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
French

FRN440: Cartoons, Graphic Novels and Film in the Francophone and Arab Worlds 

Tue-Thurs: 12:40 PM – 2:00 PM How have comics, cartoons, and films shaped our understanding of political history in the Arab world and the Francosphere? This course explores the intersections of culture, politics, and identity by analyzing visual storytelling from the 20th century to today. Led by Dr. Valentina Denzel and Sadam Issa, the class takes a subaltern approach, focusing on voices and perspectives often left out of mainstream narratives.  Students will examine how France, Palestine, Algeria, Lebanon, and other countries have been shaped by colonialism, immigration, discrimination, and activism. Through the study of visual and literary media, the course highlights key social and political issues, including feminist and

Read More »
April 1, 2025
French

FRN450: Memory and Culture of French-Indochina 

Mon-Wed: 8:50 PM – 9:50 PM How does colonial history shape cultural identity, resistance, and memory?   This advanced seminar explores the colonial encounter between France and Indochina, from the French invasion in 1858 to their military defeat in 1954. More than just a history lesson, the course looks at how colonialism shaped culture, resistance, and memory in both Southeast Asia and France.  The class is divided into four key themes:  Students will read history books, analyze political writings, study literature, and watch films to better understand this complex period. Through discussion and research, students will also gain insight into how colonialism shaped the world and

Read More »
April 1, 2025
Faculty

MSU’s Italian Program Coordinator Takes On New Role to Shape How Italian is Taught in Michigan

Carmen De Lorenzo, Instructor and Coordinator of the Italian Program in the Department of Romance and Classical Studies at Michigan State University, will help shape how Italian is taught and experienced in Michigan as part of her newly appointed role as the Michigan Representative for the Osservatorio della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo. This appointment from the Italian Consulate honors De Lorenzo’s dedication to advancing Italian language education at all levels. As the Michigan Representative for the Osservatorio della Lingua Italiana nel Mondo, De Lorenzo will collaborate with educators, cultural leaders, and consular officials to strengthen Italian programs and to create exciting new opportunities

Read More »
March 25, 2025
View All News

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 >

Events

Connect With Us

  • Opens in a new tab
  • Opens in a new tab