Romance Studies

Minor

Important information at a glance

Degree: Bachelor (Minor)Language of Instruction: GermanStart of studies: Winter and summer semesterAdmission: Unrestricted admissionCombined subjects: Combined bachelor's degree (minor)Standard period of study: Depending on major

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

Literature Studies/Text and Media Studies: Literature studies cover the entire spectrum of Romance literatures from the Middle Ages to the present, adopting 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 lens of Romance languages. Central topics include foundational concepts, methods, and research fields in modern linguistics, such as historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, and multilingualism research.

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

The Romance studies program in Frankfurt covers the vast spectrum of Romance languages and literatures, including those outside the European continent. This linguistic diversity (French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Basque), combined with a focus on project-based, research-driven learning in small groups, makes the degree program particularly appealing. Additionally, Frankfurt’s Romance studies department is one of the institutes with the most extensive scholarship programs and international university partnerships. The international city of Frankfurt offers an excellent cultural scene, while the Rhine-Main region provides a wide range of attractive internship opportunities. Museums, theater institutions, literary organizations, and official institutions representing the Romance-speaking world (such as the Instituto Cervantes) host diverse events, including readings, film screenings, and exhibitions.

Structure and content

Romance studies can be studied as a major or as 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 required modules and one compulsory elective module (focus language).

3rd – 6th Semester

Qualification Phase

Building on the knowledge gained in the foundation phase and specializing in either literature or linguistics.

During the qualification phase, students must successfully complete two required modules (focus language) and three specialization modules (literature or linguistics).

The Bachelor's minor in Romance studies is divided into a foundational phase and a specialization phase. During the foundational phase, students are introduced to the fundamentals of literature studies, linguistics, and their chosen focus language. In the specialization phase, students deepen their knowledge of their focus language and specialize in one of the two disciplines—literature studies or linguistics—by completing the qualification modules designated for their chosen specialization. No registration is required.

Throughout both phases (foundational phase in the 1st–2nd semesters, specialization phase in the 3rd–6th semesters), students develop subject-specific proficiency in the use of the Romance language(s) they are studying.

For more information about the minor in Romance studies, 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.