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FOSTERING speaking, READING & critical thinking skills
to better understand languages and cultures.
Who We Are
In the GW Department of Romance, German and Slavic Languages and Literatures (RGSLL), students learn not only languages but also the historical, political and cultural roots of the people who speak them. We offer instruction in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish to hundreds of undergraduate students every semester. RGSLL courses appeal to a wide range of interests, from students who wish to learn a language in depth to those interested in the literature, film and music of a particular nation or linguistic region.
Our faculty are internationally published and active in wide-ranging research — embodying our philosophy that the more active a professor is in his or her scholarly field, the more enriching the classroom experience will be for students. Surrounded by the culturally diverse resources of Washington, D.C., students can supplement their language study with museum trips, foreign films, lectures and cultural events at international embassies.
Statement on the War in Ukraine
The Department of Romance, German, and Slavic Languages and Literatures joins the global academic community in strongly condemning Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. We grieve for the victims of this war and we are devastated by the violent destruction unleashed by it. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with all those in Russia and worldwide who oppose this unprovoked war of aggression and who brave their lives to defend democratic values.
Our Focus Areas
"Since graduating from GW, I have built up my fluency in Russian, traveled to several primarily Russian-speaking countries and now use my knowledge of the region and language every day at work. My favorite classes as a college student ended up serving as the basis for my career."
Kasia Kucharski
BA '15, Russian Language and Literature
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