UB Programs At-A-Glance

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 today's university students, whether for professional, intellectual, or social reasons. Whatever their chosen career, the need for intercultural and linguistic competencies is widely recognized. The cognitive benefits of language learning are well known, and the cultural opportunities open to linguistically competent students will enrich their lives immeasurably. Accordingly, the programs in 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:

About the Program

The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures (RLL) offers undergraduate majors and minors in French, Italian, and Spanish. It also offers a minor in Latina/Latino Studies and courses in humanities.

Fluency in foreign languages is a vital skill for today’s university students, whether for professional, intellectual, or social reasons. Whatever their chosen career, the need for intercultural and linguistic competencies is widely recognized. The cognitive benefits of language learning are well known, and the cultural opportunities open to linguistically competent students will enrich their lives immeasurably. Accordingly, the programs in RLL develop in students a high level of linguistic proficiency in the Romance languages and deepen their knowledge of and interest in Romance literatures and cultures.

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

Courses are offered under the individual languages (French, Italian, Latina/Latino Studies, and Spanish).

Practical Experience and 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, a semester, or summer in such countries as Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Those who are eligible for financial aid keep that eligibility during the period in which they study overseas. The department offers a small number of study abroad scholarships. 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

The study of languages can 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. Alternatively, 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 and Further Study

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 Romance languages. Further training, coursework and/or education may be necessary to obtain these positions:
Ambassador
Announcer (broadcast)
Attorney
Buyer/buyer's assistant
Caseworker
Consulting
Diplomat
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
Government
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.


Links to Further Information About This Program






Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:15 EST