Romance studies

The task of Romance studies is to analyse the development of the Romance language family and to identify similarities and differences between the individual languages. Romance studies was originally a purely historical and comparative linguistics discipline that focussed mainly on the very well-documented Latin. In Germany, it developed further as a science that originally dealt with several languages at the same time, while individual philologies crystallised, especially in Romance countries. This is one of the reasons why the study of all Romance languages simultaneously is increasingly taking a back seat nowadays.

In addition to learning the language, students also study the geographical, historical, cultural and political circumstances of the countries in which the language is spoken. They can choose their focus individually and specialise in literary studies, for example. The compulsory modules are accordingly literary studies, linguistics, cultural studies and language practice. The compulsory elective modules include language practice in another Romance language, introduction to regional and cultural studies, translation, media communication and media and society. Internships and stays abroad are generally compulsory.

Depending on the university, a local selection procedure may be used. Language skills are sometimes required. Knowledge of the following school subjects is generally helpful: French, Italian, Spanish, Latin, History and English. 

Romance studies offers generalist degree programmes, but also those that already have the specialisation in their name. The latter include, for example, French Romance Studies or Hispanic Studies. Romance studies degree programmes are mainly offered at universities, but there are also a few degree programmes at universities of applied sciences.