Our Languages
French
Italian
Portuguese
Spanish
Periodic offerings in Romanian, Galician, Basque, Catalan and Mayan
Why Study Them?
- You can become more marketable in many international career paths
- Our classes are small and help form and build lasting friendships
- Our programs open opportunities for study-abroad experiences, internships, community-engagement, research projects and extracurricular events
- Building communication skills and fluency is deeply enriching and opens the world to you
Our Courses
In addition to learning our languages, you will learn about the cultures, literatures, histories, arts, films, food, health, and societies of the countries where they are spoken. Most of our courses are interdisciplinary and can easily enhance your studies in other disciplines. Most of our programs offer a few content courses in English in addition to the target languages. Many of our courses can be used to fulfil Gen Ed requirements, including First-Year Seminars, Focus Capacities, Research and Discovery, and Communication Beyond Carolina.
Our Major Programs
Major in French & Francophone Studies
Major in Italian Studies
Major in Portuguese
Major in Hispanic Studies
Major in Hispanic Linguistics
Our Minor Programs
Minor in French & Francophone Studies
Minor in Italian Studies
Minor in Portuguese
Minor in Spanish for the Professions
Minor in Spanish Translation and Interpreting
Our Advisors
Please reach out to our Advisors to gain more information about upcoming courses, majors and minors, study-abroad opportunities, and more.
French & Francophone Studies
Dorothea Heitsch: dheitsch@email.unc.edu
Italian Studies
Amy Chambless: achamble@email.unc.edu
Portuguese Studies
Richard Vernon: rmvernon@email.unc.edu
Hispanic Studies
Elizabeth Tolman: eely@email.unc.edu
Gosia Lee: gosialee@email.unc.edu
Hispanic Linguistics
Martha Ruiz-Garcia: ruizgar@email.unc.edu
Spanish for the Professions
Elizabeth Bruno: ebruno@email.unc.edu
Spanish Translation and Interpreting
Hélène De Fays: hdefays@email.unc.edu
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: If the Placement Test placed me at 101, 102, 203 can I be confident of succeeding?
A: Yes ! You should trust that the placement test is accurate most of the time. If you have any doubt about the course you have been placed into (whether too low or too high), please talk to the course coordinator and instructor of that course to make sure that it’s the right fit for you.
Q: I’ve had background in one Romance language, but I want to try something new.
A: If you like learning foreign languages and are ready for a challenge, you can try the 401/402 sequence, which covers two semesters of the language in one. It is intended for people with a background in languages, esp. Romance languages and may be a good fit.
Q: Do I need to take the placement test if I took the AP exam?
A: It’s advisable to take both; if the results suggest different placements, you will be placed into the higher of the two courses.
Q: If I was placed beyond the GenEd sequence, can I continue my language study?
A: You will have several options, depending on the language and on which minor or major you may be interested in pursuing. Contact the language advisor who will be happy to guide you.
Q: If I want to start my major/minor courses during my first year, how do I register?
A: Placement results will be communicated to the Registrar in Fall; however, if you need to register for a class with a prerequisite, your language advisor, course coordinator, or Student Services specialist can help enroll you.
Q: If I want to study abroad, what are my options?
A: There are many options! A good place to start is the Study Abroad Office itself (studyabroad.unc.edu) and your language advisor within Romance Studies
Q: Are there conversation classes offered?
A: There are conversation classes in all of the languages. Talk to an advisor to learn more about which are currently offered. and which may be offered in the future.