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
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PRT 150: Intensive Portuguese I

Spring 2025 | Hybrid | Mon Wed : 5:00 PM-6:20 PM Ready to begin your Portuguese journey? PRT 150: Intensive Portuguese I is an accelerated course designed to take you from basic vocabulary and structures to a low-intermediate level of proficiency by the end of the semester. With engaging classroom activities, this hybrid course combines in-person learning with an online component for maximum flexibility. This course offers: With its fast-paced structure and emphasis on practical communication, this course equips you with the skills to confidently navigate Portuguese. By the end of the semester, you’ll have a strong foundation to

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January 19, 2025
A collage of eight photos arranged in a grid. The top left square features the MSU Spartan helmet logo on a dark green background. The other seven squares display individuals smiling or posing for the camera against various backdrops.
Faculty

Several College Projects Supported by HARP Development and Production Awards

Projects by College of Arts & Letters faculty, ranging from a linguistic course, to traveling exhibitions, to books on a range of subjects, received support this year from Humanities and Arts Research Program (HARP) Development or Production Awards. Funding for these HARP Grants is provided, in part, through the Michigan State University Research Foundation.

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December 13, 2024
Collage featuring iconic symbols of Brazil: the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Brazilian flag, and a yellow fishing boat. The text 'PRT 320: Journey into Brazil, Prof. Regiane Lima de Paula' is displayed in green on a white background with green and yellow design accents
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PRT 320: Journey Into Brazil

SS25 – Mon: 12:40 PM – 2:30 PM Unveiling the fabric of culture and society, PRT 320: Advanced Portuguese, led by Professor Regiane Lima de Paula, takes you on an immersive journey into the heart of Brazilian life. This hybrid course seamlessly integrates language learning with cultural exploration, offering a dynamic way to deepen your Portuguese skills while discovering the rich traditions and values that shape Brazil.  Through engaging discussions on topics such as food, family, education, and health, you’ll not only enhance your language proficiency but also gain the tools to confidently navigate personal and cultural situations within Brazilian contexts.  Why You’ll

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December 5, 2024
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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.

READ MORE >

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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