Graduate Program

Graduate training for the Ph.D. in Romance Studies at Duke University combines work in one or more languages taught in the department (French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Haitian Creole) with a broad and interdisciplinary methodological formation in literary and cultural analysis, critical theory, visual studies, and history. Our aim is to provide a combination of depth of knowledge in particular fields with a breadth of intellectual engagement and dialogue. Our program offers the opportunity for students to draw on the strengths of faculty within Romance Studies and to work with colleagues in other departments.

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Study Path

The training involves course work, the preparation of portfolios for the Preliminary Examination (Portfolio Exam), and participation in departmental workshops as well as in the variety of opportunities available at Duke University. These include involvement in the Franklin Humanities Institute’s innovative Humanities Labs, participation in graduate working groups sponsored by the Humanities Institute, the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and numerous other units at Duke. Our students also are nominated for a variety of Duke graduate and teaching fellowships, and participate in annually offered inter-institutional exchanges and projects with universities in the U.S. and abroad.

Doctoral Tracks

Our program's Ph.D. studies focus on the literatures and cultures of the following areas:

French & Francophone Studies
Italian & European Studies
Spanish, Latin American & Latino/a Studies

We also offer an innovative track in comparative Romance Studies for student who wish to combine two linguistic traditions in their research plans.

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For Current Students

We've compiled resources to assist you while working toward your doctorate – from guidance and advice, to funding and grants, dissertation information, useful Duke links, and more.

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For Prospective Students

For those interested in our program, learn more about our degree, our university, and our community. We'll explain the application process, financial support, and more.

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