Dean Rosovsky last week offered the post of professor of Romance Language and Literature to a woman for the first time in the history of the department.

Wilga M. Rivers said on Thursday that she will accept the post to replace Dwight L. Bolinger who retired last year.

Rivers, an Australian citizen, will resign her post as professor of French at the University of Illinois so that she can begin teaching at Harvard this fall.

The language instruction specialist will also hold the post of coordinator of language instruction in the department, and will oversee the teaching of French C.

Rivers has taught all over the world and at all levels of language instruction, Donald A. Stone Jr., professor of Romance Languages and Literatures said yesterday.

"We were impressed not only with her knowledge of the theory of language instruction, but also with her practical knowledge of the field," Stone said yesterday.

Verna C. Johnson, administrative assistant to the dean of the Faculty, refused to comment on the appointment until Rivers is confirmed by the Board of Overseers.