Department Requirements
Requirements for Majors in Romance Languages
Students may declare a major in French or in Spanish or in Romance languages (with courses in French, Spanish and Italian). All majors are expected to achieve breadth in their knowledge of the French-and Spanish-speaking worlds by taking courses on the literatures and cultures of these areas from their origins to the present. Students should also take complementary courses in study-away programs or in other departments and programs such as Art History, Latin American Studies, History, English and Africana Studies. The major consists of nine courses more advanced than French 204 or Spanish 204. Spanish majors will complete Spanish 205.
Majors in French and Spanish will complete at least two of the following four courses before taking 300-level topics courses: 207, 208, 209, 210 (or their equivalent in a study abroad program). Of these two courses, one must be in the culture sequence (207, 208)and the other in literature (209, 210). Students who do not take French 209 or Spanish 209 are strongly advised to take a 300-level course that deals with pre-1800 French or Hispanic literature and culture.
During their senior year, all French majors will French 351.
For students majoring in Romance languages, the nine courses above 204 required for the major will include either 209 or 210 (or their equivalent in a study-abroad program) in two languages, one culture course (207 or 208) in two languages, plus one senior seminar. All majors in Spanish, French, and Romance Languages will complete at least three 300-level courses. No more than two courses may be in independent study, and no fewer than five Bowdoin courses should be taken. Students who study abroad for one semester will receive a maximum of three credits toward the major. Those who study abroad for the academic year will receive a maximum of four credits toward the major. Prospective majors are expected to have completed French, Spanish, or Italian 205 and either 207, 208, 209 or 210 before the end of their sophomore year.
Romance Languages Requirements
Nine courses above 204*, including:
1. Spanish 207 or 208 (or the equivalent in study abroad)
2. French 207 or 208 (or the equivalent in study abroad)
3. Italian 208 (or the equivalent in study abroad), if combining Spanish or French with Italian
4. Spanish 209 or 210 (or the equivalent in study abroad)
5. French 209 or 210 (or the equivalent in study abroad)
6. Three courses at the 300-level, including one senior seminar
* or eight courses above 204 for students beginning in 101, 102, or 203.