Francophone, Italian, and Germanic Studies

The Francophone, Italian, & Germanic Studies (FIGS) department is a vibrant intellectual community with a shared commitment to the study of culture through language, literature, and visual media.  We offer language courses in Dutch, French, German, Italian, Swedish, and Yiddish as well as advanced seminars on literature and culture in a global context.  Please explore the websites below to learn more about the innovative, interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs in each of our three Sections (Francophone Studies; Italian; and Germanic Studies).

Upcoming Events

Nov
21

Frühstück am Donnerstagmorgen

On November 21, 2024 at 9:30 am
Nov
25

Creative Writing Workshop with Michael Roch

On November 25, 2024 at 2:00 pm

Table Francophone

From September 9, 2024 to December 2, 2024, Every Mon at 3:30 pm
Dec
02

Table Francophone

From September 9, 2024 to December 2, 2024, Every Mon at 3:30 pm

Graduate Studies

Welcome to the Graduate Group in Francophone, Italian and Germanic Studies, which houses distinct graduate programs in these three areas and brings together a shared, interdisciplinary commitment to literary and cultural studies. Applications for the 2024 PhD admission cycle are now closed. Competence in more than one FIGS language is by no means required, but applicants interested in dual-track studies are also encouraged to apply. Joint doctorate with other departments and programs (including, for example, Comparative Literature and Music) are also possible. Our graduate students are also encouraged to pursue certificates in complementary disciplines, such as Digital Humanities, Africana Studies, and Human Rights, or via the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Innovation. All admitted students are awarded full financial support through the School of Arts & Sciences, including summer funding. Interested applicants are encouraged to be in contact with Eva Del Soldato, Graduate Chair, at evadel@sas.upenn.edu and to reach out to any members of our Graduate Group they may be interested in working with.

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