Welcome to the Department of Romance Studies at Boston University!
As our global community becomes increasingly interconnected and diverse, the command of world languages has never been more important. Fluency in the languages of other societies has become a necessity in our engagement with contemporary science, technology, business, and diplomacy. What is more, this fluency provides a unique passport to the enjoyment of literary and cinematic texts that have fundamentally defined other peoples and cultures.
As Chair of the Department of Romance Studies at a leading research university, I invite you to explore our department and learn why we are so passionate about the French-, Italian-, Portuguese-, and Spanish-speaking worlds. Our dedicated and creative professors, lecturers, and graduate students share a steadfast commitment to excellence in research and teaching, whether it be through an introductory course focused on communicative and proficiency-oriented learning or an advanced graduate seminar on a revisionist rereading of the literary canon.
Our dynamic community of students and scholars engages in pioneering interdisciplinary study encompassing philology, post-structuralism, globalization & migration, visual arts & film, theatre & performance, Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Transatlantic Studies, Global South Studies, Holocaust & Human Rights Studies, Modernist Studies, and much more. Our flexible and diverse curriculum offers students vast opportunities to explore their interests and engage in the study of literature, linguistics, theory, film, and cultural studies across historical and geographical boundaries. Our active department also hosts a wide range of cultural and scholarly events throughout the year that greatly enrich the educational experience.
The Department of Romance Studies at Boston University takes pride in its reputation as a friendly and supportive environment in which students of all backgrounds and beliefs enjoy learning and expanding their horizons and community. Each member of the department believes in and is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Join us to live, learn, and discover a whole new world!
Nicolás Fernández-Medina
Chair, Romance Studies
