Romance Languages and Literature Department records

The George Washington University's Department of Romance Languages and Literatures is composed of faculty members who teach courses in Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese. The Department has been known as Romance Languages and Literatures since 1933, before that it was known as Romance Languages.

The Department fosters the reflective study of these cultures as well as a critical awareness of the complex ties that exist among Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and North America. They teach all levels of Spanish, French, and Italian language and literature, as well as first- and second-year Portuguese. The Department views language, culture and literature as complementary aspects of a single mission. Faculty members' scholarship and teaching enrich each other and lead to innovative approaches in the courses offered. The department pursues the model of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary intellectual community. The Department nourishes the geographical and cultural richness of Washington, DC and promotes the process of lifelong learning from both global and interactive perspectives.

Faculty are deeply committed to the critical analysis of literature, culture and film. Many faculty members also participate in Interdisciplinary programs at the graduate level, such as the Latin American Studies Program and the Graduate Program in the Human Sciences. The Department offers a wide variety of courses in literature and culture. Introductory courses in French, Italian and Spanish Literature are regularly offered, as well as courses dedicated to specific periods, authors or Special topics. Courses on film and cross-cultural studies are an important part of our curriculum. The department requires all majors to take a one-year seminar in advanced literature and criticism in preparation for the major field examination. This course marks the culmination of students' knowledge of language, literature and culture.

N.B. This history note was written in 2005