ph.D.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
rll-dus@buffalo.edu

Romance Languages and Literature Overview

Undergraduate students in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL) develop one of the most sought-after skills in today’s complex, global society: the ability to speak a foreign language.

The French language is spoken daily by 235 million people living not only in France, but also in other parts of Europe as well as in Canada, the Caribbean, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is a major international language of the arts, commerce, diplomacy, and science. In the United States, as of 2013, more students study French than any other foreign language except Spanish. French is one of the working languages of such international institutions as the United Nations, the European Union, the World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization, and it is the sole language used for the deliberations of the Court of Justice of the European Union. It is an official language of 29 countries. The centuries-old relationship of anglophone and francophone cultures is manifest in a rich common heritage. Some 30% of English words are of French origin, and the artistic, literary, and philosophical ties between France and English-speaking countries are countless.

The French BA program offers training in the spoken and written language through small, highly interactive classes. Texts, films and special events showcase the literatures and cultures of French-speaking world regions both past and present. French students are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full year.

Italian is spoken by more than 60 million people, mainly in Italy but also in Switzerland (in the Canton Ticino) by some half million speakers where it is one of the four official languages. Italian is also spoken by large communities in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and South America (specifically in Argentina and in the south of Brazil where almost half of the population is of Italian origin). The Italian BA program develops an appreciation of Italian world cultures through an engaged study of language, literature, and film. It also provides many ways for students to acquire or improve language proficiency, to explore various cultural aspects of Italy and of Italian world communities (including in the United States), and to gain a strong foundation in the study of Italian literature and film. Italian students are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full year.

Spanish is the first language of 427 million speakers in over 30 countries, and is the official language not only of Spain, but also of Mexico, several Caribbean islands, most of the countries of Central and South America, and Equatorial Guinea. With 41 million native speakers and another 11.6 million who are bilingual, the United States is ahead of Colombia (48 million) and Spain (46 million) and second only to Mexico (121 million). Spanish is a major international language of banking, commerce, cultural production, diplomacy, and science. Fluency in Spanish opens up a wide range of service and employment opportunities at home and abroad.

The Spanish BA program introduces students to a wide range of disciplines within the area of Hispanic language and civilization. Its goal is to build students’ proficiency in the Spanish language. Students may take coursework in literature, linguistics, language teaching, or other related areas. The program offers a broad selection of classes, as well as opportunity for independent study or directed work in allied fields. Spanish students are strongly encouraged to study abroad for a summer, a semester, or a full year.

There are quality affordable SUNY programs throughout Italy, Spain, France as well as in Quebec, Senegal, Morocco, Switzerland, Argentina, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico and among other destinations.

Students who wish to earn teacher certification should contact the Teacher Education Institute in the Graduate School of Education, 367 Baldy Hall.

Academic Advising

Students obtain academic advice and guidance from the academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement & Services office (275 Park Hall) and from faculty in their program of study. The CAS Student Advisement and Services Office assists undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to plan their academic trajectory, develop goals and successfully complete their college careers.

Academic Advising Contact Information

College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisement & Services
275 Park Hall, North Campus
North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-4140
Phone: 716-645-6883
Email: cas-advisor@buffalo.edu

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