Romance Department - ffll- دانشکده زبانها و ادبیات خارجی
Head of Romance language and Literature Department
Spanish Courses
Italian Courses
Romance Department
Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
The Department of Romance Languages and Literatures was established in 2023 within the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures at the University of Tehran. It encompasses two academic programs: Spanish Language and Literature, and Italian Language and Literature. Spanish and Italian belong to the Romance language family, all of which derive from Latin and are spoken in various regions across Europe and the world. Romance languages share many similarities in features and vocabulary inherited from Latin. However, throughout history, they have undergone distinct evolutionary processes, becoming independent languages, each with a unique history, culture, and distinguished literature that has had global influence. Moreover, Romance languages have played a significant role in the development of European culture and literature and are recognized as prestigious languages in international forums and organizations.
Spanish Language and Literature
Given the critical importance of expanding education and learning of contemporary global languages in universities—especially at the University of Tehran as a symbol of higher education in the country—the establishment of the Spanish Language and Literature program was particularly significant for fostering connections with the Spanish-speaking community. Consequently, the Spanish Language and Literature undergraduate program was founded in 2008 at the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures, and it continues to admit students at this level. The launch of graduate studies with specializations in translation and Spanish literature is currently underway.
Program Description
Spanish is the most widely spoken language geographically in the world, serving as the official language of nearly 470 million people across Spain and most Latin American countries. Its rich and stylistically diverse literature has been a subject of interest for literary critics worldwide and in Iran. Many works by eminent Spanish-language authors such as Gabriel García Márquez, Jorge Luis Borges, and Julio Cortázar have been translated into Persian. Increasing economic, political, and commercial relations between Iran and Spain as well as Latin American countries have heightened the need for language experts to facilitate efficient communication. To meet this demand, the Spanish Language and Literature program at the University of Tehran offers both foundational and specialized training. The foundational courses aim to develop the four essential language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. The specialized courses focus on enhancing linguistic knowledge, literary expertise, culture, history, customs of Spanish-speaking nations, and training in written and oral translation techniques. Graduates will be capable of applying their language, literature, and translation skills in various governmental and private institutions. Additional competencies include literary criticism of Spanish literature, translating literary works between Spanish and Persian, and teaching the Spanish language.
Italian Language and Literature
The Italian language program was initiated in 1959 following a cultural agreement between Iran and Italy, initially offering Italian as a second language. The Bachelor’s degree program in Italian Language and Literature was formally established in 1975 and continues to admit undergraduate students.
Program Description
The program aims to acquaint students with one of the oldest cultures of the Western world, to teach research methods and develop accurate and logical understanding of Western culture and civilization for the proper and dignified representation of Iranian culture and civilization. It also strives to cultivate students’ literary sensibility and aptitude for research on Italian literary and artistic texts and to train proficient translators across various fields.
Graduates of the Italian Language and Literature program are qualified to work as translators in governmental and private organizations, magazines, newspapers, and industries. They may also pursue careers in teaching Italian, engage in Western studies research, and serve as skilled advisors in cultural, political, and economic affairs.