Romance Languages and Cultures

Undergraduate

Bienvenue Benvenute Bienvenidas Bem-vindas Bem-vindas Salvete. Learn one, learn them all!

Program Overview

Through discovery and knowledge of other languages, literatures, cultures and social structures, all central elements of the liberal arts tradition, you will strengthen your ability to function in a cross-cultural and global context by coming to a deeper understanding of your own language and culture. The RL&C program is open to anyone who is eager to assure fluency in at least two Romance languages, as well as knowledge of the literatures and cultures they represent.

Besides taking courses at Mount Holyoke and in the Five College community, we encourage our majors to investigate the many study abroad and international summer internship programs, available to them in such culturally diverse cities as Mérida (Mexico), Montpellier (France), Florence (Italy) and Seville (Spain).

A major or minor in Romance Languages and Culture can lead to a variety of national and international careers including government, the culinary arts, academics, nongovernmental organizations, banking, fashion, and film.

Romance Languages and Cultures alums frequently go on to use their languages in conjunction with work in professional, service, and voluntary agencies of the world. A good percentage of our graduates go on to teach in elementary or secondary schools. Many have also decided to continue their studies at the graduate level, mostly by entering Master and Ph.D. programs in Romance Languages and Cultures.

Community Voices

Spotlight on Romance Language students and alums

Astrid Rehl Baumgardner ’73 Lecturer & Head of Office of Career Strategies/Professional Career and Executive Coach

Sara Redeghieri ’16

R. Aleida Montejo ’03

Our courses

Our program seeks to foster linguistic fluency and appreciation of two or more romance languages and cultures. In addition to acquiring advanced reading, speaking, listening and written proficiency in two romance languages, you may access your literary and cultural heritage through a variety of courses as well as activities and events.

Students often arrive at Mount Holyoke with an intermediate proficiency level in one of the romance languages (201 or higher) and decide to add a second romance language, starting in 101.

If you are considering Romance Languages and Cultures as a possible major or minor, you should talk to the chair as soon as possible. Planning is essential from your arrival at Mount Holyoke until graduation. Regular conversations between you, your major advisors, and the chair will be a key to your success.

Courses and Requirements

Learning Goals

The main learning goals of the Romance Languages and Cultures program are to:

  • Assure (oral and written) fluency in at least two Romance languages, as well as knowledge of the literatures and cultures they represent.
  • View language/literature/culture in its interrelatedness.
  • Develop skills of communication and the critical tools to explore matters of aesthetics, cultural studies, history of ideas, and gender studies, among other areas of study.

Contact us

The Department of Romance Languages helps students learn to function in a cross-cultural & global context by coming to a deeper understanding of their own language & culture through discovery of other languages, literatures, cultures & social structures.

Cara Lapenas
  • Academic Department Coordinator

Next Steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of a liberal arts education and are driven by a love of learning. As a women's college that is gender diverse, we welcome applications from female, trans and non-binary students.

Financing your education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we’re here to make sure cost does not get in the way of an exceptional education.