Romance Languages and Literatures
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
College of Arts and Sciences
910 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4620
Phone: 716.645.2191
Fax: 716.645.5981
Web: rll.buffalo.edu/rll
Email: rll-info@buffalo.edu
Maureen Jameson
Chair
716.645.2191
jameson@buffalo.edu
About the Department
Fluency in foreign languages is a vital skill for university students to acquire in today's world, whether in preparation for negotiating business deals, conducting research, or forging friendships. In the process of acquiring that fluency, students explore the relationship between cultures, discover different ways of thinking and of viewing the world, learn to understand their own experiences better and take major steps toward becoming full citizens in an increasingly interconnected world. In accordance with these principles, the programs in the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL) are designed to develop in students a high level of linguistic proficiency in foreign languages and to deepen their knowledge of and interest in foreign literatures and cultures.
The department administers programs in:
- French
- Italian
- Latino/Latina Studies
- Spanish
Degrees Offered
There is no undergraduate degree offered in Romance Languages and Literatures itself. Rather, bachelors and graduate degree are granted in the languages (French, Italian, Latina/Latino Studies, and Spanish) administered by the department.
About Our Degrees
The RLL department offers the B.A. degree, and minors, in French, Italian and Spanish. The department also offers a minor in Latina/Latino Studies. Further information can be found on the pages describing those programs.
Applications to the majors and minors are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are available at the department office or on the RLL website.
About Our Courses
There are no courses offered under the abbreviation RLL. Rather, courses are offered under the individual languages (French, Italian, Latina/Latino Studies, and Spanish).
Special Academic Opportunities
Study Abroad
One of the most effective and exciting ways to master a foreign language and to learn about another culture is to live abroad. In an increasingly global economy, today's students recognize the crucial importance of international and cross-cultural experience, whether their field is in the humanities, business, science, or engineering.
Traditionally, students have participated in study abroad programs to improve foreign language skills, gain experience applicable to a variety of internationally oriented careers, and expand their personal horizons. Today, new programs also allow UB students to tailor the study abroad experience of another culture to their degree curricula and career plans.
Students have the opportunity to study for the full academic year, one semester or summers in such countries as Canada, Cuba, France, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Those who are eligible for financial aid keep that eligibility during the period in which they study at foreign institutions. For more information about study abroad opportunities through UB and other institutions, contact the Study Abroad Programs office, 210 Talbert Hall, (716) 645-3912.
Extracurricular Activities
See the UB Student Association.
Complementary Programs and Courses
Since opportunities for translators, interpreters and language educators may be limited, it is recommended that the study of languages be supplemented by courses to develop expertise in other areas such as health careers, psychology/human services, journalism or business. Foreign language students may major in interdisciplinary area studies, learning the history, geography, sociology and economics of an area whose language they know or they may choose a special major, combining a language with international studies, environmental studies, political science or finance, in order to prepare for a career in banking, insurance, international trade, government, non-profit/advocacy or law.
Career Information
Skills gained in this program include:
- Making fine verbal distinctions and grasping subtleties of meaning in and between multiple languages
- Considering cultural preferences in planning and design
- Adapting programs and products to the cultural background of the clientele or audience
- Using original publications, rather than translations, for research
- Analyzing written materials on a variety of subjects and identifying significant facts
- Selecting appropriate idioms to exchange ideas across language barriers
- Using a large vocabulary in multiple languages correctly
- Grasping verbal messages and interpreting them into another language without losing the implications or spirit of the original
- Using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure while identifying errors
- Interviewing and interacting with people who are culturally diverse
Career Choices
The Department of Education reports that U.S. corporations are beginning to place greater value on second language proficiency and awareness of other cultures in potential employees. Proficiency in another language as well as the research and analytical skills developed through the study of foreign languages and cultures are also assets for individuals who enter a variety of careers.
The following job titles are possible job opportunities for those who have a background in modern languages. Further training, coursework and/or education may be necessary to obtain these positions:
- Announcer (broadcast)
- Buyer/buyer assistant
- Caseworker
- Consulting
- Editor/editorial assistant
- Employment interviewer or Affirmative Action officer
- Financial planner
- Foreign correspondent
- Foreign language teacher or ESL/EFL teacher
- Foreign service officer
- Foreign student advisor
- Importer-exporter
- Journalist
- Librarian
- Media sales
- Passenger service representative
- Performer
- Professor
- Public relations
- Sales representative
- Translator/interpreter
- Travel agent
- Travel guide administrative assistant
- Tutor
- Urban/community planner
- Wholesaler
Work Settings Include:
- Advertising/communications
- Arts management
- Banking
- Diplomacy
- Education
- Entertainment/theatre
- Human service agencies
- Law
- Library science
- Medicine
- Sales and marketing
- Science
- Social work
- Travel and tourism
Post-undergraduate opportunities
Many students who complete the department's undergraduate programs routinely continue their studies in graduate and professional schools with financial support in the form of Fulbright awards, prestigious fellowships and teaching assistantships.
Aulitional Resources
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages; 6 Executive Boulevard, Yonkers, New York 10701
American Society of Travel Agents; 1101 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314
American Translators Association; 109 Croton Avenue, Ossining, New York 10562
U.S. Department of State - Languages Services Division; Washington, DC 20001
U.S. Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics; Washington, DC 20212
Links to Further Information About This Program
- Undergraduate Catalog
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
- College of Arts and Sciences