Romance Studies
The Graduate Program
The Department of Romance Studies offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy post-master (PhD) in French Language & Literature and in Hispanic Language & Literatures. Although some courses are offered in German, Italian, and linguistics at the graduate level, no graduate degree programs exist in these fields. Comparative perspectives and interest in critical theory are supported by the structure of the department and by its relationship with the Department of Modern Languages & Comparative Literature. Graduate students may combine teaching with study in order to develop a strong grasp of a range of professional skills. A number of teaching fellowships are offered to qualified applicants. Applicants are also eligible for Presidential Fellowships offered by the Graduate School. Applications are considered for admission in September of each year. Further information is available from the Department of Romance Studies, 718 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, 617-353-2641.
Orientation for Teaching Fellows Students appointed as teaching fellows are required to participate in an orientation program on teaching given before the beginning of the academic year. Teaching fellows must also register for GRS LL 699.
Internship Requirement for the French and Spanish MA and PhD Programs The Department of Romance Studies recognizes the importance of practical training in those professional areas toward which its graduate academic curricula are aimed. Graduate students are, therefore, required, as an essential component of their academic preparation, to complete a practical training internship during the time of their enrollment in the program. Such training must provide students with experience (research, training, or other professional work) in an area that is relevant to progress in some aspect of their graduate program. A student may complete more than one practical training internship.
The requirement may be satisfied in a wide variety of settings and roles, including, but not limited to, teaching or tutoring language learners, conducting supervised research, acting as an instructor or teaching assistant in language or literature classes, designing or publishing language teaching or learning materials (paper or electronic), or other activities, as jointly decided by the student and his or her academic advisor. Research that is carried out for credit will not count toward the internship.
The internship may be paid or voluntary. Its duration will be negotiated among the student, advisor, and, where relevant, on-site supervisor. A written description of the proposed internship must be signed by the academic advisor and submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies. Upon completion of the internship, students give a brief, written report of the work accomplished to their advisor for his/her signature; the advisor passes this report to the Director of Graduate Studies, who appends it to the initial proposal as a standing record. The Director of Graduate Studies will then file an Exam Report with the Graduate School recording that the internship requirement has been fulfilled.
International students must register for the spring or fall semester while doing practical training internships. Summer registration is not required if the student will continue to register for the following fall semester. Having first acquired the approval of their internship from the departmental Director of Graduate Studies, international students who seek off-campus employment to fulfill their internship requirements must also obtain written authorization from the ISSO. Please contact the ISSO for additional information.
