We hope the following answers to some Frequently Asked Questions will help you out, but please feel free to email or call us (781-736-3232) if you need more information.
If you have suggestions about our website, we are always happy to hear from you.
For French and Francophone Studies, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Head for French and Francophone Studies, Sophia Niehaus.
For Hispanic Studies, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Head for Hispanic Studies: Fernando J. Rosenberg.
For Italian Studies, please contact the Undergraduate Advising Head for Italian Studies, Paola Servino.
Please contact the Director of the Language Program.
In order to graduate, you must be able to function at an intermediate level in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in a foreign language. You may satisfy this requirement in several ways:
You may study a language at Brandeis. When you complete a 30-level course with a passing grade, you will have satisfied the language requirement.
If you scored
you have completed the language requirement. We encourage you to continue your studies in French and Francophone, Hispanic, or Italian Studies.
3. If you have an intermediate-level of proficiency in French, Spanish, or Italian but lack academic documentation, please contact the Director of the Language Program. You may be eligible to take the Proficiency Exam.
4. If you grew up speaking Spanish at home but lack reading and/or writing skills, you may enroll in HISP 108a, Spanish for Heritage Speakers, to fulfill the language requirement. In addition, this course serves as a gateway to upper-level Hispanic Studies courses (HISP 111 and above depending on your level of proficiency).
For more information about placement in Romance Studies language courses numbered 10–108, please see our Language Programs Placement page.
If you’re still not sure, please email the Director of the Language Program.
For more information about enrollment in Romance Studies language courses numbered 10–108, please see our Language Programs Placement page.
If you have any questions, please contact the Director of the Language Program.
HISP 108a, Spanish for Heritage Students, would be a good choice for you. This course is designed specifically for students who grew up speaking Spanish and who would like formal training to improve their skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking about Hispanic and Latino cultural themes (usually offered every spring).
You may use this course to fulfill the language requirement or as a gateway to upper-level Hispanic Studies courses (HISP 111 and above depending on your level of proficiency).
Please refer to the following pages for the current lists of Undergraduate Departmental Representatives:
Please visit the website of Brandeis Undergraduate Group Study (B.U.G.S.).
B.U.G.S., a program of the Office of Academic Services, is a study program open to all Brandeis undergraduates. Trained facilitators run small group sessions to go over course material and help prepare for exams. Group Study Leaders are undergraduates who have successfully completed the relevant course(s), are recommended by faculty, and have been trained by Academic Services.
You can find the list of BUGS tutors for the current semester in the sidebar of the B.U.G.S. website.
We encourage all students to explore options for studying abroad. Studying abroad offers unparalleled opportunities for learning a language and culture as well as for intellectual and personal development. Study abroad provides students with daily interaction in the target language and enables them to achieve two goals:
Greater linguistic precision in speaking, reading, writing and listening to the language.
The experience of living and learning the culture in an authentic setting.
More information can be found on the Study Abroad sections of the ROMS website:
Students who wish to learn more about studying abroad should visit the Study Abroad Website. They can help you find the study abroad program that fits your needs the best as well as answer questions about using financial aid for study abroad.
If you decide to participate in a program approved by Brandeis, credits from your study abroad are transferable. Students who wish to count courses taken abroad toward their major or minor should also speak with their undergraduate advising head.
Global Brandeis compiles a variety of Study and Work Abroad opportunities on their website.
Here are two links to get you started:
Please email us if you find additional community connections or links you would like us to share with other students. Thanks so much!
Please check out our ROMS Upcoming Events pages.
Several links to foreign newspapers:
Please check the library's online database (or Google) for others.
The form to declare a major or minor is available on the Registrar's website.