Fostering Knowledge of the Human Experience

We study French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, as well as the cultures throughout the world where they are spoken and written, and the classical languages and cultural heritage of Greece and Rome, enabling us to become proficient in these languages, literatures, and cultures, and to think critically about the world.

We offer

Individualized Attention

Small class sizes from award-winning faculty, staff and advisors

Service Learning & Research

Programs and classes dedicated to service learning and research opportunities

Career Connections

Establishing connections for mentors, guest speakers, and networking events

Program opportunities

Roman coliseum with streaks of car lights driving below

Classics & Mediterranean Studies

A minor in Classical and Mediterranean Studies encourages a greater appreciation of our classical past, and a deeper contemplation of the traditions and ideas that have shaped the world.

paris seine river, with bridge across it

French

Programs are designed for students who want to develop excellent reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the French language and build a strong understanding of the history and cultures of the French-speaking world. RCS offers an undergraduate minor, B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. programs in French.

Canal in Italy with buildings lining the side

Italian

A minor in Italian provides students the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of Italian language and cultures with study abroad opportunities. 

Boat on a river in the city Porto

PORTUGUESE

The Portuguese minor creates a more globally aware, internationally focused student with knowledge of the language as well as the cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Street lights and streaking car lights in centre Madrid

SPANISH

The Spanish minor, B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. programs encompass the richness and diversity of language, literature and culture in the Spanish-speaking world. RCS also provides opportunities for immersion in language and culture through study abroad and other experiences.

Program opportunities

Roman coliseum with streaks of car lights driving below

Classics & Mediterranean Studies

A minor in Classical and Mediterranean Studies encourages a greater appreciation of our classical past, and a deeper contemplation of the traditions and ideas that have shaped world.

paris seine river, with bridge across it

French

Designed for students who want to develop excellent reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the French language and build a strong understanding of the history and culture. French offers a minor, B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.

Canal in Italy with buildings lining the side

Italian

A minor in Italian provides students the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge of Italian language and cultures with study abroad opportunities. 

Street lights and streaking car lights in centre Madrid

Spanish

This program encompasses the richness and diversity within the language, literature and culture. It provides opportunities for immersion in Spanish-speaking cultures through a study abroad. Spanish offers a minor, B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.

Boat on a river in the city Porto

Portuguese

The Portuguese minor creates a more globally-aware, internationally-focused for students with knowledge of the language as well as the Portuguese culture.

Mierda Mexico, street with colorful building on either side

Hispanic studies

The program prepares students in the language, literatures, and cultures of the Hispanic world, with an emphasis on literary, linguistic and cultural studies and scholarly investigation. Hispanic Studies offers a M.A. and Ph.D.

student clubs

The language clubs in RCS offer the opportunity to learn about and share experiences related to diverse cultures, languages, and people.

Classics Society

French Club

Italian Club

Spanish Club

PORTUGUESE Club

featured News
Portuguese

PRT350: Luso-Brazilian Modern and Contemporary Short Stories

Unlock the Power of Short Fiction in Portuguese Literature PRT 350: Introduction to Literary Analysis offers a deep dive into Luso-Brazilian Modern and Contemporary Short Stories, exploring the works of short but captivating narratives from influential authors and their profound impact on literary and broader cultural traditions in the Portuguese-speaking world. This course begins with the 19th-century classics of literary giants such as Machado de Assis and Eça de Queiróz. Then, Prof. Gouveia will guide you through the evolution of the genre across the 20th century. Students will explore works that capture the essence of Brazilian and Portuguese cultural

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March 9, 2025
Illustration of a film reel unraveling into a stack of books, with the text 'PRT 340: Film adaptation in Luso-Brazilian culture' displayed on a black background surrounded by colorful stripes resembling a film frame
Portuguese

PRT340: Topics in Luso-Brazilian Culture – Film Adaptation

What do filmmakers transform classic stories when bringing them to life on screen? In PRT 340: Film Adaptation in Luso-Brazilian Culture, led by Professor Gouveia, you’ll explore the fascinating interplay between Luso-Brazilian literature and cinema. Dive into iconic works like A Hora da Estrela, Vidas Secas, and O Que é Isso Companheiro, and uncover how these stories evolve through artistic adaptation.  What You’ll Do in This Course:  PRT 340 isn’t just for literature or film enthusiasts—it’s for all students fascinated by the power of storytelling and its ability to cross boundaries and bridge cultures. By studying these classic works and their adaptations, you’ll gain insights into Luso-Brazilian history, culture,

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March 7, 2025
A stylized map illustration showing Portuguese exploration themes. It features several sailing ships with red crosses on white sails, navigating a green ocean grid. The map includes mythical sea creatures and waves, evoking historical cartographic styles. The right side is a textured red panel with the word "Portugal" written vertically, emphasizing the country's maritime legacy.
Portuguese

PRT340: History of Portuguese Encounters

The Portuguese were among the first, the most wide-ranging and most consequential travelers of the Age of Discovery. Join Prof. Saulo Gouveia to undertake your own voyage of discovery and see how deep the impact of Portuguese Maritime Expansion of the early modern era (from the 1400s on) was. These cross-cultural encounters shaped the world not just for the Portuguese, but for everyone else, too, leaving a profound legacy for the modern world.  Unique encounters More than just a history class, PRT 340: History of Portuguese Encounters takes you on a journey through time, revealing how the past continues

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March 6, 2025
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featured News

Image of paper people of all colors and sizes holding hands

RCS DEI Committee Series Workshop: Inclusive Language in the Classroom

Come join us on Friday, November 11, 2022 from 3-4:30 pm in Wells Hall A334! 

How do we use inclusive language when teaching Romance Languages?

LEARN MORE >

Citizen Scholar Interns in Argentina

Spanish major Carla Simone experienced a different culture while teaching English to students in first through seventh grade at Colegio Norbridge in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of a two-month summer internship.

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me-award-ceremony

“Working closely with faculty gives me a different perspective than just a student viewpoint. I get to see how the department and administration works and I know it will help me in the future when I become a Professor.”

Jonathan Montalvo

PhD graduate, Hispanic Cultural Studies Program

Learn More >

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