Skip to main content

Romance Studies

Major

Important information at a glance

Degree: Bachelor of ArtsLanguage of Instruction: GermanStart of studies: Winter and summer semesterAdmission: Unrestricted admissionCombined subjects: Combined bachelor's degree (major)Standard period of study: 6 semestersSemester abroad: Recommended

Romance studies explore the languages, literatures, and cultures of Romance-speaking countries (France, French-speaking countries outside France, Spain, Latin America, Italy, Portugal, Catalonia) in terms of their structure and development across the following areas:

Literature Studies/Text and Media Studies: Literature studies encompass the full spectrum of Romance literatures from the Middle Ages to the present, with a comparative and interdisciplinary approach. Key areas of focus include text analysis, history of literature, literary and cultural theory, aesthetics, and rhetoric.

Linguistics: Linguistics examines the structure, development, and use of language through the example of Romance languages. Central topics include foundational concepts, methods, and research areas in modern linguistics, such as historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and multilingualism research.

Foreign Language Education: This includes topic-based discussions, developing written language skills through essay writing in the foreign language, raising awareness of translation strategies, and area studies as the intellectual, social, and cultural history of the respective language region.

The opportunity to combine Romance studies as a major subject with any minor subject (e.g., philosophy, sociology, theater, film, and media studies), along with the option to count courses from other disciplines toward modules in the Romance studies BA program, allows for a crossdisciplinary approach to the degree. Additionally, the vast spectrum of Romance languages and literatures, including those outside Europe, is fully covered. This linguistic diversity (French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Basque), combined with a focus on project-based, research-oriented learning in small groups, makes the degree program especially appealing. Moreover, the Romance studies department in Frankfurt is one of the institutes with the most extensive scholarship programs and international university partnerships. Finally, the international city of Frankfurt offers an excellent cultural scene, and the Rhine-Main region provides a wide range of attractive internship opportunities. Museums, theater institutions, literary event organizers, and especially official institutions representing the Romance-speaking world (such as the Instituto Cervantes) host a variety of readings, film screenings, and exhibitions.

Structure and content

Romance studies can be pursued as a major or a minor.

Major
Minor

Course of study

1st – 2nd Semester

Foundation Phase

Introduction to methods, theories, and fields of study in Romance studies:  

  • Literature studies  
  • Linguistics  
  • Foreign language training  

During the foundation phase, students must successfully complete two compulsory modules and one compulsory elective module (focus language).  

3rd – 6th Semester

Qualification Phase

Building on the knowledge acquired during the foundation phase and specializing in either literature studies or linguistics.  

During the qualification phase, students must successfully complete 1–2 compulsory modules (focus language), three specialization modules (literature studies or linguistics), and one compulsory elective module (additional language).  

Additionally, students can explore the optional area of compulsory/compulsory elective modules:  

  • "Free Study": Institute excursions, lecture series, lectures/seminars from other departments, etc.  
  • "Optional Module": Key qualifications for study and profession, including potential hands-on training, internships abroad, Basque language and culture  

6th Semester

Bachelor’s Thesis

The bachelor’s thesis is written during the 6th semester.

As part of the B.A. program in Romance studies with a major subject, students can focus on studying a primary language. In addition, a supplementary language must be selected.  
The following languages are available for selection: French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan (only as a supplementary language).  

The Bachelor’s major in Romance studies consists of a foundational phase, a specialization phase, and an optional module. During the foundational phase, students are introduced to the fundamentals of literature studies, linguistics, and their primary language. In the specialization phase, students deepen their knowledge of their primary language, choose to specialize in either literature studies or linguistics, and study a supplementary language.  

In both phases (foundational phase in the 1st–2nd semester, specialization phase in the 3rd–6th semester), students develop subject-specific skills in the use of the Romance language(s) they are studying. Courses in the optional module can be selected from the academic program offered across the entire university. Career-oriented qualifications can also be credited here.  

For more information about the Romance studies major, please visit the department’s webpage.

Study regulations

The study regulations govern the structure, organization, and content of the degree program as well as the examination system. They form the basis for your studies at Goethe University.

Study regulations