The Department of Romance Studies at Duke University has a distinguished tradition of doctoral programs in French literatures. Through collaboration with other departments and programs, the Graduate Program in Literature and programs in Women's Studies, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Canadian and Québec Studies, Afro-American Studies, among others, numerous opportunities exist for interdisciplinary study and research. Individual interests and disciplinary combinations thus find ample room for development in a rich and diversified institutional setting.

The Duke Department of Romance Studies has a nationally and internationally recognized faculty of specialists in many fields and critical methods. The Duke learning environment includes exceptional library and computer facilities in the humanities. Perkins Library, one of the nation's major research libraries, houses among others the Gustave Lanson Collection in French. During the academic year, the department sponsors numerous lectures and visits by distinguished critics and writers. The department provides computer facilities and instruction in the use of computer-assisted teaching and research programs, including on-line textual databases.

The department has about fifty resident students in the various programs and fields. The academic needs of individual students are met through regular advising and close work with members of the faculty. The aim is to provide a meaningfully adjusted course of study in light of the different individual interests and strengths that graduate students bring to the department. A Graduate Committee comprised of faculty and students constitutes the official link between the departmental faculty and the student body.