Romance Languages
The Romance Languages program offers students a rich linguistic and cultural exploration of languages rooted in Latin, including French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. This interdisciplinary program allows learners to gain proficiency in two or more of these languages while engaging with the histories, literatures, and artistic traditions of their respective cultures. Students examine how language functions both as a means of communication and as a vessel of identity, ideology, and heritage across global regions. The curriculum emphasizes comparative study, enabling students to identify cross-cultural patterns and appreciate the linguistic diversity of the Romance-speaking world.
Designed for students interested in multilingual fluency and transnational literacy, the program blends language instruction with coursework in literature, cinema, cultural studies, and translation. Learners are encouraged to take part in immersive experiences such as study abroad and community-based projects that deepen their engagement with real-world linguistic and cultural contexts. With support from faculty across multiple departments, students build a flexible yet rigorous academic path that fosters critical thinking, interpretive skill, and a broad humanistic perspective. This educational foundation prepares graduates for advanced inquiry and global careers that require deep intercultural awareness and linguistic agility.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Romance Languages
- Degree Type: S. Bachelor
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Johns Hopkins University, United States
- Field of Study: Language Studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Language Foundations and Cultural Introduction
- Elementary and Intermediate Romance Language Courses
- Introduction to Romance Language Literatures
- Language and Identity in the Romance World
- Foundations of Cultural Analysis
Year 2 – Multilingual Development and Literary Perspectives
- Intermediate to Advanced Language Study (Two Languages)
- Survey of Romance Literatures and Civilizations
- Comparative Grammar and Syntax
- Electives in Film, Gender, or Postcolonial Studies
Year 3 – Advanced Study and Thematic Exploration
- Seminar in Transnational Romance Literatures
- Topics in Translation and Interpretation
- Electives in Global Francophone, Hispanic, or Lusophone Cultures
- Cultural Field Study or Language Teaching Practicum
Year 4 – Capstone Research and Professional Preparation
- Senior Thesis or Bilingual Project
- Advanced Seminar: Romance Languages in Global Context
- Academic Writing and Public Scholarship Workshop
- Portfolio and Graduate Study Preparation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Romance Languages program are equipped with linguistic fluency, analytical sophistication, and cross-cultural competence that position them for success across a wide array of professional sectors. Many pursue careers in translation and interpretation, international education, diplomacy, and nonprofit cultural work, where they apply their language expertise to facilitate communication and promote global engagement. Others find rewarding roles in publishing, arts administration, tourism, or journalism, where deep cultural literacy is increasingly valued. The program also prepares students for graduate study in linguistics, comparative literature, international relations, or language pedagogy. With strong training in writing, research, and intercultural communication, graduates are well-suited to navigate complex global landscapes and contribute meaningfully to multilingual communities, international institutions, and knowledge-based fields that require both intellectual flexibility and linguistic precision.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students who wish to immerse themselves in the study of multiple languages and cultures while building a versatile academic and professional profile. At Johns Hopkins University, learners benefit from a uniquely integrative curriculum that combines rigorous language instruction with critical engagement in literature, philosophy, and the arts. The program’s interdisciplinary approach supports practical experience through study abroad, research collaboration, and language-in-action projects that connect classroom learning to global realities. Students develop advanced literacy in more than one Romance language and build a nuanced understanding of how language intersects with identity, migration, colonial history, and cultural expression. With small class sizes, personalized faculty support, and access to a wide range of humanities resources, the program fosters intellectual independence and prepares graduates to succeed in a world where multilingualism and cross-cultural understanding are not just assets, but necessities.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 410 516 8000
Email: admissions@jhu.edu
Address: Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
