Romance Languages

Broaden your worldview by learning the languages and exploring the cultures of French, Spanish, Italian, and Latin. Romance Languages fosters global citizenship through the study of literature and media, while developing skills in oral communication, grammar, and composition. 
 

Romance Languages at STU 

Our program offers a major in Romance Languages as well as the option to complete a minor, major, double major, or honours in French and Spanish and Latin American Studies. Students are also able to complete a certificate in French Language Proficiency and the Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE).  For those interested in Italian and Latin, introductory and intermediate-level courses are offered.  

“Languages are about the world around us. The more languages we speak, the more we can understand others and build bridges between countries and cultures.” – Dr. Christian Mbarga, Chair of Romance Languages at ST

Portrait of Dr. Christian Mbarga, standing in front of a bookshelf

 

 

"Languages are about the world around us. The more languages we speak, the more we can understand others and build bridges between countries and cultures.”

 

– Dr. Christian Mbarga

What sets STU’s Romance Languages Program Apart? 

  • Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.  
  • Our program seeks to foster a sense of global citizenship through the study Francophone, Hispanic, and Italian literature, cultural media, cinema, and art. 
     
  • Students are encouraged to enhance their studies by participating in a semester or year-long international exchange to countries like France, Spain, Ecuador, or Peru. 
     
  • Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.  
     
  • Students have the option to major in Romance Languages, or complete a minor, major, double major, or honours in French or Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Where the Study of Romance Languages can Take You 

Students in Romance Languages acquire advanced and superior levels of second-language literacy—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—that provide an increased awareness of the crucial role communication skills play in navigating the global landscape of society. The study of Romance Languages develops global competencies, provides insight into different cultures, and allows students to become global citizens.  

 

This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like: 
 

  • Education – in Canada and abroad 
  • Civil Service 
  • Diplomacy 
  • Translation 
  • Tourism 
  • International Business 
  • Hospitality 
  • Journalism 

“Experiencing the culture has been so enriching. Making local friends, trying French food, touring the local castles and museums is an experience you can’t recreate anywhere else. You learn so much about your identity as a Canadian living abroad, your worldview changes, and you grow as a person—it’s the experience of a lifetime!”

 

Emily Douville, BA ‘20, major in Romance Languages  

Reflecting on her international exchange to France in 2019.  

 

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume 


Connect the study of Romance Languages with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with: 

 

  • Charlotte Street Art Centre 
  • Multicultural Association of Fredericton 
  • Beaverbrook Art Gallery 
  • Immigration Fredericton 

Students in Romance Languages are encouraged to enhance their learning by participating in a semester or year-long International Exchange. St. Thomas partners with universities across the globe and students in Romance Languages may be especially interested in exchanges to France, Spain, Chile, Ecuador, or Peru. Learn more

You might be interested in studying Romance Languages if… 

  • You want to learn another language 
  • You want to learn about different cultures and their impact on today's society 
  • You want to become a global citizen 

 

Featured Courses 

Composition 

Traduction 

Twentieth Century Spanish Culture and Texts 

Latin American Women’s Literature 

Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Romance Languages 

Student who study Romance Languages are often interested in other fields of study that explore cultures and societies unlike their own. Romance Languages is often complemented by studies in Anthropology, History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Journalism, Political Science, and Sociology.